Topics

Anbernic RG35XXSP retro gaming console (Image source: Anbernic)

Anbernic halts retro gaming console shipments to US in response to rising tariffs

Anbernic retro gaming consoles are a cost-effective way to experience classic Nintendo and PlayStation titles. Some customers are facing imminent stock shortages after severe new tariffs. The Chinese Anbernic will no longer ship i...

Adam Corsetti, 22 Apr 2025 01:28

Stripping away almost everything that makes this Surface a Microsoft product, leaves a surprisingly capable tablet (Image Source: Notebookcheck)

If you like the ROG Flow or iPad's form factor, the Surface Go is still a compelling purchase in 2025

CheckMag The market for ultra-portables that bridge the gap between a decent desktop and media consumption has dwindled to almost nothing. A space now dominated by iPads and Android tablets with terrible multitasking, file management and m...

David Devey, 20 Apr 2025 22:07

#Drive Rally is a charming rally racing game with unique visuals and a surprising amount of content. (Image source: Steam)

Arcade rally game with charming retro looks gets full Steam release with slew of upgrades and nifty launch discount

Drive Rally, stylised as #DRIVE Rally, has finally exited its arduous Steam Early Access period with a 1.0 update that introduces three iconic rally cars, 22 race stages, improved progression, and a tempting launch discount.

Julian van der Merwe, 17 Apr 2025 08:07

Metro 2033 Redux is free to download on GOG and Steam without any strings attached. (Image source: 4A Games)

Post-apocalyptic classic: New free game giveaway now available globally on GOG and Steam but only for a short time

A new free game giveaway has landed on GOG and Steam. Only available until later this week, Metro 2033 Redux builds on Metro 2033 with various improvements, including the engine that underpins Metro: Last Light.

Alex Alderson, 15 Apr 2025 00:14

The R36S Plus borrows from the design of the Powkiddy V20 in many areas. (Image source: Game Console)

R36S Plus: New 1:1 retro gaming handheld undercuts Powkiddy V20 with sub-$40 launch price

The R36S Plus is a new retro gaming handheld powered by an Allwinner A133P chipset. Also packing a 3,000 mAh battery, the device features a 720p and 1:1 display like the Anbernic RG Cube and RG CubeXX too but for under $40.

Alex Alderson, 09 Apr 2025 21:25

Mecha Comet: A modular linux handheld (Image Source: Mecha Systems Inc.)

Mecha Comet gaming handheld gets even more upgrades ahead of launch

The upcoming Mecha Comet modular Linux handheld has received yet another spec boost ahead of launch. Users have upgraded internals and some newly added I/O to sweeten the deal before pre-orders go live.

Stephen Pereyra, 05 Apr 2025 01:25

Bazzite on the ROG Ally X is an easy way to turn your handheld into a compelling Steam Deck alternative (Image Source: Notebookcheck)

Guide: How to dual boot Bazzite on your gaming handheld of choice and why you would want to

CheckMag With official Steam OS just around the corner, Bazzite might seem irrelevant. However, Steam OS is currently still in beta, some functions don't work, and it has a far shorter supported device list. Bazzite on the other hand suppo...

David Devey, 29 Mar 2025 11:54

Debian-based ultralight Q4OS 5.8 now available (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Ultralight Debian-based distro Q4OS 5.8 now available

Q4OS, often praised as a faster solution for old computers than Puppy or Bodhi Linux, is back with a new update. Labeled 5.8, this refresh is based on Debian Bookworm 12.10 and the 6.1.0-32 kernel. In addition to the Debian-specif...

Codrut Nistor, 28 Mar 2025 17:55

Vivaldi 7.3 comes with Proton VPN integration on desktop (Image source: Own)

Vivaldi 7.3 for desktop now available with Proton VPN integration

Not long after the arrival of version 7.2, Vivaldi for desktop received an update that's labeled 7.3.3635.2 and integrates Proton VPN. Thanks to this free piece of code that comes from Switzerland, users can enjoy better privacy p...

Codrut Nistor, 28 Mar 2025 12:49

The latest version of shadPS4 emulator brings AMD FSR, HDR, input remapping, and other improvements to PS4 emulation. (Image source: shadPS4 on GitHub)

ShadPS4 PlayStation 4 emulator now supports AMD FSR, HDR, and more

PS4 emulation is progressing steadily and shadPS4 now has AMD FSR and HDR support, among other features. Games like Bloodborne, Dark Souls Remastered, Red Dead Redemption, and more can run successfully.

