handhelds

AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a new service for Xbox Insiders that integrates all cloud-playable games and their play histories into the Xbox PC app. This feature synchronizes recently-played games across Xbox consoles, PCs, and Windows handhelds, allowing seamless transitions between devices. A dedicated "play history" section in the PC app and Xbox console interface enables players to view their cloud games as part of their recently-played list, ensuring uninterrupted access to game saves. Users can start a game on one platform and continue on another, even if the game isn't natively supported. The Xbox app's library section has been revamped to include a search filter for cloud games and a "jump back in" list on the home screen, facilitating easy access to gaming sessions. This redesign allows gamers to launch titles purchased from various platforms from a single location.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
Microsoft is testing updates for the Xbox PC app and Xbox consoles to enhance the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience. A new play history section will be added to both the Xbox PC app and the home user interface of Xbox consoles, allowing players to view cloud games alongside recently played titles. This feature will include all cloud playable titles, including console exclusives from the original Xbox to Xbox Series X|S, regardless of ownership or access through Game Pass. Recent games will be tracked across devices with cloud-powered game saves, enabling continued play on different platforms. The Xbox PC app will introduce a filter for cloud-playable games and a dedicated play history section. This feature will also extend to the main Xbox console interface, indicating potential future support for PC games via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of streaming PC games over the cloud and aims to improve bitrates and resolutions for a better gaming experience.
AppWizard
July 21, 2025
PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.
Winsage
July 20, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a new 'Shared audio' feature in the latest Windows Insider build, allowing users to stream audio across multiple devices or speakers. This feature can be accessed via a button in the Quick Settings panel, where users can select connected audio devices and initiate audio sharing. Currently, Windows does not have a native solution for simultaneous audio output to multiple devices, and users often rely on unreliable methods or complex third-party applications. The feature's broader rollout is unconfirmed, and its compatibility with Bluetooth devices is uncertain. Users can join the Canary Channel to explore this feature, but it may come with instability and no guarantee of availability for all Insiders.
BetaBeacon
July 17, 2025
Anbernic announced its latest gaming handheld, the RG477M, which is the first Anbernic handheld with a metal shell since the RG405M in 2023. The new device is expected to have similar specs to the RG557, including a Dimensity 8300 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB of expandable storage.
BetaBeacon
July 17, 2025
Downloading or sharing pirated games, even if they are old or out of print, is illegal according to copyright law. Handhelds that come with pre-loaded ROMs are also legally questionable. Cheap microSD cards that come with these devices have high fail rates and may not last long. Companies that use pirated ROMs as a selling point may not offer good customer support. It is recommended to buy from companies that do not ship their devices with games for a more legitimate and sustainable future for emulation handhelds.
BetaBeacon
July 17, 2025
Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal trouble in Italy for promoting pirated copyrighted materials, specifically related to ANBERNIC devices. Officials seized more than 30 gaming consoles from his collection and may shut down his channel before the case goes to trial. The charges are related to the reproduction of copyrighted material from Nintendo and Sony, and could result in a maximum punishment of €15,000 and three years of jail time. The case sets a dangerous precedent for other gaming-focused creators in countries with outdated copyright laws.
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