handhelds

AppWizard
July 7, 2025
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted Collect Fest, an event featuring various collectibles, primarily modded Nintendo handhelds like GameBoys and DS units, which were popular among attendees. The modded handhelds were enhanced with OLED screens and sold for prices ranging from 0 to 0. A notable absence at the event was PC gaming hardware, which left some attendees disappointed. Stallholders indicated low demand and high costs as reasons for the minimal presence of PC gear, with most PC games being accessible through digital downloads. Collect Fest had a wide selection of comics, tabletop gaming items, and Pokémon cards, but lacked PC gaming memorabilia.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Windows remains the dominant operating system for gaming, with a modest increase in market share as users transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 11 is approaching the market share of Windows 10, while Windows 7's share is declining. Microsoft has extended security support for Windows 10 for an additional year, potentially slowing migration to Windows 11. The most-used GPU among Steam players has shifted from the NVIDIA RTX 3060 to the RTX 4060 laptop variant, indicating a change in gaming hardware preferences. AMD is gaining market share, particularly with devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, contributing to a more diverse gaming landscape.
BetaBeacon
June 28, 2025
Clamshell handheld gaming devices like the Anbernic RG34XXSP have become popular due to their unique form factor and affordable prices. These devices run on custom builds of Linux and offer a variety of games up to N64 and Dreamcast. The RG34XXSP features dual sticks for better control and is portable enough to be carried in a pocket without the need for a case or screen protector. These retro handhelds are easy to recommend due to their low cost and variety of form factors.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
Deus Ex, released in 2000 by Ion Storm, is widely regarded as one of the most influential PC games and a pinnacle of immersive simulations. The franchise has evolved with entries like Human Revolution and Mankind Divided, developed by Eidos-Montreal. The original game, directed by Warren Spector, combined first-person action with RPG elements, allowing players to choose various playstyles. Modern players can access Deus Ex on contemporary Windows systems, using keyboard and mouse or controllers, including handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck, which runs the game through Proton emulation. Despite its outdated graphics and AI, Deus Ex offers a richly layered adventure in a cyberpunk dystopia, appealing to both newcomers and veterans.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
Microsoft is testing a new Xbox app for PC among Xbox Insiders, which will aggregate installed games from various third-party storefronts into a single interface. This feature will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year. The initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to transition Xbox from a console-centric brand to a service-oriented platform, aligning with the Game Pass initiative for both Xbox and PC users. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. While a widespread launch of the aggregated library feature has not been announced, initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds is expected during the holiday season, with broader support potentially arriving by the end of this year or in 2026.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
Microsoft is testing a new aggregated game library within the Xbox PC app for Windows 11 PCs and handheld devices, which allows Xbox Insiders to view their Steam and Battle.net games directly in the app. This feature will automatically populate the ‘My Library’ section when games from supported storefronts are installed. It aims to streamline access to game libraries, particularly for Windows-based handhelds, and is inspired by the success of the Steam Deck. The feature is currently available for testing and is expected to launch alongside Microsoft's gaming handhelds later this year, with plans for broader rollout to other Windows-based handheld devices.
AppWizard
June 24, 2025
Microsoft is transforming the Xbox PC app into a comprehensive gaming hub for players, allowing access to a newly aggregated gaming library for Windows 11 PCs and handheld devices. Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview will gain early access to this feature, which will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X during the holiday season. The update aims to consolidate games from various platforms, including Game Pass and Battle.net, into a single interface. When a game is installed from a supported PC storefront, it will automatically appear in the Xbox PC app's 'My library' and 'Most recent' list. Users can curate their libraries by hiding or excluding specific storefronts. Currently, this rollout is exclusive to the Xbox Insider Program. Microsoft is also rumored to be working on unifying its console, PC, and handheld platforms.
Winsage
June 13, 2025
A recent report suggests that the anticipated Xbox handheld console may be "essentially canceled." The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, recently unveiled, are not true Xbox consoles but PC handhelds using existing PC chips and a new iteration of Windows optimized for gaming. Microsoft has rebranded its gaming division as 'Xbox PC' and acknowledged Steam as a competitor. None of these developments have been officially confirmed.
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