Handheld

AMD has unveiled two new SoCs for portable consoles. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme adds an NPU to the company's top-spec offering, while the Ryzen Z2A sacrifices raw compute power for potential battery life gains.

The Retroid Dual Screen Add-On adds a second display to a compatible Retroid Pocket handheld or third-party device. The touch screen accessory will allow users to play a unique selection of games made for dual-screen consoles such as the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS.

Microsoft has shown off two Xbox-branded consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally. The former comes with AMD's most powerful handheld SoC, while the latter opts for a more affordable option.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches 30 September 2025 for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch 2™, and PC via Steam® and Steam Deck, offering both nostalgia for long-time fans and a fresh experience for a new generation of players.

Anbernic has now shared full specifications for the RG Slide, less than 24 hours after showcasing the handheld in its third official video. Sadly, the Anbernic RG Slide takes the guts of the RG556 rather than the newer RG557. Anbernic is still keeping a release date and launch pricing a secret for now, though.

Nintendo Switch 2 specs support several higher-capacity storage formats. A new benchmark determines which option loads titles the quickest. Results might make gamers more likely to purchase digital Switch 2 games.

The release of the RG35XX Pro is almost upon us. With pre-orders set to open next week, Anbernic has teed up fans with a new 10-minute that unboxes the new 3.5-inch gaming handheld ahead of time.

Some Nintendo fans are feeling neglected after a jam-packed Summer Game Fest 2025. Even though the console's logo was on display, the show featured very few Switch 2 games. Nintendo's controlled approach with dev kits and public relations may explain the lack of titles.

Anbernic has teased new features about the RG Slide before the handheld’s release. Sporting a sliding design reminiscent of devices like PSP Go, the RG Slide will be more powerful than many recent Anbernic handhelds, including the upcoming RG35XX Pro.

Although the Nintendo Switch 2 release date has just passed, Costco is offering sales on several new titles. Mario Kart World and the upgraded Tears of the Kingdom are both seeing early discounts. Costco also has the lowest price on Nintendo's pro-grade Switch 2 controller.

A Reddit user has built a fully functional Steam Deck PC inside a wireless keyboard shell, complete with fan, battery, and AR display output. Reportedly, the project is still evolving with more modules coming soon.

Retroid has now revealed the meaning behind its recent cryptic social media posts. Rather than an entirely new device, the Retroid Dual Screen Add-On expands the capabilities of recent Retroid gaming handhelds like the Pocket 5 with a second OLED display that supports pass-through charging and sits within an adjustable clamp. Retroid has hinted at when it will be releasing its new accessory too.

Even with improved Nintendo Switch 2 specs, upgraded Joy-Cons are what tempt many buyers to purchase the handheld. Sadly, they seem susceptible to stick drift, as with the previous console's controllers. Nintendo has updated its warranty policy to include Joy-Con 2 replacements.

The original Switch was plagued with Joy-Con drift issues and it looks like the Switch 2 may fall victim to the same, eventually. The new Joy-Cons are using similar looking hardware as seen in a recent teardown.

Thanks to the standard webcam compatibility of the Switch 2, a smartphone can be used as a webcam for GameChat. Players can at least save some money by not having to get the $55 camera accessory.

Anbernic is offering an in-house developed AI solution for some of its handhelds. This AI integration has the potential to help gamers in their daily lives, especially when they enjoy games in a foreign language or require external assistance.

Just a day after its launch, Nintendo’s Switch 2 has been shown running custom graphics using a userland ROP exploit, courtesy of modder David Buchanan.

On the announcement of its latest free DLC, Soulmask has gotten its biggest discount to date, bringing the innovative base builder to a record-low price. Soulmask effectively blends third-person PvP combat, base building, and survival craft games to make a unique experience that gives players a lot of freedom.

Workers involved with Microsoft Gaming are fearing potential job losses. An insider revealed that Microsoft layoffs may soon affect the Xbox brand. The changes could result from the company's declining emphasis on hardware.

Red Dead Redemption 2 could come to the Switch 2 late-summer or early fall. The game has been rumored for the handheld for a while now and it would be interesting to see how the more powerful Switch 2 runs the demanding AAA title.

It was already disappointing for fans to find out that the Welcome Tour tech demo is not free, and now the fact that it requires additional accessories and a 4K display to fully complete is bringing in more criticism. Welcome Tour costs $10 and the Switch 2 Camera costs $55.

It seems that Anbernic has another sub 5-inch gaming handheld in the works. Dubbed the Anbernic RG477M for now, the device appears set to combine elements from the RG557 and RG Slide to create a horizontal handheld set within a premium metal shell.

Many buyers wish GameStop had chosen to use tape rather than staples. When affixing receipts to boxes, the retailer damaged the Nintendo Switch 2 screen underneath. Customers must wait for a replacement or refund the order and shop elsewhere.

The K56 is a new 5.5-inch gaming handheld packing a Unisoc T620 chipset and a 5,000 mAh battery. Running Android 14 with Pegasus and ES-DE front-ends pre-installed, the K56 comes in three colour options at launch, too.

