handheld devices

AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.
Winsage
July 20, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Adaptive Energy Saver for Windows 11, which will automatically toggle Energy Saver mode based on user activity to maximize battery efficiency. Currently, users must manually activate Energy Saver mode, which reduces display brightness and curtails background activities. The Adaptive Energy Saver feature, currently being tested by Windows Insiders, will maintain screen brightness while managing power-intensive components like the CPU and GPU during lighter tasks. This feature is exclusive to devices with built-in batteries and is expected to be rolled out to the wider public later this year. Users can access it through Settings > System > Power & Battery once available.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that enhances battery life for laptops through a new adaptive energy saver mode. This mode manages power consumption based on the laptop's workload, activating energy-saving features during light activities like web browsing and reducing power during intensive tasks. The energy saver mode dims the display brightness by about 30%, disables transparency effects, and pauses background app activity. The update will also provide more accurate battery estimates and insights into power-hungry applications. Additionally, it includes smarter controls for screen refresh rates and brightness, automatically lowering them when the user steps away. The update is being rolled out in the latest Windows 11 release.
AppWizard
July 15, 2025
Handheld gaming devices have gained popularity, allowing players to enjoy games comfortably. However, not all games are suitable for these platforms. Notable games that perform well on handhelds include: - Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom: A Metroidvania game where players control Jin, who must reverse a spell that transformed people into animals. It features charming animations and engaging combat with low graphical demands. - Blue Prince: A 3D puzzle adventure where players inherit an estate and must solve puzzles in various rooms using a roguelike mechanic involving card drawing. - Immortals Fenyx Rising: An open-world RPG set in Greek mythology, where players save the gods from Typhon. It combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, though it can drain battery life. - Stardew Valley: A farming and life simulation game where players inherit a farm and engage in farming, raising animals, and building relationships. Its pixelated graphics ensure smooth performance on handhelds. - Baldur's Gate 3: A turn-based RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, known for its immersive storytelling and character interactions. It performs well on handhelds but may drain the battery. - Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition: An open-world RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, manageable for handheld devices due to its age. - Age of Empires: A real-time strategy game with a 4K Definitive Edition, suitable for handheld play with optimized controls for solo and multiplayer experiences. Handheld gaming PCs support a variety of genres, particularly those with simpler 2D graphics, which enhance battery life and gameplay smoothness.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft is testing a new feature called Adaptive Battery Saver Mode for Windows 11 devices, which adjusts battery usage based on workload rather than just battery level. Unlike traditional Energy Saver mode, it maintains screen brightness and allows background tasks to continue without interruption. This feature is currently being tested in the Canary Channel under build number 27898, and if successful, it will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices. The development coincides with advancements in power-efficient processors from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, aimed at improving battery performance in Windows laptops.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft is testing a new adaptive energy saver mode for Windows 11 that aims to enhance laptop battery efficiency by managing energy consumption based on the device's workload. This mode will automatically toggle energy saver settings without changing screen brightness and will be available exclusively for devices with a battery. It is currently being trialed in the Canary Channel and is expected to roll out later this year. Desktop PCs will not support this adaptive mode, but the main energy saver functionality is available for all PCs.
BetaBeacon
June 28, 2025
Clamshell handheld gaming devices like the Anbernic RG34XXSP have become popular due to their unique form factor and affordable prices. These devices run on custom builds of Linux and offer a variety of games up to N64 and Dreamcast. The RG34XXSP features dual sticks for better control and is portable enough to be carried in a pocket without the need for a case or screen protector. These retro handhelds are easy to recommend due to their low cost and variety of form factors.
AppWizard
June 27, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a feature in its Xbox PC app that allows users to access a gaming library from various PC storefronts, including Epic and Steam, enabling players to view popular PlayStation games available on PC, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales. While these games can be viewed in the Xbox app, they will not include Xbox achievements or enhanced functionalities. Microsoft is pursuing a strategy to transform Xbox into a platform similar to Steam, focusing on collaboration rather than direct competition. Xbox president Sarah Bond has indicated a vision for a more interconnected gaming ecosystem with the next generation of Xbox consoles. Microsoft has canceled plans for a dedicated Xbox handheld device and is instead supporting third-party devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and collaborating with Meta on the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.
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