Handheld

Graded and sealed Nintendo 3DS consoles, especially limited-edition Majora’s Mask models, are commanding prices up to $1,500 on eBay, fueling anger among players already struggling with inflated costs for working handhelds. Critics warn that encasing unopened systems in acrylic traps aging lithium-ion batteries, raising safety concerns over potential swelling or leakage while rendering the devices unusable as game consoles.

MSI has quietly dropped hints about the state of its next PC gaming handheld. With the adoption of Intel Panther Lake being strongly suggested, company executives have also confirmed a major planned change that slipped under the radar.

Retroid has been posting hands-on videos of its new handheld, the Retroid Pocket 6, and the most recent ones show the handheld will be compatible with its Dual Screen Add-on accessory. Unfortunately, the accessory is currently sold out on the Retroid website.

As 2025 progressed, Nintendo found it increasingly difficult to market its latest handheld. In multiple regions, data shows that the original Switch was a more popular holiday purchase. The Switch 2 price is now more of an obstacle, while newer games failed to become system sellers.

The OneXGPU 3 has been showcased at CES 2026, and it's a new eGPU with OCuLink and USB4 ports. It packs the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, a powerful RDNA 4 desktop GPU with up to 180 W TDP, and it has an M.2 SSD slot.

Nintendo Switch accessory maker Human Things has smashed its Kickstarter goal for Genki Grips, a modular ergonomic grip system designed to alleviate the hand cramps plaguing many Switch 2 owners. Despite a rocky history that includes a legal skirmish with Nintendo and mixed reception to earlier products, early backer momentum suggests strong demand for a more comfortable, customizable way to play on the handheld.

Humble has launched a new bundle called the Decked Out Collection. This one is designed for handhelds, especially the Steam Deck, offering seven games in total.

After saying it won't launch a SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2, Lenovo has announced a version of the handheld preloaded with Valve's operating system. The Legion Go 2 Powered by SteamOS has the same design and specs as the Windows version but a higher starting price.

Intel has revealed initial details about plans for new PC gaming handhelds based on its new Panther Lake architecture. Apparently 'an entire handheld gaming platform', Intel's plans already have buy-in from Acer, GPD, MSI and other major players.

The X5 Alteron may prevent retro gamers from having to travel with multiple accessories. Both sides of the GameSir and Hyperkin mobile controller are customizable for fighting or shooting titles. Nintendo users can swap between modules designed for modern Switch 2 games or N64 classics.

Ayn is now offering a gaming handheld in a new, significantly cheaper model. Designed for emulating Nintendo DS titles, the model comes with two screens and is expected to start shipping in less than two weeks.

The OneXplayer OneXfly Apex is now officially available for pre-order. The gaming handheld is available in four different configurations, each with a powerful AMD processor, and even features water cooling.

MSI has refreshed the Claw 8 AI+ again after launching the Polar Tempest Edition last year. This time, the company has confirmed that a new Glacier Blue Edition is coming soon with M.2 2280 storage. An ultra-limited Polar Void Edition has been pictured, too.

The rise of cloud gaming is leading to more accessories that cater to this multi-device alternative. CES 2026 saw the debut of the Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth controller. To overcome the disadvantages of streaming, it minimizes latency while boasting TMR sensors for precise inputs.

One-Netbook is now selling its first AMD Strix Halo gaming handheld directly after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Available from $1,699, the OneXPlayer Apex can also be configured with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, 128 GB RAM and optional liquid cooling for a 120 W TDP.

Ancient Forge is hosting a special giveaway, and the grand prize is a Steam Deck with a custom Hotel Galactic wrap. There are more prizes available for additional winners, such as game codes and plushies.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a versatile console, but its dock suffered from a fatal flaw. A malfunctioning Ethernet port made WiFi often a less-than-desirable fallback option. Many gamers are confirming that the 21.1.0 update solved the flaky wired internet connectivity.

Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra argues that expensive gaming handhelds do not offer good value compared to consoles. He believes systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are more affordable, longer-lasting, and a better choice for most players.

