Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 showcases an improved handheld gaming PC experience
The open-source PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 has received significant improvements for handheld gaming PCs, including a redesigned in-game overlay optimized for smaller screens. These updates, already available, also feature faster settings changes and a new Steam shortcuts feature for direct game launching.
SteamOS 3.8.1 now in Beta for more gamers to test new features
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.1 to Beta, bringing a significant update with numerous features and fixes for Steam Deck and other handheld gaming PCs. Key improvements include enhanced WiFi performance, better VRR support, updated graphics drivers, and expanded compatibility for various hardware and peripherals. The update also introduces preliminary support for hibernation and Wayland as the default desktop environment.
Evercade Nexus pre-orders are live, but I'm sad to say the fancy N64 edition is long gone
Pre-orders for the Evercade Nexus retro handheld are now open, with the limited edition Nintendo 64-inspired version selling out instantly. The standard black version, bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Collection, is still available for $199.99. The Evercade Nexus features dual thumbsticks and a larger screen, making it suitable for fifth-generation games beyond 2D platformers.
Xbox Ally handhelds are finally getting thumb stick mouse controls, but I'm hoping it's not a desktop mode…
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld is receiving a new 'Gamepad Cursor' feature for Windows Insiders, allowing the left thumbstick to control the mouse. While this aims to improve desktop navigation on the Windows 11-based device, the author expresses hope that it leads to a more console-like experience rather than just another desktop workaround.
Apple's MacBook Neo is reportedly close to selling out which has got me thinking about why we can't have more simple and affordable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck
The strong sales of Apple's MacBook Neo highlight a market demand for simple and affordable computing devices, prompting a discussion about the lack of similar options in the PC gaming space. The article contrasts the success of the Steam Deck with the high price point of many other PC handhelds and suggests a need for more budget-friendly gaming consoles and PCs.
This could be our first look at OnePlus’ upcoming gaming handheld
Reports suggest OnePlus is entering the handheld gaming market with a new device. Leaked images reveal a boxy design with a rear camera, and rumors indicate an 8-inch display possibly powered by a MediaTek Dimensity chipset. This move signifies OnePlus's expansion into new territory.
After a recent patch, Death Stranding 2 is great on Steam Deck
Following a recent patch, Death Stranding 2 now runs significantly better on the Steam Deck, achieving frame rates between 30-35 fps during gameplay. While battery life remains a concern, this optimization demonstrates the continued capability of handheld PCs for modern titles. The patch also includes various stability and graphics improvements.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally price just dropped $100 making it cheaper than the Steam Deck
The Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming PC has received a $100 price cut on Amazon, bringing its price down to $499, making it cheaper than the Steam Deck OLED. This unofficial discount positions the Ally as a more powerful alternative to the Steam Deck with a higher resolution screen and broader Windows game compatibility. While the Ally X offers superior performance, the discounted standard Ally still provides a capable gaming experience.
Xbox Game Pass additions for April include Hades 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Xbox has announced its Game Pass additions for April, including the highly anticipated Hades 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Several titles are launching day-one on the service, such as The Thaumaturge and Replaced, while others like Grand Theft Auto V will be removed on April 15.
The Most Expensive PC Gaming Handheld Just Got A $650 Price Increase
The Legion Go 2, a PC gaming handheld, has received a significant price increase of $650. Despite featuring a great screen, the new price point makes it unaffordable for many consumers.
CPU Prices Will Reportedly Rise Again For The Third Time This Year
Intel is reportedly planning a third CPU price increase this year, with prices expected to rise by 30 percent due to high demand from AI data centers and supply constraints. Separately, Valve has warned that Steam Deck OLED models may face intermittent stock shortages due to ongoing memory and storage component shortages impacting the PC and console markets.
The GameSir X5s is a solid budget mobile controller you can also use with the Nintendo Switch 2
The GameSir X5s is a budget-friendly mobile controller that offers broad compatibility with iOS, Android, PC, and Nintendo Switch devices for $49.99. While it features Hall Effect sticks and comfortable grips, its offset stick layout and lack of back buttons are notable drawbacks, making it best suited for newcomers or casual mobile gamers.
With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each
Humble Bundle is offering a significant discount on its Humble Choice subscription service, bringing the price down to approximately half off. This promotion effectively makes eight games, including Tempest Rising and Chants of Sennaar, available for about $1 each. The deal is highlighted as a great value, especially for Steam Deck owners, and expires on April 7th.
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that Sony is developing a handheld device for the PlayStation 6 era. Leaks indicate that the company is exploring new hardware possibilities beyond traditional consoles.
Valve is reportedly working on Steam Deck 2 and plans to launch it by 2028, with one big change from the original
Valve is reportedly developing a successor to the Steam Deck, tentatively named Steam Deck 2, with a potential launch by 2028. A significant change from the original is Valve's plan to use off-the-shelf processors instead of custom AMD solutions to streamline development and stay current with technology.
The PlayStation Portal’s Cloud Streaming Update Changes Everything
Sony's PlayStation Portal has become a more compelling device following recent system updates that officially enabled cloud streaming. Initially a companion device solely for streaming from a PlayStation 5, it now offers access to a large library of games via PlayStation Plus Premium, making it a more versatile option for users within the Sony ecosystem.
PlayStation handheld rumors suggest it will beat the Xbox Series S, but I wouldn't bother thinking about it or the…
Recent rumors suggest a next-generation PlayStation handheld could outperform the Xbox Series S and potentially the Steam Deck 2, with performance details pointing to superior rasterization and path tracing capabilities. However, this hypothetical device is not expected to launch until at least 2028, with potential delays for the Steam Deck 2 also being discussed due to component shortages.
Steam Deck 2 Might be Coming Out in 2028 – Rumor
A new report suggests Valve is targeting a 2028 release for the Steam Deck 2, though ongoing memory shortages could cause delays or allow for better hardware integration. Valve designer Lawrence Yang previously stated the company would not pursue yearly iterations, preferring to wait for a significant generational leap in performance and efficiency.
Hardware Snoop Tips Rumoured PS6 Handheld to Be a Beast
Rumors suggest Sony is developing a PlayStation 6 handheld device that will feature a GPU superior to the Xbox Series S, particularly in raytracing capabilities. This potential handheld may also utilize an advanced upscaling solution similar to PSSR to maximize performance in a smaller form factor, though details remain unconfirmed.
PS6 Handheld Will be Faster Than Xbox Series S, Offer Better Visuals Than Nintendo Switch 2 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Sony's upcoming PlayStation 6 handheld will outperform the Xbox Series S in both rasterization and ray tracing. It is also expected to offer superior visual quality compared to the Nintendo Switch 2, utilizing FSR 5 and PSSR 3. Leaked specifications indicate a 3nm chip with RDNA 5 compute units and 24 GB of memory, with Sony reportedly preparing developers for its launch by emphasizing a Low-Power mode on the PlayStation 5.
