When handhelds could fit in your pockets...

[RyaNtheSlayA]

So, while I've been pretty pumped for the PSVita, there's been this nagging issue at the back of my head. I guess it's been there since 2004-5ish when the DS came out as well.

None of these handhelds are pocketable.

Game companies seemed to strive for devices you could fit in your pocket easily, then once they were able to do it, they decided they'd rather make them just too large to fit in them. I really don't understand. While the devices aren't GameGear sized, they're much too big to fit into an average pocket well.

I've noticed it with phones too, my step-sister has an Android phone with a 5" screen. She can't fit it in her pockets, and it's large and unwieldy in mine. Where did this come from? When did somebody decide that small was out and large was in?

It unfortunately makes me a little bit apprehensive about buying a Vita, or any new handheld for that matter. I loved the PSP, but I didn't take it anywhere and didn't play it much as a result of the fact that it was just much too big to be convenient. The PSPGo almost rectified this, except it had no UMD drive. While I still plan on picking up a Vita, I can't help but feel the exact same is going to happen. I have a GBA SP laying around, it fits into my pocket, gets 7 hours of battery life, and I'm not worried about it breaking (fragility is another issue though).

Does anybody else feel this way? Am I the only person on the planet that would like to take my handheld with me without having a backpack with it?

[pepharytheworm]

I don't think it's the size for the reason they can't fit in your pants but people are wearing tight jeans now. The handhelds I own that can't fit in my pockets are the nomad and game gear. I can fit the Gameboy but its not comfortable.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I don't think it's the size for the reason they can't fit in your pants but people are wearing tight jeans now. The handhelds I own that can't fit in my pockets are the nomad and game gear. I can fit the Gameboy but its not comfortable.

I assure you, it's not me wearing tight pants.

[ZenErik]

Heh. I wear fairly tight pants and can easily fit a DS in my pockets. Looks stupid, but it fits.

That said, I wouldn't even want to put my PSP or PS Vita in my pocket. I'd be worried about breaking the analog sticks or scratching the screen. They go into lightly padded sleeves in my backpack much like my laptop.

[SwooshBear]

I see what you mean, and to me it's like the portability factor is decreasing due to the size issue. I'm happy with the size of the 3ds, Vita, etc., but it is harder to actually bring these "portable" systems on the go without the risk of damage to the system. Maybe if newer portables were built for pocket-carrying like the SP with no risk of screen scratching the it wouldn't be much of a thing. Although I bet that they wouldn't want to drop the size of their screens.

[MrNash]

That settles it, all future handhelds should come packaged with a free pair of cargo pants! But yeah, I can see where the OP is coming from. GBA SP was great for pocket sized gaming (not a fan of the Micro's tinier screen).

[Nemoide]

I trust putting my original-style DS in my pocket over my original-style Game Boy (even though they're about the same size). And those are both a lot easier than a Game Gear.

I prefer to not put my handhelds in my pocket regardless. If I'm out and about, my pockets are already full enough with wallet/cell phone/keys.

[dsheinem]

i rarely if ever play handhelds outside the house, so it isn't a big issue for me. That said, they all fit well in an inside coat pocket

[ZenErik]

I trust putting my original-style DS in my pocket over my original-style Game Boy (even though they're about the same size). And those are both a lot easier than a Game Gear.

I prefer to not put my handhelds in my pocket regardless. If I'm out and about, my pockets are already full enough with wallet/cell phone/keys.

Indeed. The DS foldable design is genius. Foldable portables are the only kind I would EVER consider putting in my pocket.

[GameMasterGuy]

The original DS was too bulky to fit in your pocket, but the Lite, i, and 3DS all fit fine. No idea about the PSP/Vita, though.