I have fairly large hands. For that reason, I've been waiting patiently for the current slate of gaming handhelds to reach the shelves. After a few years of these portable PCs being a hot commodity, manufacturers have finally realised that comfort is just as important as portability and power. Rounded grips, bulkier devices, and better button sizes are now being welcomed with open arms, but after going hands-on with the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, I think we've gone as far as we need to.

For context, I review controllers, and I'm an OG Asus ROG Ally X owner, so despite my excitement, I'm a little salty about the fact that Asus, Acer, MSI, and Lenovo have all launched updated versions of their handheld devices that have much, much more ergonomic grips. The ROG Xbox Ally devices have properly rounded grips, which fix the comfort woes I have with their predecessors. Acer and MSI have reworked their grip designs accordingly, giving things a much more curved, comfortable hold that spreads their weight and makes them so much more enjoyable to hold during longer sessions.

With Acer's new Predator Atlas, I loved how much inspiration was taken from the best PC controllers. The handheld just felt broader, and like the ergonomics had been given just as much attention as the new Intel APU innards.

The MSI Claw handhelds were always a bit beefier since they have larger displays - or at least, that's been the case since the original Claw A8, which I tried out at IFA a few years ago. With the latest iteration I demoed out at Computex, the grips had a curve on their backs, as well as an expanded drop at the bottom to provide room for your pinkies. The controls felt really premium, and F1 2025 ran like an absolute dream, but I was actually finding myself struggling to make the reach from the palm of my hand up to the top of my index finger to work the triggers - which is a first for me.

Maybe it was due to the fact I was holding a very expensive prototype model in an overly crowded exhibition booth, maybe it was the fact I was holding it extra carefully, and maybe it was because I was playing a game that relied on my use of the triggers to accelerate and brake on a moment's notice. But for one of the only times in my hardware-reviewing career, I found myself thinking, "Man, this thing is actually uncomfortably large for my hands".

Like I said at the beginning of this article, I consider myself part of the big-hand gang when it comes to gaming peripherals. I tend to enjoy controllers that have been designed with broader, bigger builds in mind. The only time I felt a controller was too big for me was maybe the Thrustmaster eSwap line, and even then, I could still use it pretty comfortably. While trying to grip the Claw 8 EX AI+, I struggled to keep my hands positioned over the face and back buttons, while also reaching up to the triggers and bumpers.

I'm all for more comfort, but making things too big also increases the risk of you dropping your very pricey portable PC. Prices definitely come into things with this generation of handheld PC, but more on that in a bit.

If the size of this thing is an issue for me, I expect it to be an almost prohibitive problem for anyone who considers their hands to be on the smaller side when using modern gaming gear. It makes me think that the design of the latest claws hasn't just been about combating the comfort levels of the Xbox Ally X, but that potentially the larger display size has actually gotten in the way.

The latest Claw sports an 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is slightly larger than the 7.4-inch size on the Xbox Ally. Interestingly, the Predator Atlas 8 has a similar 8-inch display, but it didn't feel like quite the same stretch for me to use, so there are definitely subtle differences between the two devices, despite their shared processor.

So the real toss-up, in my opinion, is how much power you want versus something that's not too unwieldy. The Claw certainly has the beefy innards you need to play games like F1 2025 at smooth frame rates with really surprisingly clear visual fidelity. I wasn't able to access performance monitor details during my hands-on test, but MSI claims you can get a 66% higher frame rate in F1 using 1200p / Medium settings / XeSS3 + MFG over last gen.

Of course, the elephant in the room here is that the Claw will let you back well over a grand on either side of the Atlantic, and beyond its size being a prohibitive factor for some gamers, its pricing is even more so.

Elsewhere, there's an 80Whr battery for 5 hours of play, an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor running the show, Hall effect thumbsticks, and hyperflow cooling. I'd argue it's the smoothest performing handheld I've gone hands-on with, but based on how much work my hands had to do to use it and stay comfortable, I think I'd take the similar specs of the Acer Predator Atlas 8 instead.

Once again though, affording either of these PCs will be the real struggle since they cost more than the controversially pricey Steam Machine.

Still here? You might also be interested in the best TMR controllers, the best gaming PCs, and the best retro handhelds.

Intel just dropped its latest graphics driver for Windows, but the 32.0.101.8860 package only mentions support for Arc G3 Extreme chipsets. Yes, the cheaper non-extreme APU technically hasn't made its way to any handhelds yet, but it did officially land alongside its flagship sibling, so support should be on the table.

As a reminder, the Intel Arc G3-series is set to power the best gaming handhelds and challenge chips like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Effectively, the Panther Lake APU will reside within premium portables like the $1,700 MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, helping it pull harder fps punches than the chip with the ROG Xbox Ally X, but the non-Extreme version should be powering alternatives that aren't astronomically priced.

The bad news is that, as of July 2026, those promised standard Arc G3 handhelds are MIA. Videocardz highlights that Intel's graphics driver 32.0.101.8860 WHQL only lists the Arc G3 Extreme within its valid products, which suggests Intel isn't currently considering support for the vanilla variant.

I should stress that this doesn't mean non-extreme Intel Arc G3 handhelds aren't happening. The takeaway here is that, at least for now, the Arc G3 Extreme is the first and only new-gen portable chipset on the track, and the lack of a shout-out in the driver update could mean handhelds using the chip aren't imminent.

The last thing I wanted to see is no mention of Intel's "cheaper" Arc G3 chipset given the current climate. We've swiftly entered a reality where handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, which used to start at $550, now cost almost a grand for the 1TB model, and the ROG Xbox Ally portables I criticized for being too expensive last year are now "reasonable" compared to most other Windows options. Alanis sang about nonsense like this.

Effectively, the only Arc G3 handhelds I can see on the horizon right now will set you back well over a grand. The OneXPlayer 3 should start at $1,399 if it survives crowdfunding, and while Acer did announce a Predator Atlas 8, I'm not holding my breath for that one.

Don't get me wrong; if the longstanding PC giant can get one of those in my hands for cheaper than every other option out there, and offer a lower-spec non-extreme model, it'll firmly have my attention. Otherwise, it'll end up swiftly becoming vaporware, or arriving with a price tag that means it's not relevant.

The handheld is seriously suffering at the hands of AI data centre demand, just like the gaming hardware scene at large. I do think device makers can do a bit more to weather the storm, though, and that includes actually using cheaper chipset SKUs like the Arc G3.

If you've got Valve's handheld to hand, swing by the best Steam Deck docks to turn your portable into a makeshift Steam Machine.

This summer marks a year since I bought a Steam Deck OLED, and in that time, I've only bought a handful of accessories to improve the handheld's comfort, playing power on the go, and durability. But with the price of Steam Decks rising, keeping costs low is more important than ever – which is why I've scoured this week's Prime Day sales to see how many of my go-to Steam Deck accessories are discounted.

Below, I've found and price-checked the six most essential Steam Deck gadgets that you can currently buy for $35 or below. You'll notice it leans heavily towards JSAUX products – that's because they make up the majority of my own kit, as they offer significant bang for your buck on a budget.

The good news is that you can buy all of this for much less money than I paid, but there is some bad news. Prime Day ends tonight, which doesn't leave you long to put your order in. Step to!

The Nintendo Switch 2 could have some competition as the best gaming handheld with a potentially portable PS6, depending on how you interpret comments made by Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino about next-gen console development.

Whispers of a handheld PS6 console have been twirling in the wind for some while now. One recent rumor suggested the handheld could match the ROG Xbox Ally X when it comes to memory, while another told everyone to not bother thinking about the possibility of a PS6 Portable until at least 2028 – and Nishino has now poured fuel over all the gossip.

Speaking to Famitsu, in quotes translated by IGN, the PlayStation boss says today's consoles have to consider the importance of a "pick up and play" quality. The company will also be "leveraging technologies that can be used in various forms and locations" when making new game consoles in the future, according to him, which will lead to "something exciting."

"For example, although the PlayStation brand is strongly associated with playing on the TV in the living room, we're planning to release monitors and speakers so that people can play comfortably in other locations as well," he adds. "We developed the PlayStation Portal as part of this initiative."

Of course, PlayStation's tried to enter the handheld arena multiple times. It started with the very weird and also very cool Japan-exclusive PocketStation. The PSP then served as the company's biggest handheld statement yet, giving Nintendo a run for its money with over 70 million units sold, before the PS Vita subsequently crashed a generation later.

Since then, Sony's only dipped its toes into the market with the PlayStation Portal, a device that can stream games or enable remote play from a connected PS5. It's more an accessory than a standalone gaming handheld, but it's been pretty successful, all things considered. Nishino says the amount of people using cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal "in January 2026 was 1.5 times that of December 2025."

Either way, streaming isn't the future for Sony. Consoles are. "My belief that a console is necessary for playing games hasn't changed,” he continues.

A portable PS6 device definitely isn't official – with the ongoing RAMpocalypse, nothing in the hardware space is certain – but it definitely sounds like something the console maker is at least thinking about.

Sony is considering pushing the PS6 to 2028 or 2029, "some analysts believe," according to Embracer Group.

With GTA 6 only a few months away, it's time to start making sure your gaming set-up is up to snuff. Sure, you've already got a console — I hope —but there are a few other pieces of kit which will help you enjoy the game to its fullest extent.

