Compilation

A New Generation of Handheld Gaming on the Horizon

June 3, 2025

An upcoming console launch promises a stellar and diverse lineup, blending beloved franchise sequels, innovative open-worlds, and high-quality remasters that signal a bright future for handheld gaming enthusiasts.


A new generation of handheld gaming is on the horizon, marked by a launch window filled with both highly anticipated sequels and innovative new experiences. This lineup showcases a commitment to evolving established formulas while also revisiting classic titles for a modern audience. Sequels to critically acclaimed games, such as the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silk Song and Metroid Prime 4, are generating significant excitement, promising to expand upon the lore and mechanics that made their predecessors iconic.

Simultaneously, major franchises are exploring new genres and design philosophies. Mario Kart World reimagines the arcade racer as a massive open-world experience, while Donkey Kong Bonanza introduces a focus on joyful environmental destruction and dynamic traversal. Elsewhere, Pokémon Legends: ZA shifts its focus from wide-open wilderness to a dense, singular urban environment, indicating a willingness to experiment with setting and scope. This push for innovation demonstrates a developer landscape that is not content to rest on its laurels.

The upcoming library is further bolstered by definitive editions of beloved classics. Titles like Yakuza Zero Director's Cut and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD offer both newcomers and veterans a chance to experience these landmark games on new hardware. Adding to the diversity is The Dusk Bloods, a dark, gothic-style game from From Software that appears to have a unique multiplayer focus. This blend of returning champions and experimental new ventures creates a powerful and compelling software library that appeals to a wide variety of players.

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The Take