Handheld Game Consoles

Handheld Game Consoles

Description
Description

Handheld game consoles are a form of portable video gaming that can be carried and played without the need for an additional screen or stationary setup. In order to be truly mobile entertainment options, handheld consoles integrate built-in screens, controls, and speakers within the handheld unit and can often be augmented with additional optional accessories and add-ons. Popularized by Nintendo’s release of the standalone Game Boy, handheld game consoles continue to be reinvented and improved with greater capabilities including internet connectivity, higher resolution displays, touchscreens, and can even double as hybrid home consoles—as demonstrated by the Nintendo Switch.

History
History

Handheld game consoles kicked off with simple LED-based games in the 1970s. Nintendo's Game Boy, launched in 1989, truly revolutionized the scene, making gaming portable with interchangeable cartridges. The 90s and 2000s saw competition heat up with the likes of Sega's Game Gear and Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP), offering color screens and multimedia features. Nintendo stayed a step ahead with the dual-screen DS and the 3D-capable 3DS. More recently, consoles like the Nintendo Switch blur the line between home and portable gaming, offering console-quality titles on the go. Throughout, these gadgets have brought beloved games to players anytime, anywhere.

Future
Future

The future of handheld game consoles seems bright and innovative. As technology advances, we can expect even more powerful devices, capable of running games with graphics akin to those on high-end home consoles. Integration with augmented reality (AR) could bring immersive experiences, transforming real-world surroundings into interactive game environments.

Cloud gaming might become a norm, allowing gamers to stream top-tier titles without the need for powerful hardware. Social connectivity will likely enhance, making multiplayer and community engagement seamless. Handheld consoles could also become more versatile, serving as all-in-one entertainment devices. Their cultural impact will continue to grow, shaping how we play, interact, and experience storytelling.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the best-selling handheld game console in history?

Nintendo has long dominated the handheld gaming industry with both its best selling Nintendo DS line at 154 million units sold, and the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color lines at 118.7 million units sold worldwide. The Nintendo DS is the 2nd most sold console behind Sony’s PlayStation 2 console, with the Game Boy and Game Boy color at 3rd place all time.

What is the best-selling handheld game of all time?

Nintendo’s original Game Boy handheld game console boasts many titles that compete for the best-selling game, with the standalone Tetris (1989) selling 35 million units, while Pokémon Red/Blue/Green/Yellow (1996) sold a total of 47.5 million units combined. Pokémon Gold/Silver comes in 3rd place having sold 23.1 million units on the Game Boy Color.

What is the best handheld game console?

Because the competition in the handheld gaming market has long been dominated by Nintendo’s line of consoles and games, the current Nintendo Switch is easily the best handheld game console on the market. Offering both the Nintendo Switch hybrid console and the Nintendo Switch Lite for purely handheld experiences, the Nintendo Switch lineup offers the best graphics, gameplay, and library options for handheld gaming today.

Digital

* Under Development *

3.17” | 80.6 mm (Closed); 5.89” | 149.5 mm (Open)
5.59” | 142 mm
.85” | 21.6 mm
8.82 oz | .25 kg
2015
New Nintendo 3DS
14.950
14.200
21.600
0.250
2015.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
New Nintendo 3DS
3.68” | 93.5 mm (Closed); 6.81” | 173 mm (Open)
6.3” | 160 mm
.85” | 21.5 mm
11.64 oz | .33 kg
2015
New Nintendo 3DS XL
17.300
16.000
21.500
0.330
2015.00
8300
https://p3d.in/e/r39pg
GUIDE
3D
New Nintendo 3DS XLView of the New Nintendo 3DS XL in 3D available for downloadView of the New Nintendo 3DS XL in 3D available for download
5” | 127 mm
5.66” | 144 mm
.8” | 20.3 mm
9.2 oz | .26 kg
2013
Nintendo 2DS
12.700
14.400
20.300
0.260
2013.00
32000
https://p3d.in/e/RlXWu
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo 2DS3D model of the Nintendo 2DS viewed in perspective3D model of the Nintendo 2DS viewed in perspective
3.4” | 86.4 mm (Closed); 6.4” | 162.6 mm (Open)
6.3” | 160 mm
.85” | 21.5 mm
9.2 oz | .26 kg
2017
Nintendo 2DS XL
16.260
16.000
21.500
0.260
2017.00
20000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo 2DS XL
3.33” | 84.7 mm (Closed); 6.3” | 160 mm (Open)
5.85” | 148.7 mm
1.13” | 28.9 mm
9.7 oz | .275 kg
2004-2013
Nintendo DS
16.000
14.870
28.900
0.275
2004.00
76000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo DS
2.9” | 74 mm (Closed); 5.47” | 139 mm (Open)
5.2” | 133 mm
.85” | 21.5 mm
7.7 oz | .218 kg
2006-2014
Nintendo DS Lite
13.900
13.300
21.500
0.218
2006.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo DS Lite
5.8” | 148 mm
3.5” | 90 mm
1.3” | 32 mm
7.76 oz | .22 kg
1989-2003
Nintendo Game Boy
14.800
9.000
32.000
0.220
1989.00
23000
https://p3d.in/e/MTYHt
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Game BoyView of the Game Boy in 3D available for downloadView of the Game Boy in 3D available for download
3.2” | 82 mm
5.7” | 144 mm
.96” | 24.5 mm
4.94 oz | .14 kg
2001-2010
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
8.200
14.400
24.500
0.140
2001.00
19000
https://p3d.in/e/yTOrN
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Game Boy AdvancePerspective view of a 3D model of the Game Boy Advance (GBA)Perspective view of a 3D model of the Game Boy Advance (GBA)
4.01” | 102 mm
9.40” | 239 mm
.547” | 13.9 mm; 1.13” | 28.7 mm (Total)
.88 lb | .4 kg
2017
Nintendo Switch
10.200
23.900
2.870
0.400
2017.00
2100000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Switch
3.58” | 91 mm
8.18” | 208 mm
.55” | 14 mm; 1.12” | 28.4 mm (Full)
9.77 oz | .277 kg
2019
Nintendo Switch Lite
9.100
20.800
28.400
0.277
2019.00
241000
https://p3d.in/e/nhVNy
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Switch LiteView of the Nintendo Switch Lite in 3D available for downloadView of the Nintendo Switch Lite in 3D available for download
4.02” | 102 mm
9.53” | 242 mm
.55” | 14 mm; 1.12” | 28.4 mm (Full)
14.81 oz | .42 kg
October 8, 2021
Nintendo Switch OLED
10.200
24.200
2.840
0.420
2021.00
1400000
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Switch OLED3D model of the Nintendo Switch OLED viewed in perspective3D model of the Nintendo Switch OLED viewed in perspective
2.9” | 74 mm
6.7” | 170 mm
.9” | 23 mm
9.88 oz | .28 kg
2005-2014
PlayStation Portable
7.400
17.000
23.000
0.280
2005.00
86700
GUIDE
3D
PlayStation Portable
5.3” | 13.5 cm
10.2” | 25.9 cm
1.6” | 40.6 mm; 1.98” | 50.2 mm (Total)
17.3 oz | .49 kg
2012
Wii U GamePad
13.500
25.900
5.020
0.490
2012.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
Wii U GamePad