Vineet Washington, 24 Mar 2025 17:16

Various Powkiddy RGB50 colour concepts have been shown so far, including these translucent and red options. (Image source: James Dewitz - edited)

Powkiddy RGB50 revealed as new 3:2 retro gaming handheld disruptor

A well-informed source has shared initial details about another new Powkiddy retro gaming handheld. Hot on the heels of the Powkiddy V90 V2, the Powkiddy RGB50 will marry a 4.5-inch and 3:2 aspect ratio display capable of PSP emul...

Alex Alderson, 23 Mar 2025 00:25

The Mecha Comet handheld has received an upgrade, at least on paper (Image source: Mecha)

Mecha Comet gaming handheld with gamepad and keyboard modules gets upgrades prior to release

The Mecha Comet is a modular handheld that can be used with a keyboard. The manufacturer has now announced that the gaming device will hit the market with better technical specifications, but the news isn't all positive.

Silvio Werner, 20 Mar 2025 22:42

AppCenter dark mode screenshot in elementary OS 8.0.1, which also gets the 6.11 kernel and other changes (Image source: elementary Blog)

Ubuntu 24.04.2-based elementary OS 8.0.1 now available with the 6.11 kernel and multiple fixes

Roughly three months since elementary OS 8, the 8.0.1 update lands with a new kernel alongside multiple minor changes. The list of areas that received tweaks includes the AppCenter, Files, Terminal, System Settings, Installer, and...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Mar 2025 13:49

Vivaldi 7.2 launches now with speed improvements and several interface tweaks (Image source: Vivaldi Browser)

Vivaldi 7.2 launches with speed improvements and multiple visual and functional tweaks

Now sporting page loading speed improvements, Vivaldi 7.2 also comes with a tweaked address bar, the ability to override keyboard shortcuts and to create events directly from email messages, a new currency widget, workspace access...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Mar 2025 11:00

The HP ZBook 8 14 has a sizeable touchpad and up to a 2.5K, 120 Hz display.

New HP ZBook 8 laptops pack workstation performance and 2.5K, 120 Hz, 500-nit displays in 14- and 16-inch form factors

HP has officially announced its next-generation ZBook 8 line-up, which includes both AMD and Intel CPUs, up to 64 GB of RAM, and even Nvidia RTX 500 Ada GPUs with up to 4 GB dedicated VRAM. These workstation laptops are available ...

Julian van der Merwe, 18 Mar 2025 21:00

Computer troubleshooting-focused SystemRescue 12.00 now available with new LTS kernel, latest Firefox, and more (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Computer repair distro SystemRescue 12.00 launches with the latest LTS kernel and more

With a history of over two decades and formerly known as SystemRescueCD, the Arch-based SystemRescue live environment has just received the update labeled 12.00. This refresh comes with the 6.12.19 LTS kernel, bcachefs support, Fi...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Mar 2025 11:15

SteamOS was first confirmed to be expanding beyond the Steam Deck at CES 2025. (Image source: @SadlyItsBradley)

Valve’s SteamOS is about to go public—New leak points towards imminent release

New info from a reliable source suggests Valve's SteamOS release is imminent. Code changes hint towards expanded hardware support, which aligns with official reports that SteamOS will soon be available beyond the Steam Deck.

Anubhav Sharma, 14 Mar 2025 20:28

The MyMini resembles an RG40XX V, but with an adapted button layout. (Image source: Game Console)

MyMini launches as latest budget gaming handheld with Nintendo 64 emulation in mind

The Game Console MyMini is one of the more eye-catching retro gaming handhelds released lately. Available for just over $40, the device adopts a button layout that would make it an ideal candidate for Nintendo 64 emulation but for...

Alex Alderson, 14 Mar 2025 19:43

The Miyoo Flip is said to feature an improved hinge design. (Image source: Miyoo)

Miyoo Flip V2: Refresh of Anbernic RG35XX SP rival released globally with improved hinge mechanism

The second version of its Miyoo Flip has officially arrived. Available worldwide for under $100, the Miyoo Flip V2 should get closer to the Anbernic RG35XX SP with a superior hinge mechanism, among other reported changes.

