Handhelds step out from shadow of the colossus

Yes, yes, PlayStation 3 (which launches tomorrow for those asleep at the back) will no doubt be the main talking point over the next couple of weeks. And, sure, it's powerful, currently has a couple of decent games and can also play shiny blu discs.

But life goes on. And as if to prove the point, handheld releases have gone on the offensive. Leading the assault is PSP – keen perhaps not to be overshadowed by its younger, but considerably bigger brother.

PSP may let PS3 enjoy the limelight this Friday, but it's certainly not pulling its punches next week: with promising (or proven) titles such as After Burner: Black Falcon, Call of Duty: Roads to Victory, Full Auto 2: Battlelines, Gunpey, Test Drive Unlimited and Virtua Tennis 3, the message couldn't be clearer.

Home console diehards may scoff, but the current thinking amongst industry analysts is that handhelds will overtake their living-room bound siblings by the time we head into the next decade. Which effectively means that come the next generation of portable devices, it will be traditional consoles fighting to emerge from the considerable commercial shadows these are expected to cast.

And that's hardly a sombre outlook for pocket gamers, is it?

Out Friday March 23rd
Asphalt: Urban GT 2 (PSP)
Bubble Bobble Double Shot (DS)
Flipper Critters (DS)
Mind Quiz: Your Brain Coach (DS)
Mystery Detective (DS)
Rainbow Island Evolution (PSP)
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 (DS)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (DS)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PSP)
Theme Park (DS)
UEFA Champions League 07 (PSP)
Uno 52 (DS)
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Spirit Caller (DS)