13 Portable Console Innovations Changing How We Play Anywhere

7. Modular & Custom Hardware: Analogue Pocket, Playdate, and More

Personalization isn’t just a desktop trend—it’s finally hit the world of portable consoles. Newer devices like the Analogue Pocket and the charmingly odd Playdate let you swap buttons, snap on different shells, or even go wild with quirky gadgets like a hand crank. Want a specific D-pad feel or shell color to match your mood? No problem. Custom hardware is more than looks; it’s about celebrating how (and what) you play. These modular innovations mean handhelds can now grow and evolve with a gamer’s whims, making every system feel like “yours”—not just another one-size-fits-all device on the shelf.