13 Portable Console Innovations Changing How We Play Anywhere

6. Backwards Compatibility: Bringing Yesterday’s Hits Forward

Ever wish you could keep all your best games when upgrading to a new system? Backwards compatibility made that dream real, starting strong with Nintendo handhelds. Game Boy Advance, DS, 3DS, and even the PlayStation Portable offered ways to revisit old favorites without clutter or hassle. From reliving retro RPGs on a shiny new DS to popping classic PlayStation discs into a PSP, this feature saved players money, preserved nostalgia, and became a dealbreaker for collectors. It’s about honoring gaming’s past and ensuring you never “lose” your greatest play sessions—just pack your library and take it wherever you’re headed next.