US Handheld Gaming Devices Market Report 2025
37% of US adults who play video games owned a Nintendo Switch, making it the most popular handheld device on the market currently.
37% of US adults who play video games owned a Nintendo Switch, making it the most popular handheld device on the market currently.
The US Handheld Gaming Devices Market has steadily grown, with the global gaming console market recovering from a 2022 dip and reaching a significant value in 2024 with over 2% growth.
Mobile gaming leads in revenue, the handheld gaming console market—particularly hybrid PCs like the Steam Deck—is gaining traction. The console segment declined slightly but is expected to rebound with new launches like Nintendo Switch 2. Economic challenges such as inflation and tariffs are limiting spending power, but strong brand loyalty and innovation support market stability. Looking ahead, new handhelds from Microsoft and Sony and improvements in battery life and digital libraries will drive growth in the foreseeable future.
Consumer trends in the US handheld video game console market show strong ownership and interest among younger adults (18-54), with almost 40% of gamers owning a Nintendo Switch and high anticipation for the Switch 2. While older gamers (55+) tend to rely mainly on mobile devices for gaming, younger consumers value portability, convenience, and nostalgic connections to handheld devices. Battery life is the top priority for more than half of gamers, followed by portability, while cost remains the biggest barrier to purchase. Gender ownership is balanced for popular devices like the Switch, and interest in newer devices like PlayStation Portal is growing equally among men and women. Additionally, digital game libraries and the ability to connect handhelds to larger screens are increasingly important factors influencing purchase decisions and the portable gaming console market.
Purchasing the US Handheld Gaming Devices Market Report 2025 provides key insights into consumer trends and market dynamics. This analysis will help manufacturers and retailers refine strategies and seize growth opportunities in this evolving sector.
The US Handheld Gaming Devices Market Report 2025 offers comprehensive insights into the US handheld gaming devices market, covering ownership patterns, consumer preferences, market performance, key drivers, barriers to purchase, and emerging trends in device features and marketing strategies. It includes detailed analysis of handheld gaming market share, demographics, device usage, and consumer attitudes across age, gender, and gamer segments, supported by extensive consumer surveys and market data. The research covers leading devices such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Portal, and handheld hybrid PCs, providing valuable information for manufacturers, retailers, advertisers, and investors seeking to understand consumer behavior, optimize product offerings, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the handheld gaming sector.
This report was written by Brian Benway. As a Gaming Analyst, Brian researches and analyzes the video game industry across genres and platforms. Brian has been with Mintel since 2017. His education background in Game Design and Animation informs his expertise and consumer insights in the gaming sector.
Whether players are out and about or relaxing at home, handheld gaming has them covered. With new devices on the horizon, 2025 looks big for handheld gaming.
Brian Benway
Senior Tech and Gaming Analyst