gaming device Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Leak: More evidence of an Xbox handheld found in Windows 11 preview

Microsoft is reportedly developing an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, with potential launch details emerging this year. Updates in the Beta and Dev Channel previews of Windows 11 suggest a user interface designed for handheld gaming, featuring terms like “Gaming Posture” and settings for performance monitoring and resolution adjustments. Asus has released a video teaser that hints at a collaboration with Microsoft, showcasing a robot combining a ROG Ally gaming handheld with a Raikiri Pro controller, which resembles the Xbox gamepad. Asus is considered a strong candidate for collaboration on the Xbox handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan.”

Winsage

April 1, 2025

The next-gen ROG Ally looks to be Xbox’s first steps toward handheld gaming

On April 1, 2023, Asus announced the ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 APU, which received a four out of five stars rating. In 2024, Asus released the ROG Ally X, rated four-and-a-half stars. A teaser for a redesigned successor to the ROG Ally suggests enhanced performance and the possibility of being the first Xbox-branded handheld. The new device may feature AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which includes significant improvements over its predecessor. There are indications of collaboration between Microsoft and Asus for an Xbox-branded handheld, potentially linked to a new generation of consoles in 2027. Pricing and availability details for the new handheld have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Asus’ latest video teases a possible Xbox gaming handheld

Microsoft has not confirmed plans for an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, but unverified leaks suggest an announcement could occur this year. Asus is positioning itself as a potential partner, having launched devices like the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. A recent promotional video from Asus hints at a new handheld device that may incorporate Xbox elements, featuring a silhouette resembling an Xbox configuration. Speculation exists that this device could be a modified version of the ROG Ally X, potentially running Windows 11 and supporting Game Pass streaming. The promotional video included phrases suggesting hardware enhancements, but the reality of the project remains uncertain. There is skepticism about the feasibility of a dedicated handheld Xbox, given that many Xbox titles are already available on PC. The video was shared on March 31st, adding to the speculation surrounding its authenticity.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform aimed at unifying its Windows and Xbox ecosystems, with a handheld gaming device codenamed Project Kennan in prototype phase, expected to launch in a few years. The goal is to create a universal library of games accessible across devices, with substantial changes anticipated by 2025. Project Kennan will offer a handheld experience powered by Windows, resembling the Xbox interface, as part of a broader strategy called Project Bayside. Microsoft is also focusing on streamlining game development for seamless operation across handhelds, consoles, and PCs. A dedicated team for game preservation and compatibility was established in early 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining digital libraries. A premium successor to the Xbox Series X is projected for release in 2027. Microsoft is hosting a 50th anniversary event on April 4th to share updates on its Copilot AI and other innovations. Additionally, Copilot will have a new press-to-talk hotkey on Windows, and the Remote Desktop app will be replaced by a new Windows app by May 27th. Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account on PS5 for online features, and a recent Xbox Alpha update caused some consoles to reset to factory settings. A Windows 11 update has caused issues with USB printers, and Microsoft Edge on Android is receiving six new extensions. Microsoft is reportedly dropping some CoreWeave services ahead of a billion IPO, while Copilot is being integrated into GroupMe.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

PC gaming shows strong popularity in Japan in 2024 market survey, despite enduring dominance of Nintendo Switch

In 2024, an independent survey conducted by HIKE revealed the spending habits and preferences of 1,000 Japanese gamers, categorized into three groups: light users (54%), medium users (36%), and core users (10%). The Nintendo Switch was the most favored gaming device, chosen by 41.2% of light users and 23.6% of core users, although this represented a slight decline from 2022. PC gaming saw increased popularity, becoming the first choice for 19.6% of light users, 16.4% of medium users, and 19.0% of core users, up from 2023 figures. The PlayStation 4 was selected by 19.8% of light users and 19.6% of medium users, while the PS5 was preferred by 20.1% of core users but only 13.0% of light users.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

CHARTS: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 debuts at No.1 on Steam

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 became the highest-grossing game on Steam for the week ending February 11th, after launching on February 4th. Counter-Strike 2 is in second place, while Sid Meier's Civilization 7 debuted at third on February 10th. Pre-orders for Monster Hunter Wilds secured the fourth spot, and the Steam Deck rose to fifth. PUBG: Battlegrounds dropped to sixth, Marvel Rivals climbed to seventh, and Helldivers 2 re-entered the Top Ten at eighth. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is in ninth, and Destiny 2 rounds out the Top Ten.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

The best Android retro gaming handhelds you can buy

The AYN Odin 2 Pro is considered the best Android retro gaming handheld for most people due to its ergonomics, raw power, and accessible pricing.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

8 great games for your Steam Deck

The Steam Deck remains a popular portable gaming device in 2024, enhanced by Valve's software updates. Notable games include: - Balatro: A card-based roguelike where players create poker hands to earn chips and shop for new cards. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A fantasy RPG with dialogue trees and character-building options, requiring some graphics adjustments for optimal performance. - Hades II: An early access action roguelike that expands on its predecessor with new weapons and characters. - Metaphor: ReFantazio: A turn-based game from Atlus with a quick battle system, suitable for short sessions. - Neva: A visually stunning game focused on platforming puzzles and storytelling, enhanced on the Steam Deck OLED. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A mystery game with 20 point-and-click puzzles involving investigation and clue-solving. - Stardew Valley’s 1.6 Update: Introduces new festivals, a new farm type, and additional content to the beloved farming simulation. - Thank Goodness You’re Here!: A whimsical game set in an English village, featuring humorous interactions and a short completion time.

BetaBeacon

December 15, 2024

Epic Games Enters New Android Agreement for Fortnite

Epic Games and Telefonica have partnered to enhance mobile gaming accessibility, with the Epic Games Store app being pre-installed on new Android devices sold by Telefonica. This initiative aims to make it easier for users in select European countries and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries to download and play Fortnite right out of the box. The partnership also includes plans for additional benefits for mobile gamers on Telefonica's network to be unveiled in 2025. This collaboration is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry where game developers and telecommunications companies are working together to improve accessibility and enhance the gaming experience for users.

BetaBeacon

November 29, 2024

This modern Game Boy runs Android and is on sale for Black Friday

The Anbernic RG406V is a modern handheld gaming device that runs on Android, allowing users to enjoy both modern and retro games. It features a Unisoc T820 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 4-inch IPS display, a 5,500mAh battery, and a full set of controls. The device also includes a built-in fan and "automatic heat dissipation" system to prevent overheating during gameplay. It has 128GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for additional expansion.