Handheld

More details about the long-awaited successor to the Powkiddy V90 have emerged before the device's impending release. Possibly launching before the summer or even later this month, the Powkiddy V90S looks to challenge the Anbernic RG34XX SP, RG35XX SP and the Miyoo Flip with various enhancements over the original Powkiddy V90.

Pre-orders aren't the only way gamers can acquire Nintendo's new console. On the June 5th Switch 2 release date, US Best Buy locations will sell a small quantity of handhelds. Lucky buyers can anticipate a free bonus, which could be a collectible coin.

The Anbernic RG34XX SP is set to officially launch later this week. While Anbernic decided to mimic the Miyoo Flip V2 with its latest clamshell gaming handheld, a leak has revealed the company's original intentions for its Game Boy Advance SP lookalike.

Even Nintendo feels that the Switch 2 is expensive, especially compared to the original Switch. The company says it will be challenging to maintain the momentum that the reveal has garnered.

The Zotac Zone 2 will be making a public appearance later this month at Computex 2025. In the meantime, Zotac has teased a few new details about its second-generation device, including the adoption of an 'all-new Manjaro Linux-based OS' designed for gaming handhelds.

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the upcoming Switch 2 will include a PIN-locking feature, finally bringing proper security to the handheld-console hybrid. The feature activates when waking the system from sleep mode - unlike the original Switch, which only used a basic button-tap method.

Valve has updated its Steam Deck Verified program, which now includes SteamOS compatibility rating. This change is mainly for third-party gaming handhelds, and over 18,000 games are expected to be marked compatible out of the gate.

Hogwarts Legacy is not on board with the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack model. Instead, the Nintendo Store has slashed the game's price for owners of the Switch version. The Hogwarts Legacy Switch 2 release should feature improved performance and mouse control.

Boosted specs and cutting-edge visuals could impact the Switch 2 battery life. While it won't extend playtime immediately, a new setting aims to preserve long-term battery health. The Nintendo Today app shows how the console can stop charging at 90% to benefit its lithium-ion battery.

Anbernic has announced the release date of its next clamshell gaming handheld. Available initially at a special early bird price, the RG34XX SP features a 3.4-inch IPS display, an Allwinner H700 chipset and 2 GB of RAM in a form factor that gets even closer to the classic Game Boy Advance SP than the RG35XX SP does.

It seems that MSI has another gaming handheld up its sleeve, after all. Another 7-inch gaming handheld, the Claw A2HM could well be MSI's long-rumoured AMD Ryzen Z2 offering or even an option powered by Intel's Arrow Lake-H series.

It seems that MSI intends to give the elusive Polar Tempest Edition version of the Claw 8 AI+ a global release. Sporting two changes from the existing Claw 8 AI+, the Polar Tempest Edition should be available this summer.

Gamers now know that the Switch 2 Joy-Cons can act as mice outside of games. The Nintendo Today app demonstrated how a cursor precisely navigates the new console's home menu. Unfortunately, mouse mode has limited benefits with a straightforward interface.

Nintendo Switch 2 games may only release on one cartridge size. Hacked files from Arc System Works show only a pricey 64 GB option. Game-Key Cards and digital downloads are ways for publishers to save money.

While Doom: The Dark Ages runs smoothly on desktops on laptops, the game is not Steam Deck verified. But, the game is actually playable on Valve's handheld, but it isn't the best way to experience a Doom game.

Affordable and compact: The U8 is a new gaming handheld that comes with two analog sticks and should definitely fit into your pocket. According to the manufacturer, it can also play and emulate a large number of retro games.

The Retroid Pocket Mini V2 is now available to order. The revised handheld has the same specifications as the Pocket Mini released last year, but with a new display.

With Borderlands 4 pre-order information expected shortly, buyers should soon learn the game's cost. At a recent event, Randy Pitchford admitted that an $80 price wasn't out of the question. The shooter offers sprawling maps with a much higher development cost than Borderlands 3.

A battery optimization feature that allows users to set a battery charging limit is now available on the Steam Deck. While available only to those on the preview or beta channel, it is expected it will eventually be released to those on the stable channel.

Nintendo is adamant that Mario Kart World tracks do not use AI images. A Treehouse presentation caused speculation with distorted billboard images. Nintendo has been cautious about introducing generative AI to game development.

Lenovo has just released the Legion Y700 4th Generation in China. Likely launching globally later this year as the Legion Tab Gen 4, the tablet also doubles as a powerful gaming handheld thanks to two official accessories that add Hall effect triggers and joysticks, among other features.

Nintendo has updated its US EULA to emphasize that those who do not comply can lose access not only to their digital content but also to their console. These changes come ahead of the Switch 2’s June 5 release which will bring new ways to interact with other users.

