gaming handhelds 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.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

BetaBeacon

April 11, 2025

Razer ‘Remote Play’ brings PC games to your Android device, but without the black bars

Razer's "PC Remote Play" service allows for streaming PC games to Android devices at the native screen resolution, eliminating black bars that often surround gameplay.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Nintendo made its own Switch emulator… for the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 will use emulation to achieve backwards compatibility with original Switch games.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

This is how Nintendo aims to stop Switch 2 emulation on Android

Nintendo Switch 2 will not be compatible with original Switch games at a hardware level due to different architecture. Nintendo is using a method called "Game Key Card" where users will insert the game cartridge and wait for the game to be downloaded from the cloud. This method is aimed at preventing or slowing down Switch 2 emulation.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 8 tiles were ahead of their time — The Xbox handheld could be the perfect place for a similar interface

Microsoft plans to launch its next-generation Xbox hardware, including an Xbox handheld device, in 2027. The handheld is expected to be more integrated with Windows, potentially using a design similar to the "Metro" interface from Windows Phone and Windows 8. This new approach aims to streamline game development by aligning Xbox consoles more closely with Windows, allowing for easier porting of PC games. The design of the handheld is still in development, with a focus on comfort and functionality, and it will need to compete with other devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The operating system will play a crucial role in user experience, with a simpler interface being a priority to enhance accessibility for gamers.

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

Windows 11 leak hints at a new UI designed for gaming handhelds

Microsoft is tailoring Windows 11 for the handheld gaming market by exploring a dedicated game mode for portable devices. The latest preview build includes references to a gaming-centric interface that allows users to select their preferred system layout at startup, featuring a fullscreen experience with customizable home apps and shortcuts. Users can activate this mode through OS settings, establishing it as the default interface. The build includes options like “Boot into the full screen experience at device startup” and “Choose your full screen experience,” resembling Steam’s Big Picture mode. These changes may also be integrated into a rumored Xbox handheld, potentially leading to a Windows 11 device rather than a standalone portable Xbox. The new features are linked to the existing Game Bar, which provides essential gaming functionalities. This shift towards a dedicated UI for handheld devices is seen as necessary, as Windows has historically prioritized keyboard and mouse interactions. The evolution could position Windows handhelds as a compelling option for gamers, especially in light of competition from Valve's SteamOS.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.