Usually, upgrading your gaming set-up could cost quite a bit, but it's Prime Day currently, which means you can pick up the right items at a discounted price. We're seeing TVs, projectors, soundbars, controllers, headsets and speakers all reduced, and so if you've been planning a system glow-up before Grand Theft Auto comes out, there won't be a time like now.

Finding a way to represent Leonida visually will be incredibly important for enjoying GTA 6. If you're squinting to see what's going on, you won't be doing justice to this visually-impressive game... and you might find it hard to actually appreciate the gameplay itself.

TVs are usually the go-to option for gaming, but spare a thought for the best gaming projector too. They can often let you view on a much bigger area than a TV, and they have some added versatility so you can move rooms or walls.

One of the most underrated upgrades a gaming set-up can enjoy is in the audio department. There's nothing worse than relying on tinny audio coming from your TV, or having to connect your AirPods if you need to play quietly.

Soundbars and eARC speakers are great for room-filling sound, to create an immersive experience. But headsets can often offer a similar effect, by putting the drivers nearer your ears. If you don't mind wearing them for your long gaming sessions, they'll be much more space-efficient, and have built-in mics for when you enjoy the online component.

Getting a good controller is less of an 'upgrade', given that GTA 6 isn't a competitive online game, but some premium (and not-quite-premium) controllers offer a more refined experience. Haptic buttons, hall triggers and customizable face buttons can all offer a more enjoyable gaming experience than whatever came included in your console.

The official install size for GTA 6 hasn't been confirmed, but most people are expecting it to require at least 200GB, and possibly a lot more than that.

If your console is already filling up, you've got two options. Either try and free up space by deleting games, making some tricky decisions about what you're happy not playing for a while... or getting a storage expansion.

Both of the above picks will hold GTA 6 with ease. No, they're not cheap, but that's modern memory for you, and at least they're below their current MSRPs.

There are plenty more Prime Day gaming deals that we've been collecting, across every sector of the gaming hardware and software realm. And if you don't even have a console yet, you'll need to use our Xbox Series X bundle deal or PS5 bundle deal pages to find a good deal, because Prime Day isn't offering much.

Despite memory and storage — and therefore gadgets themselves — getting a lot more expensive of late, Samsung apparently missed the memo, because a Prime Day storage discount sees a Switch 2-compatible microSD card lose half of its value.

Righty now, you can pick up a 256GB storage Samsung P9 micrSD Express card for $40 at Amazon, which is a saving of exactly 50%. There's no discount on the 512GB model, which currently sells for an eye-watering $200 (yes, two hundred), and storage discounts over Prime Day are pretty modest all around.

Amazon has several other Switch 2 microSD card deals, but I'm not finding any others that cost less than Samsung, are from a reputable company, and work on the Switch 2. So it's an ideal choice to bump up your Switch 2 storage.

Should you buy the Samsung P9 microSD card?

With transfer speeds of up to 800MB/s, this Samsung microSD card is fast enough to be sufficient for Nintendo Switch 2 gaming. Many other similar cards on Amazon, including the few other discounted ones, have much slower speeds.

This means they're not ideal for gaming with. However if you just want some extra space for your smartphone, tablet or for non-gaming purposes on your Switch, you might be able to opt for slower speeds.

What about the size? Games on the Nintendo Switch 2 typically don't take up the space space as their console or PC counterpart, so 256GB isn't as small as it initially might seem. Mario Kart World, for example, was 23.4GB, while Sonic X Shadow Generations is 24GB and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is just 7.7GB. So if you're only planning to play Switch 2 games like these, 256GB is more than enough.

Some AAA games ported to Switch 2 take up more space: Assassin's Creed Shadows needs over 62GB while Cyberpunk 2077 needs 60GB and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle needs 56GB. So if you plan to download a few of these games, you might find 256GB a little tight.

Saying that, you'll be hard-pressed to find any reasonable prices on 512GB memory cards, so I'd really recommend sticking to smaller sizes. It's cheaper to buy two 256GB cards than one 512GB right now!

• Lexar 512GB microSD card | $129.99 $79.99 at Amazon
• Lexar 1TB microSD card | $229.99 $159.99 at Amazon
• Lexar 2TB microSD card | $429.99 $279.99 at Amazon

We're monitoring all the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, on consoles and accessories. And if you want some guidance on which storage expansions to consider, we have a round-up of the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD express cards worth buying.

Look, I don't want to slap your hand away from expensive handheld PCs this Prime Day, but I will. I can envision some of you out there seeing the price of the freshly released MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, thinking other portables are cheap since they're not $1,800, and subsequently ending up spending over a grand. Please don't do that, pretty please? I promise there are still options for less.

The big, nasty problem with handheld PCs we face as Prime Day gaming deals roll out is obnoxiously high prices. I don't want to be too harsh on device makers that have hiked prices, as even my knight in affordable armor, the Steam Deck OLED, now costs a grand for the 1TB version.

However, I can't imagine a situation where it'd be acceptable to pay $1,800 for one of the best gaming handhelds today, as the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ could be outshone in 12 months. Plus, while it's Intel Arc G3 Extreme should boost fps compared to last-gen models, I really don't think it needed 32GB RAM considering the climate. Simply put, the tech giant hasn't really helped its pricing situation, and I reckon you should look to cheaper alternatives, even if they lack the same oomph.

Keeping gaming handheld costs reasonable in 2026 requires a bit of creativity. Personally, I don't like feeding the beast that is tech price inflation, so in an effort to signal to retailers and portable PC makers that today's price tags are not okay, I like to check out open-boxed and refurbished options.

Opting for "second-hand" devices doesn't come with the grimy caveats you'd think. Having previously worked in a tech retail environment in my youth, stores will check any returns and grade them appropriately (provided they're doing their job right). So, when the likes of Best Buy say it has a ROG Xbox Ally with $100 off in "excellent" condition, you'll find it stays true to its word, and the result is getting the same flagship Ryzen Z2 Extreme handheld for a bit less.

I also love doing some virtual dumpster diving and finding old models that by rights should be long gone, but are somehow still on the "shelves". This time around, the handheld in question is the lowest spec original MSI Claw A1M with an Intel Arc 135H chipset. At full price, it's laughable since it only manages to just keep up with the Steam Deck, but for under $400? It's actually going to provide you with a decent Windows handheld experience for a chunk less than the other last-gen chumps.

I should also give kudos to Asus and Microsoft's duo of current-gen handhelds, as both the Xbox Ally and Ally X have managed to resist price hike temptation. I'm hoping that means there's still room to give current inventory a nice Prime Day cut to get some stock shifted, even if that comes with the risk of retailers replenishing with higher-priced units. Ideally, we'll see $100 come off the price of the flagship and lower-spec white version, with the latter serving as this year's sub $500 star.

You could call highlighting handhelds that aren't over a grand handheld hopeium, but it's all we can do when pricing is this bananas. I also need to keep my spirits high, seeing as the Steam Machine just barged onto the scene today with a $1,049 starting point, and that particular pickle has me thinking about using Steam Link to beam my rig to the living room instead. Sigh.

• Gaming handhelds at Amazon
• Steam Deck accessories at Amazon

Sticking with the classics? Check out the best retro handhelds for Game Boy clones and powerful emulators.

Look, I'm not saying you shouldn't grab the new Banjo-Kazooie handheld everyone is raving about. In fact, the new Rare edition of the Super Pocket is one of the flavors yet, and not just because it's packing an N64 classic. However, if you're not fussed about the red and blue getup, or the publisher's hits before the bear and bird were a thing, then there's an opportunity to save some Doubloons.

If you have already caught my Super Pocket Rare Edition hands-on and are already sold on playing Banjo on the retro handheld ASAP, I won't stop you. It's sitting pretty for $69.99 at Amazon for pre-order, and I can't guarantee it'll be in stock after its June 26 release date. If you're willing to play the waiting game, though, you could hold off for Prime Day gaming deals to drop and grab the often-discounted TECHNOS version for under $50.

Before you start shouting about how that version doesn't include Banjo, let me elaborate on my hair-brained scheme. Yes, you'll be buying a version that's loaded with 15 arcade classics like Double Dragon and River City Ransom instead, but every Super Pocket boasts the same Evercade cartridge slot. That means if you do grab the TECHNOS version for less, you'll then only have to wait until October to obtain the physical Banjo-Kazooie collection for the portable, which just so happens to also include Banjo-Tooie.

Effectively, if you pick up the Super Pocket Rare Edition AND a copy of the Banjo-Kazooie collection down the road, you'll be almost buying twice. That's not to say you shouldn't do that if, like me, you love the developer's other classics, like Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship for the NES, or the various ZX Spectrum oddities on the handheld. But, if you've got no love for that back-catalogue, you can optimize your purchasing plans.

Of course, I'm highlighting the TECHNOS version purely since it tends to drop during the sales, but there are other enticing versions. The Neo Geo Edition specifically is going to hook you up with some legendary arcade romps, like King of Fighters and Metal Slug X, and there's an Atari brick if you're itching for something of the vintage variety (Yars Revenge, wherever you go, yo).

