Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
Lenovo's Legion Go S has dropped by 14% this Prime Day, beating the Steam Deck in price and performance
The Lenovo Legion Go S handheld gaming PC, featuring a Ryzen Z2 Go chip, has seen a 14% price drop to $731 during Prime Day, making it a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Despite some performance limitations with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, its lower cost and competitive performance make it a strong contender, especially compared to the rising prices of other handhelds.
Former Sony exec reveals Nintendo's sweary response to original PSP reveal
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden shared an anecdote about a Nintendo employee's profane reaction to the original PlayStation Portable reveal. Despite the PSP's success, Layden believes piracy and Sony's struggle to market multiple platforms simultaneously contributed to the PlayStation Vita's lower sales and Sony's eventual exit from the dedicated handheld market.
New PlayStation Portal OLED model coming soon suggests new Sony filing
Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed two new device certifications with the Wi-Fi Alliance, model numbers CFI-Y2105 and CFI-Y2000, which are believed to be related to a new PlayStation Portal. These filings suggest a potential refresh of the handheld streaming device, possibly featuring an OLED screen, though this is not explicitly stated. The current PlayStation Portal, launched in 2023, has shown a strong attach rate among PlayStation 5 owners.
Xbox CEO Says Project Helix Will Have More Devices Because One Device Can’t Fit All – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the company's next-generation strategy, codenamed Project Helix, will involve a "family of devices" rather than a single console. This approach aims to cater to diverse player needs, potentially including a handheld device, and address industry-wide concerns about hardware affordability and component shortages. Sharma indicated that while a powerful console will be central, partnerships will be key to filling out the device lineup.
Ex-PlayStation boss recalls Nintendo employee's reaction to the PSP reveal: "You bastards"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recalled a Nintendo employee's visceral reaction to the PlayStation Portable reveal, highlighting the intense handheld competition of the mid-2000s. Despite Sony's struggles with marketing and piracy, the PSP achieved significant sales, though Layden suggests a dedicated company might be needed for future handheld ventures.
Xbox Helix is seemingly pulling a Steam Deck, CEO discusses devices for players "on the go" with "a great…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed plans for a 'family of devices' for the next generation, including a central console and options for players on the go, similar to the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Sharma indicated that while Xbox will manufacture some components, partnerships will be key for other elements, suggesting a potential third-party involvement in creating a handheld Xbox device.
I played an evening of Big Walk on Steam Frame, and it felt like wearing a Steam Deck on my face
The Steam Frame, Valve's new VR headset, offers a portable PC gaming experience akin to a Steam Deck for your face. It successfully ran demanding games like Big Walk flawlessly, though battery life required plugging in after an hour. While not as powerful as high-end VR headsets or new handheld PCs, its native Steam game support and portability make it a compelling option for on-the-go gaming.
AMD's new 'Gainsborough' APU rumoured to be the chip that powers the long-awaited Steam Deck 2
A rumored AMD APU codenamed 'Gainsborough' is expected to power the next-generation Steam Deck 2, according to a YouTube leak. This chip, built on TSMC's advanced N3P node, is anticipated to offer a significant performance leap over the original Steam Deck, aligning with Valve's desire for a major generational upgrade rather than an incremental one. The Gainsborough APU is expected to feature AMD's Zen 6 CPU and RDNA 5 GPU architectures, potentially mirroring technologies planned for future consoles.
Ayaneo launches its Pocket Block for $79, and I'm glad the Game Boy clone has ditched the AI pitch
Ayaneo has launched its Konkr Pocket Block, a vertical Android handheld, for $79, notably dropping the AI marketing that accompanied its initial unveiling. The device aims to compete with rivals like the Anbernic RG35XX Plus by offering a Helio G85 CPU capable of emulating systems up to PlayStation 1 and potentially PSP. While the company plans a future AI-focused broadcast, the current marketing emphasizes its retro cyber design and emulation capabilities.
