Long road trips can be both a blessing and a challenge. As a parent of two energetic kids, I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly excitement about a family getaway can turn into restlessness during long hours in the car. This summer, however, our family trip was transformed, thanks to a handheld game console.

Portable, entertaining, and packed with fun games, this device kept my kids engaged and brought peace to what could have been a chaotic journey. Here’s how this compact gadget saved the day—and my sanity.

Packing for Fun

When preparing for our road trip, I knew the importance of keeping my kids entertained. I loaded up the car with snacks, books, and a few toys, but I knew they’d eventually grow bored. Then I remembered the handheld game console I had recently bought. Lightweight and preloaded with 100 games, it seemed like the perfect addition to our travel kit.

As soon as the car engine started, my kids—aged 7 and 10—were already asking, “Are we there yet?” I handed them the handheld game console, and within minutes, the bickering in the backseat turned into laughter and focused silence.

Easy for Little Hands to Use

One of the best things about the handheld game console is how user-friendly it is. The controls are simple, and the menu is easy to navigate, even for younger children. My 7-year-old daughter was immediately drawn to a puzzle game that challenged her to match shapes and colors. My son, a budding sports enthusiast, gravitated toward a soccer game that let him control tiny pixelated players.

What amazed me was how quickly they adapted to the device. There were no complaints about it being “too hard” or frustration over figuring out the controls. The colorful 3.2-inch screen kept them engaged, and the ergonomic design meant they could play comfortably during the hours-long drive.

Endless Game Options

The variety of games was another lifesaver. With 100 different options, my kids never ran out of new games to try. From action-packed racing games to calming fishing adventures and even educational puzzles, the handheld game console catered to their every whim.

Even I got in on the action. During a pit stop, I borrowed the console to play a retro-style arcade game that reminded me of my own childhood. The nostalgia hit hard, and for a moment, I was transported back to simpler times.