Digital Foundry’s testing shows the GPD Win 5’s Strix Halo APU pushing the handheld to 93.5% of PS5 performance in Alan Wake 2 at 1440p, delivering around 52fps versus the console’s 55fps in a demanding stress test. Despite its high price and power draw, the device demonstrates how close high-end handheld PCs are coming to living-room console performance, even at reduced wattages and resolutions.

The Switch 2 looks prepared to support every Final Fantasy game, including an MMO. Director Naoki Yoshida has given the most definitive confirmation yet about a Final Fantasy 14 port. At the same time, the Switch 2 specs may struggle with raids, prompting players to keep PC versions installed.

The Gamemt E3 Vigor is a budget retro handheld now available for pre-order from $45, offering a 3.95-inch 1:1 720p IPS display aimed at classic systems like NES, SNES, Game Boy, and PSP. Powered by an aging octa-core Cortex A7 chipset with modest specs but a sizable 5,000 mAh battery, it positions itself as an affordable everyday carry for nostalgic gamers. However, real-world performance remains unproven ahead of initial shipments.

Prices for Nintendo’s decade-old 3DS handheld have surged on eBay, with standard and limited-edition models now selling for $200 to nearly $1,000, in some cases rivaling the cost of a new Nintendo Switch 2. Driven by dwindling supply after production ended and renewed interest from collectors, the secondary market has pushed used 3DS XL units to more than triple last year’s prices and up to 76% above their original retail value.

A new review of the Anbernic RG477V by a seasoned hardware tester explains why paying extra for more memory may not translate into better real-world emulation for the use cases most buyers are likely targeting.

Even as a popular novelty, the Alarmo isn’t an essential accessory for some gamers. That could change, as a Nintendo patent proposes linking an alarm clock to gameplay. Switch 2 games could send live notifications to the device to celebrate events or accomplishments.

Ayaneo's Indiegogo campaign for the Pocket Vert is now live. Interested backers will be able to pre-order the handheld at a discounted price for the next one month. Shipping is expected to commence in February 2026.

One-Netbook’s OneXSugar Wallet is a clamshell retro handheld that pairs an 8.01‑inch foldable OLED display with built-in gaming controls, positioning itself as the first compact Android gaming device to use a single, continuous bendable screen. Drawing on foldable phone design and optimized for DS and 3DS emulation, it promises true pocketability and a seamless dual-screen experience. However, questions remain about hinge durability and long-term wear.

The Nintendo Switch 2 might be getting considerably more AAA games moving forward, as Disney has reportedly asked third-party developers to develop Switch 2 copies of Disney-owned gaming properties. These prospective Switch 2 games could include titles from the Star Wars universe.

KT Pocket’s newly renamed KTR2 enters an increasingly crowded retro handheld market with an unusually premium magnesium alloy build, active cooling, and a modern Dimensity 7300 chip, all while targeting sub-$200 price points. Yet, with delayed shipments, crowdfunding uncertainty, and fierce competition from cheaper, more readily available rivals, its promise to disrupt the segment will hinge on its international rollout and real-world performance.

Capcom hasn't confirmed that a Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 version is coming. A dataminer may have leaked the project after finding the platform mentioned in the recent Title Update 4. While performance has improved since its release date, the Switch 2 game would face optimization challenges.

Ayaneo’s Pocket Vert retro handheld arrives with early-backer pricing that starts at $269 and climbs to $369, before rising by $100 at retail for a $339 base model and a $439 top-tier Lava Red edition. Combining a high‑PPI 3.5‑inch display, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, invisible touchpad, and a robust feature set in a premium metal build, the device targets enthusiasts seeking powerful retro emulation in a Game Boy-style form factor.

Cross-platform games are becoming more commonplace on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Even so, a former Sony executive doesn’t envision exclusive games completely disappearing. While PC releases boast mass appeal, Shawn Layden argues that titles unique to the PS5 and Switch 2 have value.

