Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
PS6 console and handheld backwards compatible with PS4 games claims leak
A leak from YouTuber Moore's Law Is Dead suggests the upcoming PlayStation 6 console and its rumored handheld companion will be backwards compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games. The leak also indicates the handheld will be capable of running PlayStation 6 titles natively.
PS6 Lite Based on Handheld APU is Unlikely Because “It Would be a Nightmare for Devs” – Rumor
Industry insider KeplerL2 suggests a 'Lite' PlayStation 6 console based on a handheld APU is unlikely due to development challenges. Developers would face difficulties scaling games across both standard and low-power PS6 hardware, especially when upscaling to 4K. KeplerL2 also proposed alternative hardware configurations for a potential lower-cost PS6 model.
ONEXPLAYER just started teasing a Legion Go 2 rival with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, but the handheld maker should read…
ONEXPLAYER has begun teasing its new X2 Mini handheld gaming device, which appears to be a competitor to the Lenovo Legion Go. The device is rumored to feature a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, a detachable controller design, and an 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED display. The article also touches on the high cost of current gaming handhelds and the desire for more affordable options.
SteamOS 3.8.2 Beta brings fixes for security issues, trackpad on Legion Go and Borderlands 2
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.2 Beta, introducing fixes for security vulnerabilities, trackpad issues on the Legion Go, and a crash bug in Borderlands 2. The update also includes general stability improvements, enhanced controller support for various handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and GPD Win 5, and updates to the KDE Plasma desktop environment to version 6.4.3 with Wayland as the default.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 Pricing Sparks Backlash at Nearly $3,000
Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go 2 handheld gaming PC has sparked significant backlash due to its reported price of nearly $3,000 for the 2TB model. This pricing places it in direct competition with high-end gaming laptops, a stark contrast to the original Legion Go's $700-800 range. The PC gaming community is questioning the value proposition at this premium price point, especially when compared to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally.
Retro handheld maker Anbernic's latest device has a swiveling display
Retro handheld maker Anbernic has revealed its new device, the RG Rotate, featuring a unique 1:1 swiveling display similar to older flip phones. The device will run on Android, feature an aluminum alloy frame, and include a proprietary ultra-thin alloy hinge. Anbernic has not yet announced pricing for the RG Rotate.
The Steam Machine could pull some pretty big moves with just 8GB VRAM, thanks to a savvy Valve engineer
Valve engineer Natalie Vock has proposed Linux kernel patches to improve VRAM management, potentially boosting performance on devices with limited memory like the upcoming Steam Machine. These optimizations could allow games like Cyberpunk 2077 to utilize available VRAM more efficiently, preventing data from being offloaded to slower system memory.
PS6 rumors suggest the next console war will be fought on a completely new battlefield, and the Steam Machine might be…
Rumors suggest the PlayStation 6 will launch in 2027 with multiple hardware options, including a budget model and a handheld, potentially shifting Sony's strategy towards ecosystem dominance. This comes as Xbox is also focusing on a hybrid console/PC approach with Project Helix and portable options like the ROG Ally, while Valve's Steam Machine is positioned to compete directly in the console market by leveraging existing PC player bases.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld costs more than two Nvidia RTX 5080 GPUs — and that's genuinely absurd
Lenovo has significantly increased the price of its 2TB Legion Go 2 handheld to $2,850, making it more expensive than two Nvidia RTX 5080 GPUs. This price hike, which also affected the 1TB model, is attributed to the ongoing memory crisis impacting PC hardware. The company has not provided an official explanation for the substantial increase.
OnePlus could take the road less traveled for its gaming handheld, and it just might pay off
OnePlus is reportedly considering using a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset for its upcoming gaming handheld, a move that deviates from the common use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. This choice, supported by AYANEO's successful use of MediaTek, could allow OnePlus to price its device more competitively. The Dimensity 9500's ARM Mali G1-Ultra MC12 GPU is expected to offer strong graphical performance and ray tracing capabilities.
PlayStation 6 Handheld Could Cost $500-$700, Leak Suggests
A recent leak suggests Sony is planning a PlayStation 6 handheld device with a price point between $500 and $700. This premium pricing indicates a focus on high-end hardware capable of running next-generation games, targeting enthusiasts rather than casual users. The strategy aims to avoid past mistakes like those with the PS Vita and compete with premium handheld PCs.
Get An ROG Xbox Ally For Only $500 Before The Inevitable Price Increase Arrives
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC is currently available for $500 at Amazon and Best Buy, a $100 discount from its original price. This Windows 11-based device features a 7-inch 120Hz display, 16GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, offering PC gaming on the go. The deal includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium.
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.
