handheld mode Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.

BetaBeacon

March 17, 2026

Nintendo just unlocked a visual upgrade for your original Switch games

Nintendo has introduced a new Handheld Mode Boost option in the latest update for the Nintendo Switch 2. This feature allows original Switch games to run at higher resolutions in handheld mode, similar to when the console is docked. However, the results may vary depending on the game, and there are some trade-offs such as increased power consumption and potential issues with touchscreen input and controller compatibility. The setting can be found in System Settings > System > Nintendo Switch Software Handling.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Capcom confirms console and PC launch times for Resident Evil Requiem — and you can preload the game right now

Capcom has announced that Resident Evil Requiem will be released globally on February 27, 2026. Pre-orders are available, and players can preload the game on their preferred platforms. Game director Koshi Nakanishi praised the performance of Resident Evil Requiem on the Nintendo Switch 2, stating that the game runs smoothly on the console, leading the team to proceed with its development for the system.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Bloodborne sees a massive performance boost thanks to PS4 emulator update, with hunters’ dreams becoming more accessible on Steam Deck

The ShadPS4 emulator's version 0.12.6 significantly enhances the performance of Bloodborne on PC, making it more accessible for users with less powerful hardware. The emulator offers a stable experience, with average frames per second (fps) more than doubling compared to previous versions. A side-by-side comparison showed gameplay at 1440p on a PC with an Intel Core i5-13500 CPU and an RTX 3060 Ti GPU. On the Steam Deck OLED, the game maintains around 60 fps in handheld mode, with dips to approximately 40 fps during intense encounters, while docked mode achieves a stable 30 fps. Additional mods may be necessary for stability, and there is no official remaster planned for Bloodborne.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows 11 handheld mode leaks ahead of ROG Xbox Ally launch and you can try it yourself right now

The ROG Xbox Ally X will be the first handheld device to feature Microsoft's Windows 11 handheld mode, which has already been leaked for existing devices through the Windows 11 25H2 update. A Reddit user shared that this update can be accessed by installing an ISO file, despite being exclusive to the Insider Program. Testing of the new handheld mode shows improved usability and performance, with a reduction in RAM usage by approximately 40% and a significant increase in frame rates for games, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which saw an improvement from 29fps to 38fps. The ROG Xbox Ally X is scheduled for retail release on October 16, 2025, and will be the first device to officially support this feature.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ Available to install on any Current Windows Handheld

The Windows team at Microsoft has released the “25H2” update for Windows 11 Insider Program users, which includes Xbox’s ‘Handheld Mode’ that can now be installed on any current Windows handheld device. This mode enhances the gaming experience by streamlining the interface and freeing up around 2GB of memory for gaming. Users can boot directly into the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which aggregates games from various platforms. The setup process involves joining the ‘Release Preview’ ring of the Windows Insider program, updating to the latest 25H2 build, and making some registry tweaks. However, it lacks certain features, such as the Xbox Nexus button for easy access to the Game Bar. The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are set to launch on October 16th.