What is the best selling handheld console of all time?

The best-selling handheld console of all time is the Nintendo DS series, which includes the original Nintendo DS and its successor, the Nintendo 3DS.

Here are the key details about the Nintendo DS's sales success:

1. Nintendo DS Series (Including Nintendo 3DS)

• Total Sales: Over 154 million units sold worldwide.
  • The Nintendo DS (released in 2004) sold over 130 million units.
  • The Nintendo 3DS (released in 2011) sold approximately 75 million units.
  • The 2DS, a more affordable version of the 3DS, also contributed to the overall sales.

Key Features & Reasons for Success:

• Dual Screens: The Nintendo DS introduced dual-screen gameplay, including a touchscreen on the bottom screen, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
• Backwards Compatibility: The DS was backward-compatible with Game Boy Advance games, which attracted existing Game Boy owners.
• Game Library: The Nintendo DS boasted a massive and diverse library of games, from Pokémon to Mario Kart, Zelda, and many more.
• Innovation: The Nintendo DS and later the 3DS with its 3D feature without glasses were game-changers in terms of hardware innovation.
• Family-Friendly Titles: Nintendo’s emphasis on family-friendly and accessible games helped the DS attract a wide range of players, from children to older adults.

2. Game Boy Series (Including Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance)

Although the Nintendo DS holds the crown, the Game Boy series (which includes the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance) is still a significant contender in handheld console history, having sold approximately 118 million units across all models.

• The Game Boy (1989) was a massive success, revolutionizing portable gaming and establishing Nintendo as a leader in the handheld market.
• The Game Boy Color (1998) added color graphics, which significantly improved the gaming experience.
• The Game Boy Advance (2001) introduced better hardware and 32-bit graphics, allowing for more complex games.

Other Top Sellers in Handheld Gaming:

• PlayStation Portable (PSP): Sony’s PSP (2004) sold around 81 million units, making it one of the top-selling handheld consoles, thanks to its powerful hardware and multimedia capabilities.
• Nintendo Switch (Hybrid Console): While not strictly a handheld console, the Nintendo Switch has become a popular choice for on-the-go gaming, with over 125 million units sold as of 2024, combining home console and handheld gaming experiences.

Conclusion:

• The Nintendo DS series holds the title of the best-selling handheld console of all time, with over 154 million units sold, followed closely by the Game Boy series.