In the dynamic world of gaming, handheld devices offer a charming juxtaposition of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. The Windows Central gaming team is no stranger to this allure, with various preferences peppering our group—some are devout Steam Deck aficionados, while others swear by the prowess of their ROG Ally. A portion of our team even dabbles with the likes of Legion Go, Logitech G Cloud, or the Razer Edge. The consensus, however, is clear: the convenience of diving into digital worlds from anywhere—on a commute or tucked in bed—is unparalleled.
Our enthusiasm for sharing our gaming exploits is boundless, and we’re eager to bring you into the fold with our latest handheld gaming obsessions. Here’s a curated list of seven games that are a must-play this month on your chosen device, complete with settings tweaks to optimize your experience.
What we’re playing on gaming handhelds this month
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition (ASUS ROG Ally — Z1 Extreme)
Enchantment doesn’t begin to describe my recent journey with Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition. This cozy management sim invites you into an ethereal world where you inherit Charon’s mantle, guiding spirits towards their final rest. With a ship to manage that blossoms into a vibrant community, and a host of spirits that may tug at familiar heartstrings, the game is a serene escape that flourishes on the ASUS ROG Ally. The best part? No adjustments needed—the game is a seamless joy straight from launch.
Recommended Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition settings for ROG Ally: Fortunately, the game’s performance is stellar without the need for tweaks. On platforms like the Nintendo Switch, it’s a gem, and it mirrors that experience on ROG Ally.
Fallout 4 (Steam Deck LCD)
Joining the bandwagon of Fallout enthusiasts, I delved back into the post-apocalyptic realm of Fallout 4. Despite a recent patch stirring the pot, I found the LCD Steam Deck to be an ideal companion for this classic RPG. As I prepare to take the game on a lengthy flight, I’m eager to explore the additional content and settings that have enhanced the experience.
Recommended Fallout 4 settings for Steam Deck LCD: The next-gen patch applies Bethesda’s custom settings automatically, providing a smooth experience right off the bat.
Fallout 76 (Logitech G Cloud)
Revisiting Fallout 76, with its rough start now a distant memory, has been a revelation. The game has evolved with free content drops and updates, offering a renewed and enthralling adventure. Playing on the Logitech G Cloud is a treat—the device’s comfort and impressive battery life make it an ideal choice for extended sessions in the Wasteland.
Recommended Fallout 76 settings for Logitech G Cloud: The joy of the Logitech G Cloud is its ‘pick-up-and-play’ nature, with optimal performance settings built-in.
My Friend Peppa Pig (Logitech G Cloud)
The world of Peppa Pig has captivated my youngest, George, and Utomik’s cloud gaming service offers an affordable, kid-friendly alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Its vast library of games, including Peppa’s adventures, suits the Logitech G Cloud perfectly, proving that great gaming experiences aren’t just for the grown-ups.
Balatro (Steam Deck LCD)
My colleague’s recommendation led me to a newfound addiction—Balatro. This lightweight, engrossing poker-based roguelike is tailor-made for the Steam Deck. With its full touch input support, it exemplifies the bliss of handheld gaming, keeping me engaged into the wee hours.
Recommended Balatro settings for Steam Deck LCD: No adjustments needed, but do try increasing the gameplay speed for a more streamlined experience.
Journey (ASUS ROG Ally — Z1 Extreme)
Journey, with its stunning artistic landscapes and evocative music, is a tranquil adventure that has finally made its way to my ROG Ally. This interactive experience rewards both casual and focused play, offering a serene retreat at the end of a hectic day.
Recommended Journey settings for ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: The game’s simplicity means settings can remain untouched, though optimizing ROG Ally VRAM can always enhance performance.
Anomaly Agent (Steam Deck OLED)
Anomaly Agent is the indie gem that keeps on giving. Its vibrant, retro-futuristic world and dynamic synth-wave soundtrack create an immersive setting for the humorous escapades of Agent 70. With its relaxed yet engaging gameplay, it’s a standout title that shines on any handheld device.
As portable PC gaming continues to evolve, new contenders like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are demonstrating the undeniable advantages of gaming on the go. Stay tuned for next month’s top picks, as we continue to share our love for handheld gaming.