Not everything has to be a money-saving exercise, especially when it comes to choosing the right gaming handheld. The Super Pocket is already exceptional for the price, so there's no real wrong way to pick one up. You might even decide you want to spend more on something that supports Blaze's cartirdges, and options like the $129.99 Evercade EXP-R will hook you up with a larger screen, a beefier 3,000mAh battery, and Wi-Fi for firmware updates.

Blaze is also cooking up the Evercade Nexus, a beefier handheld with dual analogue sticks and a 5.89-inch IPS screen that caters to later 3D games, like Banjo-Kazooie (it's $199.99 at Amazon). If you want to keep costs to a minimum, though, your attentions should be focussed on the Super Pocket, and while I'll be sharing discounts on the entire line-up when the sales kick off next week, I'd get ahead of the curve and keep eyes on that TECHNOS variant.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• Evercade consoles at Amazon

If you miss physical games, you should swing by our Everything Evercade guide to learn more about Blaze's cartirdge-based retro console ecosystem.

I've finally got the Super Pocket Rare Edition in my mitts, and if I showed seven-year-old me this thing, their brain would melt into a puddle. We're talking about a retro handheld that costs less than new console games, is smaller than my original Game Boy Color, and runs Banjo-Kazooie, an N64 game that was cutting edge when the latter portable reigned supreme.

And yet, even if the latest Super Pocket didn't come with one of the best N64 games of all time, I'd still be all over the retro handheld. After all, it's still the same 5/5 budget portable that dazzled me with its compact abilities back in 2023. However, the Rare Edition is packing some of the legendary publisher's lesser talked about hits from across multiple generations, and I'd be happy to spend $69.99 again since the collection includes one of my favorite NES games.

No, I'm not talking about Battletoads, even if that is undoubtedly an NES gem. Rather, it's the addition of Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship that would draw me to this specific, albeit a little garish, red, blue, and yellow version of the Super Pocket. If you're already aware of this quirky multidirectional shooter sequel to the ZX Spectrum classic Lunar Jetman and have no interest, you'll want to keep an eye on Prime Day gaming deals for other handheld flavors, but the rest of you should read on.

Don't worry, I'll get to playing Banjo on this new Super Pocket. But first, let's chat about why Solar Jetman is the perfect era of game for the vertical handheld specifically. Rare's space caper sits within a wonderful 8-bit genre that merges simple shooter mechanics with exploration, meaning it's not quite a quick "once-and-done" arcade romp, but it also won't ask you to pull off anything too strenuous using just a disc d-pad, four face buttons, and some cramped shoulder buttons at the rear.

There's certainly a forgotten art to the way Solar Jetman feels vast without doing too much. The primary loop has you "flying" around in an egg ship using the same chaotic momentum physics as Asteroids. That means one of the biggest dangers in this game is, well, you and your ability to use thrusters in the right direction to navigate narrow, spike-laden caverns in a bid to find pieces of the titular Golden Warship.

The high-contrast visuals of Solar Jetman, even on the Super Pocket's modest 320 x 240, 2.8-inch IPS display, will suck you into what feels like a far grander odyssey than it should. Plunging into the depths in an egg that will absolutely crack, exposing the 8-bit space dude within, will keep you more than entertained when travelling or even just sitting somewhere that your high-tech gaming PC or setup can find you, especially if you have the patience to survive the outing's 12 danger-infected planets.

Of course, you'll have better luck assembling the Golden Warship on the Super Pocket compared to a real NES, as the handheld takes full advantage of save states. That in itself means you can casually chip through the admittedly punishing gameplay without having to stumble through the same narrow pathways over and over, and while the Nintendo Switch Online version will afford you the same luxury, playing on an offline portable with Game Boy vibes is naturally more special.

But what about Banjo?

Alright, I get it: you want to know if you can actually play Banjo-Kazooie on a handheld that often costs under $60. The answer is a resounding yes, and if you've ever tried to emulate N64 games on a cheap portable emulator, you'll know that's a mean feat. Upon booting up the bear and bird's first adventure, I was immediately impressed with the perceivable frame rates. It's supposedly targeting 60fps, and from what I've experienced so far, that holds true.

I've been asking myself for a while whether we should try and play more complex early 3D outings on something like the Super Pocket. Doing so has been an option for a while since both Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Tomb Raider exist as carts, but I reckon both of those are better suited to the full-fat Evercade EXP-R or, more appropriately, the upcoming Evercade Nexus.

If any flavor of early 3D game is going to work well on a vertical handheld with limited controls, however, it is Banjo-Kazooie. The collectathon's platforming isn't quite as nightmarish as something like Super Mario 64, nor will you find yourself looking for buttons exclusive to the OG N64 controller. What I do think the platformer could benefit from, however, is expanded options for mapping inputs to your specific preference, as while I found my stride by switching things back to "retro" rather than "replay" in the menu, it'd be nice to dial things in fully.

For context, using the retro control scheme maps Flap Flip to R2 rather than L2, which felt a bit more intuitive as someone who's played the original a lot. It also swaps around the face buttons for rolling and camera tracking, but I can't help but feel there's perhaps a customizable balance to be struck between the two modes.

When it comes to settings, the Super Pocket Banjo-Kazooie port is slightly odd, as it drops compatibility with that middle menu button. That means you won't have access to save states, or even the option to enable scanlines, and I would have enabled the latter to give the emulated N64 graphics a bit of needed pixel separation. Alas, neither omission is an entire deal breaker, and I get why those additional OS options are disabled, considering the tricks the new port is likely pulling off to run on the portable's low specs.

Ultimately, being able to play Banjo-Kazooie with no performance quirks or visual bugs on something that'll easily fit in your pocket is well worth the asking price. Plus, don't forget you're getting 14 other classics thrown in too, including Conker's Pocket Tales, a wholesome prequel to Bad Fur Day that was stuck on the Game Boy Color for 27 years, and some really early Rare releases for the ZX Spectrum.

Super Pocket Rare Edition games

• Atic Atac
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Battletoads
• Battletoads in Battlemaniacs
• Cobra Triangle
• Conker's Pocket Tales
• Gunfright
• Jetpac
• Knight Lore
• Lunar Jetman
• R.C Pro-Am II
• Slalom
• Snake Rattle 'n' Roll
• Solar Jetman: The hunt for the Golden Warship

The one question I'd ask yourself when considering the Rare Super Pocket is whether you care about any of the other games besides Banjo-Kazooie. One of the reasons I've expansively talked about Solar Jetman here is that it's one of the only games on the list exclusive to the handheld, as the rest are available on the Rare Collection 1. We're also getting a Banjo-Kazooie double pack in October in line with the Nexus, so some of you might want to grab another portable flavor for potentially less during the sales this year.

TLDR - The Super Pocket Rare Edition is fantastic, even if it does look more like it's cosplaying as Mario.

• Evercade consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Looking for more modern cartirdge goodness? Swing by our Everything Evercade guide for the lowdown on Blaze's latest hardware and games.

Slowly, but surely, SteamOS is making its way to gaming handhelds other than the Steam Deck. Specifically, it now plays nicer on Intel-based portables like the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and I'm hoping the progress gives the brand's original, highly critizised, OG handheld a second-wind amid Valve's price hikes.

As highlighted in a new ETA Prime YouTube video, Valve has finally added support for Intel chipsets to SteamOS. The beta 3.8.7 update specifically adds controller compatibility, reliability enhancements for SD cards, and a fix for Bluetooth, but also includes firmware patches for newcomers, like the Panther Lake G3-based MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.

ETA Prime's video specifically focusses on the existing Claw 8 AI+ with a Lunar Lake chipset, but there's also a Reddit thread by SaperPL that outlines the new SteamOS beta working on an Intel B580 graphics card. The jist across both right now is that performance isn't quite on par compared to Windows 11. Issues like the menu button not being mapped properly, and having to use an additional plugin to toggle between 15W, 17w, and 30W is a thing, but I'm holding out hope that the newfound official compatibility will benefit the OG Claw's.

As a Windows handheld, I wrote off the first MSI Claw (officially called the A1M), pretty early. Its original $799 MSRP completely missed the mark, considering its Core Ultra 7 155H chipset required higher wattages to even keep up with the Steam Deck OLED. Effectively, the fact that the LCD model was still a thing for around $400 at the time, and the original Asus ROG Ally was still in action, meant the portable had nothing to really offer the scene, but I'm now wondering if it can weirdly become a cheaper stand-in for Valve's device.

Here's the thing: the MSI Claw was seemingly discontinued, but for whatever reason, the 1TB model is available for $749.99. That's way too much to pay for the handheld, both for the above reasons and since it's using the exact same screen as the cheaper white Xbox ROG Ally. It's slightly cheaper at Amazon since it's going for $719.99, but the fact that it still exists at all at retailers means upcoming Prime Day gaming deals could work their magic.

Handheld prices are bananas in general right now, so I'm not completely holding my breath for Amazon's sale. In an ideal world, though, the MSI Claw would drop back to around $400 like it did back in March and previous sale events, which would pair with new official SteamOS support to make it a sort of alternative to Valve's now-discontinued Steam Deck LCD.