The time has finally arrived for some registered Nintendo account holders to purchase a Switch 2. Nintendo has begun sending out invitations to lucky gamers in the United States. Not all qualified buyers have received an email signaling that their Switch 2 pre-order journey will continue.

Retroid has quietly listed a new version of the Pocket Mini on its website. Launching soon for $199, the Pocket Mini V2 addresses recent concerns about the Pocket Mini's display with a larger AMOLED panel taken from the recent Retroid Pocket Classic.

Nintendo saw a dip in sales in FY25 compared to the previous year but it is looking forward to the next one thanks to the Switch 2 and the hype around it. For now, the pricing for the console is holding but it may go up depending on the severity of tariffs.

Anbernic has revealed new details about the RG34XX SP on its way to being released. Surprisingly, Anbernic has aimed its sights at Miyoo and the Miyoo Flip in its latest teaser video too.

Even if a new Xbox console uses Windows, some older titles could require emulation to boot. Microsoft is searching for a software engineer to aid its game preservation efforts. Current PCs and other platforms may also benefit from the ability to play classic Xbox games.

Nintendo has updated its privacy policy for Switch 2 GameChat. The company may monitor or record audio and video to ensure players' safety. The new measures target Nintendo's younger fan base, but other gamers have privacy concerns.

A leaker has managed to pull out early specifications for the two Asus ROG Ally 2 variants that leaked online earlier today. While the more powerful RC73X1 variant could launch with up to 64 GB of RAM, the RC73YA variant may have a 50% larger battery than the original ROG Ally.

Asus' next handheld, the ROG Ally 2, has just leaked via multiple sources. One of its variants comes with a dedicated Xbox button, indicating it could be powered by an OS other than Windows.

The latest SteamOS Beta 3.7.5 officially improves support for third-party gaming handhelds, specifically the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, implements an updated KDE 6.2.5 desktop mode, and improves support for a number of different controllers, including the Switch Pro controller and the modular Byowave Proteus.

Gamers were happy to learn that the physical Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition would not use a Game-Key Card. Even though 64 GB cartridges are costly, CD Projekt Red sees the value of physical media. In a new interview, a developer argued against fully digital Switch 2 games.

The new Backbone Pro controller brings a refreshed design alongside new features including remappable back buttons, a built-in battery, and the ability to connect to other devices via Bluetooth. The companion app also has a few new tricks including a built-in emulator for retro games.

Anbernic has lifted the lid on the RG34XX SP, its second retro gaming handheld release of the year. Sporting a design even closer to the classic Game Boy Advance SP, the Anbernic RG34XX SP also has twin joysticks to rival the gameplay experience of the Miyoo Flip.

Genki attracted a lot of attention at CES 2025 in January when it showed off a mockup of the unannounced Switch 2. Nintendo has been observing closely and the recent, inevitable lawsuit demands restitution.

Some Nintendo loyalists believe the upcoming handheld looks too ordinary. The lack of colored Switch 2 controllers contributes to a generic look. However, the latest Switch 2 leak focuses on customizing the new Joy-Cons with replaceable side panels.

Successful Nintendo lawsuits haven't deterred some individuals from challenging the company. The latest court filing accuses accessory brand Genki of trademark violations. Its CES 2025 exhibit showcased products supposedly based on official Switch 2 specs.

While Anbernic is preparing to release an onslaught of gaming handhelds this year, MagicX has decided to refresh the popular Mini Zero 28 with a V2 edition. While the Mini Zero 28 V2 retains its predecessor's sub-$60 price tag, it also builds on it in a few key areas.

The April 2nd Nintendo Direct confirmed Hollow Knight: Silksong as an anticipated Switch 2 game. Gamers on all platforms can play the Metroidvania title in person this September. Unfortunately, with the event at an Australian museum, travel costs may be excessive.

Microsoft Gaming is earning more than a year ago, even with falling console sales. Profits from subscription services and multi-platform titles led to a positive financial report. Microsoft may change strategies again, with several rumored Xbox consoles in development.

Asus has started rolling out a major new update for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. Available worldwide, the new update brings AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 (AFMF 2.1) to both gaming handhelds, albeit with a warning for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

Ayaneo's Pocket S2 appeared a while ago as a new Android gaming handheld powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, a fresh and powerful chip. While the March 2025 unveiling didn't share anything about the price and availability, the company has now confirmed a May launch.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition demos have shown the Switch 2 specs produce smooth gameplay. In a new video, CD Projekt Red describes how the Joy-Con motion controls are also improved. In some Switch 2 games, players could target enemies more precisely.

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.