From Console To Handheld: Unexpectedly Portable Video Game Sequels

When a console game gets a sequel, this title normally appears on a console. Publishers release companion games on portables (Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts series is a perfect example), but for the most part, these companies won't make part two or three handheld exclusive.

Well, except for those rare occasions when they do.

Over the years (and more recently), we've seen predominantly console franchises receive portable sequels for a variety of reasons, from lower development costs to helping kick start a new machine.

Doing this always comes with a certain amount of risk, especially on the tech side, where developers go from a high-end machine capable of superior graphics to a tiny portable with strict limitations.

On that note, we present a short list of sequels that went portable.

Luigi's Mansion 2 (3DS- 2012)

We had a feeling that Nintendo was working on a sequel to its beloved 2001 GameCube launch title, but we expected Luigi to busts ghosts on Wii or Wii U.

In a shocking turn of events, the big N chose to bring Luigi's Mansion 2 to 3DS, giving handheld players the chance to bust ghosts and explore a creepy house as Mario's terrified brother.

Paper Mario 3DS (3DS- 2012)

For the past decade, Mario role-playing games were like a separation of church and state. Console fans had the Paper Mario series, which appeared on N64, GameCube and Wii, while portable users enjoyed the Mario & Luigi titles that hit GBA and DS.

Everything changed the moment Nintendo announced plans to bring the next Paper Mario to 3DS, thereby breaking the pattern. Hey, works for us.

Pilotwings Resort (3DS)

Up until recently, Pilotwings was a console only franchise, with entries for Super Nintendo and then N64. After skipping GameCube and Wii, Nintendo chose to release the highly enjoyable sequel on 3DS and had it in time for the system's launch.

Contra 4 (DS)

Konami's Contra is the epitome of a console franchise. In fact, before Contra 4 made its 2007 DS debut, the last portable game in the series was the 1991 Operation C for Game Boy.

We expected Konami to release a big budget special effects extravaganza for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Instead, we enjoyed a cool retro style 2D shooter from the talented folks at WayForward.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS)

The celebrated Dragon Quest series has appeared on DS before, with Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen and Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, among others. Thing is, these games are ports of console hits from the 90s.

With this in mind, Square Enix made a bold decision developing the highly anticipated Dragon Quest IX for the DS after the critically acclaimed Dragon Quest VIII on PlayStation 2.

Thankfully, the jump to inferior hardware didn't damage the brand, as Dragon Quest IX picked up multiple awards and went on to sell millions of copies worldwide.

Yoshi's Island DS (DS)

The original Yoshi's Island first appeared on Super Nintendo in 1995, and was later ported to the GBA as part of the Super Mario Advance series. From there, we wrongly assumed that Nintendo would never touch it again, much less even think about doing a sequel.

We thought wrong. Yoshi's Island DS appeared in 2006, retaining the original's pastel shaded graphics but improving the babysitting formula by adding new kids that grant Yoshi different abilities.

Advance Guardian Heroes (Game Boy Advance)

Saturn fans are in love with Treasure's Guardian Heroes and for good reason. It's a sweet 2D hack-an-slash adventure featuring enjoyable combat and sharp looking graphics.

With this in mind, a sequel seemed out of the question. Thankfully, classics never die, and Treasure teamed with Ubisoft to put Advance Guardian Heroes on GBA in 2004.

Gunstar Super Heroes (Game Boy Advance)

While on the subject of Treasure, the popular developer struck again with Gunstar Super Heroes, the fast-paced and intense follow up to the universally praised Genesis title. Same over the top play, but with snazzier visuals. Every Sega fan should own it.

Valkyria Chronicles II (PSP)

Sega's tactical role-playing series first appeared on PlayStation 3 in 2008. While enjoyable, the game failed to catch fire at retail, which may explain why the publisher chose to switch things up by going portable. Both Valkyria Chronicles II and Valkyria Chronicles III (Japan only) appeared on PSP.