When I get a spare moment, I'll be looking to fully try out SteamOS on the MSI Claw A1M to see if it actually holds up. If ETA Prime's current Claw 8 AI+ tests are anything to go by, it might not boost fps as high as when running Windows, but I can only imagine updates and optimizations will address that over time. Plus, it will save those of you looking for all the bells and whistles of Valve's operating system from splashing out $630 minimum on a 512GB Steam Deck OLED.

Yes, my ambitions come with quite a few ifs and buts attached, but our handheld options are limited in 2026. Therefore, I'm open to trying anything that'll get people tackling their Steam backlogs on the go for less, even if that means revisiting a previously shunned handheld in a bit to infuse it with SteamOS goodness.

Failing that, at least the now broader compatibility of SteamOS means that, if the Steam Machine ends up being $1,000, we'll have cheaper ways to make a makeshift console PC hybrid.

Sticking with the Steam Deck? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks and best Steam Deck accessories to enhance your hybrid setup.

It feels like I've been testing the best Steam Deck docks for aeons, and I figured a contender would usurp the Baseus 6-in-1 by now. Yet, three years on from first getting my hands on the hub, I still haven't found an alternative that offers up all the same handheld PC perks at the same price, even though there are plenty of challengers out there.

That's not to say I haven't paired Valve's portable and its gaming handheld rivals with plenty of other hubs. In fact, I'd say the Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock directly influenced premium alternatives like the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma since it borrows the same adjustable cradle design while adding the brand's mandatory RGB nonsense.

However, while Razer's Steam Deck dock looks the part, it'll set you back $69.99 even with discounts applied. Upcoming Prime Day gaming deals could help nudge things lower, but Baseus already has the PC accessory maker beat on price since its handheld hub comes in at $39.99, and I've spotted it for under $30 during previous sales.

Baseus's and Razer's handheld docks almost look like the same accessory in different fonts. Both are peacocking their adjustable cradles up front, which makes sense given the feature lets you adjust the angle of your chosen portable to accommodate devices that are chonkier than the Steam Deck OLED. Functionally speaking, both options will provide you with the same hybrid desktop experience, but that $30 price gap and subtle design differences may sway you either way.

The really obvious ace up the Razer Handheld Dock's sleeve is its Chroma RGB getup. Like a moth to a really colorful flame, I know some of you will be instantly drawn to the more expensive dock's vibrant strip lighting, and I'd be lying if I said it doesn't look purdy on new-age, rainbow-drenched desks. As you'd perhaps expect from a device by LED lighting pioneers, it also dazzles far harder than the Jsaux RGB docking station, and while you're getting more ports with the latter, it comes in at a loftier $85 at Amazon. Ouch.

The Handheld Dock Chroma also has elegance on its side, with its soft-touch plastic body and foam-padded metal cradle adding an appropriately premium feel. The Baseus 6-in-1 features a pretty similar construction, but opts for a more rounded silver frame with grey rubber that doesn't look quite as bougie. That said, its choice of harder plastic and a proper rubber pad means it's actually far more resistant to scratches, whereas Razer's hub starts to look quite rough if it comes into contact with anything.

Razer's more elegant materials mean that the Handheld Dock Chroma is better suited to the permanent safety of your desk, as slinging it into a bag will result in some stuff. That's not the only element that hampers its travelability, though, as its built-in USB-C cable also lacks proper retention. Yes, you can sort of tuck it into the cradle gap, but Baseus's dock has its own faux port that keeps the wire in place, which is *chef's kiss* for both travel and keeping chaotic cabling away from your surface.

If you're using a Windows 11 handheld like the ROG Xbox Ally X, the Razer dock will harass you with automatic software popups, just like when plugging peripherals into your main gaming PC. Sure, using Razer Synapse is what will give you full command over the accessory's 16.8 million colors and their respective patterns, but additional apps aren't really a vibe on lower-spec, portable machines, especially ones that like to haunt your sessions or pop up as soon as you've plugged in.

Effectively, we're talking about two extremely similar docks with the same primary objective. I personally think saving $30 on a docking station with more useful design elements and more robust materials is a no-brainer, but having a preference for flashy RGB lighting is valid.

If you are set on trying to grab the Razer dock over Baseus's hub while still spending less, there are "renewed" units for $49.99 at Amazon. Just keep in mind that even minor encounters with other objects will scuff up the dock's soft plastics, and while the listing promises "excellent" condition, I'd be shocked if these hubs look box-fresh.

The latest variants of the Analogue Pocket aren't getting along with Everdrive Game Boy flash carts. At least, that's according to the retro handheld gadget's creator, Krikzz, who suggests a new problem running GBA ROMs on the FPGA portable is a hardware issue, but I'm seeing conflicting explanations for why some players can't run backups using the new handheld batch.

At the centre of the Analogue Pocket and Everdrive fiasco is user elfricko. In a post to the Everdrive forum, the player says their shiny new FPGA portable is throwing a "04 File not found" error when using a GBA Mini cart ($125 at Amazon, FYI). After some initial digging, the issue was quickly narrowed down to something replacing the letter "r" with a "v", with the example cited being "romcfg to vomcfg."

The issue sounds like the sort of innocent quirk that'd usually be addressed with a firmware update. However, an additional Reddit threat titled "Possible defective RAM on newest AP batch" points a far more serious finger at the Analogue Pocket itself. elfricko says they know of at least three other people facing the issue, and one user has already reached out to Analogue for support.

Possible defective RAM on newest AP batch; issues with ED GBA Mini from r/AnaloguePocket

In response to the Everdrive issue, Analogue allegedly advised the Pocket owner to "contact the manufacturer for troubleshooting and information." It seemingly also stated that it "does not provide customer support for 3rd party devices", which isn't surprising given the company has zero control over compatible hardware by other entities.

The "good news" is that inserting the Everdrive into a new Analogue Pocket won't destroy your cart or its ROM library. To get it back up and running again, all you apparently have to do is switch back the changed letters in the file system, but it still won't work on the FPGA handheld. Users in the forums are currently trying to suss out whether the handheld or the accessory is to blame, but elfricko seems to believe that it's linked to RAM timings, citing "15 years of experience in computer science."

Worst-case scenario here is that there's a serious fault in the new Pocket RAM module's logic gates that could affect more than just Everdrive carts. Or it could simply be that the timing of the handheld and the flash cart now differs slightly. Either way, not everyone believes the issue lies solely on Analogue's shoulders, as retro enthusiast Pixel Cherry Ninja says that conflicting sources point towards component changes in the GB Mini itself.

I sadly don't own an Everdrive GB Mini, or I'd already be testing it with my slightly older Analogue Pocket model. What I will say, though, is that we don't have enough information yet to know what the exact fault is and which end of the hardware is to blame. I suspect it won't be long until enthusiasts root out a cause, and while Analogue says it doesn't provide support for third-party accessories, I'm pretty sure they'll have someone on the case, figuring out the FPGA compatibility issue internally.

Unless you're up for joining the troubleshooting front lines, I'd perhaps hold off on buying an Analogue Pocket for use with an Everdrive. It's an incredible handheld and the best FPGA device for running Game Boy carts and a bunch of other retro console ROMs out there, so I don't say that lightly. I'd be surprised if we have to wait long for an official answer, though, and I'm hoping the whole situation can be remedied with a good old firmware update.

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• Retro consoles at Amazon

Using Valve's powerhouse for emulating old handhelds? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks to soup up your setup.

I haven't been very nice to the white ROG Xbox Ally. On many occasions, I've mocked it for its lower-spec AMD Ryzen Z2 chipset, compared it to the best gaming handheld contenders from a few years ago, and, perhaps justifiably, been a little mean. It's finally time for the Windows gizmo to stick it to me, though, as it's now the affordable portable PC to watch.

Unlike most of its handheld gaming PC counterparts, the base Xbox Ally has managed to weather RAMageddon. Even the once heralded Steam Deck OLED, my previous price-conscious pick, now comes in at just under a grand for the 1TB model, and premium newcomers like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ (catchy name, huh?) are closer to $2,000.

Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally is still sitting pretty for $599.99 at Best Buy. No, it doesn't provide the same performance as the mighty ROG Xbox Ally X, as the black version is rocking a Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, but if Prime Day gaming deals have an influence on its already "cheaper" MSRP, we could be looking at a true Steam Deck stand-in.

I'll underline the point here by saying if you want a handheld gaming PC at a "normal" price, the ROG Xbox Ally is it. That's not to say I think it offers particularly great value compared to the OG Asus ROG Ally, especially since that model offered a punchier last-gen Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, the same 1080p 120Hz 7-inch display, and 512GB of storage, albeit at a higher initial $700 MSRP.

Don't be fooled by that latter price tag, as the OG ROG Ally rarely ever reached full price. In fact, it consistently dipped under $500 during the sales, occasionally challenging the LCD Steam Deck by reaching $400. Sadly, it's now firmly discontinued and MIA outside of a few open-box listings for under $450 (consider one of those if it's available). But, rather than dwelling on past variants, I'd focus your attention on its, perhaps lacklustre for 2026, successor to avoid feeling the premium handheld price beast.

As for what you'll actually get for your $600, you will end up with a comfortable, performant handheld. The trick is to resist comparing the Xbox Ally to anything that came before it, as if you ignore the fact that it feels like half a step backwards, it's still a pretty solid Steam Deck alternative with elevated controller-grip ergonomics, and wide game and storefront compatibility via Windows 11.