Alex Alderson, 13 Mar 2025 12:12

FreeBSD 13.5 launches with multiple tweaks, fixes, and updated packages

Unleashed as the sixth and final release of the stable/13 branch, FreeBSD 13.5 focuses on maintenance once again. In addition to the usual list of tweaks and fixes, this update also comes with refreshed third-party apps, including...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Mar 2025 10:13

First party support for syncing Linux with major cloud storage providers is none existant. However, there are options (Image Source: Rclone)

Guide: Sync Unraid or your Linux distro of choice with Google Drive

CheckMag Thanks to Valve and Proton, Linux is becoming a much more viable platform for work and play, but first party support for syncing common cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive is none existent and unlike TruNAS and Synology ...

David Devey, 06 Mar 2025 18:46

Game Console's latest rip off somehow looks less ergonomic than the Anbernic RG40XX V. (Image source: via Nittrx)

Anbernic RG40XX V clone surfaces with strange joystick placement

Game Console is preparing to release a budget retro gaming handheld. This time, the company has decided to borrow heavily from the RG40XX V, albeit with perhaps an even less ergonomic design than Anbernic's recent handheld.

Alex Alderson, 04 Mar 2025 19:41

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires country pack now available as previously announced (Image source: Steam)

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires now available

As previously announced, the country pack dubbed "Graveyard of Empires" has just landed for Hearts of Iron IV. Priced at $14.99/£12.79/€14.99, depending on the market, this expansion requires the base game and can also be acquired...

Codrut Nistor, 04 Mar 2025 18:11

Proxmox Mail Gateway 8.1.2 successor launches with SpamAssassin 4.0.1 and more (Image source: Proxmox)

Proxmox Mail Gateway 8.2 launches with SpamAssassin 4.0.1, enhanced rule system, and more

Based on Linux Debian 12.9 "Bookworm" and using the 6.8 kernel as default (with 6.11 as an option), Proxmox Mail Gateway 8.2 is now available with SpamAssassin 4.0.1, which packs updated rulesets. Additionally, this new release co...

Codrut Nistor, 28 Feb 2025 11:04

Valve's latest Deadlock update moves to a three-lane map

Deadlock Map Rework update: Valve switches up new MOBA hero shooter with fast-paced changes in patch

Valve's latest hero shooter, Deadlock, has just received a new major update with several updates to the core gameplay. The biggest change that most players will notice is the shift from a four-lane map system to the more tradition...

Julian van der Merwe, 27 Feb 2025 02:41

The Game Console RX6H owe a lot to the RGB20S. (Image source: Game Console)

Game Console RX6H released as new ultra budget gaming handheld with ArkOS support

The RX6H by Game Console is a new cheap retro gaming handheld built around a 3.5-inch display. Considered relatively comfortable by early reviewers, the Game Console RX6H also already supports ArkOS thanks to its usage of a Rockch...

Alex Alderson, 26 Feb 2025 23:53

Framework 12 launches as repairable convertible laptop

Framework 12 announced as repairable 'entry-level' 2-in-1 laptop with rugged design

Framework today announced the latest in its repairable, upgradeable laptop line-up. The Framework 12 is a 12-inch convertible laptop with a touch screen and 360-degree hinge. Despite the convertible nature, the Framework 12 will f...

Julian van der Merwe, 25 Feb 2025 21:59

Console screenshot of LinuxPDF executing the 'ls' command while running Linux within a PDF file. (Image source: Ading2210 on Github)

High-schooler creates LinuxPDF: Running Linux on a RISC-V emulator inside a PDF file

Ading2210, a high-schooler who created DoomPDF, has now released LinuxPDF to run Linux on a RISC-V emulator derived from TinyEMU within a PDF file using a combination of C, Python, HTML, and Javascript.

David Chien, 18 Feb 2025 07:53

Handheld gaming: A Valve Steam Deck and a Lenovo Legion Go S. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Gaming handhelds: Here's what really matters

CheckMag The market for gaming handhelds is booming. New devices are springing up everywhere and more and more manufacturers are venturing into the segment. Too much choice can be paralyzing, so knowing what makes a good handheld is certai...

