Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Handheld Gaming Consoles: A Niche No More
Handheld gaming consoles, once thought to be a small part of the gaming world, are actually very popular.
They let you play games anywhere, and their market is expected to grow.
Nintendo started this trend, but now smartphones and even tiny laptops are used for handheld gaming too.
Handheld consoles claim two spots in the top five bestselling consoles
Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console, also contributes to this list
Global handheld gaming market expected to reach USD 37.7 billion by 2034
Nintendo's Game & Watch and Game Boy series pioneered handheld gaming
Smartphones have become a major competitor in the handheld gaming space
- Who
- Gamers worldwide, including retirees like Sally Rana
- What
- Play handheld gaming consoles
- When
- Currently, with market growth expected in the future
- Where
- Anywhere, as handheld consoles are portable
- Why
- For convenience, accessibility, and to pass time
- Market Value in 2024
- USD 16.3 billion
- Projected Market Value in 2034
- USD 37.7 billion
- Nintendo's Contribution
- Game & Watch, Game Boy, DS, Switch
- Competitors
- SEGA, Atari, Sony, smartphones, handheld PCs
- Popular Game
- PUBG Mobile (BGMI in India)