Handheld

A new OneXPlayer X1 Pro is now available to order globally. Equipped with AMD's Gorgon Point platform, the new release combines a 65 Wh battery with detachable controllers, a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 APU and OCuLink eGPU support.

Anbernic has released cheaper versions of one of its popular retro handhelds. Now available with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the Anbernic RG557 is significantly cheaper than it was previously, despite retaining an AMOLED display and a powerful chipset.

After Google declined to repair a Pixel 8 with a persistent pink display line, its owner repurposed the otherwise functional phone into a compact retro gaming console connected to a TV. Using a USB-C hub, wired controllers, active PC-fan cooling, HDMI output, and EmulationStation Desktop Edition, the project turns damaged hardware into a practical emulation setup rather than e-waste.

A new software update for the Anbernic RG Vita Pro has begun rolling out. While the changelog mentions bug fixes and system optimizations, it also mentions the addition of the Google Play Store, which makes it easy for users to install Android apps.

Gamers may have begun to shy away from the now more expensive PS5. U.S. April data highlights a 30% decline in PlayStation console sales compared to the previous year. Before the impending Switch 2 price increase, Nintendo’s handheld extended its lead over the competition.

Powkiddy has released a new retro handheld globally. Available in a choice of three colours, the Powkiddy P36S is comparatively small despite featuring two joysticks, two USB Type-C ports and a pair of microSD card slots.

Ayaneo is preparing to announce new products on May 21. In the meantime, a second budget handheld has appeared bearing Ayaneo Bitwave branding. A horizontal model, the new device may feature a 120 Hz display but lacks any joysticks to speak of.

After comments from a trustworthy insider, a June Nintendo Direct looks more probable. Jeff Grubb has heard that the company will respond to the Summer Game Fest with its own livestream. Fans are anxious to see unannounced first-party Switch 2 games, like the Ocarina of Time remake.

Virtuos, the studio behind the well-received Nintendo Switch port of L.A. Noire, says it is eager to bring Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 to the Nintendo Switch 2. Company executives cite the success of past Rockstar collaborations and advances in Switch porting as evidence that the projects are technically plausible, though approval from Take-Two and Rockstar remains a key hurdle.

Some backers are abandoning the chipmakers profiting from the AI boom. Considered a safer long-term investment, Nintendo stock is enjoying a resurgence. The Switch 2 price increase announcement initially impacted shares, which had already declined since the console’s release date.

The RF40H is a new handheld console that promises plenty of gaming fun at a highly affordable price – multiplayer support included. The device comes with fairly modern input options and runs a custom Linux operating system.

A Japanese YouTuber has exposed a potential weakness with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. A part beneath the thumbsticks disintegrates, leading to interrupted movements. Despite the lack of TMR or Hall effect technology, the issue is not related to stick drift.

Asus has partnered with CD Project Red on a custom version of the ROG Xbox Ally based on the hit game, Cyberpunk 2077. Made by AK Mod, the PC builder also made a Johnny Silverhand stand for the Windows handheld gaming PC.

Ayaneo has put a pause on new product announcements for a few months now, but it appears it might have a new product on the horizon. Thanks to a new report, we have a first look at images and the user manual of a new handheld that is expected to launch as the Ayaneo Pocket Block.

Valve is offering affected Steam Controller buyers a free standard-edition Steam game after a GLS shipping error reportedly sent some European orders to the UK instead of their intended destinations. Many customers are opting for Forza Horizon 6 as their title of choice.

Nintendo has added more games to the Virtual Boy library which is available to subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The five games include popular titles such as Space Invaders and V-Tetris.

Anbernic has released a Linux-based OS for its RG DS dual-screen handheld which ships with Android. The new OS can be installed on a microSD card, so users don't have to wipe the Android OS.

GuliKit has released a pair of anti-drift joysticks for the Joy-Con 2 controllers. The TMR joysticks are much cheaper than buying replacement Joy-Con 2 controllers which will likely fail again. They are also relatively easy to fix.

Devil May Cry 4 and the follow-up Special Edition are both very moddable releases, and remain long-time favorites within the Devil May Cry community. In this installment of [Throwback Thursdays], I'll be highlighting the best Devil May Cry 4 mods, for both versions of the game.

A fan-made modular handheld concept for Anbernic is attracting a lot of attention on Reddit, featuring swappable control modules and battery expansion. The community design addresses long-standing trade-offs in retro gaming hardware.

KendyLabs and Raretro Consoles have introduced KLRR, a self-funded project offering the first publicly available functional clear-shell kits for the Nintendo 3DS XL and New 3DS. Designed to work with the handheld’s complex hinge and internal layout, the kits target collectors and modders, though expected high pricing and difficult installation may limit their appeal to experienced enthusiasts.

Playground Games has announced that Forza Horizon 6 is Steam Deck verified. Mobile gamers hoping to explore Japanese roadways have greater confidence in handheld compatibility. The system requirements also suggest it will perform adequately on the ROG Xbox Ally.

FromSoftware still plans to support Nintendo’s latest console. The Elden Ring Switch 2 port with Shadow of the Erdtree DLC may finally arrive in July. After performance concerns led to a delay, a retailer has posted an estimated release date for the Tarnished Edition.

Anbernic's has begun selling the RG Rotate Android gaming handheld on its website. The manufacturer is also offering buyers a discount for a limited time.

The PS5 price hike led to an unusually successful period of console sales. Yet, despite this temporary lift, Sony expects hardware revenue to dwindle as 2026 continues. The Nintendo Switch 2 price increase has also caused panic buying in some regions.