Marc Herter, 18 Feb 2025 03:28

AI Confidential demo goes live on Steam for Windows and Linux gamers (Image source: Steam)

Welcome to tomorrow: AI Confidential demo hits Steam

In a world that brings together high-end technology and classic puzzles, AI Confidential allows players to take advantage of an intuitive emoji-driven dialog system to solve everyone's problems as a robo technician. There is no re...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Feb 2025 16:46

AstoCAD launches as FreeCAD paid membership

AstoCAD launches as new FreeCAD paid membership to make open-source AutoCAD alternative easier to use

The AstoCAD development team has announced the first release of the FreeCAD soft fork, which aims to drastically redesign the UI of the free, open-source 3D design software to "make FreeCAD sexy."

Julian van der Merwe, 13 Feb 2025 20:00

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires country pack expansion confirmed to arrive on March 4th 2025 (Image source: Paradox Forum)

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires coming in March

Released back in 2016, Hearts of Iron IV has been continuously updated ever since. A new country pack expansion, "Graveyard of Empires," is on the verge of release on March 4th. The countries this update focuses on are Iran, India...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Feb 2025 17:31

Bluestar Linux 6.13.2 sports a new kernel, Firefox 135, Libreoffice 25.2, and more

Built on top of the 6.13.2 Linux kernel, the latest update of the Arch-based German distro Bluestar Linux comes with Firefox 135, LibreOffice 25.2, GTK 4.16.12, and many other updated packages. However, Thunderbird only moves up t...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Feb 2025 15:22

Aethermancer monster tamer x roguelite public demo now live on Steam (Image source: Future Friends Games)

Monster Sanctuary devs unveil upcoming roguelite monster taming title Aethermancer

With 65 "very positive" reviews so far, Aethermancer is off to a great start. Unleashed yesterday on Steam in a public demo, this title from German indie developer moi rai games brings together monster taming and the roguelite for...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Feb 2025 12:13

EndeavourOS 2025.02.08 Mercury desktop with installer app running (Image source: EndeavourOS)

EndeavourOS 2025.02.08 comes with Firefox 135, default dark theme, multiple tweaks and fixes

EndeavourOS Neo's successor, Mercury, arrived yesterday with the Linux kernel 6.13, Xfce 4.20, Firefox 135.0, Nvidia 570.86.16-3, a memory test for EFI, a default dark theme in KDE, Gnome, Xfce, Mate, Budgie, and Cinnamon, as well...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Feb 2025 11:05

Bazzite is proving a good alternative to Windows 11 for the Legion Go S even at this early stage. (Image source: Lenovo)

Legion Go S: Lenovo's new gaming handheld shown to perform better running Bazzite than Windows

Lenovo has only just started shipping the Legion Go S in the US running Windows. While a SteamOS variant is coming later this year, Bazzite is already showing itself to be a viable and more powerful alternative for those who have ...

Alex Alderson, 06 Feb 2025 20:55

Rumours of the return to the Steam Machine concept have fallen flat once again. (Image source: Valve)

Valve comments on rumours of AMD RDNA 4 and SteamOS gaming project

Valve has stressed that there is nothing in recent rumours about it working with AMD to create a new device built around RDNA 4 hardware. The confirmation arrives just a month after the company was forced to shut down suggestions ...

Alex Alderson, 06 Feb 2025 20:45

Mabox Linux integrates Firefox 135 in the latest update alongside a new kernel and more

The Manjaro-based Mabox Linux is back with update 25.02, which includes the barely released Firefox 135 and various package updates. The Linux kernel used is now 6.6.65, up from the 6.6.47 release, which was present in the 24.12 M...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Feb 2025 13:09

Mozilla Firefox 135 finally integrates a chatbot driven by AI (Image source: DALL·E 3-generated image)

Finally, it gets AI: Firefox 135 is here

In addition to smaller changes such as credit card information autofill, certificate transparency enforcement, or additional language support for Firefox Translations, the latest version of Mozilla's web browser comes with AI chat...

