handheld devices Archives

BetaBeacon

September 30, 2026

Five Days After the Steam Frame Shipped, Its SteamOS Was Booting on Android Handhelds

Valve's SteamOS now runs on Android gaming handhelds, thanks to two hobby projects. The operating system image from the Steam Frame, complete with Game Mode and KDE desktop, has been repackaged to work on Snapdragon handhelds sold by AYN, AYANEO, KONKR, and Retroid. Adjustments were made to optimize performance, and initial tests show promising results, although some games may face performance issues. Installing the SteamOS image involves replacing the handheld's bootloader and requires specific hardware, a compatible microSD card, a PC, and a Steam account with games.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

This Nvidia GeForce Now mod lets you play PC games on your Nintendo 3DS

An open-source, unofficial Nvidia GeForce Now client named Kasumi has been developed for jailbroken Nintendo 3DS consoles, allowing users to stream PC games directly on devices like the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS XL. Kasumi enables customization of control schemes and connection settings and supports a library of games from platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and Ubisoft Connect. It utilizes Nvidia's servers for game rendering while the 3DS handles video and audio decoding and controller input. The application is designed to work within the limitations of the 3DS, capping frame rates at 30fps and bitrates at approximately 1Mbps. Server latency ranges from 60ms to 80ms, and a buffer is included to enhance gameplay experience. Kasumi allows for user-friendly control mapping and is compatible with the free version of GeForce Now, which includes a waiting queue and session limits. The project is still in active development, meaning users may experience some inconsistencies.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

How to use Xbox mode on your Windows PC

In 2026, Microsoft introduced Xbox mode for Windows 11 users to enhance the gaming experience, responding to the popularity of Valve's SteamOS. Xbox mode transforms the Windows interface by removing the taskbar and providing a layout suited for controller users, organizing game libraries within a revamped Xbox app. To enable Xbox mode, users must navigate to Settings > Gaming > Xbox mode and toggle the feature on. A gamepad must be connected, and users can access Xbox mode using keyboard shortcuts or through the Xbox app. While Xbox mode streamlines access to games from various platforms, it does not inherently improve gaming performance; users should enable Game Mode separately for that purpose. Xbox mode consolidates access to multiple game launchers, allowing users to launch games directly without opening their respective launchers. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access their library within Xbox mode, and the Cloud Gaming tab allows setting Nvidia GeForce Now as the default streaming service.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Limits Start in November: 15 Hours on Ultimate

Microsoft will implement monthly limits on Xbox Cloud Gaming starting in November 2026. Game Pass Ultimate members will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, Premium members will have 10 hours, and Essential members will have 5 hours. Additional hours can be purchased, but pricing details are not yet available. Currently, Game Pass subscribers have unlimited access to cloud gaming. Microsoft estimates that only about 4% of subscribers will be affected by these new limits. The service will be accessible on various platforms, and Microsoft plans to expand the library of games available for cloud streaming. The decision to impose limits is attributed to rising infrastructure costs due to increased usage. Specific details regarding the purchase of additional hours and other related information are still pending.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

AI Memory Crunch Causes Android To Tighten Data Usage Around its App Ecosystem

Google is adjusting its Android smartphone ecosystem to optimize app memory usage in response to increased demand for memory chips in AI. The initiative, titled ‘Elevating app quality: Reducing memory usage and improving device migration,’ aims to help developers manage hardware constraints and improve app quality through new onboarding standards. Google has outlined specific technical quality requirements and is implementing performance thresholds for dynamic memory usage and bitmap management. New tools will notify developers when their apps exceed these thresholds, and diagnostic tools with a memory limiter feature will be introduced later this year. Developers must comply with the new performance thresholds by February 2027, and by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must implement the Zero Tap Sign-in feature for device migrations. Non-compliance may lead to reduced app visibility and publishing capabilities on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project

Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.

BetaBeacon

August 5, 2026

Palworld Online Announced For iOS And Android In 2026 By Garena

Garena has announced Palworld Online, a multiplayer survival adventure game set to launch on iOS and Android in 2026. The game is designed specifically for mobile devices, with features such as shared progression, group play, and an expansive open world. The collaboration between Garena and Pocketpair aims to deliver a new Palworld experience to players worldwide, focusing on multiplayer gameplay and mobile-friendly controls.

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 4, 2026

Report: Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 games to “Xbox PCs”, handhelds and Project Helix

Microsoft is enhancing backward compatibility for its gaming ecosystem by introducing four original Xbox titles for Windows 11 PCs and plans to integrate Xbox 360 games into Project Helix for next-generation consoles. A leaked document indicates that developers of existing Xbox 360 games can participate in this backward compatibility program, which is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. The complete launch of original Xbox titles on PC is scheduled for October 2026. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a disc-to-digital program that allows players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses, facilitating used game sales and disc sharing. The beta testing for this program was initially set for last month, with a full launch anticipated in August, but it has been delayed.