Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
Latest coverage
The device in my hands feels like the standard all new handheld gaming PCs will be judged by
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a new handheld gaming PC powered by Intel's G3 Extreme processor, aiming to set a new benchmark for the category. While its performance, quiet operation, and comfortable design are praised, the projected $1500 price point is a significant concern, especially following recent Steam Deck price increases. The device features a 14-core Intel chip, 32GB of RAM, an 8-inch display, and promises improved battery life over its predecessor.
SteamOS 3.8.6 Beta brings expanded handheld support, initial HDMI VRR for devices with native HDMI output
The SteamOS 3.8.6 Beta introduces expanded hardware support for various handheld devices, including MSI Claw, OneXPlayer, and ASUS ROG Ally. This update also brings preliminary support for HDMI VRR on devices with native HDMI output and includes numerous fixes and improvements for controller support, audio, Bluetooth, and desktop mode functionality.
Forget the Predator, the second handheld Acer is taking to Computex could be far more interesting
Acer has revealed the Nitro Blaze Link, a new device designed to stream games from specific Acer gaming laptops, similar to the PlayStation Portal for PCs. This device is expected to launch in late 2026 and aims to offer a more budget-friendly portable play option amidst industry component shortages and rising prices.
Acer is making a companion handheld that pairs with its gaming PCs
Acer is developing a new companion handheld device called the Nitro Blaze Link, designed to pair with its gaming PCs. This device aims to extend the PC gaming experience to a portable format.
Intel just announced two powerful new gaming handheld CPUs, and the timing couldn't be better
Intel has announced its new Arc G3 range of gaming CPUs designed exclusively for handheld PCs, aiming to compete with AMD's dominance in the market. These new chips feature powerful Arc B390 GPUs and power-efficient CPUs, with early tests showing significant performance gains over AMD's offerings. Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer are confirmed partners for upcoming devices utilizing these new Intel processors.
Tim Sweeney takes swipes at Valve for Steam Deck price hike, blames it on the 'component parts supply chain for…
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's recent price increase for the Steam Deck, attributing it to supply chain issues for components. Sweeney sarcastically linked the price hike to Valve's alleged funding of Gabe Newell's superyacht, while also contrasting Valve's lack of layoffs with Epic Games' recent workforce reductions. Despite a nearly 50% price increase, Steam Deck models quickly sold out in North America.
Acer's Predator Atlas 8 handheld gaming PC with new Intel G-series chips looks a lot like a beefier Lenovo Legion…
Acer has unveiled the Predator Atlas 8, a new handheld gaming PC featuring Intel's Arc G-Series processors. The device shares design similarities with the Lenovo Legion Go S and boasts an 8-inch 1900x1200 120Hz display. It will offer up to 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, with an 80 Wh battery aiming for exceptional longevity, and is slated for release in October 2026.
Acer Announces New Gaming Handheld, Predator Atlas 8, With New Arc G-Series Processors
Acer has announced the Predator Atlas 8, a new gaming handheld set to launch in October and powered by Intel's new Arc G-series processors. The device will run Windows 11 and include an Xbox Game Pass subscription, featuring an 8-inch 120Hz touchscreen, advanced cooling, and an 80 Wh battery with Intel Endurance Gaming technology.
Despite the significant price increase, the Steam Deck is already sold out in certain regions
Despite a significant price increase, the Steam Deck OLED has sold out in regions like the USA and Canada, indicating continued strong demand. While other handhelds like the Legion Go S and ASUS ROG Ally X offer more powerful hardware at comparable prices, the Steam Deck remains a top seller, though Valve notes intermittent stock issues due to component shortages.
Intel Arc G-Series processors announced for next-gen handheld gaming PCs
Intel has officially announced its new Intel Arc G-Series processors, designed for next-generation handheld gaming PCs. These processors, including the G3 and G3 Extreme, build upon the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and feature Intel Arc B390 graphics. Hardware launches featuring these chips are expected in the coming months from manufacturers like Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer.
Steam Deck prices just jumped up $300 and stock still sold out
Valve has significantly increased the prices of its Steam Deck OLED models, with the 1TB version now costing $949, a 46% jump. Despite these substantial price hikes, stock for the handheld has already sold out in some regions, indicating that price may not be a primary factor for consumers. The price increases are attributed to a surge in memory and semiconductor chip prices, largely driven by demand from AI data centers.
Valve Follows Switch 2, PS5 & Xbox With Major Steam Deck Price Hike
Valve has significantly increased the prices of its Steam Deck OLED models, with the 512GB version now costing $789 and the 1TB model at $949. This follows similar price adjustments by Nintendo for its Switch 2. The existing LCD Steam Deck models and refurbished units remain at their original prices.
Valve just hiked the 1TB Steam Deck OLED price to just under $1,000
Valve has quietly increased the price of the 1TB Steam Deck OLED model to $949/£779, a significant jump from its original MSRP. This price hike places it closer to premium handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and raises concerns about future Valve hardware costs, potentially impacting the upcoming Steam Machine.
A rumoured Intel Nova Lake mobile chip that's 100% E-cores with a beefy iGPU would be great news for handhelds, if…
Rumors suggest Intel's upcoming Nova Lake mobile chips may feature an all-E-core design with a powerful integrated GPU, potentially benefiting handheld gaming PCs. However, the chip is reportedly intended for edge computing applications, and high DRAM prices could make such a handheld unfeasibly expensive.
Sony's PSP is back... as a crossbody bag at Zara
Retailer Zara has released a new crossbody bag designed to resemble Sony's original PlayStation Portable handheld console. This follows previous PlayStation-themed bags released by Zara, including ones modeled after the PlayStation 5 DualSense and PlayStation 2 DualShock controllers.
Ah, yes, a custom PS2 handheld that could slice a limb off, but beats the Steam Deck on battery life
A custom PlayStation 2 handheld has been created by modder James Channel, featuring a modified PS2 Slim console with an exposed disc drive and a new LCD screen. Despite its crude appearance, the handheld boasts impressive battery life, potentially lasting around 5 hours, surpassing modern devices like the Steam Deck OLED and Nintendo Switch.
Ayaneo reveals yet another Game Boy remake but this one has AI
Ayaneo has revealed the Konkr Pocket Block, a new handheld device that features a Game Boy-inspired design and incorporates AI capabilities. The Konkr Pocket Block is noted to be smaller than the company's previous vertical handheld offerings.
Best Games for Your Commute: 15 Titles Perfect for Handheld Play | TAG
This article provides a curated list of 15 games optimized for commute play, focusing on titles that launch quickly, save instantly, and can be played without audio. The recommendations are filtered through a 'Commute Test' to ensure they fit natural stopping points within a typical 20-40 minute commute.
20 Must-Play Games on Steam Deck in 2026 (Verified and Optimized) | TAG
This guide highlights 20 games that perform exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, focusing on session-friendliness and battery life. It categorizes games into quick sessions, hour-long sessions, and deep dives, while also noting AAA titles that are playable with adjustments. The article also details Valve's 'Steam Deck Verified' system and lists games that did not make the cut due to performance issues.
Discord's latest 'year of the Linux desktop' update is a game-changer for Steam Deck, but fans are concerned about its age verification plans
Discord has released a significant update for its Linux client, improving game and screen sharing with hardware-accelerated video encoding support across Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs. This update is particularly beneficial for handheld devices like the Steam Deck. However, users are expressing concern and frustration over Discord's upcoming global age verification plans, overshadowing the technical improvements.
