handhelds Archives

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

BetaBeacon

December 23, 2024

Here’s how much Switch and Steam Deck you played this year

Handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck allow users to easily lose track of time while playing. Steam Replay and Nintendo Switch Year in Review are features that track game time, most played games, and other statistics for handheld gamers. Some users are unable to access the Nintendo Switch Year in Review, and Xbox and PlayStation also have similar year-end features.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

The 15 best PC games of 2024: From Indy to Kratos, samurai to outlaws, and everything in between

In 2024, the PC gaming landscape thrived due to the resolution of component shortages, the popularity of cloud gaming, and the rise of PC gaming handhelds. A diverse range of games was released, including indie titles and AAA adventures, along with remakes and remasters of classics. The top PC games of 2024 included: 1. Thank Goodness You're Here! 2. Helldivers 2 3. Indiana Jones and The Great Circle 4. Red Dead Redemption 5. Star Wars: Outlaws 6. Balatro 7. Animal Well 8. Fallout: London 9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 10. Dragon Age: The Veilguard 11. Silent Hill 2 12. God of War: Ragnarok 13. Black Myth: Wukong 14. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 15. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut The gaming rig used featured an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, Intel Core i5-13600K CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and an Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI motherboard.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Can Microsoft convince gamers to upgrade to Windows 11?

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 before the end of support in October 2025. Key gaming features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR, DirectStorage, Game Bar Compact Mode, Dynamic Lighting, optimizations for windowed games, an HDR calibration app, advanced hybrid support, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support, color filters for colorblind players, automatic super resolution for Arm Copilot+ PCs, and the Xbox app on Windows PC. Windows 11 has a 52.48% market share among Steam users as of November 2024, surpassing Windows 10 in mid-2024. Currently, Windows 10 holds a 61.82% market share while Windows 11 is at 34.94%. Gamers are adopting Windows 11 faster than the general user base.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Fellow Diablo 2 snobs: Path of Exile 2 is the game we’ve been waiting for

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) entered early access on December 6, allowing players to engage with the game during a significant snowstorm. The game is an action role-playing game (ARPG) that combines elements of hacking, slashing, looting, leveling, crafting, and questing. Players can tackle challenges solo or cooperatively, with the initial act presenting a high level of difficulty. Enemy levels do not scale with the player's character, making strategy and skill essential for survival. Each boss encounter is designed to test player skill, and the game features a support gem system for creative playstyles and a customizable passive skill tree. Grinding Gear Games is addressing player feedback with hotfixes to improve gameplay, including adjustments to loot and currency drops, map systems, and dodge mechanics. PoE 2 runs smoothly on PC and is compatible with gaming handhelds, offering a visually stunning experience. It will be free-to-play after the early access phase.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Path of Exile 2 PC system requirements and specs: Can you run this hack and slash RPG?

Path of Exile 2 requires an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD RX 470 with a minimum of 3GB of VRAM and 100GB of free storage space for installation. The game is compatible with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go, but will not support offline play on any platform. It will be available for Early Access at a price of .99.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

7 best Cyber Monday game deals that are perfect to play on gaming handhelds — Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go

A selection of game deals for PC gaming handhelds is available this Cyber Monday. Notable titles include: - Ghost of Tsushima: Originally priced at .99, now .49 at CDKeys. - Elden Ring: Base game priced at .39 at CDKeys; Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for .79. - Hogwarts Legacy: Priced at .69 at CDKeys. - Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered: Available for .89 at CDKeys. - Star Wars Outlaws: Priced at .59 at CDKeys. - Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden: Available for .89 at CDKeys. - Balatro: Priced at .89 at CDKeys. These games are compatible with devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Legion Go.