Handheld Game Consoles

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.

Handheld Game Consoles Guides
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.

Handheld Game Consoles

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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
GUIDE
3D
Game Boy
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
GUIDE
3D
Game Boy Advance
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
GUIDE
3D
New Nintendo 3DS XL
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
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo 2DS
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
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
GUIDE
3D
Nintendo Switch Lite
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
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

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Nintendo 2DS

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
Nintendo 2DS
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

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Related Digital Collections
Digital