Those of you in the market for a portable PC gaming machine should keep the ROG Xbox Ally at the forefront of your mind. Part of me does want to advise not touching any handhelds, or by extension tech, until AI demand stops making pricing bananas, but I know some of you won't want to put your gaming ambitions on hold.

All I'll say is that with Prime Day on the horizon, we might be treated to a rare discount on the white model. Keep in mind that Microsoft's next handheld release, the ROG Xbox Ally X20, is firmly focused on providing premium elements like a 7.4-inch OLED display, not to mention it'll only be available as a bundle with pricey ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 AR glasses. So, investing in the base Xbox Ally instead may help signal that most of us want something affordable rather than flamboyant.

• Xbox Ally handhelds at Best Buy
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Prefer to play the classics? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation devices that can handle history's greatest consoles.

AYN took to its Discord today to notify customers that its AYN Thor and AYN Odin 3 gaming handhelds will be suffering the same fate as countless other devices across the market. That's right, both the Thor and Odin 3 will see fairly lofty price increases, but we've still got some time.

Spotted by user u/crownpuff and posted to the r/SBCGaming subreddit, the brand claims that "new pricing will take effect once the current inventory allocation is sold through," while reassuring customers that the "new pre-order batch will continue to use UFS 3.1 storage."

We don't yet know how much these prices will jump by, but the Ayn Thor currently starts at $249 for the Lite version and the Odin 3 kicks off at $339. The former was saved from the brand's previous round of price increases back in April, but the Odin is already $10 more expensive than launch in its cheapest configuration.

Both devices are currently shipping from their latest batch, launched at the same time we were warned about these price increases. The Ayn Thor is currently in its seventh batch pre-orders, priced up at $249 until current stock runs out. Meanwhile the Odin 3 is in its eighth batch with the base 8GB/128GB model available for $339 via the brand's own site. If you're going back to older releases, you'll be at the mercy of marketplace sellers at Amazon.

Due to the flexibility in that stock level, we don't exactly know when these price increases will come into effect but we'll keep you updated as more emerges.

We're also rounding up the best retro handhelds as well as the best Steam Deck accessories for more portable play.

I'm at Computex this week trying all sorts of new gaming hardware, and one of the first to grab the headlines has been Acer's reimagined handheld PC, the Predator Atlas 8. People are right to be excited about this new best gaming handheld contender. Not only does it pack in some really powerful Intel innards inside it that stand apart from the standard AMD chips used in portable PCs, but it's yet another option in a blossoming handheld market.

I've had the chance to go hands-on with it though, and as the resident PC controller expert here at GamesRadar+, I was taken by it for totally different reasons than its impressive specs. For me, when it comes to handheld gaming, comfort is king. If you can translate the experience of actually holding a comfortable gamepad in your hand to an on-the-go device, it's going to unlock a whole new level of enjoyment and usability.

I love me some handheld gaming, but if I'm totally honest, I'm not all that interested in trying to cram expensive gaming PC performance into a portable footprint. I think, as we've seen, it just drives the cost of entry for what should be a really accessible type of device into realms where hardly anyone can afford them as a secondary (or even primary) way to play games.

Not to mention, the types of games I tend to want to take with me on the go aren't the performance-heavy singleplayer games or the competitive multiplayer ones. Both of those are examples of games I want to enjoy at home with my proper setup. For me, it's the indie games, the narrative adventures, the open worlds that I want to keep coming back to from the yesteryear of my Steam library, but if a handheld isn't comfortable, I'm not going to want to play when I'm out and about.

That's something that Acer has absolutely nailed with its new handheld. I remember testing the first iteration of its handheld gaming PC when it was first revealed at IFA a couple of years ago, and although it had some cool design points, it was launching before the era of the larger, more comfortable MSI Claws, and well before the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X paved the way for more pronounced grips on handheld devices.

There's been a serious evolution with the Atlas 8 in terms of ergonomics. Acer isn't exactly known for its controllers, but you wouldn't know that from holding the Atlas 8 in your hands. Acer has managed to translate a lot of great design philosophies from a pro controller to a handheld form factor. It's not afraid to be bulky, putting some girth into the display/mid-section of the console courtesy of its Predator AeroBlade dual-fan cooling system. But that also translates to the grips, which have an equivalent amount of heft.

This has knock-on effects all over the place. Asymmetrical thumbsticks don't feel like such a stretch anymore because your hands wrap around and down, as opposed to stretching and straining around the flat back of a device in order to bear its weight. The back buttons are suddenly easier to press regularly because, again, that middle finger isn't so tied up with making sure you don't drop your pricey portable.

Even from a design and aesthetics standpoint, the Atlas 8 somehow looks more natural than the Xbox Ally, which arguably does look like someone's ungracefully stuck two cylindrical grips to an existing device.

In my experience of going hands-on with both the Atlas 8 and the revitalised 20th anniversary edition of the Xbox ROG Ally X at Computex, my thought is that it's actually okay for a handheld PC to be heavy, because as long as you can grip it properly, your hands aren't going to fatigue as easily, or even notice the extra weight because of how things are balanced. I say that as an owner of the original ROG Ally X, which certainly has some weight to it, but doesn't have the ergonomics to back it up.

On the Acer side of things, the Atlas 8 even has trigger stop switches, which change its triggers from standard analog Hall Effect depression into a microswitch instant click. These can be huge for giving you improved feel across different genres of games, and to my knowledge, this is the first handheld gaming PC to add this feature. It's all about comfort with the design of the Acer Predator Atlas 8, and I applaud Acer for pushing the envelope in this regard because it's certainly going to give the Xbox ROG Ally X a run for its money, and beyond its Xbox branding, I think the reason that device is proving so popular is that it puts comfort front and centre.

For more, take a look at the best retro handheld, the best TMR controllers, and the best gaming laptops.

MSI has brought the next generation of its Claw gaming handhelds to Taipei, showing off the new Claw 8 EX AI+ on the Computex showfloor. With improvements not just under the hood, but in the grips, sticks, and motors, the brand is looking to compete with similar horsepower levels in the Acer Predator Atlas 8 and OneXPlayer 3 when Intel's new cohort of handhelds hit the market this year.

Right now, though, it's looking like MSI's new release is going to cost you more than some gaming laptops. The brand told The Shortcut that it's aiming for a $1,500 launch price, though rumors are still circulating on whether that's the top-of-the-range model you'll find on the showfloor this week, or the bottom rung of the ladder.

The sad part is I wouldn't be surprised by either eventuality. The new ROG Xbox Ally Z20 Edition will likely be over $2,000 when it launches with its new AR glasses, the Steam Deck OLED just hitched its price up to $1,000, and even MSI's older Claw 8 AI+ is holding firm to its $1,299.99 MSRP (Best Buy).

Still, with price expectations adjusted for 2026's climate, let's take a look at what we get under the hood.

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will make good on the Arc G3's promise of Intel XeSS 3 multi-frame generation, while maintaining the 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and 80Wh battery of the previous model. Those are specs that saw the previous release to a four-star review score when we tested it this time last year. Also returning is that 8-inch 1920 x 1200 120Hz display, though this time it's positioned so that it just about juts over the bottom lip of the device.

Around the sides, though, we've got some newly redesigned grips and a set of fancy motors underneath them. The chassis itself has been repositioned to offer a more ergonomic form factor, taking the blocky original and adding deeper curves to the back. Meanwhile, MSI has stuffed a "high-end linear motor" underneath, working to provide a more tactile haptic system with a faster response and better efficiency overall.

That's all running with a reported power level of 45W max TDP, a notable jump from the 35W found in the last generation of handhelds from MSI, Asus and Lenovo.

Without a final price tag, a common recurring theme amongst Computex's handheld announcements, we'll have to wait a little while to see just how the Claw 8 EX AI+ is going to stack up against the wider PC market. Thankfully, it shouldn't be too long before more information hits the feeds, with release currently slated for June 23.

For more portable play, check out the best gaming phones and best gaming tablets. Or, for a hit of (cheaper) nostalgia, check out the best retro handhelds on the market.

Handhelds seem to be top of the agenda at Computex 2026, and Asus isn't letting Intel's Arc G3 devices take all the attention. The brand has just unveiled a new ROG Xbox Ally X20 edition at the Taipei show, and this is far more than just a fresh chassis.

Launched to celebrate ROG's 20th anniversary, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 slaps a brand new 7.4-inch OLED panel up top, with the brand's ROG Nebula HDR tech packed inside. Underneath, its sticks have been upgraded with the same TMR tech that powers many of the best PC controllers on the market. That's a serious upgrade for one of the best gaming handhelds available right now, and one I've certainly been waiting for.

So it's strange that the new handheld looks to be only available when bundled with a set of the brand's extremely expensive AR gaming glasses. The $850 peepers are designed to work in tandem with the main device, casting a 171-inch virtual screen in front of you, rather than constricting your gameplay to the OLED panel you've just paid top dollar for. There's no word yet on whether the device will be available without the nearly $1,000 add-on (one that, essentially, removes the device's biggest upgrade), but I'll keep in touch.

