The Lenovo Legion Y9 (2025 model) combines high-end hardware, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of RAM, with the Lenovo G9 controller to deliver a versatile Android-based handheld gaming experience.
Kojima Productions has confirmed the release of the PC version of Death Stranding 2, launching on March 19. The minimum system requirements include a GPU of Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB, CPU of Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100, 16GB of RAM, and 150GB of SSD storage, with Windows 10/11 (Version 1909 or newer) required. The game supports various settings:
- Minimum: 1080p, 30 fps, low graphics preset
- Medium: 1080p, 60 fps, medium graphics preset
- High (Recommended): 1440p, 60 fps, high graphics preset
- Very High: 4K, 60 fps, very high graphics preset
The game will also feature a "portable preset" for handheld devices, and preorders are available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine, which aims to redefine gaming standards despite not being optimized for true 4K gaming. Its pricing is uncertain due to fluctuating RAM costs. The Steam Machine offers limited upgradability, allowing modifications to RAM and storage but featuring a fixed CPU. Games with the “Steam Deck Verified” badge will be compatible with the Steam Machine, while the “Verified” status is essential for developers to ensure visibility in the Steam store. The Steam Machine operates on Linux-based SteamOS, providing flexibility for users to customize their experience. Valve's approach focuses on making Steam more accessible rather than competing directly with console sales. The Steam Deck has sold over 4 million units, but the Steam Machine could inspire future hardware that merges gaming systems.
Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include:
- Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings.
- Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app.
- Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support.
- Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs.
- Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent.
- File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI.
- Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings.
- Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app.
- Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page.
- Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior.
- Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.
- Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance.
- Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details.
- Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches.
- Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates.
- Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS.
- Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications.
- Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added.
- Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access.
The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.
Microsoft has released a new test version of Windows 11 for the Canary channel of the Windows Insider Program, part of the 26H1 development branch. This update includes functional and visual enhancements, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence features, such as an AI agent in the Settings app for easier navigation and assistance. The Click to Do context menus have been expanded to offer context-sensitive actions using local AI capabilities. A new full-screen gaming experience is being piloted to enhance usability on larger displays. Interface modifications include further integration of dark mode in File Explorer, new quick actions, and improvements to file sharing. Quick Machine Recovery has been enhanced, and a new page for managing paired mobile devices has been introduced. Microsoft emphasizes that this Canary version is experimental and not for production use, with features rolled out in phases and a clean installation required to revert to a stable version. The final components for public release remain uncertain.
- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates.
- The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row.
- The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it.
- The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view.
- A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default.
- Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization.
- A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume.
- A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls.
- Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons.
- A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons.
- An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings.
- The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks.
- The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement.
- Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello.
- A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation.
- Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures.
- Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup.
- The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices.
- A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography.
- Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.
The cost of RAM has surged significantly, with prices for 16GB DDR4 sticks now around 0, and DDR5 sticks priced five times that amount. Micron, which held a 25.7% share of the DRAM market, announced it will discontinue its consumer-facing brand, Crucial, to focus on AI data center memory, likely exacerbating component prices. Xbox reported a 45% increase in playtime hours on its Game Pass Cloud Gaming service year-over-year, and Nvidia upgraded its GeForce Now service to support games on the latest RTX 5080 GPU. The rise in DRAM prices may persist until 2028, as major manufacturers prioritize supply for AI data centers over the PC industry.
Handheld gaming devices have rapidly evolved, and it's a misconception that one must always buy the latest model for portable PC gaming. Many budget-friendly options provide a great gaming experience, especially with Black Friday discounts. The most enjoyable handheld PC games are often casual titles rather than high-end triple-A games. The Steam Deck, released in 2022, remains relevant in 2025. Newer models like the ROG Xbox Ally may not significantly outperform older models, as they often use similar components. The ROG Xbox Ally X offers some improvements but at a high price. The Legion Go S has impressive specs but comes with a hefty price tag. Accessories like ergonomic grips and quality headphones enhance the gaming experience, and shoppers should look for deals during the holiday season. It is possible to enjoy gaming without spending excessively, thanks to various budget options available.
Microsoft has begun rolling out new features for Windows 11, including previews for versions 25H2 and 26H1, specifically build 28000.1199. Key updates include:
1. Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): This feature is being tested for all PCs with build 26220.7271, transforming the desktop into a console-like interface and reducing memory consumption by approximately 2GB. Users can activate it via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, and it requires enrollment in the Xbox Insider program.
2. Point-in-time Restore: This feature allows users to revert their computer to a previous state, recovering from issues like buggy updates or malware. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service to create restore points and is enabled by default on devices with a minimum of 200GB storage running Home and Pro editions. Users can manage it via Settings > Recovery > Point-in-time.
3. Voice Typing with Fluid Dictation: The Fluid Dictation feature is now integrated into Voice Typing, automatically correcting grammar and punctuation. It is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs.
4. Microsoft Store App Uninstall Option: An "Uninstall" option for apps is now available in the Microsoft Store through the app's context menu on the "Library" page.
Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, which are expected to significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of Windows laptops. Initial benchmarks show that the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme performs well in single-core, multi-core, and GPU metrics, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. Over 90% of the most played Windows games will be compatible at launch on devices using these new processors, which offer up to 2.3 times higher efficiency than previous models. Qualcomm has also launched the Snapdragon Control Panel to optimize game performance and ensure up-to-date drivers. The Snapdragon X2 Elite supports AVX2 emulation for running certain games via Microsoft's Prism Emulator, and there is ongoing development of kernel-level anti-cheat support for Windows on Snapdragon. Microsoft reports that 90% of user activity on Windows 11 on ARM involves native applications, indicating improved compatibility. New laptops featuring these Snapdragon processors are expected to debut in the first half of 2026, with previews potentially at CES in January.