Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
PlayStation Has “Exclusive of Sorts” Deal With AMD for RDNA5 Handheld Chips – Rumor
A rumor suggests Sony has an exclusive deal with AMD for RDNA5 GPU architecture in its upcoming handheld device, potentially leaving competitors like Xbox and Valve with older technology. This exclusivity is reportedly due to Sony being the only customer willing to fund the necessary chip fabrication. The RDNA5 architecture is expected to offer significant performance improvements with new features like Universal Compression and Neural Arrays, which AMD executives and PlayStation's lead architect have discussed.
Hiatus Announcement
Brian Rubin, creator for Space Game Junkie, is taking a hiatus from content creation due to burnout after fifteen years. His gaming habits have shifted significantly towards handhelds like the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS, leading him to focus his creative energies on other projects like The Joyful Nerd and 3DSCast.
SweClockers testar ny generation handhållen gaming
SweClockers tests the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Acer Predator Atlas 8, two new handheld gaming PCs featuring Intel processors, comparing them against the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally X. The article evaluates their performance in running demanding games and how well Windows functions on these portable devices.
PS6 and Project Helix Could Set a Worrying New Price Benchmark
Rumors suggest that the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Xbox's Project Helix consoles could see significant price increases due to rising hardware component costs, potentially reaching $1,200 to $1,800. This marks a worrying trend for the accessibility of next-generation gaming hardware, with potential delays also indicated.
If the idea of an $1,800 Xbox that doesn't even run physical games horrifies you, I'd pick up an Evercade…
The Evercade Nexus offers a compelling alternative to prohibitively expensive next-gen consoles, providing a portable and affordable way to play physical retro games. While lacking some modern features, its commitment to cartridges and a growing ecosystem makes it a strong choice for players valuing ownership and approachable gaming.
Further Xbox layoff rounds reportedly planned for this month, November, and January, while a Game Pass overhaul is in the works
Xbox is reportedly planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January, following earlier cuts this year, with a total of 3200 employees expected to be affected. Concurrently, an overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service is underway, aiming to offer subscribers more granular control over features like cloud gaming and multiplayer. The report also mentions ongoing development of a next-generation handheld console and a future console expected around 2028, with high projected costs.
Rykte: Xbox släpper en bärbar konsol 2027 och nästa Xbox 2028
Rumors suggest Xbox is planning to release a handheld gaming device by Christmas 2027, with a potential price range of $1,200 to $1,800. The next generation of Xbox consoles, codenamed Project Helix, is reportedly slated for a 2028 launch, with a consumer price possibly between $1,200 and $1,800, though Microsoft may offer subsidies.
Next gen Xbox console out in 2028 and more expensive than PS6 claims report
A report suggests Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will launch by Christmas 2028 and may cost between $1,200 and $1,800, significantly more than the anticipated PlayStation 6. This comes amid ongoing component shortages and a reported failure of the current Xbox Series X/S. The report also indicates a new next-generation handheld device will be released by Christmas 2027.
Xbox's next-gen console to reportedly cost up to $1,800, with a Helix handheld coming in 2027 and a full release in holiday 2028
A report from Fortune Magazine indicates that Xbox's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, may launch with prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. The console family is expected to include a traditional home console planned for holiday 2028 and a handheld device targeting holiday 2027. This potential price increase is attributed to ongoing global hardware shortages, which have already led to price hikes for current-generation consoles.
Evening Reading - October 20, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including updates for Cyberpunk 2077 and EVE Online, a potential delay for Umamusume: Pretty Derby due to immigration policies, and the announcement of a new Deadlock update. It also touches on financial news for Tesla, SpaceX, and Netflix, and mentions the potential for a 2027 Xbox handheld.
Xbox reportedly planning a handheld for 2027, Project Helix for 2028
A new report suggests that Microsoft is planning to release a next-generation Xbox handheld device in late 2027 and its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, in the 2028 holiday season. The console is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800. The report also indicates an overhaul of Xbox Game Pass to an a-la-carte format.
