handheld gaming Archives

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft ‘Xbox PC’ branding surfaces in game dev publicity materials — Xbox App also sees big changes

Microsoft is working to unify its Windows and Xbox platforms, as indicated by the release of MIO: Memories In Orbit on both Steam and "Xbox PC." Gears of War: Reloaded will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam this summer. The Xbox App has been enhanced to allow users to access Xbox console games directly on their PCs, suggesting a merger of Xbox and Windows stores. The Steam Deck, launched in 2022, has influenced the gaming market, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. Lenovo's Legion Go S operates on SteamOS and Windows 11, with initial reviews showing it may outperform Windows devices. Microsoft is reportedly developing a handheld console, Project Kennan, integrated with Xbox Game Pass, expected to debut in late 2025. The Xbox Series X|S has sold 33 million units, while the PlayStation 5 has sold over 75 million. Windows remains dominant in PC gaming, but the rise of SteamOS poses a competitive threat.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox console games are suddenly showing up inside the Xbox PC app

Microsoft is integrating its Xbox and Windows platforms by including Xbox console games in the Xbox app on Windows, suggesting a strategy for a unified library of Xbox and PC games. The company is also working on enabling visibility for games from Steam and the Epic Games Store within the Xbox PC app. Microsoft has rebranded its Xbox PC app to "Xbox PC" and aims to establish it as a central hub for PC gaming. Additionally, Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows strengths for handheld devices, with changes expected later this year. There is speculation about whether Xbox console games will become playable on PC, potentially utilizing cloud infrastructure or emulation technology.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Windows Weekly 935: Don’t Spritz Yourself

Leo and Paul discuss various topics on the latest episode of Windows Weekly, including Notepad, updates in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and Xbox gaming. A new free newsletter offers time-saving tips and complimentary Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft is reorganizing its AI initiatives and phasing out password management features in the Microsoft Authenticator app. The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook will introduce new features, and Microsoft 365 Copilot now has general availability for Research and Analyst AI agents. The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, and Samsung is reconsidering its partnership with Gemini. Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld and has secured its first agreement with a game studio union. J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, is among many ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon. A tip suggests replacing OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS, and Microsoft Edge 137 is highlighted as a significant update. Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

Microsoft Reportedly “Pulling Back” Development on Xbox Handheld Daily Fix – IGN

Microsoft is reassessing its approach to handheld gaming and may step back from developing a first-party Xbox handheld device, shifting focus to collaborations with third-party manufacturers like ASUS for an Xbox-licensed handheld. Ubisoft teased potential announcements related to the Splinter Cell franchise, following confirmation of a remake of the original game in 2021. Rumors of a Persona 4 remake have surfaced, but it is unclear if the original English voice cast will return. An IGN Live event is scheduled for June 7-8 in Downtown Los Angeles, with tickets available and a promo code for a complimentary ticket.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

I just tested the new Legion Go S — and it’s the Steam Deck killer I’ve been waiting for

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a handheld gaming device that operates on SteamOS, starting at a price of 9. It features an AMD Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage in the base model, while the reviewed unit has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The device has an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD display, a weight of 1.63 pounds, and includes ports such as a Micro SD card slot, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. The design is ergonomic with a Nebula color scheme, and it has responsive controls. The SteamOS version outperforms the Windows 11 variant in gaming performance, achieving higher frame rates in gameplay tests.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Nvidia GeForce Now Steam Deck Review: The Best Way to Play AAA PC Games on Handheld

The Steam Deck is a popular handheld gaming device that, while affordable and visually impressive, faces limitations in running demanding games. Nvidia's GeForce Now has released a dedicated app for the Steam Deck, improving the gaming experience by allowing access to high-quality titles without the need for complex setup. The app enhances battery life, enabling four to five hours of gameplay compared to two hours with native 3D games. It supports resolutions up to 4K and 60 fps with an Ultimate subscription, although it is limited compared to the PC version. The Steam Deck can access games from various platforms, including Xbox, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with GeForce Now simplifying this process. The app requires a minimum internet speed of 45 Mbps for optimal performance and offers different subscription tiers, with the free version having session limits and resolution caps.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

A YouTuber claims that Windows was actively causing handhelds to run poorly, at least versus SteamOS

Valve has expanded support for handheld consoles, including the Lenovo Legion Go S, which now offers an option for SteamOS alongside Windows. A recent analysis by YouTuber Dave2D highlights that the SteamOS version significantly outperforms the Windows version in terms of framerate and battery life. The Windows version retails for approximately 9, while the SteamOS variant is priced at 9. In performance tests, the SteamOS version achieved 10-15 FPS higher in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, and provided over six hours of gameplay compared to the Windows version's two hours and 47 minutes. The Lenovo Legion Go S also surpasses the Steam Deck in framerate, achieving 10-15 FPS more at a 15W power draw, although the Steam Deck still has an advantage in battery life and pricing. The performance gap raises questions about Microsoft's upcoming handheld device running Windows and its ability to compete with the efficiency of SteamOS.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Xbox’s PC Game Bar Just Raised The Bar With Refreshed Quick Settings

Microsoft has updated its PC Game Bar, enhancing the settings widget for easier access to audio adjustments and screen brightness controls. The update allows users to toggle between compact and desktop modes. The Xbox app for PC now includes simplified options for an on-screen keyboard, Bluetooth device management, and airplane mode activation. It also features Wi-Fi and battery status icons in compact mode. The broader Xbox update has added Retro Classics to all Game Pass tiers, including titles like Pitfall and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Xbox Insider Program members can customize their console home screens by hiding system apps from the "recently played" section and pinning up to three games or apps. Microsoft has scheduled the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 for June 8 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK, followed by a presentation on The Outer Worlds 2.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

CHARTS: Oblivion remaster shoots to No.1 on Steam debut

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered was the top performer on Steam for the week ending April 29th, following its unexpected launch on April 22nd. Counter-Strike 2 dropped to second place, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 debuted in third. The Steam Deck held the fourth position, and Schedule 1 fell to fifth. MahjongSoul returned to the Top 100, securing sixth place due to a crossover event. REPO declined to seventh, PUBG: Battlegrounds rose to eighth, Once Human climbed to ninth, and Marvel Rivals rounded out the top ten in tenth place. Steam Top Ten for the Week Ending April 29th: 1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda 2. Counter-Strike 2, Valve 3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler 4. Steam Deck, Valve 5. Schedule 1, TVGS 6. 雀魂麻將 (MahjongSoul), Catfood Studio 7. REPO, Semiwork 8. PUBG: Battlegrounds, Krafton 9. Once Human, Starry Studio 10. Marvel Rivals, NetEase