handheld gaming Archives

BetaBeacon

October 12, 2026

Before Buying A Steam Deck, Try This Free Android App Instead

DroidDeck is an app that allows Android users to launch Steam and Steam titles on their devices, offering a handheld console experience similar to the SteamOS. Despite some early flaws, the app is gaining popularity and has the potential to become a serious contender in the handheld gaming market.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

GTA 6 to Be “Playable” on PC and Other Devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming

Rockstar Games will unveil GTA 6 next month, with the game initially available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. PC gamers will not have a dedicated version at launch but can access the game through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox has secured exclusive streaming rights for GTA 6, allowing players to play on various devices, including PCs, smartphones, and handheld consoles. To play via cloud streaming, PC players must purchase the game through Xbox, and new cloud streaming hour limitations are set for different Game Pass tiers. The game launches on November 16.

BetaBeacon

October 5, 2026

ARC X1 Android Handheld: $308, OwlOS Fuses 3 Modes [2026]

The ARC X1 is a handheld gaming device priced at approximately , significantly lower than other PC-gaming handhelds. It features a 7-inch, 120Hz display, dedicated gaming controls, active cooling, and a 9,300mAh replaceable battery. The device runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming Platform and operates on OwlOS, a custom operating system built on the Android Open Source Project. The ARC X1 aims to provide a unified gaming experience by combining native Android games, cloud gaming services, and emulation in one launcher. The device's pricing strategy challenges the market created by Valve's Steam Deck, offering a cheaper alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Fanatical CoppaFeel! Charity Bundle combines 10 PC games with a good cause

Fanatical has launched the CoppaFeel! Charity Bundle to raise awareness of breast cancer among young people through the UK charity CoppaFeel!. The bundle includes 10 Steam games, all rated Playable or Verified for the Steam Deck, priced at .99 / €5.99 / £5.99, with an option for buyers to contribute more. Notable games in the bundle include Haste, PlateUp!, Overcooked, and Critter Café. Each purchase includes a 5% voucher for future Fanatical orders. The bundle is available until October 17, 2026, but individual games may be removed earlier if Steam keys run out.

BetaBeacon

October 2, 2026

My phone ran Skyrim at 60 fps, and it wasn’t even streaming

The text describes the testing of various old and new games on a mobile device.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

ARC X1 Packs a 120Hz Screen and 9,300mAh Battery Into an Android Handheld

The X1 handheld gaming device uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming Platform with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. It features a 7-inch 120Hz display and OwlOS software for a controller-first interface. The device also includes TMR sticks for precise control and a 9,300mAh battery for long gaming sessions. The price for the X1 is ₹29,500 for the Community Batch Drop, with reservations starting in October 2027.

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2026

What is an Android handheld gaming device and what is it for? Feat. AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT is a handheld gaming device powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset. It can run games from the Google Play Store well and can also emulate older console games. The device has an 8,400mAh battery and charges in around 105 minutes. It is priced at around RM2.3k and is considered a niche product with solid build quality and versatility.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

This cheap handheld can emulate games, but also plays your physical GBA cartridges

The GAMEMT MTX is a new handheld gaming device that allows you to play physical Game Boy Advance cartridges via emulation, as well as emulate other consoles using ROM files. It also supports software emulation of platforms such as SNES, Genesis, PS1, and PSP. The device features a 4-inch IPS LCD screen, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable storage, and a 3,000mAh battery. It does not have analog sticks but includes four face buttons and four shoulder keys. The handheld can be purchased for a promotional price of .99.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Onimusha on Steam Deck is the definition of ‘playable’: Surprisingly pleasant, so long as 30 fps isn’t a dealbreaker

The Steam Deck has proven to be a competent platform for playing Onimusha: Way of the Sword, showing commendable performance compared to other recent releases like Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon's Dogma 2. Testing in the Kyoto hub area demonstrated the strengths of the Capcom proprietary engine, resulting in an enjoyable gameplay experience. While a high-end RTX 5090 PC offers enhanced visuals, the difference in gameplay enjoyment is not as significant as expected. Onimusha exemplifies a game that is "playable" on the Steam Deck, providing enough satisfaction for gaming on the go, even if it doesn't surpass the experience of a PC setup at home.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck OLED: 12 Steps [2026]

The Steam Deck OLED has limitations in running certain Windows applications and games, particularly those with kernel-level anti-cheat systems. Valve has provided an official Windows driver bundle for the OLED model since 2024, and by 2026, a community-developed process for dual-booting Windows 11 alongside SteamOS has emerged. Running Windows 11 may be necessary for games that do not perform well on SteamOS, especially competitive titles. The Steam Deck OLED requires specific prerequisites for dual-booting, including a fully charged device, updated SteamOS, sufficient free storage, a Windows 11 license, and a USB flash drive for installation. Users must follow a detailed installation process that includes updating SteamOS, creating a recovery drive, downloading Windows 11, and configuring the system for dual-booting. Common pitfalls include skipping the recovery drive and under-allocating storage for Windows. Battery life on Windows is shorter than on SteamOS, and users should be aware of this when deciding to dual-boot. The dual-boot setup does not void the warranty, and it is possible to revert to a SteamOS-only setup later.