Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
Steam Deck hits 30,000 compatible games, according to SteamDB
The Steam Deck has surpassed 30,000 compatible games, with over 8,900 fully verified and an additional 21,000 marked as playable according to SteamDB. While most Windows titles run well via Valve's Proton compatibility layer, games with kernel-level anti-cheat like Black Ops 7 and Valorant remain unplayable.
Anbernic's reimagining of the Switch Lite goes on sale August 31
Anbernic is releasing the RG 55G1, a handheld gaming device, starting August 31. The device will be available in three colors and priced at $150, featuring a design reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Save 42% Off the PS Portal, the Only Way You'll Be Able to Play Grand Theft Auto 6 on a Handheld
Grand Theft Auto 6 will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at launch, with no initial plans for other platforms. The article also mentions a discount on the PlayStation Portal handheld device.
OneXPlayer adds another pricey handheld to the Arc G3 pile, and this one is $2,000
OneXPlayer has released a new premium handheld, the Arc G3 Extreme, priced at $2,000. This device features an Intel Arc G3 chipset, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, positioning it as a high-performance portable PC. The article notes a trend of increasing prices in the handheld gaming PC market, making devices over $1,000 more common.
ASUS and Xbox Open Pre-Orders for the $1,299.99 ROG Xbox Ally X20 Handheld
ASUS and Xbox have opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,299.99 for the standalone version and $2,499.99 for a bundle. This special 20th-anniversary edition of the Republic of Gamers device features a translucent black chassis and an OLED display, celebrating two decades of ROG hardware. The X20 is a premium handheld PC, distinct from Microsoft's next-generation console, Xbox Project Helix.
The Ayn Odin 3 is creeping up to old Steam Deck prices, and I can't wrap my head around the $529 Max
The Ayn Odin 3 handheld gaming device is facing its third price increase since March, with the Max version now costing over $500. Ayn attributes the hikes to rising costs of Qualcomm chipsets and DRAM/UFS. Prices for the Base, Pro, and Max models will increase by $20 starting September 1, making them significantly more expensive than the original Steam Deck.
Should You Play Elden Ring On Switch 2?
This article discusses the performance of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The author spent a week testing the game on the handheld to see how it holds up. The discussion focuses on the viability of playing Elden Ring on the new console.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 Costs $1,300, And The OLED Screen Better Be Worth It
Asus has opened preorders for the new ASUS ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,300. This upgraded model features a 7.4-inch 1080p OLED 120Hz HDR display, an 80Wh battery, 1TB of storage, and 24GB of RAM. The price increase is attributed to global memory shortages affecting component costs.
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
ASUS is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its gaming division with the ROG XBOX Ally X20
ASUS is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) division with the announcement of the ROG XBOX Ally X20. A key upgrade for this anniversary model is a larger 7.4-inch OLED display.
ROG Xbox Ally X20 is Out on October 15th, Priced at $1,299
ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,299 and launching on October 15th. This anniversary model features a larger 7.4-inch OLED display and minor internal hardware upgrades over the original ROG Ally X. A bundle including ROG XREAL R1 Edition AR glasses is available for $2,499.
PS6 Handheld Costing $600 is “Definitely Not Possible” Due to LPDDR Price Increases – Rumor
A rumor suggests that a PlayStation 6 handheld console is unlikely to be priced at $600 due to significant price increases in LPDDR memory. The leaker also indicated that the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro are likely sold at or near cost, with potential memory shortages continuing into 2028. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has previously stated the company does not plan to sell hardware at substantial losses.
Switch 2 price increase revealed in the UK, and at least Nintendo is being more merciful than Sony and Microsoft were…
Nintendo has announced a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK, with the console set to cost £419.99 starting September 1, 2026. This increase is significantly less than the price hikes seen for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S earlier this year, and also less than the recent increase for the Steam Deck. The article also mentions potential future releases like a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and a special edition Switch 2 console.
"Looks more like a Long Boi" - I accidentally created a Razer Game Boy using the 8Bitdo FlipPad, and its absurd length is actually great for TATE shmups
The 8Bitdo FlipPad controller, when paired with the Razer Edge handheld, creates an unusually long gaming device that excels at TATE mode shmups. While not compatible with all phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, this "Razer Game Boy" offers a larger play window than the Analogue Pocket for vertical shooters.
Why Cheap Retro Handhelds Make More Sense Than Ever In 2026
Despite rising costs in the gaming industry, affordable retro handhelds from companies like Anbernic offer a compelling way to play games from multiple generations. Devices like the Anbernic R35XXSP, inspired by the Game Boy SP, provide a portable and budget-friendly option for accessing classic titles and even some ported PC games.
Mainstream Consoles Are Too Expensive. It’s Time To look At Cheap Handhelds.
This article explores the value of inexpensive retro emulation handhelds in the current market of increasingly costly mainstream gaming hardware. It highlights how these devices offer an affordable alternative for gamers.
Yes, a 24K gold-plated Supreme Analogue Pocket is absurd, but it isn't for regular Game Boy enjoyers like me
Analogue is releasing a 24K gold-plated and metallic red Supreme Analogue Pocket later this year, targeting fans of the Supreme brand and limited edition collectibles. While the lavish exterior is new, the device retains its core functionality as a retro handheld capable of playing Game Boy, Game Gear, Atari Lynx, PC Engine, and Neo Geo Pocket cartridges via adapters, featuring a 3.5-inch LCD display.
Intel might be cooking up a budget-friendly handheld chip but I'd still be surprised if it's cheap enough or…
Intel may be developing a new budget-friendly chip for handheld gaming PCs, potentially featuring four Performance-cores and four Xe cores. This new chip, codenamed Panther Lake, could aim to reduce the high cost of current handheld devices, though pricing remains a significant concern. The article also mentions Intel's previous Arc G3 and G3 Extreme processors designed for the handheld market.
The PSP is the ultimate physical media EDC in 2026, change my mind
This opinion piece argues that the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is the ultimate device for physical media enthusiasts in 2026. Despite its 2005 launch, the PSP's UMD format for games and movies, combined with its handheld capabilities, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking ownership in an increasingly digital world. The article also touches on the PSP's potential as an early smartphone and its ease of repair, making it an attractive option for tinkerers.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Steam Boy, a Steam Deck crammed inside a Game Boy-like chassis
A Reddit user has created a custom 'Steam Boy' by fitting a Steam Deck's motherboard, battery, and speakers into a Game Boy-sized 3D-printed chassis. While the controls have been significantly reduced, the project aims to create a more compact handheld gaming PC. The next steps involve integrating a screen and triggers.