12 Handheld Games That Drained All Your Batteries
Here's a look back at 12 handheld games that had us glued to our screens until our batteries begged for mercy.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Handheld consoles were never known for long-lasting battery life, and these games only made things worse by being impossible to put down. From Pokémon adventures to puzzle classics like Tetris, these titles demanded hours of attention. Whether on Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, or Nintendo DS, these games kept players hooked until the power ran dry.
1. Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy)
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When Pokémon first hit the Game Boy, it instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Players spent countless hours capturing, training, and battling creatures, which meant screens were glowing deep into the night. The constant grinding and link cable trades were enough to drain batteries faster than a Pikachu’s Thunderbolt.
2. Tetris (Game Boy)
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Tetris was the perfect portable puzzle, easy to pick up but impossible to put down. The endless drive to clear lines and beat high scores kept players hooked for hours. It was notorious for making batteries die in the middle of a perfect run.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy)
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This adventure turned the Game Boy into a true fantasy world on the go. With puzzles, dungeons, and an engrossing story, players often lost track of time while exploring Koholint Island. The game’s depth ensured long play sessions that demanded constant battery changes.
4. Pokémon Gold and Silver (Game Boy Color)
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The jump to color and the addition of a real-time clock made this installment groundbreaking. Players traveled through two entire regions, doubling the adventure’s length. It was the kind of game that made you stock up on batteries just to avoid being stranded mid-battle.
5. Advance Wars (Game Boy Advance)
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This tactical strategy game was both addictive and challenging. Each battle could last hours as players planned out every move with precision. The long campaigns were rewarding but guaranteed to eat through battery life.
6. Fire Emblem (Game Boy Advance)
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For fans of tactical RPGs, Fire Emblem demanded long hours of careful decision-making. Losing a beloved character permanently added emotional weight to every choice. The sheer tension and replay value kept the handheld running until the batteries gave out.
7. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (Game Boy Advance)
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Portable kart racing became a reality with this fast-paced game. The competitive nature of beating track times or racing friends kept people glued to their screens. It was easy to burn through batteries after just one long racing session.
8. Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance)
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Metroid Fusion delivered a gripping sci-fi story and atmospheric exploration. Players often found themselves retracing steps and searching for secrets for hours. The moody soundtrack and tense boss fights made it hard to put down until the batteries were gone.
9. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Game Boy Advance)
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The third Pokémon generation introduced Hoenn with vibrant colors and double battles. Trainers spent hours exploring the new world, breeding Pokémon, and battling through gyms. As usual, long play sessions left handhelds gasping for more power.
10. Animal Crossing: Wild World (Nintendo DS)
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The DS gave players a portable village to live in, complete with fishing, bug catching, and chatting with neighbors. Because the game followed real-time, players often checked in multiple times a day. This constant interaction was a recipe for drained batteries.
11. Nintendogs (Nintendo DS)
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Caring for a virtual puppy was surprisingly time-consuming. Players trained, fed, and walked their dogs daily, often carrying the DS around like a pet leash. Hours of grooming and competitions made it a battery drainer for sure.
12. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (Nintendo DS)
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These games marked Pokémon’s jump to dual screens and online play. Players bred, trained, and battled endlessly while also experimenting with the new underground feature. The extended playtime needed to complete everything meant chargers and batteries became essentials.