They never call it handled. It's a portable console.

Except for having "handheld mode" https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/compare/

Yeah, WiiU also has handled mode. If it can't fit in a normal pocket, it's not so "handled".

If it is handled, it is in your hands, not your pocket.

I guess everyone has its own definition. Mine is it is a handled console if you can comfortably play with it in your hands during 1h without arm/hand/joints fatigue.

It can be held in hands and used. So handheld. Fitting in a pocket doesn't have anything to do with being handheld.

It would be called "pocketable" or something like that otherwise. I use my Steam Deck and Switch exclusively by holding them in my hands and never dock.

If by "held in hands" you actually mean "sit on top of your lap" then you may understand why laptops aren't called handhelds.

I really want to see how you can hold your 15" laptop and play a game or type something while doing that.

Put the palm of your off-hand at the centre underneath the laptop, put your main hand on the trackpad.

My immersion blender is handheld and doesn't fit in my pocket. My hair dryer is handheld and doesn't fit in my pocket. A tennis racquet is handheld and doesn't fit in my pocket. A baseball bat is handheld and doesn't fit in my pocket.

It seems strange to say something needs to be pocketable in order to be considered "handheld".