GPD is launching the GPD Duo, a dual-screen laptop featuring two 13.3-inch OLED displays that can fold and transform into various modes, including a tablet with stylus support. The device aims to offer practicality without a removable keyboard or kickstand, and includes multiple ports such as Ethernet and OcuLink for eGPU connectivity. Further details, including the processor, are expected to be revealed soon, possibly at Computex.
The priciest Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED, priced at nearly $700, is reportedly experiencing cracking issues due to overly-tight screws and potential problems with the special plastic used for its transparent shell. Owners have taken to Reddit to share photos and stories of discovering tiny cracks near screws on the back of their devices, with some reporting difficulties in getting replacements or fixes from Valve. Loosening the screws on the back of the device is suggested as a popular fix, but it appears to be a widespread issue involving the plastic.
ASUS has dropped the price of its ROG Ally Z1 gaming handheld to $399.99 at Best Buy, making it a strong competitor to Valve's Steam Deck. With more powerful hardware and a fully-fledged Windows 11 operating system, the ROG Ally offers a compelling alternative for gamers. The device addresses common issues such as Linux compatibility and battery performance, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a wide range of PC games on the go.
The MSI Claw, a handheld gaming device powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, is now available for $699, with higher-specced models set to release soon. It features a seven-inch, 1080p, 48–120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) LCD display, Intel Arc graphics chip, 53Wh battery, and Hall effect triggers and joysticks. Preorders come with freebies and availability starts on March 15th. The device joins the growing portable PC market alongside competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.
The $700 Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld gaming PC that offers a unique combination of features, including detachable Nintendo Switch-like wireless controllers, a full-width kickstand, and two USB-C ports with 40Gbps of USB4 bandwidth. It features an 8.8-inch, 2560 x 1600, 144Hz, 500-nit, and 97 percent DCI-P3 Gorilla Glass 5-covered screen, making it a powerful Windows tablet for gaming, web browsing, reading, and video streaming. The device's AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip offers fast performance, but its 49.2Wh battery provides limited battery life compared to competitors. While the Legion Go's Legion Space software is still a work in progress, Lenovo is actively addressing issues and engaging with the community for improvements. Overall, the Legion Go offers a compelling form factor for handheld gaming and computing, but its price of $700 may not be justified for everyone.
Valve has asked Steam Deck owners to refrain from inhaling the fumes from the device's air vent, as the unique smell has become an obsession among the community. While many users compare the scent to a new car or a fresh PlayStation 1 controller, Steam clarified that inhaling the vent fumes should be avoided for safety reasons. Despite the warning, some users continue to indulge in the smell. The newer OLED Steam Deck has not attracted the same level of obsessive sniffing as the original.
Deckmate is offering a Cyber Monday deal on its Entire System bundle, which includes accessories like a kickstand, wall mount, and external battery for the Steam Deck. The bundle works with both the original Steam Deck and the newer OLED model, and is recommended by Polygon as a solution for hands-free gaming. The Deckmate Entire System bundle is currently on sale on Amazon, with an 11% discount, but the manufacturer is offering an even cheaper price for Cyber Monday.
Valve's Steam Deck is on sale for the first time, with a 10% discount on all models until March 23rd. The portable gaming system has been updated over the last year and now has an easier way to change the startup video. There are also discounts on hundreds of games, including Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. While Valve may continue to iterate on the system, a significantly more powerful second-generation model is unlikely to arrive anytime soon.
