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Digital Products

Handheld Game Consoles

Series of scaled illustrations of iconic handheld gaming consoles from Nintendo from the Game Boy to the 3DS and Switch

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 console in 1989, 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.

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.

Links

Wikipedia - Handheld Game Console

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Browse through our curated Handheld Game Consoles Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Handheld Game Consoles. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.

5.8” | 148 mm

—

3.5” | 90 mm

—

1.3” | 32 mm

—

—

—

7.76 oz | .22 kg

—

1989-2003

—

Game Boy

14.800

9.000

32.000

0.220

1989.00

23000

3.2” | 82 mm

—

5.7” | 144 mm

—

.96” | 24.5 mm

—

—

—

4.94 oz | .14 kg

—

2001-2010

—

Game Boy Advance

8.200

14.400

24.500

0.140

2001.00

19000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3D model of the Nintendo Switch OLED viewed in perspective

3D 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

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

New Nintendo 3DS XL

The New Nintendo 3DS XL, a larger variant of the New Nintendo 3DS, had its North American release date in February of 2015. Known as a revision of the Nintendo 3DS XL, this new model alongside its New Nintendo 3DS companion, features a faster processor, face tracking for 3D viewing, and interchangeable faceplates. Production of the New Nintendo 3DS XL was discontinued in July of 2019.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL has a closed height of 3.68” (93.5 mm), open height of 6.81” (173 mm), width of 6.3” (160 mm), depth of .85” (21.5 mm), and approximate weight of 11.64 oz (.33 kg). The upper display size of the New Nintendo 3DS XL is 4.88” (124 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 4.18” (106.2 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Dimensioned drawings of the New Nintendo 3DS XL with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation

The New Nintendo 3DS XL, a larger variant of the New Nintendo 3DS, had its North American release date in February of 2015. Known as a revision of the Nintendo 3DS XL, this new model features a faster processor, face tracking for 3D viewing, and interchangeable faceplates.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL has a closed height of 3.68” (93.5 mm), open height of 6.81” (173 mm), width of 6.3” (160 mm), depth of .85” (21.5 mm), and approximate weight of 11.64 oz (.33 kg). The upper display size of the New Nintendo 3DS XL is 4.88” (124 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 4.18” (106.2 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Dimensioned drawings of the New Nintendo 3DS XL with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation

New Nintendo 3DS XL

Height:

3.68” | 93.5 mm (Closed); 6.81” | 173 mm (Open)

Width:

6.3” | 160 mm

Length:

Depth:

.85” | 21.5 mm

Display Size

4.88” | 124 mm (Upper); 4.18” | 106.2 mm (Lower)

Resolution

400 x 240 px (Upper); 320 x 240 px (Lower)

Weight:

11.64 oz | .33 kg

Area:

Designer

Nintendo

Year

2015

Drawings include:
New Nintendo 3DS XL front elevation (open), front (closed), top, side

Links

Wikipedia - New Nintendo 3DS XL

Details & Downloads

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New Nintendo 3DS

The New Nintendo 3DS, the fourth system of the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles, was released in September of 2015. Changes in design and new features included: colored face buttons, face recognition, additional control options, a screen size 1.2 times bigger than its predecessor, and an improved 3D image quality due to an added feature called “Super Stable 3D.” Production ended for the New Nintendo 3DS in July 2017 leading up to the release of the Nintendo 2DS XL.

The New Nintendo 3DS has a closed height of 3.17” (80.6 mm), open height of 5.89” (149.5 mm), width of 5.59” (142 mm), depth of .85” (21.6 mm), and approximate weight of 8.82 oz (.25 kg). The upper display size of the New Nintendo 3DS is 3.5” (88.9 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 3.02” (76.7 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the New Nintendo 3DS measured with height, width, and depth

The New Nintendo 3DS, the fourth system of the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles, was released in September of 2015. Changes in design and new features included: a screen size 1.2 times larger and improved 3D image quality due to an added feature called “Super Stable 3D.”

The New Nintendo 3DS has a closed height of 3.17” (80.6 mm), open height of 5.89” (149.5 mm), width of 5.59” (142 mm), depth of .85” (21.6 mm), and approximate weight of 8.82 oz (.25 kg). The upper display size of the New Nintendo 3DS is 3.5” (88.9 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 3.02” (76.7 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the New Nintendo 3DS measured with height, width, and depth

New Nintendo 3DS

Height:

3.17” | 80.6 mm (Closed); 5.89” | 149.5 mm (Open)

Width:

5.59” | 142 mm

Length:

Depth:

.85” | 21.6 mm

Display Size

3.5” | 88.9 mm (Upper); 3.02” | 76.7 mm (Lower)

Resolution

400 x 240 px (Upper); 320 x 240 px (Lower)

Weight:

8.82 oz | .25 kg

Area:

Designer

Nintendo

Year

2015

Drawings include:
New Nintendo 3DS front elevation (open), front (closed), top, side

Links

Wikipedia - New Nintendo 3DS

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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Nintendo Switch

Series of scaled illustrations comparing the size of the Nintendo Switch to related video game consoles

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console released by Nintendo on March of 2017. Its design features a hybrid console that can be a home console or portable device. It is runs on the Nintendo Switch Operating system and is an eight-generation gaming console. Nintendo Switch games and software are available on both physical and digital forms. The Nintendo Switch incorporates three different gaming modes in 1 device – tv mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode. Through the different modes of use Nintendo aimed for the Nintendo Switch to reach a wider demographic of video game players. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are available in a wide range of colors.

