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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