Is Valve now working on the Steam Deck 2? Rumors suggest leaked AMD chip could be the engine of the next-gen handheld
A leaked AMD 'Gainsborough' APU benchmark suggests Valve may be developing a successor to the Steam Deck, potentially named Steam Deck 2. The codename 'Gainsborough' aligns with Valve's previous use of Final Fantasy VII-inspired codenames for Steam Deck hardware. While early benchmarks show a slight performance increase over the current Steam Deck, there are doubts about the timing and the significance of the generational upgrade.
After two weeks using the ROG Xbox Ally X20 I respect it despite its giant price tag
The ASUS ROG Ally X20 offers a refined handheld gaming experience with a larger, brighter OLED screen, improved thermals, and comfortable ergonomics, but its $300 price increase over the standard model makes its value proposition questionable. While performance remains identical to the previous generation, the premium features are appealing for those seeking the best OLED handheld, though cheaper alternatives exist for less demanding users.
Xbox Ally X 20 vs Xbox Ally X: A wickedly bright OLED screen and frosty temps make for a begrudgingly attractive upgrade…
The ASUS ROG Ally X20 offers a significant upgrade over the standard ROG Ally X, primarily featuring a brighter 7.4-inch OLED display and improved thermal cooling. While performance remains similar due to the same core components, the X20 provides a more comfortable and visually striking gaming experience, though its higher price point makes it a considered purchase.
"I'm still trying to make this work for under $100" - Taki Udon teases a FPGA GBA SP that could shake up…
Taki Udon, creator of SuperStation One, is developing a new FPGA Game Boy Advance SP prototype aiming for a sub-$100 price point. This potential retro handheld revival, which plays real cartridges and has shown compatibility with Game Boy Advance and even Nintendo 64 games, could significantly impact the market, especially if it undercuts existing emulation-based alternatives.
This tiny E-ink Game Boy can run games at 30fps and docks into a NES controller, and it has sold me on the idea of paper…
A modder named Bo Made It has created the Ink-Boy, a Game Boy emulator utilizing an E-ink display that achieves 30fps gameplay and docks into an NES controller. This innovative portable overcomes the typical slow refresh rates of E-ink screens by employing custom display drivers, offering a unique retro gaming experience.
Anbernic is double-dipping into dual-screen handhelds with a new 3DS clone
Anbernic is releasing a new dual-screen handheld, the RG DDS, which closely mimics the design of the 'new' Nintendo 3DS. It features a 4.7-inch main display and a 4-inch bottom screen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset for enhanced emulation capabilities. This device aims to compete with other dual-screen handhelds like the Retroid Pocket Duo.
PS Portal Stealth-Drops System Software Update for October 2026
Sony Interactive Entertainment has released system software update 7.3.0 for the PlayStation Portal, introducing features like 3D audio toggling and an improved search experience. This update follows recent reports of a potential OLED model launch and an expansion of the direct cloud streaming library.
AMD's handsome FSR 4 upscaler is coming to handheld PCs this year, though Steam Deck support could take longer
AMD has announced plans to bring its FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) upscaling technology to handheld PCs by the end of 2026, with new APUs and a special version for older integrated graphics. While newer devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are expected to receive support this year, the Steam Deck's RDNA 2 architecture may require an update until 2027.
Nintendo Switch 2 – One Year In, How Does It Hold Up?
One year after its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has proven to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering more powerful hardware that supports advanced features like DLSS and ray tracing. While performance in demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 can still have compromises, the overall gaming experience is vastly improved with faster load times and better visuals. The console's library has expanded with enhanced editions of existing games and new titles, though the absence of a new 3D Mario game is noted. Despite some drawbacks like battery life and internal storage limitations, the Switch 2 represents a worthwhile evolution of Nintendo's hybrid formula.
