Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
Best Handheld Accessories Under $50 (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights essential handheld gaming accessories priced under $50, focusing on improving the daily commuter experience. Key recommended items include carrying cases, screen protectors, USB-C cables, power banks, wired headphones, and microSD cards, with a total starter kit budget ranging from $120 to $200.
The ROG Xbox Ally might not be the handheld we want, but it's the portable we need in terms of price
The ASUS ROG Ally is presented as a more affordable handheld gaming PC option compared to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and MSI Claw. Despite its lower-spec chipset, its current price point makes it a compelling choice, especially with potential Prime Day discounts, positioning it as a practical alternative for those seeking a portable PC gaming experience without the premium cost.
25 years ago today, the GBA arrived in the US, but you don't need the real thing to play the handheld's hits
The Game Boy Advance celebrates its 25th anniversary in the US, and despite its age, there are numerous ways to play its classic games. Options range from budget emulation handhelds by Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy, to modernizing original hardware with screen and battery mods, and premium devices like the Analogue Pocket and Ayaneo Pocket Micro.
Handheld Setups for Hotel Gaming No Monitor (2026) | TAG
This article provides a guide for setting up handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck OLED in hotel rooms without a dedicated monitor. It covers handheld-only setups, docking to hotel TVs with considerations for input lag and HDMI access, and the use of portable travel monitors for frequent travelers. The guide also discusses optimizing audio with headphones or Bluetooth speakers and managing lighting and ergonomics in hotel environments.
Morning Mobilization
A recent article from XDA suggests that Windows-based handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally may face an uncertain future. The author argues that their requirement for workstation-like maintenance could hinder their widespread adoption and long-term viability in the gaming market.
Steam Deck Battery: 5 Games Last a Flight (2026) | TAG
This guide details the real-world battery life of the Steam Deck, both OG and OLED models, highlighting five games that can last a 5-hour flight: Stardew Valley, Balatro, Slay the Spire 2, Vampire Survivors, and Hades II. It also lists games that drain the battery quickly, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, and provides tips on extending battery life through settings adjustments and the use of power banks.
SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta brings fixes for MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta, addressing issues with MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode and other regressions. This update includes fixes for performance HUD crashes, slow charger detection, and improved compatibility for various handheld devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also brings significant changes to KDE Plasma, graphics drivers, and system firmware.
8 Switch 2 Launch Games for Weekend Gamers (2026) | TAG
This guide recommends eight games for the Nintendo Switch 2 that are suitable for players with limited weekend gaming time. It highlights titles like Mario Kart World, Balatro, and Hades II for their short session-friendliness and suggests avoiding live-service games. The article also provides advice on budgeting and managing a game library for weekend-only players.
Legion Go S Parent Review After Bedtime (2026) | TAG
The Lenovo Legion Go S offers a mixed experience for parent gamers, providing a solid Windows handheld with a good screen and comfortable controllers, but hampered by the complexities of the Windows operating system. While it performs well with SteamOS, its battery life and weight make it less ideal than alternatives like the Nintendo Switch 2 for on-the-go or quick gaming sessions. It is best suited for PC-centric parent gamers willing to tinker with the device.
ROG Ally X After 6 Months: Commuter Review | TAG
After six months of daily use, the ASUS ROG Ally X is deemed the most powerful handheld in 2026, capable of running current AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring at respectable frame rates. However, its battery life remains a significant drawback, offering only 2-3 hours for demanding titles, necessitating frequent charging. While Windows on handheld is functional, it requires ongoing maintenance, making it best suited for commuters seeking PC performance on the go who are willing to manage its limitations.
Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Pick One (2026) | TAG
This article compares the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck OLED for adult consumers with a $500 budget who can only own one device. The Switch 2 is recommended for its first-party Nintendo exclusives, family features, and ease of use, while the Steam Deck OLED is favored for its existing Steam library, indie game breadth, and flexibility for tinkerers. Both devices are considered adequate for short-session games but struggle with the newest AAA titles at full fidelity.
Nintendo Switch 2 At One: Nintendo’s Biggest Wins, Misses, And Surprises
The Nintendo Switch 2 has had a strong sales start, becoming Nintendo's fastest-selling console, but momentum is slowing. While it offers good value compared to competitors, its first-party game lineup has not yet matched the success of its predecessor, relying heavily on third-party titles. Nintendo's continued practice of charging for graphical upgrades and other services has also frustrated some owners.
Handheld Gaming 2026: Which Device Fits Your Life | TAG
In 2026, the handheld gaming market offers diverse options like the Switch 2, Steam Deck OLED, ASUS ROG Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go S, each catering to different user needs. The article emphasizes choosing a device based on real-life usage, such as commute comfort, portability, game catalog, and travel suitability, rather than solely on raw performance benchmarks.
SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta brings improvements for Intel handhelds, audio popping and other fixes
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta, introducing significant improvements for upcoming Intel handhelds and addressing various system issues. Key fixes include resolving GPU crashes for Grand Theft Auto V, eliminating audio popping, and improving Bluetooth functionality on certain Intel handhelds. The update also adds initial firmware support for new Intel-based devices and enhances UI behavior for low battery situations.
Rumour: SEGA could be gearing up for low cost 2D centric handheld device
A rumor suggests SEGA may be developing a new, low-cost, 2D-centric handheld gaming device. The device would reportedly feature an OLED screen similar to the PlayStation Vita, a low-power ARM processor, and support for modern 2D titles and pixel art. It is speculated to use removable game cartridges with limited internal storage, potentially targeting indie games and classic SEGA titles.
Panther Lake has another powerful iGPU in its lineup but you'll probably never see it
Intel's upcoming Panther Lake processors feature powerful integrated graphics (iGPUs) like the 12 Xe-core B390, but high DRAM prices driven by AI demand may prevent these chips from appearing in affordable laptops and handhelds. Manufacturers like Framework are opting for higher-end configurations due to the minimal cost difference, suggesting that the full potential of these iGPUs might remain inaccessible to consumers.
Evening Mobilization
MSI has announced the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, a new handheld gaming PC featuring an 8-inch, 120 Hz display. This device integrates Intel Arc G3 Extreme graphics and incorporates AI capabilities, alongside redesigned ergonomic grips for improved comfort.
Best of Computex 2026 - The Gear We Cannot Stop Thinking About
Computex 2026 showcased innovative PC hardware and gaming technology despite industry shortages. Highlights include the Intel Arc G3 Extreme-powered MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus handheld, the versatile Amiiba Ferra 31L PC case, and NVIDIA's RTX Spark SoC promising high-end performance in laptops. Other notable products include the Dell XPS 13, Alienware's 5K OLED monitor, and the AORUS MASTER 16 gaming laptop.
Handheld gaming in 2026 just got better, but at a big cost: here are the best handheld gaming PCs unveiled at Computex…
Computex 2026 has seen the unveiling of several new handheld gaming PCs from manufacturers like Asus, Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer, featuring Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme processor. These devices aim to improve performance, visual enjoyment, and comfort, with some models like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and OneXPlayer 3 showing significant performance gains over previous generations. However, high potential price points, with rumors suggesting bundles could reach $2,000, may impact their market success.
CEO Jensen Huang says Nvidia is too busy with the 'gigantic project' of 'reinventing the PC after 40 years' to do a handheld gaming PC based on RTX Spark
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that the company is focused on reinventing the PC for the age of AI with its new RTX Spark chip, rather than developing a handheld gaming PC. He explained that adapting existing PC applications and games to the new architecture is a massive undertaking. While a smaller version of RTX Spark might be suitable for handhelds, Nvidia's current priority is the broader PC market.