Still, if you stick to the inbuilt screen, it's also been extended up compared to the original 7-inches. That HDR is also a series first for the range, promising the same boost to the ROG Xbox Ally X's contrast and colors as we see among the best Asus gaming laptops.

It's not the first OLED handheld, the Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2 and Steam Deck have been repping high-end panels for some time now. Plus, plenty of the best retro handhelds utilize the deeper blacks and boosted contrast of these premium displays.

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 still features the same Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset with 24GB LPDDR5X memory as the original release, but has also had a makeover with a translucent chassis showing off its golden innards. While it might be one of the most powerful handhelds on the market right now, Asus is taking a more nostalgic approach to its design. It's the great-great-grandson any GameBoy Advance would be proud of.

With the AR gaming glasses bundled in, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 price is likely to be pretty damn high. This is a handheld that launched at $999.99 and, with those glasses costing $849.99 by themselves, this one's reserved for the high-end collector. Asus itself hasn't confirmed the full bundle price, but if the math adds up this is likely well over $2,000. Currently, the full package is still on 'Notify Me' status at Asus's own store, but it will likely also be available at Best Buy at launch.

• See all gaming handhelds at Best Buy

For more gadgets to take on the road, check out the best Steam Deck accessories and the best gaming earbuds.

After weeks of fervent rumors, Acer finally revealed the Predator Atlas 8 handheld yesterday - but that's not the only new device heading our way. Alongside the chonky Intel Arc G3 system, the brand is also bringing its Nitro Blaze Link to market in 2026.

This isn't a hyper-expensive handheld PC, but it could pave the way for more interesting portable play. The system is designed to pair with specific Acer gaming laptops (the Predator Helios 18 AI and Nitro 16) to stream games. It's the PlayStation Portal to the PC world.

This isn't the first time the best gaming handhelds have relied on WiFi after all. Before Sony stepped in we had the Logitech G Cloud - and fans of the best mobile controllers have been remote playing on their phones for years. However, with all the component shortages plaguing the industry, bumping prices, discontinuing devices before their time, and ruining supply chains, it could be time to revisit the stream.

The PlayStation Portal has come on leaps and bounds with streaming technology, with its latest updates proving that stable on-air gameplay isn't just possible, it's actually enjoyable now. Acer releasing a stream-friendly (and hopefully budget friendly) companion device is welcome news in the same week the Steam Deck hit $1,000. After all, the fully loaded Predator isn't exactly going to be a cheap affair.

The Acer Nitro Blaze Link doesn't have a price tag just yet, but is expected to hit the shelves in late 2026.

• See all gaming handhelds at Amazon

For more portable play, check out the best Steam Deck accessories and the best retro handhelds.

How much would you be willing to pay for a New Nintendo 3DS XL in 2026? How about one signed by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto himself? Within the next week, someone's going to be the proud new owner of one, as the winner of 2015's Nintendo World Championships has put his prize system up for auction.

The 2015 Nintendo World Championships winner was John 'John Numbers"'Goldberg, who came out victorious after competing in a number of games, including Splatoon, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and Super Mario Maker (the latter of which hadn't actually been released at the time). As we reported back then, his prize wasn't just a trophy, but a signed handheld – the newest model, at the time – presented by Mario and Zelda creator Miyamoto.

On the eBay listing for the 3DS now, John Numbers reminisces on his win, while saying: "It's been over a decade now, and I thought it might be cool to put the system up for auction. I figure someone might like to get their hands on a national treasure like this."

The listing is full of pictures of the champion posing with the 3DS and his trophy to prove its legitimacy, and as for the condition of the prize itself, he says that "the box has obviously been opened a few times, and has a bit of wear on it, but the 3DS itself is largely in perfect condition, and appears to be working properly (I checked this on the same day of posting this listing)."

For what it's worth, the system itself doesn't appear to have a custom design for the tournament like the old Pokemon World Championships Nintendo DS consoles that were given out to a number of winners, but that autograph from Miyamoto, plus the significance of where it came from? I can understand why John Numbers calls it a "national treasure," and folks bidding on it clearly think the same thing.

At the time of writing – with a full week to go before the auction ends – bids for the 3DS have already reached a whopping $15,100, and I highly doubt that it's finished climbing yet. How high it might go is another matter, but I can only imagine console collectors will be going feral trying to secure the one-of-a-kind handheld.

John Numbers has clarified that the trophy he won isn't included in the listing, but he will throw in "some 'official' trading cards of myself, made by Walter Day back when the World Championships had concluded." If you're interested in making a bid, though, it should be noted that "I won't be able to do international shipping for this piece" – according to a post on his Twitter page, he's planning to deliver it by hand, which makes sense given the value of the system. So, if you're outside of the US, you're apparently out of luck.

As for the price it's reached, well, the 2015 champion was already blown away when it passed $11,000. "I gotta say I really wasn't expecting this to pop off the way it did," he wrote at the time. "I was sitting here perfectly ready for it not to get any takers, or for me to part with it for close to what the starting bid was."

And apparently, the bidding war is fierce. One person in the replies shares a screenshot from a "high-end" video games Facebook group, in which one apparent bidder (whose name has been redacted) writes: "Just a public service announcement. Whoever is outbidding me on the first place NWC prize on eBay. Expect to pay through the roof. As I'm not quitting. That is all." …Best of luck to anyone who wants to compete with them.

Be sure to check out our ranking of the best 3DS games of all time.

Intel Arc G3 gaming handhelds are now officially a thing, as the chipmaker has unveiled its portable Panther Lake line-up. In addition to introducing its Extreme and vanilla APUs, it also confirmed that it'll be working with Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer, and two of those portables have now been unveiled.

In a press release, Intel says its Arc G3 family marks "a new era for handheld graphics" while outlining support for XeSS 3 AI upscaling with multi-frame generation alongside DirectX 12 and ray tracing abilities. In line with that announcement, Acer has officially confirmed that its Predator Atlas 8 portable will drop in October, but OneXPlayer 3 and 2 Pro rivals will show up as soon as this June.

I've had Acer and OneXPlayer in my inbox revealing their new 8-inch handhelds so far, but I haven't heard from MSI about its Claw EX 8 AI+. Intel has confirmed the Claw 8 AI+ sequel is also coming, though, meaning we'll have three new premium contenders hitting the battlefield this year.

All three Intel Arc G3 handhelds are promising the same premium Panther Lake performance dressed up in a slightly different way. The Acer Predator Altas 8 and MSI Claw EX 8 AI+ feel like straight-up rivals to the ROG Xbox Ally X, boasting larger 8-inch 120Hz 1920 x 1200 displays and integrated controls. As is tradition with OneXPlayer, its duo of handhelds takes a quirkier approach to design, with the 2 Pro boasting detachable controls like the Switch and the 8.8-inch OneXPlayer 3 boasting hybrid laptop and tablet abilities.

The new trio of handhelds should mark the beginning of a new portable chipset generation for Intel. That in itself is a good thing since it'll help keep things competitive, as the market is dominated by Ryzen Z2 options right now. However, I can't help but feel like premium portable PCs are the last thing the scene needs right now, especially seeing as Valve just hiked its 1TB Steam Deck OLED to just under $1,000.

If anything, players are desperately in need of more options under $600, but I have a funny feeling we won't see anything quite like the OG Asus ROG Ally in terms of performance and price any time soon. If even a device like the Steam Deck OLED with the same chipset as the 2023 model can't resist price hikes, then it's easy to see why any notion of an affordable handheld might be cooked.

I'll still be looking to put the trio of Intel Arc G3 handhelds to the test when I can, as I'm keen to see whether Panther Lake will actually usher in a new dawn for portable PC performance. Multi-frame generation will undoubtedly make a difference to perceivable speeds and draw on what Nvidia has been doing with DLSS on graphics cards, but if all three end up over $1,000, I'll be either pointing most players towards the white Xbox Ally, or recommending you take a portable play gap year.

Psst, first brand to make a handheld that most players can afford gets an icy Coke on me.

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Sticking with Valve's portable? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks for ways to make the handheld into a hybrid machine.

Looks like the Steam Deck OLED is off my affordable gaming handheld list, as Valve quite quietly increased the 1TB model to just under a grand. Launched originally with a $649/£569 MSRP, the price hike means it's only $50 less than the ROG Xbox Ally X, and I'm now pretty concerned about future Steam Machine costs.

Just to confirm, the Steam Deck OLED 1TB now costs $949/£779 direct at Valve, while the 512GB model comes in at $789/£649. Earlier today, all versions of the handheld were out of stock at the US site, but new MSRPs have arrived alongside restocks. Simply put, you're paying $300 more for the top-end portable PC now compared to when it was last in stock, and the increase is undoubtedly tied to RAM and storage costs.

I won't lie, as someone who has platformed the Steam Deck since launch as an affordable handheld, I'm feeling pretty crushed. I had hoped the portable would shrug off component hikes sparked by AI data center demand, but it looks like Valve has been hit hard with this restock. Keep in mind that the AMD chipset within the device hasn't been refreshed, meaning you're paying nearly the same as premium portables like the Xbox Ally X that can boost fps far higher with newer Ryzen Z2 Extreme APUs.