The Gamercard shares a family tree with the ZX Spectrum, but I wasn’t expecting the giftcard-inspired handheld to fully embody its microcomputer ancestry
The Gamercard, a credit card-thin handheld inspired by the ZX Spectrum and created by Sir Clive Sinclair's nephew, offers a unique approach to indie and retro gaming. While its rubber disc controls and lack of ergonomics are drawbacks, its sharp display, full RetroPi emulation, and PICO-8 integration provide a novel experience for tinkerers and fans of low-spec innovation.
Acer's flagship 8-inch handheld just hit the UK, but you'll need to wait until next month in the US
Acer's 8-inch Predator Atlas 8 handheld gaming PC has launched in the UK for £1,299, with a US release expected next month for around $1,700. The device features an Intel Arc G3 Extreme chipset, 24GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, but its high price point is compared unfavorably to competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X.
This retro handheld asks "what if the PS Portal looked like a PS2 DualShock controller?", but I doubt Sony…
The Yoniq Portal Handheld Gaming Console is a new retro handheld designed to resemble a PlayStation 2 DualShock controller with a 4.5-inch screen. While the concept aims to emulate PlayStation 2 games, the device's lack of specs and potential copyright issues with Sony's iconic button symbols raise significant skepticism.
Nine months into a rough year for handheld gaming PCs, I'm reluctantly thankful for the open-box ROG Xbox Ally…
Nine months into a challenging year for handheld gaming PCs, the author reluctantly recommends an open-box ASUS ROG Ally as a sensible option due to rising prices. The article notes that while the ROG Ally X offers better specs, the base model, when purchased used, provides a more accessible entry point compared to the significantly more expensive Steam Deck OLED, despite the author's frustration with the overall market trend.
30 Minutes of Resident Evil 2, 3, & 4 on Switch 2
A preview of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 ports for Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 reveals impressive handheld performance. The ports are expected to be excellent, offering a great way to experience these acclaimed survival horror titles on the go.
Valve says RAM crisis hasn't really changed its Steam Deck 2 plans, but hints that it could affect launch timing — and I'm all for a long delay if it's necessary
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the ongoing RAM crisis has not significantly altered plans for the Steam Deck 2, but it could affect the launch timing. Valve remains committed to delivering a substantial generational performance leap for the sequel, prioritizing value and performance over an earlier release date, even if it means a longer wait.
The Steam Deck 2 has 'not really' been impacted by the memory supply crisis, with Valve still focused on a 'very delineated performance improvement' for its next handheld
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the memory supply crisis has had minimal impact on the development of the Steam Deck 2. Valve remains focused on delivering a significant performance improvement for its next handheld gaming PC, though the exact release timeline is uncertain due to ongoing supply chain conditions.
Valve says making the Steam Deck 2 is "just a matter of looking at the current conditions", so I doubt it will…
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the development of a potential Steam Deck 2 is ongoing but dependent on current market conditions, particularly regarding component prices and availability. While not delayed, a release is not imminent, with Valve prioritizing a significant performance improvement at an accessible price point.
How I got to play the Evercade Nexus early and what I think of it - Reader’s Feature
A reader shares their early hands-on experience with the Evercade Nexus, Alpha, and Super Pocket at a community event. While finding the Nexus and Alpha enjoyable, the Super Pocket's controls were frustrating. The event fostered a positive community atmosphere, contrasting with the perceived attitudes of larger companies like Sony and Xbox.
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 1: The New Toys
This guide explores handheld gaming options for JRPG players, focusing on modern devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, as well as budget-friendly retro handhelds from companies like Retroid and Anbernic. It discusses how to choose a device based on desired games, portability needs, and budget, highlighting specific JRPGs that perform well on different platforms.
Retroid just said "hold my 3DS" to Anbernic and revealed a $149 Pocket Duo Lite
Retroid has unveiled its new Pocket Duo handheld, a dual-screen device designed for Nintendo 3DS and DS emulation. A budget-friendly 'Lite' version will launch at $149, featuring a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6125 chipset and smaller displays, while the full model starts at $269 with dual OLED screens. The devices aim to compete with Anbernic's offerings in the retro handheld market.
