Nintendo Switch OLED and Switch 2 illustrate handheld consoles outgrowing pockets

The release of Nintendo's Switch OLED hybrid console and the announced Switch 2 have intensified online debate about the portability of modern handheld gaming devices. Social‑media users note that today's devices, including Valve's Steam Deck, are far larger than early‑2000s handhelds—some exceeding 29 cm in width and weighing 600–700 g, comparable to small tablets rather than pocket‑sized gadgets.

Gamers report needing backpacks or dedicated cases to carry these consoles, with comments such as, “I don’t play the Switch 2 on the subway standing up; I need to sit down with space for it.” The trend reflects manufacturers prioritising higher performance, larger screens, and advanced cooling over strict pocket‑size dimensions, reshaping expectations for portable gaming.