The timing of this Steam Deck price hike is pretty unfortunate, given that Intel is rumored to announce Arc G3 handhelds tomorrow. I was fully expecting to advise players to wait for the OLED model to come back in stock rather than paying potentially over a grand for something like the new MSI Claw EX 8 AI+, but alas, it looks like the only "affordable" option left is the non-X white Xbox Ally.

I suspect Valve will drop a blog post addressing the increase soon, as the company is usually good at communicating strategic decisions. I'm not sure words can really comfort anyone who was planning to pick up the portable at its original price, and since the LCD version has been firmly discontinued, it looks like players who haven't got at least $800 to spend won't be enjoying the modern marvels of handheld gaming this year.

It's also hard not to worry about the Steam Machine's fate. It's reasonable to assume that the mini PC will be more expensive than the Deck when it eventually arrives, but the new handheld pricing signals that it will cost at least $1,000. If that ends up being the case, I fear that the console rival will fail to take off, and it could be disastrous for what is the biggest gaming hardware launch in 2026.

Tired of modern hardware prices? Swing by the best retro consoles to revisit the classics.

Intel is seemingly ready to send its Arc G3 line up to the best gaming handheld battlefield, and the grand unveiling could happen tomorrow. That's May 28 for those of you looking to circle your calendars, which might be handy if you've been waiting for anything portable PC-shaped by Acer.

In an Intel Arc G3 report by Videocardz, the publication says it has information regarding the May 28 unveiling. The core of the leak links to MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+, a successor to the excellent Claw 8 AI+ that's already popped up a few times via accidental retail listings and benchmarks. It pairs 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, an 80Wh battery, and an 8-inch 1920×1200 120Hz display with a 14-core Panther Lake chip.

The new MSI handheld should pile some pressure on existing premium portables like the ROG Xbox Ally X, although that ultimately hinges on price. It apparently isn't alone on the reveal podium, though, as Acer is apparently set to release a contender known as the "Predator Atlas 8".

The longstanding tech maker's Predator Atlas 8 is technically a sequel to Acer's original Nitro Blaze lineup. What's that? You had no idea Acer handhelds were a thing? Well, that's probably because the company released a 7-inch model in very limited quantities before deciding to put the two 8-inch options on hold.

For all intents and purposes, the Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds feel like vaporware, but the new Predator portables could serve as a redemption arc. The alleged plan right now is for Arc G3 Extreme and Non-extreme flavors that use the same 14-core chipset as the Claw 8 EX AI+, but there's zero mention of potential pricing or other specs.

I'd take all these Intel Arc G3 rumors with the usual grain of salt, but if the new Acer handheld swaps out the Nitro branding for a Predator logo, it could be a worrying pricing clue. The latter is the laptop maker's "premium" brand reserved for gaming PC, laptops, and graphics cards with higher specs and features.

My personal fear is that, rather than focusing on challenging affordable devices like the Steam Deck OLED (still AWOL, FYI), or even the non-X ROG Xbox Ally, Acer will instead lean into the saturated premium portable market and create another $1,000 monster.

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Okay, if seeing the best retro consoles like the PS2 Slim being chopped up and turned into a handheld homunculus makes you squeamish, you'll want to look away. While there are some eloquent attempts at miniturizing Sony's second system on the internet for portable play, this certainly isn't one of them, and yet, boons like better battery life than the Steam Deck OLED and full controls make the cursed creation sort of alluring.

If you're familiar with James Channel, one of my favorite retro gaming tinkerers and chaotic modders, you'll know what comes next. Just like the diabolical OG Xbox handheld that emerged just before the ROG Xbox Ally X, the PS2 handheld is a ripped-up slim console with the disc drive fully exposed, like a flywheel, complete with a cheap LCD screen slapped on the front.

Naturally, the retro handheld is held together with duct tape, or a "roll of housing" as James so eloquently calls it. Some of you might put the YouTuber's reluctance to carefully cut down console boards, or even 3D print a shell for said creations, as sheer trolling. I'd argue that, as much as the bananas approach is supposed to be entertaining, it highlights some really interesting PS2 hardware elements and demonstrates what's actually achievable when adding contempoary mods.

It's easy to get distracted by the Frankenstein's Monster PS2 handheld, but a chunk of the video features James fixing the console's optical drive. If you're into detailed console repairs, you'll dig the process, as it involves using a clone of Sony's internal calibration tools known as PMAP (or PlayStation 2 Mechacon Adjustment Program), to tweak the system's EEPROM data. Doing so can help the laser read discs if it's having issues, in turn saving the need for hard-to-find drive parts.

The freshly repaired disc drive is then precariously sandwiched between the main board and a cheap sat-nav LCD screen, but that's potentially less offensive than the crunched-up MadCatz controller underneath. Again, this whole project is deliberately "lazy" and involves snipping away at things like the Dualshock and memory card ports before mounting them elsewhere, and while the process is horrific, it does help the portable retain elements like full controls and save compatibility.

The cherry on top of this sliced-up PS2 Slim Sundae, though, is the battery. This time, James has opted to bolt a 10,000mAh power bank to his creation, complete with its tiny LCD status screen. Remarkably, the cells can power the sixth-gen console for over an hour and still have 71% capacity to spare, meaning it could theoretically run for around 5 hours. Those figures put modern gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and Switch 2 to shame,

I should note that James isn't the first modder to make a portable PS2 using real hardware. You can even seemingly grab systems with a real motherboard at Aliexpress that swap the drive out for flash storage, but those somehow feel less inspired than having a high-speed disc flying next to your face while you play racing games. Said disc launches out of the machine like a banned '80s action figure toy just as the video ends, and while that signals that you shouldn't try this at home, the entire experiment makes for an excellent peek at the old console's innards.

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Lenovo has confirmed that a retro handheld floating round AliExpress wearing the brand is actually officially licensed. Normally, that wouldn't be a biggie, as I've spotted the tech company's name on weird "free" earbuds at Chinese retailers in the past. The difference this time around is that the Game Boy clones being sold by third parties come with a bunch of ROMs, and that's more likely illegal.

The Lenovo "G02" handheld was first spotted by Retro Dodo, with the publication originally questioning whether it was fake. That makes sense given that the company is better known for making high-end gaming handhelds like the Legion Go, and this portable has all the hallmarks of one of those "knock off of a knock off" devices you tend to see mimicking other Game Boy clones by the likes of Anbernic or Retroid.

After emailing several contacts at the brand, Retro Dodo says it eventually got confirmation that the Lenovo G02 is a licensed handheld. However, the PR contact in question, Pedro, is quick to note that it's "produced through a regional brand licensing agreement meant for the China market only and is not part of Lenovo’s official global product portfolio."

"As such, products developed through these agreements may differ from Lenovo products sold through authorised channels," explains Pedro. Simply put, that means that the handheld isn't being produced by the 40-year-old tech giant, and whoever is making the device is simply paying to use the branding.

I'd argue that while the handheld technically isn't "fake", it's still a very specific and problematic genre of device. It's the sort of low-grade portable console that's strictly speaking not really meant to exist outside of China, but will inevitably be bought in bulk by sellers and distributed globally via the likes of Aliexpress and Temu (remember that time SouljaBoy tried to sell handhelds? Yeah, that.)

While China does have its own copyright laws, clone consoles and unlicensed ROMs used to be at the bedrock of the country, as Japanese systems by the likes of Nintendo and Sega were banned. This inevitably led to the rise in "Famiclones" and countless cheap plug-and-play systems that would typically either come with illegally sourced games loaded on an internal chip or knock-off cartridges.

This context is important when it comes to the ROMs packaged with the Lenovo G02. The short of it is that it's typically marketplace sellers and distributors who will load up SD cards with games and bundle them with stock. In fact, some of my favorite devices, like the Anbernic RG28XX, are listed at Amazon right now with "5,000+ games" in their description, and from experience, those are being illegally included without their respective brand's knowledge.

Just so we're clear: it's good practice to erase or discard any ROMs that happen to come with a retro handheld. If you'd rather avoid receiving potentially illegal games with your device, the best approach is to go directly to brands like Anbernic or Retroid, as many third-party listings will come with a dodgy micro SD card.

Judging by Pedro from Lenovo's "thank you for flagging this" response, it sounds like the company may try to investigate the way its brand is being used. Attaching your name to a cheapie Game Boy clone is already a questionable move, but the fact that it's being bundled with ROMs isn't a good look for a gadget maker with a longstanding international presence.

I think it's naive to think the Lenovo G02 will vanish from marketplaces, or that it'll now be shipped without the aforementioned ROMs. The company will likely reiterate its licensing agreements, or amend them to address the situation, though, and that may prompt whoever's producing the portable to change their traditional distribution strategy.

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I've been meaning to get around to some basic PSP mods for a while, but one of my favorite modders basically just remade the retro handheld. Rather than simply buying a cheap replacement shell or swapping in an IPS display, YouTuber Polymatt has designed and manufactured the portable's body using brass and acrylic from scratch.

As with all of Polymatt's videos, this PSP project is all about the journey rather than the finished product. The video details what the modder admits is a project that doesn't have a specific end goal in mind, with the only ambition being to "elevate" the gaming handheld with a shell that "really does the design justice."

