handheld Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

This Android gaming app might kill handheld PCs

GameNative allows users to play PC games on Android devices without an internet connection, supporting Steam titles, Epic Games Store, Good Old Games (GOG), and standalone game files. It features a known configs capability that optimizes game settings for better performance. The app's creator, Utkarsh Dalal, aims for GameNative to replace handheld PCs within two years, despite challenges related to compatibility with ARM-based chips. The Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8 Elite Gen 5 processors promise significant enhancements, and the release of Turnip drivers in early 2026 has improved gaming experiences on these devices. GameNative is free and open-source, with a monetization strategy focused on partnerships with game stores. It has recently added support for the Pixel 10 family, which uses an Imagination PowerVR GPU. The app collects user feedback to refine game configurations and plans to improve compatibility and support for third-party launchers.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Rosemont’s New Minecraft Experience Is Built For Kids

A new attraction called "Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue" has opened in Rosemont’s Pearl District, allowing visitors to engage in an immersive adventure based on the popular video game. Guests receive an “Orb of Interaction” to unlock challenges, collect resources, and rescue villagers from zombies while exploring seven themed environments inspired by Minecraft. The experience includes interactive elements such as hurling snowballs at Creepers and crafting potions. Developed by Supply + Demand in partnership with Mojang Studios, the attraction is accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers. It is available for a limited time at EXP Rosemont, with tickets starting at a specified price. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game of all time.

BetaBeacon

May 22, 2026

This OLED Android handheld is great for PS2 games, and it just got a cheaper model

ANBERNIC has released an 8GB/128GB version of the RG577 handheld, which is currently being sold for a discounted price on their website. The device features a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, a 5.48-inch OLED screen, a 5,500mAh battery, and other notable specs. Despite facing competition from other handhelds with OLED screens and Snapdragon chipsets, the RG577 is still considered a capable Android handheld option under 0.

BetaBeacon

May 22, 2026

AYANEO gives us a first official look at its Game Boy-like Pocket BLOCK

AYANEO has unveiled the KONKR Pocket BLOCK handheld, a pocket-friendly vertical device with a Game Boy-style design. It features a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm port, and will be available in grey and purple colors. The device is expected to be more affordable and compact, making it an attractive option for those looking for a pocket-friendly Android handheld.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

New SteamOS update finally fixes one of the Steam Deck’s most irritating bugs

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.5 Beta, which includes bug fixes and enhancements for the Steam Deck and other devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Key improvements include a fix for audio issues on the Steam Deck OLED, enhancements to video memory management for discrete GPUs, and a resolution for a bug in Desktop Mode. The update also includes stability and security updates, a fix for the Asus ROG Ally's control behavior after suspend, and improvements from the previous 3.8.4 Beta, such as solutions for WiFi performance issues and trackpad sensitivity adjustments. Users can join the beta by navigating to Settings > System > System Update Channel.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

Winhanced is getting better, but I still use Xbox Mode with my Windows 11 handheld

The ROG Xbox Ally X, branded as a portable Xbox by Microsoft, has a complex update process involving Xbox Mode, Asus' Armory Crate, and Windows 11. Xbox Mode has improved recently, adding features like third-party launcher integration and enhanced stability. Winhanced, a third-party launcher for Windows 11 handhelds, offers a customizable interface and supports cloud gaming, but has reliability issues and struggles with automatic artwork sourcing. Users can save battery life by adjusting settings for Winhanced's sleep/wake feature. Despite its advantages, Winhanced is not yet a reliable alternative to Xbox Mode, which remains the preferred launcher for handheld gaming. Winhanced is developed by a small team and has shown significant improvement, but it still has limitations compared to Xbox Mode.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Jurassic World Evolution 3 and The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition Headline Xbox Game Pass May 2026 Wave 2 Lineup

Microsoft has announced the following games joining Xbox Game Pass from May 20 to June 2, 2026: - Dead Static Drive (May 20) - My Friend Peppa Pig (May 20) - Pigeon Simulator (May 20) - Remnant II (May 20) - Winter Burrow (May 20) - Luna Abyss (May 21) - Escape Simulator (May 26) - Echo Generation 2 (May 27) - The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (May 27) - Crashout Crew (May 28) - Kabuto Park (May 28) - Final Fantasy VI (June 2) - Jurassic World Evolution 3 (June 2) Additionally, the following titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on May 31: - Against the Storm - Crypt Custodian - Metaphor: ReFantazio - Persona 4 Golden - Spray Paint Simulator Further announcements regarding Game Pass offerings are expected during the Xbox showcase event on June 7.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

Microsoft should be terrified of SteamOS, even if Windows owns the Steam charts

Over 93% of Steam users rely on Windows 11, 10, or 7. SteamOS offers a smoother user interface and better performance for handheld gaming compared to Windows. Proton technology enables thousands of Windows games to run on Linux with minimal user intervention. Valve's Steam Machine, set to debut in 2026 or early 2027, aims to introduce a Linux gaming PC to living rooms, potentially shifting gaming interactions away from Windows. The emergence of SteamOS indicates a significant shift in the gaming landscape, suggesting that it can carve out niches where Windows struggles.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

There’s Too Much Good Stuff Coming To Game Pass In May 2026

Xbox is adding new titles to Game Pass in May 2026, including: - Forza Horizon 6 (available May 19) - Dead Static Drive (available May 20) - My Friend Peppa Pig (available May 20) - Pigeon Simulator (available May 20) - Remnant II (available May 20) - Winter Burrow (available May 20) - Luna Abyss (available May 21) - Escape Simulator (available May 26) - Echo Generation 2 (available May 27) - The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (available May 27) - Crashout Crew (available May 28) - Kabuto Park (available May 28) - Final Fantasy VI (available June 2) - Jurassic World Evolution 3 (available June 2) Remnant II is noted for its acclaim since its launch in 2023, and Kabuto Park has received positive reviews.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Today’s Top Deals: $15 Resident Evil PS5 Games, Xbox Core Controller, LEGO Batman for PC, and More

- Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Gold Edition for PS5 is available at its lowest price on Amazon. - Resident Evil 4 is on sale for .99. - Velocity Green Xbox Core Wireless Controller is priced at .99. - Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle is available for 9.99. - 256GB Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card for Switch 2 is on sale. - LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition is available at a 12% discount. - 3-piece Samsonite luggage set is priced at 9.99. - 8th-gen Apple iPad Air is available for 9.99. - Acer Swift X RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop is discounted by 0. - ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is available for 9.99. - Pokémon TCG: Mega Zygarde ex Premium Collection is available for preorder on Amazon. - Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition for PS5 is priced at .99. - Funko Pop! Comic Cover: Transformers x MTG - Optimus Prime is at its lowest price of .40. - 65” LG EVO C5 OLED TV is available for ,299.99. - Target is offering a buy one, get one 50% off promotion on board games and puzzles.