# Handheld consoles belong in carry-on bags, while home systems can be checked

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/what-gamers-should-know-when-bringing-their-consoles-through-tsa/
- Published: 2026-11-07T16:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T16:32:25+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2305767/gamers-tsa-game-console-rules/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Keep handhelds and lithium-ion controllers in your carry-on.
- Home consoles can be checked, but may be damaged or lost.
- Airport scanners determine whether devices need separate screening.

## Summary

Handheld consoles are generally allowed through airport security, but their batteries mean they must travel in carry-on baggage. Home consoles such as the PlayStation 5 may be checked, though keeping them with you can reduce the risk of damage or loss.

Controllers with lithium-ion batteries also belong in carry-on bags; Xbox controllers using standard AA batteries are an exception. At security, whether a console needs to come out of your bag depends on the airport’s scanners, and unusual devices may prompt extra inspection. If checking a console, use a padded protective case.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.