All articles tagged with #handheld console
AYANEO announced the upcoming release of the Pocket Play, a gaming-focused smartphone with a 6.80-inch OLED screen, a slide-out gaming control shelf, and a high-performance processor, expected to launch in 2026 with a Kickstarter campaign soon. Details on pricing and specific specs remain undisclosed.
Sony's PlayStation Portal has seen continuous updates that expand its game library and features, but it remains a streaming-only device heavily dependent on high-speed internet, which limits its portability and effectiveness. The article argues that Sony needs to develop a dedicated, native handheld console—similar to Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck—to truly compete in the portable gaming market, especially as the current cloud-based approach faces significant connectivity challenges.
Anbernic announced the RG DS, a dual-screen handheld console capable of emulating Nintendo DS and 3DS games, priced under $100, making it significantly cheaper than the original Nintendo DS and competitors like Ayaneo's devices, though specific release details and performance specs are still unknown.
The redesigned Evercade EXP-R and VS-R consoles by Blaze Entertainment, initially met with skepticism, are praised for their refined design, nostalgic appeal, and focus on tactile, cartridge-based gaming, emphasizing a return to physical media and gaming rituals, with the EXP-R serving as a portable device and the VS-R as a living-room companion, both offering a curated collection of classic and indie games at an accessible price.
Anbernic is set to release its first dual-screen handheld, the RG DS, priced under $100, available in four colors, possibly running Android with touchscreen support, and embracing a Nintendo DSi-like design, promising a competitive option in the retro handheld market.
Amazon France accidentally shipped the ROG Xbox Ally X three weeks early, leading to early reviews and impressions from users, highlighting its improved design and performance, while raising questions about the mishap's repercussions and availability delays elsewhere.
Microsoft has announced the prices for its new Xbox Ally handheld gaming consoles, with the standard version costing $599.99 and the upgraded Ally X priced at $1,000, set to release on October 16. The Ally X will be exclusive to Best Buy, while the regular Ally will be available at multiple retailers. Pre-orders are now open, and a promotional sweepstake is offered for pre-orders through Asus.
ASUS and Microsoft are launching the ROG Xbox Ally handheld console, set for release on October 16, 2025. Pre-orders are expected to start soon, with an estimated price around £500, though official details are still pending. The device will feature a 7-inch FHD screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and compatibility with Xbox Game Pass and other storefronts, competing with devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2.
Rumors suggest Sony is developing a dockable PlayStation 6 handheld console, potentially releasing in fall 2027, with specs including a 16CU RDNA 5 GPU, backward compatibility, and a price range of $399-$499, competing with Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox handhelds.
Ayn announced the Thor handheld, a dual-screen device inspired by Nintendo DS, available in purple and other colors, with high-end specs like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, AMOLED screens, and Android 13, with preorders starting August 25 and shipments in October.
The ROG Xbox Ally handheld is set to be released on October 16th, with the base model priced at $549.99 USD and the Xbox Ally X at $899.99 USD, targeting different resolutions and gaming experiences, with official prices confirmed by leaker and expected to be officially announced soon.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant upgrade with better graphics, a larger display, and improved hardware, making it the best handheld console currently, but its shorter battery life, storage issues, and limited game library suggest waiting for future updates or more game releases before purchasing.
Microsoft has announced the ROG Xbox Ally, a new handheld gaming console developed in partnership with Asus, set to release at the end of 2025, offering native Windows support and access to Game Pass, with two versions and a focus on versatility for on-the-go gaming, despite being late to the market compared to rivals like Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
Hollow Knight Silksong is confirmed to be released by holiday 2025, and will be available on Xbox at launch, with the game possibly launching anytime between now and the release of the new Xbox handheld, which is expected within the same timeframe.
Nintendo's Switch 2 improves on the original with better controls, a brighter 1080p screen, 4K support, and new features like GameChat and mouse controls, maintaining its core appeal as a fun, community-focused gaming device, though its high price and limited initial testing leave some questions about its full potential.