Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
ASUS is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its gaming division with the ROG XBOX Ally X20
ASUS is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) division with the announcement of the ROG XBOX Ally X20. A key upgrade for this anniversary model is a larger 7.4-inch OLED display.
ROG Xbox Ally X20 is Out on October 15th, Priced at $1,299
ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,299 and launching on October 15th. This anniversary model features a larger 7.4-inch OLED display and minor internal hardware upgrades over the original ROG Ally X. A bundle including ROG XREAL R1 Edition AR glasses is available for $2,499.
PS6 Handheld Costing $600 is “Definitely Not Possible” Due to LPDDR Price Increases – Rumor
A rumor suggests that a PlayStation 6 handheld console is unlikely to be priced at $600 due to significant price increases in LPDDR memory. The leaker also indicated that the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro are likely sold at or near cost, with potential memory shortages continuing into 2028. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has previously stated the company does not plan to sell hardware at substantial losses.
Switch 2 price increase revealed in the UK, and at least Nintendo is being more merciful than Sony and Microsoft were…
Nintendo has announced a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK, with the console set to cost £419.99 starting September 1, 2026. This increase is significantly less than the price hikes seen for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S earlier this year, and also less than the recent increase for the Steam Deck. The article also mentions potential future releases like a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and a special edition Switch 2 console.
"Looks more like a Long Boi" - I accidentally created a Razer Game Boy using the 8Bitdo FlipPad, and its absurd length is actually great for TATE shmups
The 8Bitdo FlipPad controller, when paired with the Razer Edge handheld, creates an unusually long gaming device that excels at TATE mode shmups. While not compatible with all phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, this "Razer Game Boy" offers a larger play window than the Analogue Pocket for vertical shooters.
Why Cheap Retro Handhelds Make More Sense Than Ever In 2026
Despite rising costs in the gaming industry, affordable retro handhelds from companies like Anbernic offer a compelling way to play games from multiple generations. Devices like the Anbernic R35XXSP, inspired by the Game Boy SP, provide a portable and budget-friendly option for accessing classic titles and even some ported PC games.
Mainstream Consoles Are Too Expensive. It’s Time To look At Cheap Handhelds.
This article explores the value of inexpensive retro emulation handhelds in the current market of increasingly costly mainstream gaming hardware. It highlights how these devices offer an affordable alternative for gamers.
Yes, a 24K gold-plated Supreme Analogue Pocket is absurd, but it isn't for regular Game Boy enjoyers like me
Analogue is releasing a 24K gold-plated and metallic red Supreme Analogue Pocket later this year, targeting fans of the Supreme brand and limited edition collectibles. While the lavish exterior is new, the device retains its core functionality as a retro handheld capable of playing Game Boy, Game Gear, Atari Lynx, PC Engine, and Neo Geo Pocket cartridges via adapters, featuring a 3.5-inch LCD display.
Intel might be cooking up a budget-friendly handheld chip but I'd still be surprised if it's cheap enough or…
Intel may be developing a new budget-friendly chip for handheld gaming PCs, potentially featuring four Performance-cores and four Xe cores. This new chip, codenamed Panther Lake, could aim to reduce the high cost of current handheld devices, though pricing remains a significant concern. The article also mentions Intel's previous Arc G3 and G3 Extreme processors designed for the handheld market.
The PSP is the ultimate physical media EDC in 2026, change my mind
This opinion piece argues that the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is the ultimate device for physical media enthusiasts in 2026. Despite its 2005 launch, the PSP's UMD format for games and movies, combined with its handheld capabilities, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking ownership in an increasingly digital world. The article also touches on the PSP's potential as an early smartphone and its ease of repair, making it an attractive option for tinkerers.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Steam Boy, a Steam Deck crammed inside a Game Boy-like chassis
A Reddit user has created a custom 'Steam Boy' by fitting a Steam Deck's motherboard, battery, and speakers into a Game Boy-sized 3D-printed chassis. While the controls have been significantly reduced, the project aims to create a more compact handheld gaming PC. The next steps involve integrating a screen and triggers.
The handheld gaming PC scene might be in tatters, but there's no scenario where I'd pay $750 for one of the…
The author argues that the current pricing for handheld gaming PCs, particularly the MSI Claw, is excessive, with Best Buy selling a poorly received model for $749.99. While acknowledging component shortages, they suggest retailers should lower prices on older models like the MSI Claw and that the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck remain more reasonable options.
Three Nintendo 3DS Games That Practically Everyone Owned In The 2010s
During the 2010s, the Nintendo 3DS and its 2DS relative were ubiquitous handhelds, boasting a strong library that included popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon X and Y, and Mario Kart 7. These games, along with backward compatibility with DS titles, contributed to the system's significant sales success and enduring popularity.
Microsoft apparently just upped its Windows licence fee for OEM handheld and PC makers, and I'm taking it as an…
Microsoft has reportedly increased Windows OEM license fees by 7% to 10% for handheld and PC makers, a move criticized as bold given the rise of Linux. This increase could lead to higher prices for gaming handhelds and PCs, particularly for smaller manufacturers like Ayaneo, while larger companies and partnership devices like the ROG Ally X may be less affected. The author suggests this could further incentivize a shift towards Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS for gaming devices.
Ayaneo reveals yet another GBA clone colorway, but I'm not sure why it waited until it sold over 15,000 handhelds…
Ayaneo has released new colorways for its KONKR Pocket Advance GBA-style handheld, including a transparent 'Onyx Ice' variant, despite having already sold over 15,000 units. The new transparent model is priced higher than previous versions, starting at $109 and going up to $149 for the 4GB/64GB configuration. This strategy of drip-feeding new options post-launch has drawn criticism, with some buyers feeling disgruntled.
Ayaneo drops a pink GBA homage to Princess Peach after restocking its Konkr Pocket Advance, but I feel sorry for fans who previously pre-ordered the portable
Ayaneo has released a new pink "Peach" edition of its KONKR Pocket Advance, a Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld, coinciding with a restock of other colorways. The company cited high demand for the initial sell-outs and worked to secure more components. This new color variant, priced at $89, has drawn criticism for being released after initial pre-orders, a practice seen as a trend in the retro handheld market.
Five Game Boy Advance Games That Will Swallow a Month of Your Life
This article highlights five Game Boy Advance games that can consume a significant amount of player time, challenging the notion that handheld titles are merely short diversions. Games like Pokémon Emerald, Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword, Phantasy Star Collection, Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are discussed for their lengthy playtime, with some completionist runs exceeding 100 hours.
I Replaced All My Consoles & PC With A Steam Machine For A Month
The author details their experience replacing all their gaming consoles and PC with a Steam Deck for one month. This experiment aimed to assess the viability of the handheld as a primary gaming device for PC and console gamers alike.
The Evercade will soon run DOOM, and it's even getting its own limited edition Nexus handheld
Blaze is releasing a new DOOM collection for the Evercade on October 30, featuring the original DOOM, its sequel, and mission packs. A limited edition Evercade Nexus handheld with a DOOM-themed design will also be available for pre-order, limited to 3,000 units. The collection will also be playable on the Super Pocket handheld.
