Handheld

Nintendo’s handheld is a major part of Square Enix’s plans to expand its customer base. After a positive reception for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, a Final Fantasy 16 Switch 2 release is also possible. Still, the game pushed the PS5 to its limits, leading to reports of overheating consoles.

Reliable leaker NateTheHate2 reports that the next Nintendo Direct will take place in the first week of February. With a barrage of Switch 2 games anticipated, he can't provide further details. Some gamers are looking past other first-party Nintendo releases and are calling for a new 3D Mario game.

PS5 and Xbox gamers continue to wait for a Red Dead Redemption 2 upgrade to boost visuals. Unfortunately, an insider revealed that it may not come until after GTA 6 ships. Even though the Switch 2 lacks any compatible port, Rockstar Games reportedly wants all of 2026 devoted to the next GTA.

Early signs suggest that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Switch 2 port may top sales charts. The physical Game-Key Card release is becoming an increasingly rare sight at storefronts. Buyers are eager to relive the popular RPG on the Nintendo handheld with few performance compromises.

The Mecha Comet is a new, portable handheld characterized by its modularity and openness, and is currently available at a discount. The device can be used with a keyboard or a controller.

Early reviews of the Retroid's latest handheld have begun to surface. While the Pocket 6 has mostly received praise, there are complaints about parts of its design, which is amusing considering Retroid had to redesign it after an initial backlash.

Even though it’s not made by Sony, there finally is a real and portable PlayStation. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, this DIY handheld is suitable for local rendering of console games and not just for streaming. The heavily modified PS4 Slim has also been equipped with a modern OLED display.

The 90GB+ Final Fantasy 7 Remake is exposing slow internet connections on the Switch 2. A straightforward change in the console’s settings can make a noticeable difference. The modification may also accelerate installations of all Switch 2 games using a Game-Key Card.

Retroid’s upcoming Pocket 6 handheld is facing shipping delays due to inefficient OLED calibration and demura processes, with only a small initial batch of black, top-stick models currently dispatched. The company is investing in faster calibration equipment, prioritizing higher-spec variants, and using its Discord server to provide ongoing updates as it works toward broader shipments and a second-batch rollout in early March 2026.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is being updated with new areas, modes, and characters. Yet, the price of the Switch 2 upgrade pack is too steep for some gamers who aren't interested in multiplayer. Nintendo detractors believe they are regularly asked to pay more for games they already own.

An investigation has revealed that Anbernic has downgraded one of its recent gaming handhelds without so much as a tweet about the change. Switched earlier this month, the change should not affect existing RG34XX SP stock held by retailers, though.

The gameplay videos and official teaser for Fable have revealed the release window for the game. This time, it will be releasing on the PS5 on day one, but another console could be in consideration for the reboot.

Mangmi is yet to announce a release date and price for the Pocket Max. However, it has released a video showing the handheld streaming games from a PC. The video also shows all three color options for the first time.

One-time Nintendo employees Kit & Krysta believe a Switch 2 Lite could arrive sooner than anticipated. Evidence of new hardware was recently found on the Nintendo Account site. At a reduced price and with lower-end specs, the handheld would entice more gamers to transition to the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 rebounded in time to close 2025 with an impressive performance. Circana U.S. data highlights how, in December, the console brushed aside hints of declining sales. The Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console over its first 7 months, still ranking higher than the original Switch and PS4.

After finally seeing Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Switch 2 and Xbox ports, its follow-up is already lurking. A respected leaker anticipates Final Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth shipping in 2026. The trilogy’s second part is more resource-hungry, posing problems for the memory-limited systems.

The Ayaneo Pocket Vert can now be purchased on Ayaneo's website, now that the crowdfunding campaign has ended. The handheld is also still discounted, with shipping expected to begin in a few weeks.

The TrimUI Brick Pro will be considerably more powerful than initially expected. While the TrimUI Brick struggled beyond PlayStation and Nintendo 64 titles, a new video shows the TrimUI Brick Pro emulating PlayStation 2 games with ease.

Ayaneo is offering compensation to backers who pre-ordered the Konkr Pocket Fit. The Android handheld failed to meet its scheduled shipping date, causing backlash and even cancellation of orders.

If Niko Partners is correct, gamers may want to purchase a Switch 2 as soon as possible. Soaring memory prices could convince Nintendo to discontinue the $449.99 option in 2026. Tariffs also continue to challenge the manufacturer, with the newer handheld still at risk.

Following a lengthy delay, a Portuguese shop has leaked an arrival time for the Borderlands 4 Switch 2 port. The Randy Pitchford-approved shooter was on hold to address performance drawbacks. Gearbox Software reportedly enlisted an optimization expert to improve the Switch 2 game.

Ayaneo has indeed turned a new leaf, as it has announced that Indiegogo backers will receive their Pocket Vert orders earlier than originally announced. The crowdfunding campaign has ended, and shipping is expected to begin by the end of January.

Following an initial unveiling in September 2025, Ayaneo has now provided new details about the upcoming Pocket S Mini handheld. The manufacturer has revealed the display type and design details, including a new color. However, it is still keeping some key specifcations under wraps.

Ayaneo has unveiled the second handheld under its budget Konkr subsidiary. The new device will launch as the Konkr Fit and will run Windows out of the box. It will also have an AMD Ryzen processor.

