What Is the Most Bought Handheld Console of All Time?

When it comes to handheld gaming, millions of players have reached for devices that bring power and portability into the palm of their hands. But which one has won the sales war?

🏆 The Nintendo DS is the most bought handheld gaming console in history.

🥇 Nintendo DS – The Best-Selling Handheld Console Ever

Nintendo DS

📦 Units sold: Over 154 million (including DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL)
🏢 Brand: Nintendo
📆 Released: 2004

🔗 Where to Buy (Modern Alternatives)

Although the DS is discontinued, you can still buy official Nintendo handhelds:

✅ Advantages of the Nintendo DS:

  • Dual-screen design with touch controls

  • Massive game library (Pokémon, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing)

  • Backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance

  • Long battery life (up to 10 hours)

  • Extremely kid-friendly and durable

❌ Disadvantages:

  • No HD graphics (low-resolution screens by today’s standards)

  • No support for modern app stores or media

  • Now out of production – limited new hardware availability

  • Some cartridges and accessories are now expensive or rare

🔄 Comparison: DS vs. Other Top Handhelds

Console Units Sold Platform Notable Games
Nintendo DS 154M+ DS / GBA Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Platinum
Game Boy & GBA 118M GBC / GBA Pokémon Emerald, Zelda: Minish Cap
Nintendo Switch 141M+ (and rising) Hybrid (TV + Handheld) Zelda: TOTK, Animal Crossing
PSP 80M Sony God of War, Monster Hunter
Steam Deck ~4M+ PC / SteamOS Elden Ring, Hades, more (via Steam)

🎁 Looking for a Modern Retro Handheld?

If you're into retro gaming and want to experience classics from the Game Boy, NES, SNES, PS1 and more—modern retro consoles like the R36S are a great alternative.

👉 Buy R36S Retro Handheld – GameLoopX.com

Advantages:

  • 10,000–20,000 built-in games

  • Lightweight & portable

  • Plays NES, SNES, GBA, PS1, and more

  • Affordable and great for collectors

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Nintendo DS remains the undisputed handheld king by numbers, thanks to its innovative design, stellar library, and universal appeal.

But for gamers in 2025, the landscape is evolving:

  • Switch Lite offers modern Nintendo games in a handheld form

  • Steam Deck and ROG Ally offer PC power on the go

  • Retro consoles like the R36S let you carry decades of nostalgia in your pocket