Handheld

As Nintendo raises the prices of some accessories, Turtle Beach is launching new budget Switch gear. The Recon 70 and Airlite Fit are both affordable and lightweight wired gaming headsets. Turtle Beach also reskinned the Rematch wireless Switch controller in two new Mario themes.

As per the new console cycle, the PS6 and next-gen Xbox were expected in 2027 but now it seems to have been confirmed. A cancelled Blade Runner game was supposed to release in September 2027 for the “Gen 10” Xbox and PlayStation systems.

When one thinks of Nintendo, many may think of consoles they grew up with and their unique charm, such as the GameCube's boot logo. Lately, consoles like the Switch (and potentially the upcoming Switch 2) no longer have that same charm.

Microsoft remains focused on hardware, with three potential new Xbox controllers in the works. An Elite Series 3 option would debut nuanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. To reduce latency, multiple controllers could support a direct WiFi connection to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The Pocket Ace is Ayaneo's latest attempt to dethrone compact gaming handhelds produced by Retroid and others. Equipped with a 4.5-inch display, the Ayaneo Pocket Ace also has a large battery, Hall effect hardware and a chipset that should be capable of Nintendo Switch emulation.

Japanese speedrunner Ikaboze has become the first player in the world to beat The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the unreleased Switch 2. He did so in under 20 minutes using a saved game situated outside Hyrule Castle.

Donkey Kong Bananza may showcase the full power of the Switch 2. A Nintendo Magazine feature states that the chaotic platformer offers 1080p/60fps visuals in handheld mode. However, some gameplay demos hint that the Switch 2 game could benefit from more optimization.

Japanese gamers may not be the only buyers who can purchase a discounted Switch 2. Costco just listed a Mario Kart World bundle with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The cost is uncertain, but some Costco employees believe the bundle with Switch 2 price will be $499.99.

Miyoo promised that version two of its Anbernic RG35XX SP rival would ship with an improved hinge mechanism. Early reports suggest that the opposite has occurred. Instead, the Miyoo Flip V2 is suspectible to its display hinge breaking after hardly any usage, particularly the dark grey variant.

New leaks have provided fresh insights into the state of the Anbernic RG34XX SP. Apparently arriving hot on the heels of the RG557, the RG34XX SP may not pack the performance boost over the RG35XX SP that many had hoped for.

Anbernic has finally released the RG557 globally. Its first gaming handheld of the year, the RG557 replaces the RG556 with more power under the hood but also a significant price rise to boot.

Gamers registered for a Switch 2 pre-order opportunity from Nintendo will get the first crack at a new classic controller. Retro gaming can be expensive, and the wireless Switch 2 GameCube controller will cost $64.99. Fortunately, the accessory functions with more than emulated GameCube games.

The demand for the Switch 2 in the US and Canada has been overwhelming for Nintendo and it states that those who registered their interest in purchasing the console might not get a delivery on launch day. The first wave of invites will go out on May 8.

Even facing criticism, the Switch 2 price may be low enough to set console sales records. Analysts in a Bloomberg report predict that the handheld will sell more in its first two weeks than the PS4 or PS5. Supply could threaten that record as Nintendo struggles to meet Switch 2 pre-order demand.

Anbernic has finally revealed all there is to know about its first gaming handheld release of 2025. The Anbernic RG557 builds on the existing RG556 with faster performance, refined joysticks and wired fast charging support, among other improvements. Anbernic has confirmed that the RG557 will be available for people living in the US, too.

A Reddit modder turned a broken Steam Deck into a Joy-Con-powered "Steam Switch 2" with Bluetooth controls, 3D-printed housing, and plans for internal Joy-Con charging. It's wild, but it works.

Ever since the Game Boy Advance SP and Nintendo DS, clamshell handhelds have been quite popular with gamers. New retro handhelds like Anbernic's RG35XXSP are no exception. That’s why the streamer Bob Wulff has now created a clamshell version of the Lenovo Legion Go.

An X user has managed to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch 2 motherboard. As previously rumoured, it is confirmed to use an Nvidia Tegra chip and memory modules from SK Hynix. Update: The X post got removed which may or may not be due to Nintendo submitting a complaint to the platform.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 release date approaching, less buyers are investing in new consoles. New March figures show slowing PS5, Xbox, and Switch console sales in the US. Fewer gamers purchased video games, but the decline isn't as severe.

Head of Diablo at Blizzard, Rod Fergusson, is hopeful that as the Switch 2 is launched, they can figure out the live service component and Diablo 4 can make its way to the handheld. Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 Resurrected will be playable on the Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility.

Nintendo's Japanese account has released an official statement on X from the company's CEO, Shuntaro Furukawa, confirming the Switch 2 saw an unusually high number of applicants for the pre-order lottery in Japan. Nintendo has confirmed it will not be able to meet initial demand.

Some Switch 2 specs remain a mystery before its June 5th release date. A video of the handheld, possibly smuggled out of a Chinese factory, has appeared. The clip shows how the Switch 2 Joy-Cons function and includes a comment about build quality.

A well-known leaker claims Bethesda is working on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered for Nintendo's upcoming handheld. The title would join an impressive list of third-party Switch 2 games. Nintendo Switch 2 specs and capabilities, including DLSS, could benefit the remaster.

