This is a bit weird for me, because I traditionally didn't get consoles that were portable as I didn't want to focus on such a small screen, and you normally couldn't play multiplayer off a portable console.
But, no longer living with my brothers and really not having a spare TV (or one that I want to figure out how to work...), I think I'd be OK with a portable.
Portability is nice but definitely isn't a requirement for me since I tend to play my Switch/Switch 2 through my TV for the most part. So if Nintendo hadn't include it with the Switch 2, or if they don't include it in any of their consoles in the future (which feels highly unlikely to happen at this point imo), I definitely wouldn't have any issue with it.
I only play handheld mode now a days (mostly because I don't have a TV, lol). But even when I did, I feel like I enjoy playing comfortable on my bed rather than on the couch. I also like being able to carry the thing around if I go to a friend's place.
Like a few other people have mentioned, handheld-ness is pretty important to me - not only because I get to play games wherever I like, but also because I personally do not own a TV. TVs in bedrooms have never been a thing in our house, and honestly I feel that's a good thing. My parents certainly do, but we already have a PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4 plugged into it, and I feel if I ever got another console for it they wouldn't approve (I know they've told me now that I'm an adult their rules are a little more like guidelines even if they should still be followed because you know... it's their house, but I still try to follow them). If I thought they'd say yes, I absolutely would have bought a Wii by now.
I wouldn't get a console if it wasn't portable. Portability is a huge thing for me. I prefer handheld games far more than consoles/games that require being played through a television or computer, for privacy, comfort, and practicality.
I don't like people watching over my shoulder when I'm playing a game unless I've invited them to do so. Having to perform in front of others makes me nervous and unable to play seriously
I also like being able to be in virtually any position while playing, and move/walk around while doing so. When I play professor Layton for example, I often pace around to help me think. Also, I sometimes play lying down or in bed just before sleeping, so I wouldn't be able to do so with a TV connected console
For practicality, if I can't take it with me in a car or on the bus to play there, I wouldn't buy it. I grew up playing Nintendo in waiting rooms and the like, so being portable is 100% needed for that
Personally I wouldn't really care. Like 99% of the time I'm playing my switch docked and I really don't take my switch anywhere. But also I don't buy new consoles until there's like 2-3 games I actually want to play on it (or 1 that I really, really, want to play.) Handheld is nice occasionally for me but it's never been my top priority.
I don't think I'll ever get another console that isn't portable to be honest, despite never really taking the Switch with me anywhere, I mostly play it at home. I have a gaming PC for "big games" already, and me and my husband share an xbox series x (as well as a boxed up PS4 pro, PS3, PS4, Wii, Wii U and an N64 LMAO) which almost never see any use. Neither of us have ever minded the other using the TV to play games, but it is so nice to have a handheld where I can just vibe on the sofa with him as he watches the news/youtube/whatever and still play my games. I'm also 7 months pregnant, so I don't think playing video games that's hooked up to a huge TV is really going to be a thing I do a lot of for the next few years.
In the future I might get the theoretical nonportable Nintendo console for my kids, so we all can play games together, but aside that? I think that phase of my life is done for a long time and that's fine, handheld gaming in bed has been comfier to me for years anyway.
Portability's a must with me and it was initially part of the reason why I kept away from playing PC as much - being able to lay in bed or in the couch and play wherever I wanted to. I'd really like to get a Steam Deck for this reason, although i've been finding more time nowadays to play games on my computer.
not a big deal at all, a lot of the games I enjoy playing, or actively want to play, are on home consoles like the Wii and N64 and PS2. I think portability is nice and I appreciate that I can play my 3DS and Switch on the go, but being limited to playing some games on a home console doesn't bother me. it's just part of the gamer experience I think.
something that's more important to me is just, newer Nintendo consoles in general. hard pass. I don't care if Nintendo's next console is home or portable or hybrid, it's just not happening. modern Nintendo isn't getting my money, aside from that yearly NSO sub :,,,,)
It's a big deal to me but at the same time, not really? Like, I have a TV in my room so I could definitely play from my bed. But I love being able to lay in bed and game on whatever is easiest accessible to me. I despise getting out of bed to get to my desk to play on my PC.. which is why I would really love a Steam Deck some day xD
I'd like to be able to play my games where I am most comfortable without any physical pain from my ailments or disabilities affecting me T^T Sitting in a desk chair is uncomfy and exhausts me very quickly.. laying in bed tho? I love playing on my 3DS in bed, playing on my Switch in bed. Playing on my Xbox when I used to have one-- in bed, lol. I spend a lot of time in bed when I probably shouldn't but my job is physically taxing on me.
I would say portability is 50/50 to me, when it comes to how important it is to me. If I can still play in bed, then it's not so important. But if I can't? Forget it xD
A console doesn't need to be portable for me, it just needs to have games I enjoy. If I want to do some gaming while I'm out, my phone is always the most convenient option. Most of the time I play my Switch on the TV and only go handheld if I feel like laying down to play. I don't consider Switch a reasonably portable system and have only taken it out a few times to gaming events. I'm more likely to carry around my 3DS because of its size and streetpass. If there is another future console that is 3DS size or smaller, I'd be more likely to take it places, especially if there are features that could connect with other players.
the Switch is too wide for me to play handheld comfortably. in addition to that, I am not a person that can relax in bed and play games or whatever. it just doesn't work for me. I live alone but even if I didn't, I used to play games in the living room regularly when I lived with mom... so it didn't matter. so... it's not important to me.
I like portability but I don’t play handhelds like I used to away from home like I did seven years ago. I don’t take my Switches with me to use in handheld mode that often unless I’m traveling or at the laundromat. Ever since I moved into my house and got a nice sized smart tv, that’s how I’ve mostly played games. Pokémon Cafe is one of the few games I play regularly that require me to be in handheld mode and even then I’m not playing that long.
I love playing on my 3DS in bed, playing on my Switch in bed. Playing on my Xbox when I used to have one-- in bed, lol. I spend a lot of time in bed when I probably shouldn't but my job is physically taxing on me.