Mangmi has announced that the Pocket Max handheld will allow users to easily swap the D-Pad and ABXY buttons. While not a unique feature, Mangmi says this is the first time it will be seen on an Android-powered handheld.

Ahead of the shipping of the Retroid Pocket 6, Retroid has provided a handful of live photos of the handheld. The photos show the two different designs available, but only two of the six colors it can be purchased in.

The Nintendo Switch 2 uses only microSD Express cards, but they don't come cheap. However, a limited time deal on the 256GB variant of the Samsung P9 Express microSD Express card allows Switch 2 owners double their storage without breaking the bank.

The Nitro Deck 2 is yet to begin shipping, but CRKD has announced the first limited edition variant. The Nitro Deck 2 LRG Fusion Limited Edition is the result of a partnership with the video game publisher, Limited Run Games.

The Aoostar AG03 has been formally introduced in China. It's a step-up from the predecessor, featuring USB4 v2 ports that can offer 80 Gbps bandwidth. This Thunderbolt 5 eGPU also comes with an OCuLink port and has a built-in PSU.

Without Battlefield or Call of Duty, the Switch 2 isn’t yet an essential purchase for some gamers. However, a new leak suggests that Activision may launch its shooter franchise on the handheld in 2026. It’s unclear whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is on the way or if a mobile port is more likely.

The ever-privileged ETA Prime gets an exclusive first look at the Ayaneo Pocket Vert Android handheld, and impressions point toward an ambitious Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered handheld in a familiar Game Boy-like form factor.

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) could be an asset to Switch 2 games with wavering frame rates. Unfortunately, screen tearing remains an issue, particularly with titles that run at lower than 40fps. Ubisoft solved the problem in Assassin's Creed Shadows and is now sharing its wisdom with Nintendo.

GuliKit previously partnered with Asus to release Hall effect joystick modules for the ROG Ally X. The new TMR-based ROG Xbox Ally (X) modules eliminate stick drift while offering smoother and even more precise input.

For many fans, the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle was a no-brainer purchase. A leaked internal memo confirms that the package with the popular Switch 2 game will soon no longer be available. Nintendo hasn’t revealed a new bundle at the same price to replace it.

Anbernic has now launched its latest 4:3 vertical gaming handheld. Offered for under $200 in two colour options, the Anbernic RG477V also features a 120 Hz display with a powerful MediaTek chipset and up to 12 GB of RAM.

Mangmi has chosen to provide details of its upcoming handheld, the Pocket Max, in bits. Following a reveal of the design and display specifications, it has now provided images that show the Pocket Max in two new colors.

Released in 2022, the Steam Deck LCD quickly attracted a devoted following. Those fans are bemoaning the news that Valve will soon retire its cheapest gaming handheld. The Steam Deck OLED ships with improved specs, but has a price that’s on par with the ROG Xbox Ally and Legion Go S.

If the Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo is any indication, the Switch 2 game will impress fans. Even at lower resolutions, DLSS bridges the gap between the handheld and more powerful consoles. Image clarity is closer to the PS5 and Xbox Series X than expected, while looking crisper than the Series S.

As cars become more robust entertainment centers, PlayStation sees opportunities for growth. The Sony Honda Afeela 1 EV will launch with a PlayStation Portal handheld attached to its backseats. Even so, it may rely on PS Remote Play, which requires a console at home to enjoy PS5 games.

The Legion Go 2 is one of the most expensive gaming handhelds around produced by a major laptop manufacturer. According to a new leak, that could well change soon with a forthcoming refresh.

MSI now also offers its gaming handheld Claw 8 with an AMD processor. The question is why though, because our review reveals some ergonomic drawbacks compared to the Intel SKU and you also get 8 GB RAM less. The price is identical, so why should you get the AMD version?

Retroid has ended the first batch of pre-orders for the Pocket 6, with a plan to begin shipping in January 2026. However, it has begun accepting a new batch of pre-orders without the launch discount that earlier buyers enjoyed, but a further delayed shipping date.