After refusing to appear in court, Nintendo asked for a default judgment against streamer Jesse Keighin. Keighin leaked a series of unreleased Switch games using emulators. Nintendo lawsuits are often aggressive, but the company has lowered its requested damages.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's Steam listing states it can run on the Steam Deck. The Unreal Engine 5 powered game has some steep requirements and takes up 120 GB of storage.

A developer ported Windows 3.1 to the original Nintendo Game Boy using the GB Studio software. The port (which is heavily modified from the original Windows 3.1) includes simple tools and applications, such as versions of Minesweeper and Paint. It can be purchased on Etsy.

EA won't keep American football fans in suspense, with a Madden NFL 26 announcement coming before April 25th. Leaker billbil-kun can't confirm the new Madden as a Switch 2 game, but a version will launch on the Nintendo handheld.

Anbernic has now revealed the release date and launch pricing for its next gaming handheld. While the Anbernic RG557 will be available later this week, it will be considerably more expensive than the outgoing RG556.

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 its gaming handheld inventory to the US.

The Teraleak was one of the most extensive and damaging Nintendo leaks. Nintendo has filed a subpoena to learn the identity of the Discord user who shared the information. The poster exposed details about Pokémon games and Game Freak employees.

An iPhone or iPad can be a surprisingly satisfying way to play Nintendo games. After the release of AltStore Classic, there are fewer roadblocks to installing a Switch emulator. Only EU gamers can easily install AltStore PAL, which is necessary to benefit from the unofficial app store.

PlayStation 6 Portable, the handheld companion to the full-fledged PlayStation 6 console, is rumored to launch alongside its bigger brother. When it does launch, the PS6 Portable could potentially run the full PS5 game library according to a new leak posted online with no need for game studios to as much as lift a finger to make that happen.

Not all Nintendo loyalists have a need for speed. Mario Kart World may not satisfy audiences expecting Switch 2 launch titles to include a 3D Mario platformer. With no Super Mario Odyssey 2 in sight, Nintendo is relying on the kart racer and third-party games.

Nvidia DLSS helps Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition exceed expectations for Switch 2 performance. CD Projekt Red confirms that the Switch 2 game uses the upscaling technology in docked and handheld modes. Even so, Digital Foundry still struggles to find evidence of DLSS active during playtests.

Players find that Xbox Cloud Gaming provides a better experience in living rooms. A recent report suggests that using smartphones with the service has too many drawbacks. A new Xbox handheld may look to improve navigation and visuals on mobile devices.

It looks like the Anbernic RG557 will be available before the end of the month. Although a release date remains unconfirmed for now, early videos have not only unboxed the new gaming handheld but also shown the emulation performance to expect from its MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset and 12 GB RAM.

After an update on the PEGI age rating site, Assassin's Creed Shadows could become the next high-profile Switch 2 game. Rumors about the title's release on the new Nintendo console originated in 2024. As a result of enhanced Switch 2 specs, more third-party titles are landing on the handheld.

GoRetroid is alerting its US customers who ordered the Retroid Pocket Classic handheld to choose a different hue as select colors won't ship in time before a US shipping restriction begins later this month. The affected colors are three out of the seven the handheld is available in.

Switch 2 Edition games may not only target buyers of Nintendo's upcoming console. A Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma FAQ states that its cartridge will boot on the original Switch. Gamers unable to find a Switch 2 could play these releases before enjoying upgrades on the new handheld.

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will go live on April 24 in the US and Canada. While console prices remain the same, the accessories have seen a price hike in the US due to market conditions.

The Playdate Cover is now available to buy in yellow, the same color as the handheld. This brings the available options to four. Also, Panic still has refurbished units of the Playdate for sale which costs $50 less than a new unit.

Panic has revealed more details about the second season of games coming to the Playdate. Made up of a total of 12 games which will be released within a span of six weeks, the new season includes some titles that require playing with the crank and others that require the D-pad and A and B buttons.

Insiders are chiming in on the strength of Switch 2 launch titles. Kit & Krysta find that fans of multiple genres have appealing options. On the other hand, most third-party Switch 2 games are already available on other systems.

With a new upgrade kit, the battery life of the Asus ROG Ally can supposedly be extended quite significantly. This might convince users to keep using their handheld instead of buying a new one. Improved cooling is advertised as well.

Retroid has now posted a video covering replacing the display inside the Pocket Mini. While the hardware upgrade will bring a higher resolution and larger display to Retroid's pocket handheld, it is also fraught with difficulty.

With boosted Switch 2 specs and more third-party titles, Nintendo may convert some PC gamers to its handheld. Even so, a new poll indicates that Steam Deck fans aren't convinced. These gamers prefer to hold off for the Steam Deck 2 or a more powerful SteamOS handheld.

Aokoze has now released one of the first gaming handhelds that leverages AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU. Also featuring with OCuLink eGPU connectivity and a 120 Hz VRR display, the Aokzoe A1X packs in a 72.7 Wh battery to rival the Asus ROG Ally X, among other popular Windows gaming handhelds.

The Nintendo Switch 2 became official as a more capable console than its predecessor. It's also more feature-packed, but while the gaming handheld was initially marketed to have VRR support when docked, the mention of that has now been removed from US and Canadian websites.

Nintendo has already confirmed that save data from the Switch can be transferred over to the Switch 2 and players can continue their in-game journey on the new console. However, it seems like cloud backup is not available for every game.

The Mario Kart World Direct didn't shock many fans of the famous kart racing series. Even so, several new characters and tracks were featured in the presentation. Nintendo also focused on how the open-world elements of the Switch 2 game work.