Does a standard game console is small enough to fit in one hand and making it more portable than a handheld game console?

Answer 1

Theoretically speaking, yes, it is possible. Equally however, one would have to define what "small enough to fit in one hand" entails. For example, Sony's latest "handheld" console can easily be held within the palm of one's hand, but, equally, their latest home console, the PlayStation 3, can also be held in one hand, albeit with minor difficulties, and most likely, without peripherals, plugs, etc. For the purposes of this answer, we will assume that "small enough to fit in one hand" portends to consoles which can be held with minor difficulty, excluding peripherals (as otherwise, there would likely be no standard game consoles which fit the criterion, as the display would be required as well, being necessary to usage* of the console).

The first consideration, then, would be the shape. The standard current-generation game console is rectangular, with a possible protrusion (also likely to be rectangular). This angular nature of the console does indeed make it rather portable, but somewhat cumbersome, as one may need to play a bit of a balancing game** when holding it in hand, as weight distribution can be uneven. On the other hand*** there are the "handheld" consoles. Typically less angular by nature and more beveled, they are a much more snug fit, and many times less likely to cause injury due to mishandling. Therefore, the first point goes to the handhelds.

The second consideration shall be the weight. Standard gaming consoles can be rather heavy, with the barebones console weighing in at over 10 lbs****. The standard handheld, by contrast, is at most 2lbs*****, with peripherals and game inserted. Once more, then, a point goes to the standard handheld in terms of portability.

The third factor (and arguably one of the most important) is durability. Standard handhelds can be quite fragile, ceasing proper function after being dropped once, or even being left on for too long******. Equally however, the very same can be said for standard game consoles*******, excluding one notable difference. If a standard game console is dropped, its casing will likely remain intact, but most handhelds' casing would be damaged alongside the internal circuitry. Thus, standard game consoles earn a point in durability, but it should be noted that it is a rather trivially-earned point.

The Fourth, and final factor, is battery life; a very controversial topic. The standard game console can be left on indefinitely during normal function, but in so doing loses nearly all portability******** whereas a standard handheld can last for many hours on end before requiring an external power source of any sort, but as one may have surmised, "many hours" is less than "indefinitely." In addition, the standard handheld is also capable of sacrificing portability********* for the sake of indefinite battery life, but unlike a standard console, this was most likely not the engineers' original intention. The ensuing chaos and fanboyism caused by the ambiguous nature of the debate would lead to nothing short of mutual disagreement, thus, regrettably; no points can be awarded to either side with regards to this particular factor.

In summation, standard consoles, totalling one point, simply do not compete against handheld consoles in the field of portability, weighing in at a hefty two points. This should not discourage the reader from believing in its possibility however, for as science has shown us, many things thought unthinkable can be achieved but with time. Only the future can tell whether the state of this answer remains constant for long, in such a quickly changing field as technology-related gaming.

*It is wholly possible to use a game console without any form of output interpreter, but enjoyment of the experience would likely be impacted.

**Wii balance board not required.

***Presumably the left if you are right-handed; the right if you are left-handed.

****Approx. 4.5 kg.

*****Approx. 1kg.

******Approx. 25 minutes if you are running Contra 4 or software of a similar fashion.

*******en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360_technical_problems

********Extension cords not considered

*********See *******