Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
Why I Bought the Lenovo Legion Go 2 (and Why It Was Worth Every Penny) – Geeky Sweetie
The author explains their decision to purchase the Lenovo Legion Go 2, a handheld gaming PC, despite its high price and the availability of cheaper alternatives. They emphasize that the device's detachable controllers and ergonomic design, which allow for more comfortable and flexible play sessions, make it the ideal device for their personal use, outweighing specifications and benchmarks.
Steam Deck OLED at $789: Should You Still Buy One in 2026?
Valve has significantly increased the prices of the Steam Deck OLED models, with the 512GB version now costing $789 and the 1TB version $949, reflecting global component cost challenges. This article explores whether the three-year-old handheld is still worth purchasing at these new flagship prices, considering alternatives like refurbished units, the used market, and competing devices, while also discussing the broader trend of rising prices in the handheld gaming market.
Discontinuing physical discs is one thing, but the PlayStation Portal already hints at Sony's worrying ambitions…
The article analyzes Sony's potential shift towards an all-digital and cloud-based future, using the PlayStation Portal as a key indicator of these ambitions. It discusses past attempts like the PSP Go and PlayStation TV, and contrasts Sony's physical-first approach with Valve's digital model, expressing concern over the potential loss of game ownership.
'Yes, that's Counter-Strike on a PSP!': Modder gets favorite PC FPS working on Sony's 22-year-old…
A modder named Yifeng Wang has successfully created a Counter-Strike clone, dubbed OpenStrike, that runs on the 22-year-old PlayStation Portable handheld. This proof-of-concept utilizes a custom Rust-based 3D engine and a JavaScript engine, achieving 60 FPS with a small RAM footprint. The mod also works on the PlayStation Vita and features all eight original Counter-Strike maps.
A Nintendo Switch 2 OLED model might be on the cards, but don't expect one any time soon
Rumors suggest Nintendo is considering a Nintendo Switch 2 model with an OLED display, potentially featuring a 1280x720 resolution screen supplied by Samsung. Mass production could begin as early as late 2027 or early 2028, though Nintendo has not made any official announcements. The article also mentions a confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 with a replaceable battery releasing in Europe next year.
Lenovo's Legion C700 cloud handheld feels like the wrong response to a worsening handheld price situation
Lenovo's new Legion C700 cloud handheld, designed for Tencent's START streaming service, is criticized as the wrong response to current handheld market conditions. The article argues that cloud streaming devices, like the Logitech G Cloud and PlayStation Portal, are not the solution to rising handheld prices, especially when compared to more versatile devices like the Ayn Odin 2 or Steam Deck. The author expresses concern that this trend could normalize streaming-only devices, which is undesirable for handheld enthusiasts.
Saturday Mobilization
The article suggests that handheld gaming PCs may be facing obsolescence, referencing a PC Gamer report. It also briefly mentions Samsung Display's launch of OBLYX technology.
Handheld gaming PCs are cooked
The market for handheld gaming PCs is facing significant challenges due to rising component prices, particularly memory. Devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck are becoming less affordable, with even budget options like the Steam Deck OLED seeing substantial price increases. This trend, coupled with the strong performance of consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, suggests a potentially shrinking market for high-performance handheld gaming PCs, possibly relegating them to a niche for enthusiasts with deep pockets.
"This time, we pay tribute to a true icon" - Ayaneo teases the OG Game Boy Advance remake I've been…
Ayaneo has teased a new handheld device called the Konkr Pocket Advance, which appears to be a remake of the original Game Boy Advance. The company aims to pay tribute to the iconic 2001 handheld, focusing on its classic design and portable gaming experience. Details regarding price, availability, and exact specifications are still scarce, but fans are hoping for an affordable device that captures the essence of the original Game Boy Advance with modern enhancements.
Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are getting a spec bump, but will cost $10 more after July 14
The Retroid Pocket 5 and Retroid Pocket Flip 2 handheld devices are receiving a specification upgrade, which will result in a $10 price increase for both models after July 14. This update affects even older emulation-focused handhelds, indicating a trend of increased component costs.
BitmoLab's GameBaby Transparent Edition Turns iPhone 17 Pro Max into a Retro-Style Handheld
BitmoLab has launched the GameBaby Transparent Edition, a limited-edition case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max that transforms it into a retro-style handheld gaming device. This new version features a transparent shell, metal keycaps, and an ABXY button layout, enhancing compatibility with classic games and offering a tactile gaming experience without Bluetooth or charging. The case is available globally for $24.99, with only 500 units produced.
I went hands-on with the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and while it runs like a dream it may be too big even for the largest-handed…
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ offers impressive performance for games like F1 2025, but its large size may be a significant drawback even for users with large hands. While it boasts ergonomic improvements over previous models, the overall dimensions might make it uncomfortable for extended play sessions, potentially making alternatives like the Acer Predator Atlas 8 a better choice despite similar specs.
Summer Vacation Handheld Loadout 2026 | TAG
This guide provides recommendations for pre-installing 4-6 games on handheld devices for vacation gaming, emphasizing variety and offline playability. It covers device-specific considerations for Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and iPad, along with strategies for battery management, cloud saves, and storage. The article also suggests backup activities and packing checklists for a seamless gaming experience during travel.
Somehow, the $1,000 Asus ROG Ally Xbox X is the best value gaming handheld I can think of right now
Despite its initial high price, the ASUS ROG Ally Xbox X is now considered the best value handheld gaming PC due to current market conditions and rising prices of competitors like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. The article highlights the ROG Ally's strong performance with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU and Windows operating system as key factors in its current appeal.
What kind of PS6 could justify a $1,000 price tag? | Opinion
The article speculates on how Sony could justify a potential $1,000 price tag for the PlayStation 6, suggesting a significant departure from current-gen hardware is necessary. It explores the challenges posed by rising component costs and the potential shift towards a digital-only, possibly more portable, console design, referencing the discontinuation of physical game sales and the success of the PlayStation Portal.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced promises smooth handheld sailing with Steam Deck and Steam Machine verification
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, indicating full compatibility with Valve's handheld PC. This is an improvement over the original Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag's 'Playable' rating. The verification also implies compatibility with Steam Machines, making it the first major game since their launch to receive this dual certification.
The Sony PSP: The Battlefield of Style vs. Substance
The PlayStation Portable, despite its superior raw power compared to the Nintendo DS, ultimately faced challenges in dominating the handheld market. This analysis explores the balance between the PSP's impressive specifications and its perceived shortcomings in style or other factors that influenced its market performance.
Could the PS6 be a handheld? PlayStation boss says the next-gen console will 'enable a seamless experience that can…
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has hinted that the next-generation PlayStation console, potentially the PlayStation 6, could feature a handheld or hybrid design. Nishino stated Sony aims to break the perception of PlayStation being solely a living room device and wants to enable a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room, suggesting a shift towards more versatile usage styles.
Sony confirms PS6 will go 'beyond the living room' amid handheld rumours
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that the upcoming PlayStation 6 console will extend beyond traditional living room play, fueling rumors of a handheld component. Nishino also discussed console pricing strategies, suggesting that Sony will not absorb all component cost increases and may implement further price adjustments. Additionally, he highlighted the increasing use of AI in PlayStation's operations, from fraud detection on the PlayStation Store to enhancing game development processes.
Sony’s Latest PlayStation Comments Sound Suspiciously Handheld-Shaped
Sony executive Hideaki Nishino has made comments that suggest the company might be exploring handheld gaming devices, potentially hinting at a future beyond the PlayStation 5. While details are scarce, these remarks have fueled speculation about a new handheld PlayStation.