Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
JSAUX Accessories Review — Steam Deck Dock, Screen Protector, and Charger for Nintendo Switch 2 | Console Creatures
This review examines JSAUX accessories for the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, including a 4K@120Hz docking station, a 60W USB-C charger, and anti-glare screen protectors. The accessories enhance the handheld experience by enabling TV output, fast charging for multiple devices, and reducing screen glare for outdoor use.
New video shows Switch games running on Nintendo Switch 2 with boost mode on
Nintendo has introduced a handheld boost mode for the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing original Nintendo Switch games to run with improved resolution and framerates in handheld mode, similar to docked performance. A video showcases this feature with games like Dragon Quest XI S, and it can be enabled via the system's settings.
PS Portal Gets Even Better with New Firmware Update, Improved Visuals and Enhanced Cloud Streaming
Sony has released a new firmware update for the PlayStation Portal, introducing a 1080p High Quality mode for improved visuals and refining the cloud streaming experience. The update also enhances game invites, trophy notifications, and the search interface. Sony reports strong momentum for the device, with over 50% of users subscribing to PS Plus Premium for cloud streaming.
Weeks after the Steam Deck disappeared, Retroid discontinues Pocket G2 "due to ongoing fluctuations in memory…
Retroid has temporarily discontinued the Retroid Pocket G2 handheld due to ongoing industry-wide component shortages, particularly affecting memory. This follows the recent cancellation of the Retroid Pocket 6's 12GB model. The company is also increasing prices on other devices, with the Pocket Classic now costing $149. The article suggests consumers consider existing handhelds not impacted by AI memory demands while waiting for the market to stabilize.
Remember the Nokia Twist and Motorola Flipout? This handheld brings their weirdest trick back
A leaked Anbernic prototype features a unique swiveling screen design that hides a gamepad, reminiscent of 2009-2010 mobile phones like the Motorola Flipout and Nokia Twist. This experimental form factor, if it reaches production, marks a departure from Anbernic's usual retro-inspired handhelds and could signal a new direction for the company in the handheld gaming market.
Does Death Stranding 2 work on Steam Deck, or are you stuck with the big screen experience?
Death Stranding 2's Steam listing shows 'Unknown' for Steam Deck compatibility, but official requirements and a 'Portable preset' suggest it will be playable on handheld devices. While framerates are unconfirmed, it's anticipated to run at around 30 FPS with potential dips, likely requiring FSR upscaling.
Windows 11 Xbox Mode Turns PCs Into Gaming Consoles This April
Microsoft is releasing an "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 in April 2026, transforming PCs into a console-like interface optimized for controllers and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. This feature aims to improve performance by reducing background processes and freeing up RAM, while also integrating Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Store. The move has generated excitement for handheld PC gaming but also concerns from PC purists about increased Xbox integration and potential privacy issues, with some questioning its necessity compared to existing solutions like Steam Big Picture mode.
Free Xbox Ally X update could deliver 30% smoother handheld performance with Auto Super Resolution
Microsoft is releasing a free update for the ASUS ROG Ally handheld that will introduce Automatic Super Resolution. This AI upscaling technology aims to improve game performance by up to 30% while maintaining visual sharpness, with a preview starting in April.
Your ROG Xbox Ally X is about to get a free performance upgrade soon
The ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC will receive a free software update in April 2026 that introduces Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), Microsoft's AI-powered upscaling technology. This feature will enhance game visuals by upscaling from 720p to 1080p or higher, offering a performance boost of up to 30% without requiring developer integration. The update is exclusive to the ROG Ally X due to its AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit.
PS6's Rumoured Portable Could Be in Your Hands as Early as Next Year
Rumors suggest Sony is developing a new PlayStation 6 handheld console, potentially launching in 2027 alongside the PlayStation 6. This device could leverage existing PlayStation 5 software and aims to compete with Nintendo Switch and PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.
Xbox Full Screen Experience shows a potential glimpse of how Project Helix will work – though right now, it’s a flawed PC platform
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) aims to improve Windows 11 for handheld PCs and potentially future consoles like Project Helix. While FSE offers a more gamepad-friendly interface and suspends background processes, it falls short of dedicated gaming operating systems like SteamOS in terms of performance and user experience, often feeling like a superficial overlay on standard Windows.
I played Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 and fat-rolled across the Lands Between as the new Knight…
An early look at Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals a surprisingly capable port, running smoothly in handheld mode with consistent frame rates and crisp audio. Despite initial concerns about hardware limitations, the game maintains its majestic visuals and responsive controls, offering an experience comparable to its PC and console counterparts, though docked mode shows some choppiness.
Does Crimson Desert run on Steam Deck or ROG Ally?
Crimson Desert's performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally is a mixed bag. Pearl Abyss has provided specific performance targets for the ROG Ally, including 720p at 40 FPS with FSR 3 Frame Generation, and 1080p at 60 FPS. While Crimson Desert is not yet Steam Deck Verified, it is expected to run on the device, likely with similar settings to the base ROG Ally.
Does Crimson Desert run on Steam Deck or ROG Ally?
Crimson Desert's performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally is a mixed bag. Pearl Abyss has provided specific performance targets for the ROG Ally, including 720p at 40 FPS with FSR 3 Frame Generation, and 1080p at 60 FPS. While Crimson Desert is not yet Steam Deck Verified, it is expected to run on the device, likely with similar settings to the base ROG Ally.
Crimson Desert's updated system requirements look very promising for any PC gamer, and for what must be a first-ever move, the devs have namechecked the ROG Xbox Ally handheld
Developer Pearl Abyss has released the full PC system requirements for Crimson Desert, detailing minimum and recommended specs for various resolutions and performance targets. Notably, the requirements also include specific configurations for handheld gaming PCs like the ASUS ROG Ally and Xbox Ally X, treating them similarly to console modes.
Playing Slay the Spire 2 and Esoteric Ebb on my ROG Ally all weekend turned me into a happy lump of swaddled gamer joy
The author found themselves engrossed in Slay the Spire 2 and Esoteric Ebb on their ASUS ROG Ally all weekend, neglecting other activities. They highlight how well these games perform and feel on the handheld, particularly enjoying the card-based roguelike and satirical RPG for portable play.
Xbox Full Screen Experience, Windows 11's gaming UI overhaul, is available to try now on Legion Go handhelds
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience, a gamepad-friendly interface for Windows 11 handheld PCs, is now available in a preview build for Lenovo Legion Go devices. While not as polished as SteamOS, it offers improved controller navigation and potential performance optimizations. The feature is expected to see a full rollout soon and may influence future Xbox console operating systems.
Forza Horizon 6: 9 Minutes of Exclusive Gameplay
The author shares their experience with the Nintendo Switch 2, finding it to be a preferred system for multi-platform games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy, especially in handheld mode. While acknowledging it may not offer the best graphical versions, the comfort and enjoyment derived from playing on the Switch 2 make it their go-to for these titles, alongside exclusive games.
Rog Xbox Ally X dyrare i flera länder
The ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC has seen price increases in Japan and Australia, with the X model becoming more expensive while the base model remains unchanged. These price hikes are speculated to be due to rising costs of storage and memory components, potentially impacting other devices like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.
No, AMD isn't abandoning Ryzen Z1 chip series: Lenovo says it's working with AMD on handheld gaming PC updates…
Lenovo has confirmed that it will continue to support its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme-based handheld gaming PC, the Lenovo Legion Go, with driver and BIOS updates until at least October 2029. The company is working with AMD to ensure ongoing hardware support for the device.
