PC Gaming Handhelds
Ongoing coverage on PC Gaming Handhelds.
Latest coverage
Is the Steam Deck still worth it in 2026?
This article analyzes the continued value of the Steam Deck in 2026, considering the emergence of competing gaming handhelds and potential price changes. It questions whether the device remains a worthwhile purchase.
ROG Xbox Ally X20 pre-orders are now live, prices start from $1,299.99 with standalone handhelds available
Pre-orders for the ASUS ROG Ally X20, a refreshed gaming handheld, are now live with prices starting at $1,299.99. This new model features a 7.4-inch 1080P 120Hz OLED display but retains the same AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB RAM, and 1TB storage as its predecessor. The standalone handheld and an AR Glasses bundle will be released on October 15.
SteamOS beta update brings support to more gaming handhelds
Valve has released a beta update for SteamOS that expands gamepad support to a variety of third-party gaming handhelds, including unspecified MSI and OneXPlayer models, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, Konkr FIT, and AYANEO Pocket S2. This update aims to improve the user experience for those installing SteamOS on devices beyond the official Steam Deck, offering potential benefits like better battery life and faster UI navigation, though some multiplayer games may not be compatible due to anti-cheat software limitations.
Valve has added 'initial' SteamOS gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8…
Valve has added initial gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds in the latest SteamOS Beta update. Devices like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, Ayaneo Pocket S2, Konkr Fit, and OneXPlayer Apex now have improved compatibility. This update signifies Valve's ongoing efforts to enhance SteamOS support for a wider range of PC gaming hardware.
Handheld prices are still soaring, but at least the Lenovo Legion Go S is now cheaper than Steam Deck
Gaming handheld prices have significantly increased in 2026, with the Steam Deck OLED now priced at $789. However, the Lenovo Legion Go S has seen a substantial discount, dropping to $635.54, making it a more affordable option compared to the Steam Deck OLED and the Xbox ROG Ally.
It seems like AMD's Zen 6 LP CPU cores will be a mixture of architectures going all the way back to Zen 2
AMD's upcoming Zen 6 low-power CPUs will reportedly combine elements from various Zen architectures, including Zen 2, Zen 3, Zen 4, and Zen 5, to create a unique "collage CPU." This design aims to optimize performance and power efficiency for devices like laptops and gaming handhelds.
No sign of cheaper vanilla Arc G3 drivers in Intel's latest handheld driver update, and I'm worried the scene is taking a "go Extreme or go home" approach
Intel's latest graphics driver update for Windows, version 32.0.101.8860, exclusively supports Arc G3 Extreme chipsets, raising concerns about the availability of cheaper, non-Extreme Arc G3 APUs for gaming handhelds. This lack of support in the driver suggests that devices utilizing the standard Arc G3 may not be imminent, potentially leading to a market dominated by high-priced premium portables.
AYN announces price increases for Thor and Odin 3 alongside new pre-order batches
AYN has announced upcoming price increases for its Thor and Odin 3 gaming handhelds, which will take effect once current inventory is sold out. New pre-order batches will continue to use UFS 3.1 storage, and the company has not yet disclosed the exact amount of the price hikes.
Morning Mobilization
ASUS has launched a new ROG XBOX Ally X20 Bundle, aiming to elevate the gaming handheld market. Concurrently, Google is integrating its Gemini AI into future smart glasses, with the company also opening its first flagship store.
The new ROG Xbox Ally X20 finally adds an OLED display... and then charges us to not look at it
Asus has unveiled the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld at Computex 2026, featuring a 7.4-inch OLED Nebula HDR display and upgraded TMR sticks. The device is bundled with expensive AR gaming glasses that project a virtual 171-inch screen, with no confirmation yet if it will be sold separately.