Codrut Nistor, 05 Feb 2025 13:09

Talk of new Valve Steam hardware appears to be inaccurate. (Image source: Alexander Andrews - Unsplash)

Conflicting reports emerge about new Valve Steam hardware with AMD RDNA 4 graphics

New findings of Valve working to improve Linux graphics drivers for AMD's RDNA 4 architecture have sparked speculation about the possibility of an Xbox or PlayStation rival running SteamOS. Those who were quick to amplify the rumo...

Alex Alderson, 04 Feb 2025 14:05

Anbernic already sells the RG34XX in five colours. (Image source: Retro Gaming With Deadfred via Retro Handhelds)

New Anbernic RG34XX gaming handheld refresh leaks after RG34XX SP rumours

It seems that Anbernic is not done with the RG34XX just yet. In fact, a new leak suggests that two new versions of the Anbernic RG34XX are on the way, likely before the rumoured RG34XX SP.

Alex Alderson, 03 Feb 2025 18:07

Slackware-based PorteuX 1.9 portable Linux launches with multiple fixes, CUPS support in GTK3, a new kernel, and more

Available with the same generous selection of desktop environments as before, PorteuX 1.9 comes with the 6.13.1 Linux kernel, CUPS support for GTK3, as well as multiple fixes. The list of updated packages includes Cinnamon 6.4.6, ...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Feb 2025 16:02

Void 20250202 Linux now available for Apple Silicon, Lenovo Thinkpad X13s, and Pinebook Pro (Image source: Void Linux)

Void 20250202 comes with Apple Silicon, Lenovo Thinkpad X13s, and Pinebook Pro support

Born in 2008 and developed by a former NetBSD developer as a testbed for the XBPS package manager, Void Linux received a new update yesterday. Labeled 20250202, this release introduces support for Apple Silicon, Lenovo ThinkPad X1...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Feb 2025 12:39

Doing everyday things on Linux (Image source: Sascha Mölck, Notebookcheck)

Windows 10 support ending in 2025: Try out alternative operating systems without installing them

CheckMag The impending end of Windows 10 support (October 2025) means that many users may have to switch to a different OS. Alternative operating systems such as Linux and ChromeOS Flex can be tested on your own PC without affecting the ex...

Sascha Mölck, 03 Feb 2025 06:15

The R36 Max adopts a 1:1 aspect ratio display to distinguish it from its peers. (Image source: AliExpress)

R36 Max: New 1:1 vertical gaming handheld available for under $40

The R36 Max is a new retro gaming handheld from Game Console. Based around a 4-inch and 1:1 display, the device also contains a pair of joysticks and some rather strange design decisions.

Alex Alderson, 31 Jan 2025 17:05

Early owners of the Miyoo Flip have complained about its build and display quality, among other shortcomings. (Image source: Miyoo)

Miyoo Flip V2 refresh could launch much sooner than expected

Miyoo has only just started selling the Flip as a smaller alternative to the established Anbernic RG35XX SP. Nonetheless, a Miyoo Flip V2 has already been outlined by a reliable source, which could arrive much sooner than expected...

Alex Alderson, 31 Jan 2025 16:56

Invoke AI is a painless way of running a range of image generation models on your own hardware (Image Source: Invoke AI)

How to host your own AI image generator with Invoke AI and Stable Diffusion

CheckMag There are a number of tools which allow you to leverage your own AI image generator without relying on cloud services, which are often paid and come with a whole host of limitations. However, Invoke AI lets you run a range of mode...

David Devey, 31 Jan 2025 14:17

The RG34XX SP may be more than a newer version of the RG35XX SP. (Image source: Anbernic - edited)

Anbernic RG34XX SP: Early rumours of a new 3:2 clamshell gaming handheld start with performance upgrades

According to various sources, Anbernic is actively developing a successor to last year's RG35XX SP. While the so-called RG34XX SP may borrow a 3:2 display from the RG34XX for 2x integer scaling of GBA games, it is reputed to do aw...

Alex Alderson, 31 Jan 2025 13:42

The R36S Plus contains a few strange features. (Image source: AliExpress)

R36S Plus: New copycat retro gaming handheld arrives with several unusual elements

The R36S Plus is a rather strange gaming handheld all things considered. With a 360-degree d-pad and 4 GB of RAM, the device is quite unlike other retro options. A mere 1,200 mAh battery capacity holds it back, though.

Alex Alderson, 31 Jan 2025 13:39