LCD Games - The missing third generation

As stationary consoles develop rapidly in the 1980s, mobile devices stagnate because the use of high-resolution LCD screens would make the consoles too expensive. Instead, small devices become standard, which are equipped with fixed games without interchangeable modules and with static LCDs. These games severely restrict players with regard to the possible actions, because only actions are possible, which are also provided in the LCD glass.

They are therefore not less successful. The profits, particularly those Nintendo makes with the Game&Watch series, are so astronomical that numerous manufacturers follow and flood the market into the 90s with mini-games. Over the years, these games become increasingly complex, sometimes even implementations of successful and graphically elaborate arcade and home console titles appear.