New Delhi, Nov. 21 -- Like most retirees in New Delhi, 64-year-old Sally Rana's day starts off with a quick walk around the nearby park. However, what sets her apart from others is the fact that she carries her PlayStation Portable handheld game console with her on her walk. "I could not play on the phone, but I found this to be better as it is less complicated and is easy for me to take anywhere, she says. "The others (senior citizens) would rather have me sit with them and gossip, but I would rather do this. I don't want my inner child to die."

On paper, handhelds might seem like a niche category in gaming, especially when compared to home console juggernauts like the Xbox or the PlayStation. But the data tells a different story. Handh...