Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
I just spotted the Steam Deck in a big horror movie sequel, and its film debut highlights the handheld's biggest…
The Steam Deck OLED made a notable appearance in the horror movie sequel Ready or Not 2, playing a role in a character's preoccupation with gaming. The article humorously notes how the handheld's battery life limitations were even reflected in its film debut. This appearance highlights the current state of gaming handhelds, including their battery constraints, compared to other devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch.
Even In The Age Of The Steam Deck And The Switch, The Nintendo 3DS Is The Best Portable Console
Despite the rise of modern handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, the Nintendo 3DS remains the superior portable console due to its pocket-sized design and focused gaming experience. The 3DS successfully revitalized the Fire Emblem series and offered a unique, deliberate way to play games, distinguishing itself from the maximalist approach of its competitors and the constant interruptions of mobile devices.
Nintendo's New Handheld Boost Mode: A Brilliant Way To Revisit Switch Games on Switch 2
This review of Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Nintendo Switch 2 Edition suggests that while it offers a chance to replay the game or experience it for the first time, the added features are largely inessential. The "Switch 2 Edition" is considered an "in-between" release, with only Rosalina standing out among the new additions, making it a non-essential purchase for those who have already played the original.
March Xbox Update: New Console Updates Available to Insiders, Xbox at GDC, and More
Xbox is rolling out new console features for Insiders, including customizable Home groups, custom colors, and Quick Resume settings. Updates from GDC include Project Helix, a next-generation console concept, and the expansion of Xbox mode to all Windows 11 devices. New dynamic backgrounds for Sea of Thieves and Towerborne are also available.
The RAMpocalypse Is Already Claiming Its First PC Gaming Handheld
AyaNeo has suspended preorders for its upcoming Next 2 handheld gaming PC due to significant increases in RAM and storage costs, driven by demand from AI and data-center companies. While existing preorders will be fulfilled, the company cited that component costs have more than doubled, making the product unsustainable at its current price point. This situation highlights a broader industry-wide component shortage impacting various gaming hardware, including the Steam Deck and potentially future consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo is re-releasing the Switch 2 in the EU with a replaceable battery—and it's high time handheld gaming…
Nintendo will release a version of the Nintendo Switch with easily replaceable batteries in the European Union, complying with upcoming EU regulations on repairability. This change, driven by the EU's right to repair initiatives, aims to make portable electronics more sustainable and user-serviceable.
Resident Evil’s Big Nintendo Swing and a Miss - IGN
This article explores the history of Resident Evil on Nintendo handheld consoles, detailing both successful and failed attempts. It covers the ambitious but ultimately cancelled Game Boy Color port, the forgotten Resident Evil Gaiden, and the successful Resident Evil: Deadly Silence on the Nintendo DS, contrasting them with modern handheld experiences on platforms like the Steam Deck.
As the Game Boy Advance turns 25, here are seven of the best GBA games you can play on Switch right now, and five we hope show up soon
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Game Boy Advance, this article highlights seven beloved GBA titles currently playable on the Nintendo Switch and five more that fans hope will be added soon. The author shares personal memories and discusses the enduring legacy of the handheld's vast library, including iconic series and new franchises that were born on the platform.
Big update to SteamOS improves support for non-Valve handhelds, newer platforms, discrete GPUs, and Steam Machine
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview introduces significant improvements for non-Valve handhelds, newer AMD and Intel platforms, and discrete GPUs. The update enhances compatibility, video memory management, and controller support across various devices, including the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. It also brings preliminary support for the upcoming Steam Machine.
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview brings initial Steam Machine support, and improvements for many handhelds
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview introduces initial support for Steam Machine hardware and significant improvements for various handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also brings an updated Arch Linux base, enhanced graphics drivers, VRR improvements, and a Wayland-default KDE Plasma desktop environment.
This Week in Switch 2 - Elden Ring Tarnished Edition hands-on, Pokopia launch sales & Pikmin in NCU!
This article provides hands-on impressions of Elden Ring running in handheld mode, likely referring to a potential Nintendo Switch version. It also discusses DLSS technology and the launch sales figures for the game Pokopia.
Sorry Microsoft, but I've shoved your handheld onto a Steam Deck dock and started playing 2000s games using an Xbox…
This article details how to connect an Xbox 360 controller to modern PC gaming setups, specifically using the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld docked to a Steam Deck dock. It explains the necessary hardware, including a PC adapter for the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver, and the driver installation process on Windows 11, noting compatibility with SteamOS as well. The author highlights the authentic retro gaming experience achieved by playing classics like Fallout New Vegas and Bioshock with the classic controller.
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.
