A handheld game console, or simply handheld console, is a small, portable self-contained video game console with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are smaller than home video game consoles and contain the console, screen, speakers, and controls in one unit, allowing players to carry them and play them at any time or place.
A Nintendo DS Lite, the best-selling handheld console of all time and second overall
Game & Watch Ball
The original Game Boy
TurboExpress handheld
A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home consoles, which are generally placed in a permanent location connected to a television or other display devices and controlled with a separate game controller, or handheld consoles, which include their own display unit and controller functions built into the unit and which can be played anywhere. Hybrid consoles combine elements of both home and handheld consoles.
A collection of various classic video game consoles at a game show in 2010
The Nintendo Switch hybrid console in its dock (right)
The Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) Mini dedicated console
The Atari 2600 motherboard, with basic IC chips identified