gaming devices Archives

BetaBeacon

September 29, 2026

This might be the most affordable Game Boy-style handheld running Android

AYANEO has launched the KONKR Pocket BLOCK handheld, featuring a Game Boy-style design and modest specifications. The device is priced at for the 2GB/32GB model and 9 for the 3GB/64GB variant, with promotional prices of and 9, respectively. The handheld is designed for emulation of retro games and includes a 3.33-inch 4:3 LCD screen, MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 3,500mAh battery, Android 12, Bluetooth 5, microSD card slot, and Wi-Fi 5. It will start shipping at the end of October in Atoms White, Cube Purple, and Original Grey color options.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

Here’s what you should look for when buying an Android phone for gaming

The most important components in an Android phone for gaming are the processor, RAM, and thermal management. The Snapdragon 8 Elite series and MediaTek's Dimensity series are recommended for processors, while 8GB of RAM is a good middle ground. Proper thermal management is crucial for sustained performance during gaming sessions.

BetaBeacon

September 1, 2026

Qualcomm Partners with Creators of ARC X1 – a Handheld Console with a Custom Android Version

Qualcomm and ARC have partnered to launch a new high-performance gaming device, the ARC X1 handheld console. The device is optimized for modern game engines and multi-platform titles, offering increased computing power, optimized system architecture, low-latency network hardware, and a lightweight design. The ARC X1 runs on a new Android-based operating system called "OwlOS," specifically designed for gaming. Interested parties can sign up on a website for updates on availability.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11 Tests Toggle to Force Apps to Open Maximized, Aiding Small Screens and Handhelds

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to set applications to open maximized by default. This toggle, found in the accessibility section of Windows Settings, is labeled "Automatically open app windows maximized when they open." It ensures all applications open in a maximized state, enhancing user experience on smaller screens, particularly devices with screens under 13 inches. Previously, Windows 11 had a similar functionality that was removed. The feature is currently available only in Windows 11 preview builds and has not yet been released to the stable version.

BetaBeacon

August 21, 2026

Best Android Apps And Games To Download In 2027: A Complete Guide For Android Users

Android is used across a wide range of devices, encouraging developers to create applications for various use cases. Android users can find apps for messaging, video editing, photography, productivity, music, navigation, fitness, education, file management, streaming, social networking, and mobile gaming. Modern phones can run games with console-like graphics, multiplayer systems, cloud synchronization, controller support, and large open worlds. Users can download APK files outside Google Play for various reasons, such as version availability and geographic restrictions. A reliable APK download website should provide detailed information about the application before installation. Users should verify the application name, package name, version, Android compatibility, and permissions before installing an APK. XAPK files package the APK with additional resources required by larger applications or games. Android security is becoming stricter, with more protections around application permissions, background activity, storage access, outdated applications, and unknown installation sources. Access to previous app versions can be useful in case updates introduce issues. Android applications are becoming more powerful, performing tasks that previously required computers, thanks to hardware improvements such as powerful processors, large memory, high-refresh-rate displays, fast storage, and capable GPUs.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?

Starlink uses a network of over 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet service, requiring users to have a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. It claims download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which can be beneficial for gamers, although actual speeds may vary by location. Latency ranges from 25 to 60 milliseconds, which can impact performance in competitive gaming. Users can reduce latency by connecting devices via ethernet and ensuring the satellite receiver has an unobstructed view. The service has proven reliable for the author, who has experienced only one significant outage in over a year of use. Upload speeds are lower than traditional broadband, averaging 20-30 Mbps, which can be frustrating for tasks like 4K filming. Starlink is recommended for areas without fiber broadband, but 5G may be a better option where available due to higher potential speeds and lower latency. Starlink's hardware costs and subscription fees can be higher compared to 5G plans.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC and Helix will reportedly include Xbox 360 games

Microsoft's Xbox division plans to expand backward compatibility for PC to include Xbox 360 games, allowing developers to make their titles available for PC users. This initiative follows the recent introduction of four original Xbox games to PC. The Xbox 360 games will be playable on various platforms, including the Xbox app on Windows, handheld devices, and the upcoming Project Helix console. Developers will have control over backward compatibility, pricing, and availability on Xbox Game Pass. The rollout for Xbox 360 compatibility is expected between 2027 and 2028, while the full launch for original Xbox games on PC is scheduled for October, with enhancements like 4x resolution scaling and anti-aliasing. Additionally, achievements will be introduced for original Xbox titles on both console and PC.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Microsoft brings Xbox 360 games to PC via Project Helix

Microsoft plans to expand its backward compatibility initiative by bringing Xbox 360 games to PC, allowing players to access iconic titles like Halo 3 and Gears of War across multiple devices, including the upcoming Project Helix console and handheld gaming devices. This move aims to create a unified gaming ecosystem and aligns with Microsoft's strategy of reducing traditional console exclusivity. The initiative enhances subscription services like Xbox Game Pass by incorporating a rich catalog of classic games. The technical implementation remains unclear, but Microsoft's previous backward compatibility efforts have been commendable. This strategy also presents opportunities for game developers to reach new audiences without extensive remasters. Additionally, the inclusion of handheld devices indicates Microsoft's intentions to compete in the portable gaming market.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Looks Worse Than Master Chief Collection on Steam Deck and Xbox Ally

Halo: Campaign Evolved has been released for early access. It features impressive visuals on high-end PCs and current consoles but struggles on lower-end hardware, particularly handheld devices like the Steam Deck. The game requires an Intel Core i7-10700K and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super, which are beyond the capabilities of the Steam Deck and base Xbox Ally. On the Xbox Ally, the game runs at 1280x720 resolution with Very Low settings and achieves around 30 fps, occasionally dipping into the mid-20s. Despite being technically playable, the visual quality is poor, with bland textures and a lack of environmental detail. In contrast, the Master Chief Collection runs at 65-70 fps on the Xbox Ally and offers superior visual fidelity. The Steam page claims Campaign Evolved is Steam Deck Verified, although performance is lacking compared to other titles. For those wanting to experience the original Halo campaign on the Steam Deck, the Master Chief Collection is recommended.