A game console is a device similar to a computer, but typically limited to playing video games from specific storage media. Each model is produced for a limited time and supports a limited number of games.
After the support period ends, the creators intend for the console itself and its games to become a thing of the past. To preserve the ability to play old games, game console emulators are created—programs that simulate the hardware and software of the devices and allow users to run original game storage media, such as discs or cartridges. This method of running games sometimes poses copyright issues, but it’s essentially the only way to continue playing your favorite games, as the original devices and storage media gradually stop working.
Many games based on Rowling’s wizarding world have been released for various consoles. But since they are all film-licensed games, they consist of a collection of puzzles of varying quality set in settings reminiscent of the locations featured in the official film adaptations.
At the same time, different games were sometimes created for different consoles. For example, there are two completely different versions of the LEGO Harry Potter games: one for smaller consoles and one for larger ones. The design, locations, and minigames are different. Meanwhile, for larger consoles of roughly the same era (PS2, XBox, GameCube), the games were usually almost identical.
Let’s take a quick look at the game consoles for which Harry Potter-themed games were released.
Nintendo
The GameBoy Color is a small device released in 1998 to replace an older model. Two games based on the first two films were created for it, both JRPGs of very poor quality. This explains why these games are little known among gamers. Seriously, don’t even try this. Unless you really want Harry to fight some rats, that is 🙂
GameBoy Advance. A more advanced device. More functional games based on the first five films and the Quidditch World Cup. However, the sometimes overly challenging level of difficulty and the sometimes oddly reimagined plots made these games less popular.
But if you want to try, the first three games have their own charm and you can try to complete them at least partially.
Nintendo DS (NDS, DS). Another portable console, released in 2004 to replace the previous one, it features games based on films 4 through 8, as well as handheld versions of the LEGO Harry Potter franchise (years 1-4 and 5-7).
Nintendo 3DS. Another portable gaming console capable of creating 3D images without the need for special glasses. Released in 2011.
There is only one game available for her: LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7.
GameCube (GCN, NGC). Released in 2001, it allowed Harry to wander around a fairly large Hogwarts, but many places were half-empty.
Games based on the first four films and the Quidditch World Cup have been released for it. Subsequent games have already been released for the Wii.
Wii. Released as a replacement for the GameCube, it features games based on films five through eight, as well as the first edition LEGO Harry Potter games for years 1 through 4 and 5 through 7 (2010-2011).
One of the features: the game based on the fifth film was originally created for this console and was then ported to other platforms.
Switch. A combination console that can operate both standalone and connected to a TV. It includes a highly simplified graphic version of Hogwarts. Legacy, the LEGO Harry Potter Collection, and Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions.
Sony
Playstation 1 (One). It allows the creation of relatively full-fledged 3D worlds (at the level of 1994 technology), allowing Harry to complete puzzles in a 3D world. Two games have been released (based on the stories from the first two films and the books).
The problems are mainly caused by some mini-games: there are many of them, but their relevance and complexity can raise questions and the desire to ruin the game controllers.
PlayStation 2 (PS2). Released in 2000, it features a powerful processor and video subsystem, but very little RAM, making game worlds often large but half-empty.
Games based on the first six films and the Quidditch World Cup have been released for it.
PlayStation 3 (PS3). It replaced the PS2, and games based on films from the fifth to the eighth were released for it, as well as LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and 5-7, WonderBook: Book of Spells, WonderBook: Book of Potions, and Pottermore on PlayStation Home (an online project, closed in the spring of 2015).
Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4). The next game console… Available for it: the LEGO Harry Potter collection (LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 + LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7) and a graphically simplified version of the Hogwarts: Legacy game.
Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5). Another console in the series… Games for it: Hogwarts: Legacy, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, LEGO Harry Potter Collection.
PlayStation Portable (PSP). A portable device that went on sale in 2004.
Games based on the fourth through sixth films were released for it, as well as games from the LEGO Harry Potter series (and also separate games).
PlayStation Vita (PSV). It replaced the PSP in 2011.
Among the games released for it, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is well-known.
Microsoft
The Xbox is a 2001 video game console that served as a competitor to the PS2. Its main differences include some details in the game’s level structure, as well as the names and images of the control keys.
Four games have been released for it, based on the first four films.
XBox360. The next version features a new level of graphics and several new games. It includes games based on films five through eight, as well as two games from the LEGO Harry Potter series (years 1-4 and 5-7).
Xbox One. Replaced the Xbox 360. Available games include Hogwarts: Legacy with simplified graphics, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, and the LEGO Harry Potter Collection.
XBox Series S/X. Replaced the One. Same games, but with full graphics.
Valve
Steam Deck. Essentially, it’s a portable computer with a built-in monitor and control panels. It runs Arch Linux. Two operating modes are available: a simplified mode, which runs Steam services, and a Linux desktop mode.
Launchable games: Platform-compatible games from the Steam store.