The Asus ROG Ally X20 Finally Gets The Upgrade Fans Have Been Asking For
Asus has unveiled the ROG Ally X20 at Computex, featuring a significant upgrade with a 7.4-inch 120Hz OLED 1080p display, drift-resistant joysticks, and an improved D-pad. While internal hardware remains similar, the new OLED screen offers superior brightness and color compared to previous models and competitors like the Steam Deck. Pricing and release details are yet to be fully confirmed, with initial reports suggesting a bundle with Xreal R1 glasses.
Computex 2026 Live: All the best PC gaming hardware announcements at this year's show
Computex 2026 is set to feature numerous PC gaming hardware announcements, including Nvidia's RTX Spark SOC for various devices and Intel's G-Series Panther Lake chips for gaming handhelds. MSI is also showcasing new AI gaming monitors. The event will cover new GPUs, frame generation technology, and Arm-native game ports.
The first Intel Arc G3 handhelds could emerge tomorrow, including an Acer portable I'd deemed vaporware
Intel is preparing to launch its Arc G3 line of gaming handhelds, with an announcement expected on May 28. This includes a new Acer Predator Atlas 8 model, potentially succeeding the limited Acer Nitro Blaze, and an updated MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ featuring a Panther Lake chip. The new devices are expected to compete with existing premium handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED.
PS6 – The Biggest Rumours You Should Know About
Rumors suggest the PlayStation 6, codenamed Orion, will feature a Zen 6 CPU and RDNA 5 GPU from AMD, with 30 GB of GDDR7 memory. Sony may adopt a multi-tier console approach and is reportedly developing a native handheld device, internally called Canis. The console is expected to launch between 2027 and 2028, with potential pricing between $600 and $800, and the handheld around $399 to $699.
Your Xbox console and handheld could soon look the same, but I'm wary of Microsoft's UI pitch
Microsoft is planning a unified user interface for its Xbox consoles and handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This initiative aims to reduce fragmentation and provide a consistent "distinctly Xbox" experience across different platforms, considering factors like screen size and input methods. The company, under new CEO Asha Sharma, is prioritizing brand consistency, with Jason Ronald showcasing the UI plans in a recent Game Dev Update.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 now starts at $1,200, but the version I'd consider is currently AWOL
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is now available starting at $1,200, a price point that is considered high despite a supposed 25% discount. The article compares it unfavorably to the Xbox Ally and Steam Deck, questioning the value proposition of current high-end gaming handheld prices.
The Xbox Ally X finally just got its promised Auto SR abilities, but I doubt most handheld players will care right now
Microsoft's Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) AI upscaling feature is now available for the ASUS ROG Ally X, but only in docked mode. While the technology aims to improve visual fidelity and performance, early testing shows a decrease in frame rates and some visual artifacts, suggesting it is still a work in progress. The feature's current limitations and its initial focus on docked play may limit its appeal to handheld players.
I'm gassed that Valve is "hard at work" on Steam Deck 2, but let's get the Steam Machine out of the…
While Valve is working on the Steam Deck 2, the author argues that the success of the upcoming Steam Machine is crucial for its viability. The Steam Machine needs to prove its ability to deliver high-end PC performance, particularly in running games at 4K 60fps using technologies like AMD FSR. This will set realistic expectations for the next-generation handheld and ensure it can compete with future consoles.
Your next Xbox could come in Asus and MSI flavors, but Microsoft has confirmed an in-house Project Helix
Rumors suggest that Asus and MSI may produce third-party versions of Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, utilizing the same custom AMD chipset. While Microsoft has confirmed it will release its own first-party version of the console, the potential for third-party involvement blurs the lines between PC and console gaming, similar to Valve's Steam Machine.
Lenovo Legion Go S sees a massive price jump
The Lenovo Legion Go S, a PC gaming handheld, has experienced a significant price increase, nearly doubling its launch price due to widespread shortages and demand from AI data centers. The Z1 Extreme model is now listed at $1,579.99, and the lower-end Z2 model has risen to $989.99. This price surge raises questions about Lenovo's plans for future handheld releases.