Even though Nintendo doesn't directly sell the Switch 2 in India, some retailers have started taking pre-orders for the handheld. It costs far more than it would in other markets, but that amount is expected to come down in the coming months.

Hello Games has overcome the underwhelming launch of No Man’s Sky by consistent content and quality of life improvements for the game, for free. Another free update is coming with the Switch 2 launch, along with major graphical upgrades enabled by the more powerful handheld.

Because of drastically different time zones, fans are already playing Switch 2 games. Nintendo has unleashed the day-one patch that has prevented reviews from journalists. Gamers are describing how enhanced Switch 2 specs affect navigation on the handheld and its performance.

Cubic Odyssey launched on Steam in mid-May as a new co-op 3D survivalcraft game that blends Minecraft with a space colony sim, FPS gunplay, and a Star Wars-like land speeders. There is currently a free Steam demo to try Cubic Odyssey before you buy.

Ahead of the Switch 2's release, iFixit has decided to reevaluate the score of the original Nintendo Switch and its siblings. Citing an improved scoring criteria and the release of more handhelds in recent years, Nintendo's handhelds now have a significantly lower score.

Just before its June 5th release date, final Switch 2 launch plans are coming into focus. Best Buy will distribute tickets to buyers without a console and allow customers to collect pre-orders. Gamers must shop in person, as only games and accessories will be available for purchase online.

Retroid has posted a cryptic teaser online about a possible future gaming handheld. Arriving after Qualcomm confirmed that a future Retroid gaming handheld would use its Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset, fans appear to believe that Retroid is referencing a dual-screen option that could adopt the form factor of the Pocket Flip 2.

Without Switch 2 reviews, gamers worry Nintendo may be seeking to prevent concerning last-minute leaks. The company is already benefiting from furious Switch 2 pre-order sales. However, buying decisions are largely based on Nintendo's marketing.

Anbernic has shared more information about its PSP Go lookalike. Likely launching before the summer, the Anbernic RG Slide should be powerful enough to emulate up to Nintendo Wii games. The company has disclosed various display details ahead of time too.

Some gamers suspect that Nintendo is using generative AI in the Zelda Notes companion app. The narration sounds robotic, while the Spanish voice actress playing Princess Zelda is unrecognizable. Zelda Notes assists players during the Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild Switch 2 games.

Genki has launched eight new accessories for handheld gamers, including grip cases, screen protectors, a 30W MagSafe battery, and storage solutions - now available starting at $19.99.

Some Nintendo Switch 2 games offer GameShare, which builds on typical screen-mirroring features. Even if other players don't buy the same game, they can participate in co-op action. Titles like Survival Kids seek to maximize the potential of GameShare with multiple camera angles.

In an interview with IGN, the VP of Technology at CD Projekt Red (CDPR) noted that the hardware performance of Nintendo Switch 2 might be comparable to the PlayStation 4, but with support for modern technologies, the gaming handheld can surpass PS4.

A Brazilian X user has confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 can run native games without a day-one patch. This only applies to titles made explicitly for the console and not Game-Key Cards.

Nintendo Switch 2 is all set to launch on June 5, 2025. Several first-party exclusives (Mario Kart World, Zelda’s Switch 2 Editions), third-party hits (Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite), and classic remasters have been unveiled for the upcoming console.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition will entice strategy gamers to go mobile. Even so, not all Switch 2 games use DLSS, which may explain the title's lower resolution and frame rate. An interview with a Koei Tecmo developer reveals that the console still has technical limitations.

The Nintendo Switch 2 may support custom entrance music in a future WWE 2K game. A PC modder uncovered code referring to the new handheld and personalized soundtracks. Some Switch 2 games could feature integration with the Nintendo Music app.

Employees are leaking Walmart stock levels for the Switch 2 at many physical storefronts. Some locations may not have enough consoles to meet launch-day demand. Buyers with canceled orders are hoping that local stores will have the Switch 2 available.

The V90S is Powkiddy's counter to recent clamshell retro gaming handhelds from Anbernic and Miyoo. With the V90S' pre-sale period now coming to an end, Powkiddy has decided to bring the device to AliExpress for those who prefer to avoid buying directly from manufacturers.

The Anbernic RG35XX Pro is almost ready for release. Surprisingly, the company's latest retro gaming handheld will cost much less than its recent offerings, too.

Anbernic has now revealed hardware specifications for the RG35XX Pro, which does not seem that 'Pro' on the face of things. Effectively, a RG35XX Plus rework, the RG35XX Pro adds a pair of joysticks while missing out on key upgrades like a new chipset or more RAM.

Microsoft's timetable to release a new Xbox console is now in flux. The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS shows how Windows throttles performance on mobile devices. An insider reports that Microsoft is now intent on improving handhelds using its operating system.

A Russian gamer who posted a lengthy Switch 2 unboxing video doesn't fear a Nintendo lawsuit. The podcaster purchased the console and contends that he didn't violate any copyrights. Also, Nintendo's decision to halt business in Russia makes pursuing the individual challenging.