The Nintendo Switch has a height of 4.01” (102 mm), width of 9.40” (239 mm), and total depth of 1.13” (28.7 mm). The Nintendo Switch Dock has a height of 4..09” (104 mm), width of 6.81” (173 mm), and depth of 2.12” (53.8 mm) resulting in a total docked height of 4.88" (124 mm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nintendo Switch Dock with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console released by Nintendo on March of 2017. Its design features a hybrid console that can be a home console or portable device. It is runs on the Nintendo Switch Operating system and is an eight-generation gaming console.

The Nintendo Switch has a height of 4.01” (102 mm), width of 9.40” (239 mm), and total depth of 1.13” (28.7 mm). The Nintendo Switch Dock has a height of 4..09” (104 mm), width of 6.81” (173 mm), and depth of 2.12” (53.8 mm) resulting in a total docked height of 4.88" (124 mm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nintendo Switch Dock with height, width, and depth labeled in elevation

Nintendo Switch

Height:

4.01” | 102 mm

Width:

9.40” | 239 mm

Length:

Depth:

.547” | 13.9 mm; 1.13” | 28.7 mm (Total)

Resolution (Max)

1920 x 1080 px

Weight:

.88 lb | .4 kg

Area:

Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720 px
Screen Size: 6.2” | 15.7 cm
‍
Dock Height: 4.09” | 104 mm
Dock Width: 6.81” | 173 mm
Dock Depth: 2.12” | 53.8 mm

Storage

Designer

Nintendo

Release

2017

Drawings include:
Nintendo Switch front elevation, top, side, front (dock), side (dock), top (dock)

Links

Nintendo Switch
Wikipedia - Nintendo Switch

Details & Downloads

Downloads

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3D Downloads

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The Nintendo 2DS launched in October of 2013, defined as an entry-level of the Nintendo 3DS as it maintains similar hardware and functionality but differs with the integration of a new slate form factor. The Nintendo 2DS faced criticism when compared to the 3DS, noting its battery life, sound quality, and overall design.

Although reviews were mixed and despite its lack of 3D support, it received praise for its comfortability when held, robustness due to a lack of hinges, and price point. Production for the Nintendo 2DS ceased in February of 2020.

The Nintendo 2DS has a height of 5” (127 mm), width of 5.66” (144 mm), depth of .8” (20.3 mm), and approximate weight of 9.2 oz (.26 kg). The upper display size of the Nintendo 2DS is 3.5” (88.9 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 3.02” (76.7 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Collection of drawings of the Nintendo 2DS with height, width, and depth dimensions

The Nintendo 2DS launched in October of 2013, defined as an entry-level of the Nintendo 3DS as it maintains similar features but differs with the integration of a new slate form factor. The Nintendo 2DS faced criticism when compared to the 3DS, noting its battery life, sound, and design quality.

The Nintendo 2DS has a height of 5” (127 mm), width of 5.66” (144 mm), depth of .8” (20.3 mm), and approximate weight of 9.2 oz (.26 kg). The upper display size of the Nintendo 2DS is 3.5” (88.9 mm) with a resolution of 400 x 240, while the lower size is 3.02” (76.7 mm) with a resolution of 320 x 240 px.

Collection of drawings of the Nintendo 2DS with height, width, and depth dimensions

Height:

5” | 127 mm

Width:

5.66” | 144 mm

Length:

Depth:

.8” | 20.3 mm

Display Size

3.5” | 88.9 mm (Upper); 3.02” | 76.7 mm (Lower)

Resolution

400 x 240 px (Upper); 320 x 240 px (Lower)

Weight:

9.2 oz | .26 kg

Area:

Designer

Nintendo

Year

2013

Drawings include:
Nintendo 2DS front elevation, top, side

Links

Nintendo 3DS 
Wikipedia - Nintendo 2DS

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership

Game Boy Advance (GBA)

The Game Boy Advance is 32-bit handheld gaming console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Color was released in 2001 and is a sixth-generation gaming console. It originally did not have an illuminated screen, but Nintendo later incorporated it into the design. The Game Boy Advance offered portable entertainment with a classic design, had a headphone jack, used a pair of AA batteries. The Game Boy Advance was available in the colors Artic, Black, Orange, Fuchsia, Glacier, and Indigo. Later additional colors were released. The Game Boy Advance was discontinued in 2006.

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) has a height of 3.2” (82 mm), width of 5.7” (144 mm), depth of .96” (24.5 mm), and approximate weight of 4.94 oz (.14 kg). The display size of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) is 2.9” (74 mm) with a resolution of 240 x 160 px.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) measured with height, width, and depth

The Game Boy Advance is 32-bit handheld gaming console developed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Color was released in 2001 and is a sixth-generation gaming console. The Game Boy Advance was discontinued in 2006.

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) has a height of 3.2” (82 mm), width of 5.7” (144 mm), depth of .96” (24.5 mm), and approximate weight of 4.94 oz (.14 kg). The display size of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) is 2.9” (74 mm) with a resolution of 240 x 160 px.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) measured with height, width, and depth

Game Boy Advance (GBA)

Height:

3.2” | 82 mm

Width:

5.7” | 144 mm

Length:

Depth:

.96” | 24.5 mm

Display Size

2.9” | 74 mm

Resolution

240 x 160 px

Weight:

4.94 oz | .14 kg

Area:

Designer

Nintendo

Year

2001-2010

Drawings include:
Game Boy Advance front elevation, top, side

Links

Wikipedia - Game Boy Advance (GBA)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership