Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
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.
Lenovo is going long with a foldable 12-inch handheld gaming PC concept
Lenovo has unveiled a concept for a foldable 12-inch handheld gaming PC called the Legion Go Fold. This device features a large, foldable screen that can be used horizontally or vertically, with detachable controllers and an integrated keyboard and trackpad case. The concept aims to provide a versatile gaming and productivity solution for travelers.
Lenovo just unveiled an absurd new gaming handheld with a folding 11-inch screen
Lenovo has unveiled a new gaming handheld featuring a large 11-inch folding screen, positioning it as a larger alternative to devices like the Legion Go and Steam Deck. The device aims to cater to users seeking a bigger display for portable gaming.
The OrangePi Neo gaming handheld with Manjaro Linux is now "on ice" due to component prices
The planned release of the OrangePi Neo handheld gaming device, running Manjaro Linux, has been put on hold due to high prices of DDR5 RAM and SSDs, exacerbated by the AI surge. Project Lead Philip Müller confirmed the delay, noting that certifications are complete but a favorable market condition is awaited. This marks another setback for the device, which was already facing delays.
Sony has Gran Turismo 7 running on Switch 2 claims insider – but why?
An insider claims Sony Interactive Entertainment has successfully run Gran Turismo 7 on the Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting it could be a test for future ports or to gauge the console's capabilities. While the game is unlikely to be released on the platform, its performance on the Switch 2 is seen as a benchmark for Sony's potential handheld plans and competitor analysis.
Happy four years to the Steam Deck - still the top PC gaming handheld
Four years after its original LCD release, the Steam Deck has significantly impacted handheld PC gaming and Linux adoption. Valve's continued work on SteamOS and Proton has made over 25,000 titles playable, with future hardware like the Steam Frame VR headset and Steam Controller 2 on the horizon. The article also touches on current stock issues for the Steam Deck OLED due to AI hardware demand.
Fanatical's Play on the Go Elite Collection Bundle for Feb 2026 has some gems in it
Fanatical has launched a new 'Play on the Go Elite Collection' bundle featuring multiple games compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck and Legion Go. The bundle offers tiered pricing, with discounts increasing for purchasing more games, and includes titles such as V Rising, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, and Jurassic World Evolution 2 Deluxe Edition.
Death Stranding 2 PC specs have been revealed, along with a "Portable" preset for handhelds
Official PC specifications for Death Stranding 2 have been released, featuring reasonable requirements for 1440p at 60FPS and a dedicated "Portable" preset for handheld PCs like the Steam Deck. The game will support NVIDIA DLSS 4, AMD FSR 4, Intel XESS 2, and a new "Pico" upscaling option developed by Guerrilla for the Decima engine.
AMD Reportedly Pauses Ryzen Z1 Drivers — Bad News for Gaming Handhelds
AMD has reportedly halted driver development for its Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme chipsets, impacting gaming handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. This decision leaves owners of these devices with outdated software, potentially leading to performance issues and a lack of support for new games. The move raises concerns about planned obsolescence in the burgeoning Windows handheld market.
