# Nostalgic Handheld Games The 'Oregon Trail' Game Brings a 1970s Classic Back to Life By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2018-04-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-games References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/3/24/17155538/the-oregon-trail-handheld-portable-game-review) & [go.redirectingat](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https://www.target.com/p/handheld-oregon-trail-game/-/A-52719211) When it comes to retro games, few have been quite as impactful and influential as the [Oregon Trail](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ohsu) series, which is why American retailer [Target](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-vinyl-1) has decided to sell a range of handheld games based on the venerable series. Costing $24.99, the Oregon Trail handheld games are packaged in a lightweight device that is easy to hold, so you can get your gaming on whether you're lazing on your bed or standing in a crowded bus or train. Within minutes of powering on the game, users are transported to a world in which they're leading a group of pioneering settlers from Missouri to Oregon, and responsible for the health and overall condition of their group. The Oregon Trail portable game speaks to the cyclical nature of gaming norms, with the original, portable games giving way to the high-tech desktop and laptop versions most people are familiar with, only to see [retro handheld games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sup-game-box-400) make a big comeback. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retro Handheld Games:** There is a resurgence in the popularity of handheld games, offering a nostalgic gaming experience. - **Nostalgia Marketing:** Companies are capitalizing on nostalgia by reviving classic games and products. - **Portable Gaming:** The convenience and portability of handheld gaming devices are becoming appealing to consumers once again. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming:** Opportunities for creating and marketing retro handheld games are emerging in the gaming industry. - **Retail:** Retailers can benefit from selling nostalgic handheld games and capitalizing on the nostalgia marketing trend. - **Technology:** Advancements in portable gaming devices and technologies can drive innovation in the technology industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-arcade-gamestation-portable.md) - [Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playdate-handheld.md) - [Retro Handheld Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modretro.md) - [Celebratory Stacking Game Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetris-forever.md) - [Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anbernic-rg35xx-h.md) - [Millennium-Inspired Handheld Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anbernic-rg34xx.md) - [Retro-Inspired Handheld Game Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-pocket-neogeo-edition.md) - [Compact Retro-Inspired Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-pixel-pocket.md)