Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.
LEGO enthusiasts are excited for the eighteenth doors of the Advent Calendars, featuring LEGO CITY (#60475), LEGO Disney (#43273), LEGO Friends (#42668), LEGO Harry Potter (#76456), and LEGO Minecraft (#21280).
- LEGO CITY (#60475): A micro LEGO Truck made of 11 pieces, inspired by the 2024 LEGO CITY Yellow Delivery Truck (60440).
- LEGO Disney (#43273): A pair of micro houses on a 2×3 white plate with a pearlescent 1×1 gem.
- LEGO Friends (#42668): Nova with a lilac bed/sleeping bag and festive blue pajamas with a gaming controller and Santa hat.
- LEGO Harry Potter (#76456): A bottle of Skele-gro made from 11 pieces, featuring a 2×2 printed round brick.
- LEGO Minecraft (#21280): A micro world house built from 14 pieces.
To play Red Dead Redemption on iOS or Android devices with a Netflix subscription, a compatible device is needed. Android devices require Android 11 or higher, 6GB of RAM, and specific processors, while Apple devices need to be iPhone 11 or better. The game can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play Store, selecting the Netflix version and signing in with a Netflix account. Red Dead Redemption can also be downloaded through the Games section on the Netflix app.
Microsoft has introduced the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) in its latest Insider Preview Build for Windows 11, aimed at enhancing gaming across devices such as laptops, desktops, and tablets. The FSE allows users to pair an Xbox gaming controller with their Windows 11 device for easier task switching, enabling quick navigation between apps and games. The feature is currently available for testing by Windows Insiders, with a phased rollout to gather feedback before a wider release. There are indications that a next-generation Xbox PC may be developed around the FSE, potentially transforming it into a Windows 11 PC with an extensive Xbox gaming library.
Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.
Windows 11 will soon allow users to access Task View by long-pressing the Xbox button on their controllers, a feature currently in preview testing with Build 2622.6682. This enhancement aims to improve the gaming experience for users who prefer controllers over traditional input methods. Additionally, Windows 11 will enable users to log in using a gaming controller, enhancing security and streamlining the gaming experience. Other Windows-powered handhelds, such as the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, are expected to benefit from a similar full-screen Xbox experience.
There are two main types of mobile gaming controllers: grip and standard. Grip controllers are designed to be more portable while providing a familiar gaming experience with physical buttons, joysticks, and triggers. Standard gaming controllers, like those used with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles, can also be used with mobile devices.
Today's Google Play store features significant app deals and hardware discounts. The 8Bitdo Hall Effect Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is on sale, enhancing the mobile gaming experience. The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight offers improved security and lighting for homes. The WF-1000XM5 Wireless ANC Earbuds provide advanced noise cancellation and immersive sound. The Lenovo Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC is available at a notable discount. The Google TV Streamer 4K is also offered at a reduced price.
Highlighted apps include:
- Roundguard: A mix of roguelike and pinball mechanics.
- Front Armies: A strategic military simulation game.
- LIMBO: A puzzle-platformer known for its storytelling.
- Skel: An adventure game with intricate puzzles.
- Defense: A tower defense game.
PC gaming handhelds, including the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, are designed for the Xbox platform through a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while the base Xbox Ally has a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both models have a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support VRR and FreeSync technology. The Xbox Ally X was tested with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p and 60 fps. The systems run a streamlined version of Windows with an optimized Xbox app that allows game imports from other platforms. The ergonomic design resembles a split Xbox controller, but its size may affect portability. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but the Xbox Ally X is expected to be premium-priced.
