Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
The handheld gaming PC scene might be in tatters, but there's no scenario where I'd pay $750 for one of the…
The author argues that the current pricing for handheld gaming PCs, particularly the MSI Claw, is excessive, with Best Buy selling a poorly received model for $749.99. While acknowledging component shortages, they suggest retailers should lower prices on older models like the MSI Claw and that the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck remain more reasonable options.
Three Nintendo 3DS Games That Practically Everyone Owned In The 2010s
During the 2010s, the Nintendo 3DS and its 2DS relative were ubiquitous handhelds, boasting a strong library that included popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon X and Y, and Mario Kart 7. These games, along with backward compatibility with DS titles, contributed to the system's significant sales success and enduring popularity.
Microsoft apparently just upped its Windows licence fee for OEM handheld and PC makers, and I'm taking it as an…
Microsoft has reportedly increased Windows OEM license fees by 7% to 10% for handheld and PC makers, a move criticized as bold given the rise of Linux. This increase could lead to higher prices for gaming handhelds and PCs, particularly for smaller manufacturers like Ayaneo, while larger companies and partnership devices like the ROG Ally X may be less affected. The author suggests this could further incentivize a shift towards Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS for gaming devices.
Ayaneo reveals yet another GBA clone colorway, but I'm not sure why it waited until it sold over 15,000 handhelds…
Ayaneo has released new colorways for its KONKR Pocket Advance GBA-style handheld, including a transparent 'Onyx Ice' variant, despite having already sold over 15,000 units. The new transparent model is priced higher than previous versions, starting at $109 and going up to $149 for the 4GB/64GB configuration. This strategy of drip-feeding new options post-launch has drawn criticism, with some buyers feeling disgruntled.
Ayaneo drops a pink GBA homage to Princess Peach after restocking its Konkr Pocket Advance, but I feel sorry for fans who previously pre-ordered the portable
Ayaneo has released a new pink "Peach" edition of its KONKR Pocket Advance, a Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld, coinciding with a restock of other colorways. The company cited high demand for the initial sell-outs and worked to secure more components. This new color variant, priced at $89, has drawn criticism for being released after initial pre-orders, a practice seen as a trend in the retro handheld market.
Five Game Boy Advance Games That Will Swallow a Month of Your Life
This article highlights five Game Boy Advance games that can consume a significant amount of player time, challenging the notion that handheld titles are merely short diversions. Games like Pokémon Emerald, Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword, Phantasy Star Collection, Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are discussed for their lengthy playtime, with some completionist runs exceeding 100 hours.
I Replaced All My Consoles & PC With A Steam Machine For A Month
The author details their experience replacing all their gaming consoles and PC with a Steam Deck for one month. This experiment aimed to assess the viability of the handheld as a primary gaming device for PC and console gamers alike.
The Evercade will soon run DOOM, and it's even getting its own limited edition Nexus handheld
Blaze is releasing a new DOOM collection for the Evercade on October 30, featuring the original DOOM, its sequel, and mission packs. A limited edition Evercade Nexus handheld with a DOOM-themed design will also be available for pre-order, limited to 3,000 units. The collection will also be playable on the Super Pocket handheld.
You can now pre-order Ayaneo's GBA clone, and its sub-$100 price tag is giving me hope
Ayaneo has opened pre-orders for its Game Boy Advance-style handheld, the KONKR Pocket Advance, starting at $89. The device runs on Android 12 and features a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, capable of emulating systems up to the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Early bird pricing offers a 3GB RAM/32GB storage model for $89, with an upgrade to 4GB RAM/64GB storage available for $109.
The Anbernic RG SP will be available on August 5
The Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5. Early bird pricing is being offered, with the device starting at $65.
Ayaneo reveals its Game Boy Advance remake called the Konkr Pocket Advance
Ayaneo has revealed its new handheld device, the Konkr Pocket Advance, which is a remake of the Game Boy Advance. The horizontal handheld will be available in navy and orange colorways.
Weekend Discussion - July 26, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from Shacknews covers various topics including potential remakes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a desire for more original Xbox titles, and the introduction of new handheld gaming devices. It also features discussions on Halo maps, music, and updates on games like Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and Street Fighter 6.
Don't Play Halo: Campaign Evolved on Steam Deck or Xbox Ally
Halo: Campaign Evolved exhibits poor performance and image quality on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, falling short of the older Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Players seeking a handheld Halo experience are advised to stick with the Master Chief Collection for better results.
The Anbernic RG SP looks like an awesome update to one of the most iconic Game Boys of all time
The Anbernic RG SP is presented as a modern update to the iconic Game Boy Advance SP. It aims to incorporate desired features for contemporary handheld gaming enthusiasts.
REVIEW: Mobapad M12 HD & M12 S
This review discusses the Mobapad M12 HD and M12 S accessories for the Nintendo Switch, finding them to be a strong addition to the hybrid console's ecosystem. The reviewer notes that the Switch OLED model remains a personal favorite, but the Mobapad accessories enhance the overall handheld experience.
New estimate suggests Valve's Steam Deck sales have decreased by 82%, and the reason shouldn't be a surprise
Valve's Steam Deck has reportedly seen an 82% decrease in unit sales, attributed to price increases for both LCD and OLED models. Analysis suggests a 72% revenue contraction and a 54% price hike have significantly reduced demand, pushing the device down in Steam's top seller rankings. The discontinuation of the LCD model and ongoing RAM shortages for OLED variants further impact availability and value proposition compared to more powerful alternatives.
Anbernic is making yet another GBA SP clone, and I'm glad it's ditching the sticks
Anbernic is releasing a new GBA SP-style handheld, the RG SP, which notably ditches the embedded thumbsticks of its predecessors for a more authentic retro experience. This new model is 10% slimmer than previous versions and features a 25% thinner top screen bezel. It will be powered by the H700 chipset, capable of emulating up to PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast, and will be available in multiple colors.
Steam Deck sales are estimated to have plummeted by around 80% since the massive price hikes earlier this year, back of…
Sales estimates suggest Steam Deck unit sales have plummeted by approximately 80% since price hikes were implemented earlier this year. This significant drop in demand is attributed to increased costs, making the handheld a less attractive value proposition for consumers.
Steam Deck sales are seemingly down an estimated 82% - Bear with me while I put on my surprised face
Steam Deck sales have reportedly dropped by an estimated 82%, with weekly unit sales falling between 1,400 and 3,000 following Valve's price increases. While the author acknowledges pricing as a major factor, they also suggest the age of the hardware and competition from devices like the ASUS ROG Ally may be contributing to the decline. Despite the dip, the author believes the Steam Deck remains a strong contender in the handheld market.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved Steam Deck Verified?
Halo: Campaign Evolved has been confirmed as Steam Deck Verified and optimized for handheld PCs like the ASUS ROG Ally. The game will feature cross-platform four-player co-op and will be available on Game Pass from day one for certain subscription tiers.