TrimUI has previewed its next gaming handheld release. A return to its popular Game Boy lookalike, the TrimUI Brick Pro should serve as a cheaper alternative to the Anbernic RG477V thanks to a larger display and a pair of built-in joysticks.

Retroid has restocked its Dual Screen Add-on accessory after being out of stock for a while. However, buyers are limited to only one color option, while the variant for non-Retroid devices is still out of stock.

Mangmi has finally shared the full spec sheet of the Pocket Max. The spec sheet reveals there will only be one configuration available for the 7-inch Android-powered handheld.

The Claw A8 is the first AMD-based gaming handheld from MSI, and while it was introduced alongside the other Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds, the device didn't see wide availability at the start. Months after the proper release, it's now finally available in the US.

In order to increase availability of its products, particularly the new Thor and Odin 3, AYN has opened an official store on AliExpress. The prices are significantly lower compared to those of third-party resellers, but still cost a little more than they sell for on the AYN website.

IndieGala is currently offering a new bundle called Indie Corp. This one comes packed with a decent collection of indie games, and you can score them for $0.75 each.

With uncertainty surrounding upcoming gaming systems, a new Nintendo console may seem unlikely. Even so, code embedded on the Nintendo Account portal could allude to unannounced hardware. “OSM” might stand for a Switch 2 Pro model with an OLED screen or a more affordable Lite alternative.

Despite Nintendo stock surging after the Switch 2 debuted, holders are now more skeptical. A Japanese gaming industry veteran discusses why Sony’s stock hasn’t seen the same decline. How each company plans to survive the memory shortage may be affecting investor confidence.

The CEO says the real challenge isn’t building a handheld, but creating one that is unique. They don't want to introduce something that already exists in the market, as that doesn't make sense for them.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is the largest Switch 2 game on the console. Too massive for a 64GB cartridge, its Game-Key Card requires more than a 90GB installation. With higher Switch 2 storage costs looming, gamers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the handheld’s limited capacity.

First announced in January 2024, the Hyperkin Mega 95 is a handheld that can play SEGA Genesis and SEGA Mega Drive cartridges. Hyperkin has now provided an explanation as to why the device is yet to hit store shelves two years after it was unveiled.

Despite running on the same OS as Valve’s handheld, the Steam Machine offers unique capabilities. To clarify how titles perform in living rooms, the company will evaluate each game for the system. With boosted specs that support more resolutions, most Steam Deck verified games should qualify.

Initial D was a late '90s anime about a young man embarking on his career as a drift racer in his classic Toyota AE86. Initial Drift Online, an arcade-style MMO drift racing game that hopes to capture some of that magic — tofu deliveries and all — is now free on Steam until January 18, 2026.

Earlier in 2025, Nintendo stock seemed like a safe holding for investors. It’s now fallen by more than 30% from its yearly high, making traders less optimistic about 2026. A consultant highlights anxiety over a potential Switch 2 price increase and underwhelming first-party games as factors.

PSStream streams a wider selection of PS4 and PS5 games on PCs and the Steam Deck. Like the PS Portal handheld, gamers can cloud stream titles that aren't available through PS Plus Premium. Sony could request the app’s removal, as it appears to access PSN accounts without the company’s consent.

AYN has announced that it is raising the price of its dual-screen Android handheld, Thor. The brand has also released a software update for the device that addresses a heating issue, among other changes.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa provided clues about how the company will respond to higher memory prices. In the interview, he claims Nintendo is not immediately affected by changes in component costs. Nevertheless, the executive didn’t rule out a future Switch 2 price increase.

Several customer complaints, alongside a spotlight on its poor business strategy, have forced Ayaneo to announce a plan to do better in 2026. The service improvement plan highlights several changes to be implemented by the retro handheld manufacturer to improve customer satisfaction.

Switch users are about to lose a convenient way to keep up to date on their favorite TV shows. Still, the Switch 2 never had the Hulu app and lacks any similar option. YouTube may come to the handheld soon, but some gamers see the lack of streaming support as a missed opportunity.

A new rumor suggests Sony may be working on an upgraded version of the PlayStation Portal. While nothing is confirmed yet, the rumor points to an OLED display with a high refresh rate.

Mangmi has picked up where it left off last December by revealing new details of the Pocket Max. The latest info confirms the battery specification and also includes final design changes.

2026 promises not to disappoint with a generous number of new Switch 2 games expected. Even so, podcasters Kit & Krysta don’t classify many announced titles as system-sellers. They argue that a 3D Mario or mainline Pokémon or Zelda game could rejuvenate slumping console sales.

Ayaneo has updated one of its popular gaming handhelds with a new model variant. Available to order now in a choice of memory configurations, the new model should be more versatile than other vertical handhelds thanks to its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and bright OLED display.

Amazon has the Retroid Pocket 5 selling at a discounted price for a limited time. The new low price makes it even cheaper than purchasing it directly from Retroid.

A new hands-on video of the Retroid Pocket 6 shows the handheld emulating the PC version of Batman: Arkham Asylum. The source has also released videos of the handheld emulating a few Nintendo Wii U games.

Many gamers can’t understand why Baldur’s Gate 3 has not come to Nintendo’s latest handheld. The Larian Studios founder dashed hopes for the Switch 2 game during a recent Q&A. With the studio no longer working with Wizards of the Coast, one leaker describes the relationship as unhealthy.