What is the smallest console ever?

When it comes to gaming, bigger isn’t always better. Some of the most impressive consoles in history have been remarkably tiny, packing a surprising amount of power and fun into a small package. But which console holds the title of the smallest console ever? Let’s dive in.

⚡ What Makes a Console “Small”?

When we talk about the “smallest console,” we consider:

  • Physical dimensions: How compact the console is.

  • Portability: Can it easily fit in a pocket or bag?

  • Functionality: Does it still deliver a complete gaming experience despite its size?

Many consoles have experimented with miniaturization, but one stands out.

🏆 Winner: The Anbernic RG351P / RG351M Series

Anbernic RG351P

  • Dimensions: 14 cm × 7.5 cm × 1.5 cm (RG351P)

  • Weight: ~180 grams

  • Screen: 3.5-inch IPS display

  • Game Library: Emulates thousands of retro games from NES, SNES, GBA, Game Boy, and more

  • Why it’s small: Pocketable, lightweight, and easy to carry anywhere.

Despite its tiny size, the RG351 series delivers an amazing retro gaming experience, making it ideal for collectors, retro gamers, and those on the go.

🥈 Other Tiny Contenders

1. Nintendo Game Boy Micro (2005)

Game Boy Micro

  • Dimensions: 10.5 cm × 5.5 cm × 1.2 cm

  • Weight: 80 grams

  • Notes: Compatible with Game Boy Advance cartridges; tiny enough to fit in a pocket.

2. Neo Geo Pocket / Neo Geo Pocket Color (1998–1999)

Neo Geo Pocket

  • Dimensions: 13.5 cm × 7.5 cm × 2.2 cm

  • Notes: Compact handheld with a solid library of fighting and adventure games.

3. PlayStation TV / Vita TV (2013)

PS TV

  • Dimensions: 6.5 cm × 10.5 cm × 1.5 cm

  • Notes: Tiny console that streams PS Vita and PS4 games to your TV.

⚡ Why Small Consoles Are Amazing

  1. Portability: Play anywhere, anytime.

  2. Space-saving: Great for minimalistic setups or travel.

  3. Retro Nostalgia: Many small consoles emulate hundreds of classic games.

  4. Affordability: Compact consoles often come at lower prices than modern home systems.

🏁 Final Verdict

If we crown the smallest console ever that delivers a full gaming experience, the Anbernic RG351P / RG351M series takes the top spot.

  • Pocketable, lightweight, and capable of emulating thousands of classic games.

  • Perfect for retro enthusiasts who want all-in-one portability.

Other small consoles like the Game Boy Micro or Neo Geo Pocket are iconic for their era, but modern handhelds like the RG351 series combine size, portability, and versatility like never before.

🔗 Explore Small Consoles & Retro Gaming

📏 Smallest Consoles Ever: Size Comparison

Console Dimensions Weight Notes
Anbernic RG351P / RG351M 14 × 7.5 × 1.5 cm ~180 g Pocketable, emulates NES, SNES, GBA, and more; all-in-one retro handheld.
Nintendo Game Boy Micro 10.5 × 5.5 × 1.2 cm 80 g Tiny GBA-compatible handheld; extremely portable and stylish.
Neo Geo Pocket / Pocket Color 13.5 × 7.5 × 2.2 cm 110 g Compact handheld with solid library of fighting/adventure games.
PlayStation TV / Vita TV 6.5 × 10.5 × 1.5 cm 110 g Micro console for streaming PS Vita/PS4 games to a TV; extremely small form factor.

🔍 Observations:

  • Anbernic RG351: Largest of the group but offers the most functionality with thousands of emulated games.

  • Game Boy Micro: Smallest handheld that fits comfortably in a pocket.

  • Neo Geo Pocket: Balanced compact size and traditional handheld gaming feel.

  • PS TV: Tiny home console for streaming, extremely compact but requires external display.

🏁 Conclusion

The Anbernic RG351 series wins as the smallest full-featured gaming console, offering the perfect balance of portability, game library, and retro nostalgia.

Meanwhile, the Game Boy Micro remains the king of pure pocketable design, and the PS TV shows that even home consoles can go ultra-compact.