Nintendo Switch 2 users briefly accessed YouTube through a hidden browser triggered by Super Animal Royale, filling the gap left by the console’s continued lack of an official YouTube or streaming app. The workaround was reportedly blocked within hours, underscoring frustration over Nintendo and Google’s slow progress nearly a year after the console’s launch.

The Yoo Y1, a new Android-based retro handheld from Chinese designer Zhang, is drawing early attention for its premium build, minimalist glass front, 3:2 1620 x 1080 display, TMR joysticks, Hall-Effect triggers, metal frame, and 6,000mAh battery. While its processor remains unconfirmed, the device’s final performance and connectivity features could determine whether it becomes a serious rival to established premium handhelds from Retroid and Ayn.

Contrary to popular belief, enabling Switch 2 GameChat may reduce stuttering. Digital Foundry realized that Capcom RE engine games like Pragmata benefit from voice and video chats. Choosing the smallest window size yielded frame rates up to 60 fps.

Anbernic has released a new major update for the RG477V handheld that brings some quality of life improvements. There's a revamped launcher and a new control center that puts important settings at players' fingertips.

The Nintendo Switch 2 price hike in Japan has produced a surge in console sales. Reminiscent of its launch, jam-packed retailers are again waging war against scalpers. The changes take effect much sooner than in other regions, with buyers suffering a higher percentage increase.

Even contending with higher memory prices, Nintendo may be designing new consoles. Its latest fiscal report revealed that its research and development budget expanded by 23.7%. Earlier leaks suggested that a cheaper Switch 2 Lite or upgraded OLED model is a possibility.

After avoiding a Switch 2 price increase, astronomical memory prices forced the manufacturer to act. With a $499.99 MSRP in September, buyers will look for reasons to upgrade. Former Nintendo marketers think that the company should announce a first-party Switch 2 game to compete with GTA 6.

Anbernic has refreshed its RG34XX SP handheld with a new model. Apparently more than just a visual refresh, the new Metallic Blue variant also brings a metallic finish to the RG34XX SP that was missing from its existing four colour options.

Nintendo marketing may have a new strategy to deal with high-profile leaks. An insider thinks a widely spread rumor led to the abrupt Star Fox Switch 2 announcement. Recently, the company has become more spontaneous with major game reveals, relying less on general Directs.

The latest price hike pushed the Lenovo Legion Go 2 with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage to $1,599.99. However, thanks to a new deal, you can currently save over $500 on it.

Individuals with large stakes in Nintendo stock are asking for a Switch 2 price increase. Investors believe that the memory shortage will hurt the console’s profitability. Other analysts warn that still early in its lifecycle, gamers would reject higher costs and avoid upgrading to the handheld.

The Lenovo G02 is a new handheld designed to emulate retro games. Featuring a 4.5-inch IPS display, the Lenovo G02 comes in multiple colours with more than a passing resemblance to the Anbernic RG40XX V.

OneXPlayer has revealed more details about the OneXPlayer X2 Mini across multiple videos. Shared before releasing the device globally, the new videos highlight that the gaming handheld will feature an innovative touchpad solution that can be used even in docked mode.

Windows 11's Auto Super Resolution is now available to try for Xbox Insiders on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. ETA Prime has tested the performance and image quality of Auto SR against native resolution. The results are quite impressive, considering that Auto SR runs entirely on the NPU.

Xbox mode is now live on Windows 11 via optional update KB5083631, bringing a controller-first full-screen gaming interface to desktops, laptops, and handhelds.

Reggie Fils-Aimé claims that Amazon made illegal requests to gain a competitive edge. The former Nintendo of America President says he refused the demands, which led to one of several disagreements. Later, Amazon didn’t list Switch 2 games or the console at launch due to rumored pricing disputes.

The Lenovo Legion Go with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 512GB of storage was launched with a $699.99 price tag. However, it has been hit with a price hike, which has taken its price to $1,000.

Gamers who neglect a stowed-away Nintendo console risk damaging the system. The Switch 2 battery could suffer from swelling or reduced capacity when not charged for 6 months. On social media, Nintendo Support has suggested ways to ensure the forgotten consoles survive.

Valve co-founder Gabe Newell’s decade-old claim that consoles have shifted from bespoke graphics designs to PC-derived hardware has largely been validated, with modern systems relying on x86 architectures and AMD-based GPUs alongside PC-like features such as upscaling. As Valve and Microsoft move toward PC–console hybrids—via a new Steam Machine iteration and the rumored “Project Helix”—the divide between console and PC ecosystems continues to narrow, emphasizing shared hardware foundations and cross-library play.

Blaze Entertainment has unveiled two retro-inspired handhelds based on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, each packed with 25 classic games. The devices blend nostalgic design with modern features — but come at a noticeably higher price than typical emulation handhelds.

Asus has released a new update for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which focuses on improving docking, adding Auto SR preview, and more.

The latest gaming handheld from Anbernic goes on sale in a few days. The innovative handheld with a rotating display will be available at prices starting at $88 and is designed to handle retro games that were developed for systems like the Game Boy Advance, the PlayStation 2 or the Nintendo Wii.

A leaked benchmark result has provided early insights into the state of Intel's Arc G3 Extreme processor. Equipped with 14 cores, the Arc G3 Extreme will bring Intel's powerful Arc B390 graphics to gaming handhelds like the next MSI Claw, too.

A retailer has revealed pricing for MSI's long-awaited Claw 8 AI+ refresh. Unfortunately, the new Glacier Blue Edition release will be more expensive than existing Claw 8 AI+ handhelds.

The next MSI Claw has been detailed before its official debut. Featuring the Intel Arc G3 Extreme and an 80 Wh battery, the Claw 8 EX AI+ has been priced at €1,599 with 32 GB of RAM and a 120 Hz display, too.