gaming handheld Archives

BetaBeacon

April 23, 2025

Things aren’t looking good for gaming handhelds

Anbernic has decided to suspend shipments to the U.S. due to the tariff situation, which may affect the availability of their latest gaming handheld, the RG557. Other companies like AYANEO and OneXSugar have also announced new devices, but it is uncertain if they will be available in the U.S. due to the tariffs. Consumers may have to pay higher prices if they are able to find these devices in the U.S. market.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is everything I wanted the Game Boy Micro to be

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is a modern handheld device inspired by the Game Boy Micro, featuring a premium metal body, large shoulder buttons, and a 3.5-inch IPS display perfect for GBA emulation. It runs on Android 13 and is powered by a Helio G99 SoC, allowing it to emulate some PS2 titles. The device is designed for discerning gamers and is priced starting at 9.

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 2, 2025

Xbox fans lose it as new console is teased in mysterious trailer

A new Xbox-branded handheld console is set to launch later this year, developed in collaboration with ASUS. This device will not be a fully in-house creation but a partnership product. Recent trailers have hinted at Xbox branding on the ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld, suggesting a fusion of technologies. The official Xbox Twitter account responded to ASUS's teaser trailer, indicating their collaboration. An official release date has not yet been announced.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

There’s One Huge Problem With That Xbox Handheld Teaser From ASUS

Project Kennan is Microsoft's Xbox gaming handheld, currently in the prototype phase with a release expected within the year. Microsoft may collaborate with ASUS, a potential partner for the device, which aims to enhance Windows 11's gaming interface. A recent teaser trailer from ASUS features their robot mascot, OMNI, and showcases upgrades for the ROG Ally X, including a larger battery, increased storage, and a more powerful processor. The trailer does not indicate that it is the anticipated Xbox handheld, as it focuses on the ROG Ally X Pro rather than the new device.

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

April 1, 2025

First signs of dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11 PCs spotted in latest preview

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to better support gaming handhelds by developing a dedicated interface for gamepad controls. Recent Windows 11 preview builds have revealed references to a "full screen experience" that users may set as their default home experience upon startup. Specific phrases such as "Boot into the Full screen experience at device startup" suggest users will have options for multiple game-focused interfaces. Microsoft is also rumored to be collaborating with ASUS on a gaming handheld called Project Kennan, which will be the first Windows-powered handheld under the Xbox ecosystem. An official announcement regarding this new Xbox ecosystem is anticipated, with the ASUS handheld expected to launch later this year.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Amazon has reported that the Surface Laptop 7 is frequently returned by customers. Mojang has introduced a "Vibrant Visuals" update for Minecraft, enhancing the game's aesthetics while keeping its gameplay mechanics intact. Microsoft is developing a Steam filter for the Xbox app on PC, suggesting deeper integration with Steam. HP announced 25 new PCs at its Amplify conference, including the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld received a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its performance and features.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Xbox Gaming Handheld details emerge as millions of soon-to-be stuck Windows 10 PCs get an unlikely savior in ChromeOS and Microsoft prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary

An upcoming Xbox gaming handheld, known as "Project Kennan," is being developed through a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. This device will run PC games but will not support exclusive Xbox console titles. Users will have access to a wide range of games through services like Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As Windows 11 enforces strict hardware requirements, many PCs will remain on Windows 10, prompting Google to enhance ChromeOS for Microsoft 365 compatibility, potentially attracting users to Chromebooks or allowing them to convert their existing Windows PCs to ChromeOS. Microsoft has integrated Copilot into GroupMe to enhance the messaging experience, aiming to revitalize the app among college students. This announcement coincides with Microsoft's plans to phase out Skype. Microsoft's 50th anniversary event is scheduled for April 4, 2025, where new AI and Copilot announcements are expected, although significant product launches may be unlikely. Epic Games and Qualcomm are collaborating to enhance the Easy Anti-Cheat system for Snapdragon X PCs, improving gaming experiences on these devices. The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has been reviewed and described as the "Surface Pro on steroids." Windows Central has identified deals, including a bundle with a free Meta Quest 3S and discounts on WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

This new Windows 11 feature would be perfect for an Xbox gaming handheld

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11 Build 22631.5116, which includes the gamepad keyboard feature for Xbox controllers, enhancing gaming accessibility on smaller screens. The update also improves Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations, File Explorer's text scaling support, and Settings with a new home page feature for commercial devices. Additionally, a new system tray icon for the emoji panel has been introduced. The rollout is gradual, with Microsoft addressing bugs like those affecting ctfmon.exe and printer outputs. This update aims to optimize Windows 11 for gaming, especially with upcoming handheld devices.