Handheld Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Gaming.
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The Best JRPGs You Can Play on Handheld Devices (2026 Guide)
This guide explores why JRPGs are perfectly suited for handheld devices, highlighting the pacing, progression, and flexibility that make them ideal for portable play. It details the best platforms for playing JRPGs in 2026, including the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, classic handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita, retro handhelds, and mobile devices, while also recommending specific titles for each.
You have just four days left to grab Assassin's Creed Valhalla and seven other Steam Deck games for just $14.99
The Humble Choice subscription service is offering a bundle of eight PC games, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, for $14.99. All games are verified or playable on the Steam Deck. Subscribers can cancel after claiming the games to keep them permanently.
If the RAMpocalypse doesn't price them into oblivion, the next generation of hot handheld gaming PCs could well be…
Intel's upcoming Arc G3 Extreme processor, potentially for handheld gaming PCs, shows promising benchmark results, outperforming AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme in multithreaded performance. While the iGPU performance is expected to be a strong point, the high cost of components like LPDDR5x memory could lead to a significant price tag for devices featuring this chip.
ROG Xbox Ally To Dock With A Host Of New Updates
The ASUS ROG Ally is receiving a series of updates aimed at enhancing its handheld and docked performance, bringing it closer to a traditional Xbox console experience. Key improvements include better docked play features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate, along with Auto Super Resolution for sharper visuals on larger displays. The Xbox PC app will also be updated to consolidate all installed games into a single interface, and haptic feedback and Bluetooth LE Audio are being refined for greater immersion and lower latency.
April Xbox Update: Customize Your Console, Manually Add Your Favorite Games on PC, and More.
Microsoft has released its April update for Xbox, introducing new customization options for consoles and PC. Console users can now pin more groups to Home, customize colors, and disable Quick Resume on a per-game basis, alongside a new Play History tab. PC users gain the ability to manually add games to their Xbox library and pin favorites to Home, with improved gamepad cursor functionality.
New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More
Microsoft and ASUS have released significant updates for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handheld PCs, focusing on improving docked play experiences with features like automatic TV display switching and enhanced smart TV compatibility. The updates also introduce a new Display Widget in Game Bar for easier setting adjustments, improved controller pairing, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution technology for sharper visuals on external displays.
Valve Confirms Steam Deck 2 Development: No Release Date Yet | HappyGamer
Valve has officially confirmed that development is underway for the Steam Deck 2, though a release date remains unannounced. The company is taking a deliberate approach to development, focusing on significant improvements over the original model. Competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are pushing the handheld market, making Steam Deck 2's eventual release crucial for Valve to maintain its position.
Valve is 'hard at work' on the Steam Deck 2, but over four years after the OG Deck there's still no…
Valve is actively developing the Steam Deck 2, with designer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirming the company is "hard at work" on the next iteration. However, a release date remains unannounced, with Valve prioritizing significant performance gains over incremental updates and waiting for suitable new chip technology from partners like AMD.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2 – Going handheld around Kalm
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth appears to be a solid port for the Nintendo Switch 2, with compromises in resolution and visual fidelity compensated by DLSS upscaling. While the game was built for PlayStation 5, early impressions suggest it runs well in handheld mode, though performance in open-world sections remains to be seen. Quality-of-life improvements from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade are included, making it a compelling continuation for Switch 2 players.
When Is The Steam Deck 2 Coming Out? Not Until Valve Is Satisfied That It's Better Than The Original
Valve is actively developing a successor to the Steam Deck, but a release date will not be announced until the company is confident it offers a significant upgrade over the original. Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the company is focused on meaningful performance and feature improvements rather than incremental gains. The original Steam Deck launched in 2022, followed by an OLED model in late 2023.
Steam Deck 2 is Still A While Away, But Valve is “Hard at Work” On It
Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirmed that "Steam Deck 2" is in development, but a release is still some time away as the company aims for a significant generational leap in performance rather than iterative upgrades. Designer Lawrence Yang previously stated Valve is not keen on yearly updates, prioritizing substantial improvements over frequent releases. The article also briefly mentions updates for other games and the upcoming Steam Controller.
Steam Deck Gets New Data Features in Latest Beta Update
Valve has released new data features for Steam Deck beta users, signaling continued software improvements for the handheld device. These updates, appearing through incremental software releases rather than hardware changes, aim to provide users with more insight into performance, battery usage, and thermal monitoring, reinforcing the Steam Deck's position as a customizable PC-like gaming experience.
Best 3DS Games Of All Time
This article ranks the top 20 games released for the Nintendo 3DS, highlighting titles that utilized the console's unique features like its dual screens and glasses-free 3D. The list includes exclusives such as Pokemon X and Y, Persona Q2, and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, alongside acclaimed remasters like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora's Mask 3D. The Nintendo 3DS, a successor to the DS, sold over 75 million units and offered backward compatibility with its predecessor.
The 28 Best Nintendo DS Games Of All Time
This article ranks the 25 best games released for the Nintendo DS, highlighting titles that leveraged the handheld's unique dual-screen and touchscreen capabilities. The list includes a variety of genres, from RPGs like Radiant Historia and Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver to unique experiences like Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and Elite Beat Agents, showcasing the DS's impact on handheld gaming.
Morning Mobilization
This article discusses advancements in handheld gaming technology, specifically focusing on FSR 4 INT8, XeFG, and XeLL. These technologies are presented as key components for achieving the 'holy grail' of handheld gaming performance and visual fidelity.
The Xbox Ally has finally stepped up as an affordable Steam Deck stand-in, albeit with frame rate caveats
The ASUS ROG Ally is now a more compelling alternative to the Steam Deck OLED due to significant discounts, making it a more affordable handheld gaming PC. However, the base model's Z2 chipset offers a noticeable performance gap compared to the more powerful Z1 Extreme found in its sibling and competitors, impacting frame rates in demanding titles. Despite these caveats, the ROG Ally remains the most affordable new portable PC option currently available.
Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme Price Jumps to $1,579 Again
Lenovo has again increased the price of the Legion Go S with the Z1 Extreme model to $1,579, a price point that is significantly higher than competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally. The article argues that this premium pricing strategy is unsustainable in the competitive handheld market, where value and performance per dollar are crucial for consumers.
Look mom, new Intel Arc G3 handhelds that no one can probably afford are inbound
Intel is reportedly preparing to launch new handheld gaming PCs, the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme, featuring "Pather Lake" chipsets. These devices are expected to debut at Computex and may compete with existing handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally, though concerns about high pricing persist, with many current premium models exceeding $1,000.
PlayStation Vita: Our Love for a Dead Console
The PlayStation Vita, released in 2011, aimed to bring a home console experience to a handheld device with features like dual analog sticks and an OLED screen. Despite a strong library of JRPGs, fighting games, and indie titles, it struggled against mobile gaming and the Nintendo 3DS due to its high price and proprietary memory cards. However, the console gained a dedicated following through modding, enabling emulation, custom themes, and the use of standard Micro SD cards, preserving its legacy as a beloved handheld.
PANIC CELEBRATES PLAYDATE’S ANNIVERSARY BY ANNOUNCING PLAYDATE SEASON THREE, COMING LATE 2026
Panic has announced Playdate Season Three, a collection of new games for their handheld console, scheduled for release in late 2026. The company also highlighted its 'Playdate for Education' program, which provides discounted hardware to educators, and the release of 'Office Chair Curling,' a cross-play title available on both Playdate and Steam.