In this instance, that means gifting the PSP an acrylic front and back shell alongside a brass CNC-milled core. Polymatt describes the process of tearing down the mid-2000s handheld as an "archeological dig", which is something I really relate to as a retro console modder. It's a reference to the design philosophies that inevitably dictated how systems came to be and the minds making the gadgets.

You might now be itching to make your own PSP shell, but I honestly don't think even console modding enthusiasts will be taking on this project. Polymatt's self-described "rabbit hole" involves using high-tech 3D scanners, spraying the original parts with slow-evaporating "scanning spray" to make them a white, camera-friendly color, then modelling the shell before testing fitting using 3D printed prototypes.

To cap that all off, the modder then machines blocks of brass and mills acrylic to make the final parts, which come with lots of sanding and detail work. The process looks therapeutic, but it requires far more skill and patience than just popping the innards in a new plastic shell. In the middle of all that, Polymatt even designs his own USB-C mod board that replaces Sony's old barrel jack, something I haven't even considered yet.

The end result is a PSP that looks like a high-end fashion brand handheld that skirts the line between elegance and Steampunk vibes. Polymatt confesses that he made a few boo-boos, though, like somehow forgetting to mill out the shoulder button spaces and accidentally blocking the power switch with the new USB-C mod. Nevertheless, this custom body is basically a work of art, and is an example of what's possible in terms of reviving and revamping our beloved old gadgets.

I'll be sharing my own PSP project soon, and that will focus on adding simpler IPS screen mods to my pink handheld. If you've got any requests ahead of that, or thoughts about new parts in general, let me know, and I'll look into them. Just note that I won't be modelling my own shell, I'll leave that to talented folks like Polymatt.

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Last month at GDC 2026, Microsoft delved into its vision for Xbox consoles and devices in a dedicated "Game Dev Update." The presentation featured touched on everything from Project Helix to more immediate plans surrounding PC play and gaming handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally, and we just got a full video that provides a glimpse at unified UI plans for the latter.

In the lengthy presentation, Microsoft's VP of "Next Generation" at Xbox, Jason Ronald, shows off a new UI (via The Verge). The graphic used implies that the revamped dashboard will make its way to both the Series X and handhelds like the Xbox Ally, with the latter likely using a future version of the "Full Screen Experience".

Weirdly, the generic laptop and PC screen featured in the Xbox "consistent experience" graphic uses a desktop version of the Windows app. Opting to use the windowed version makes sense to illustrate the nature of playing on a desktop, but it should be the same app as the Xbox Ally. The optimist in me is hoping this means handhelds might soon get a specific version of Windows that isn't just an app overlayed on the desktop, but that is pure speculation on my part.

Ronald says, "As players are starting to play with Xbox across multiple screens, they're noticing a lot of fragmentation in the experience." It's that feedback that seems to be at the heart of Microsoft's unified UI plans, and, to be frank, the idea of making any Xbox device feel "distinctly Xbox" is a no-brainer. However, the VP does clarify the dashboard won't look the same across all devices, citing things like "screen size, or things like input modalities.”

Keep in mind that the pitch for Xbox Project Helix is that it will run both console and PC games, making it a natural rival to the upcoming Steam Machine. Valve is already well-versed in streamlining its storefronts and UI across devices, and handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED have only helped SteamOS go from strength to strength in terms of consistent layouts and controller-based usability.

It's already clear that, under new CEO Asha Sharma, strengthening the core Xbox brand is going to be a priority. That inherently means ensuring that everything with the logo slapped on feels the same, and gaming on Windows acts as a hurdle. It's one thing to mold the big lump of operating system clay into a pretty console-focused pot with streamlined UI elements, but the real challenge is curbing any OS distractions or the need to head into the desktop mode for specific settings.

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I can't help but feel like Lenovo is trying to prank me, as the Legion Go 2 is now available for $1,200. The "price drop" follows a wild automatic price hike on the Z2 Extreme version at the brand's storefront that ramped it up to $3,000, and while I'm glad that was just a discontinuation glitch, the only gaming handheld now available is the non-extreme model with a lower spec chipset.

I should stress that while Lenovo says grabbing the Legion Go 2 for $1,199.99 will save you 25%, it's not really a price cut. I'd say it's more like the brand's handheld prices are merely healing, as the base version with a Ryzen Z2 APU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD originally had a $1,099.99 MSRP, but that tag was fleeting thanks to the RAM situation.

That is to say that the only Legion Go 2 I'd pick up for $1,200 is the Ryzen Z2 Extreme version, as that handheld is on par with the ROG Xbox Ally X. My previous experience with the non-extreme chipset comes from the slightly older Lenovo Legion Go S, which feels like it's running on the same track as the Steam Deck OLED in terms of performance.

If you do decide to grab the Lenovo Legion Go 2, you'll be doing so for features other than higher frame rates. I can understand the appeal of its 8.8-inch OLED display, and while I previously didn't get along with the detachable TrueStrike controllers when testing the OG Legion Go, the new versions look like they'll provide a slightly nicer faux Switch Joy-Con experience.

I'd be more open to recommending the non-extreme Legion Go 2 as a slightly bougier alternative to the Steam Deck if it were cheaper than the Xbox Ally. Microsoft's handheld is already slightly too pricey for my tastes, and paying nearly $1,000 for successors to the Asus ROG Ally and Legion Go that used to be $600 at full price is hard to swallow.

At the same time, I am trying to accept the reality of gaming hardware prices in 2026. There's no guarantee things will ever go back to "normal", and it'll take some time before component prices settle down, so it doesn't feel productive moaning about MSRPs. That doesn't change the fact that if you've got $1,000 burning a hole in your bag instead of a premium handheld, you should probably start with the Xbox Ally, as it's going to offer up the same specs paired with a punchier APU for less.

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Almost six months later, the ROG Xbox Ally X finally has the Auto Super Resolution abilities Microsoft promised at launch. The AI upscaling tools work similarly to the likes of Nvidia DLSS, but while it benefits from being baked into Windows and not needing separate integration for games, the fact that it only works in docked mode spoils its potential as a gaming handheld feature.

Auto SR on the ROG Xbox Ally X still isn't public yet, but you can give it a try if you're a Windows Insider. You'll find it in the Display menu added to the Game Bar exactly one month ago if you're signed up for early previews, and you can toggle it on once you've launched a game. That's also when you'll see a message with an angry red dot informing you that you need to connect to an external display before the feature kicks in.

Simply put, if you haven't already got a Steam Deck dock or another way to a gaming monitor or TV, you won't be using Auto SR. In a sense, the upscaling tools work similarly to Nvidia DLSS on the Nintendo Switch 2, kicking in to scale things up in docked mode, but I can't help but feel like the perk would be more useful when playing on the portable itself.

The good news is that handheld Auto SR compatibility isn't off the table. In a blog post outlining the preview features, Microsoft says, "we’re starting the preview with docked mode where we expect players will see the most value." That should mean we'll eventually see a non-docked compatibility become a thing down the road, but who knows when that will actually be.

It feels pretty bold trying to boost fps on the Xbox Ally X at much higher external resolutions first. In my mind, it would have made more sense to use the tool to nudge frame rates to the 60fps sweet spot handheld players are continually fighting to achieve. Nevertheless, I decided to put the new docked mode enhancements to the test, and realised very quickly the reason why Auto SR isn't public yet.

For starters, there's far more to using Auto SR than flicking a switch. If you're using a game like Silent Hill F with a full-screen mode that locks to whatever resolution you're using in Windows, you'll need to dial things back to 720p. It feels like since the feature is baked into the operating system, it should be able to automatically switch your overarching resolution to suit, but alas, you'll have to use that new Display menu dropdown first.

Yes, that is the sort of back and forth that puts me in a bad mood, but there is at least a payoff. Upon finally getting Auto SR to activate, I could immediately spot an improvement to edges and textures, with blades of grass in the misty rice fields appearing far sharper than at 720p. The downside is that while I was able to squeeze frame rates around 70fps with everything dialed to low previously, that figure dropped to around 56fps with the upscaling tool on, so you're getting the opposite of a performance boost.

I also picked up on some weird ripple effects when running around as Hinako that's linked to Auto SR. My guess is that the upscaling struggles to keep up with fast camera movements, meaning you can actively see the post-processing working its magic. Quick tests in Cyberpunk 2077 produced more of the same, but while the inherent softness of 720p was alleviated, other low-spec issues like aliasing and mushy textures were a distraction from the benefits.

These are just lightweight Auto SR tests for now, but the general vibe is that it's firmly a work in progress. It reminds me of the early days of DLSS when I'd try and get resolutions below 720p looking "playable" just for the fun of it, even though the sharpening effects are far more impressive than Nvidia's early tech. I guess if you're specifically looking for a mini PC you can treat like a Switch 2, then Microsoft's new scaling could be handy right now. Otherwise, it's going to need much longer in the oven before I'd call it a reason to buy a ROG Xbox Ally.

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Look, it's easy to get all hyped about the Steam Deck 2, especially since Valve just confirmed it's "hard at work" developing the gaming handheld. For what it's worth, I'm pretty keen to see Valve shake up the portable PC scene yet again since things have come to a standstill. But, I don't think it's worth thinking about any of that until the Steam Machine actually launches, as the next Deck needs the mini PC to thrive.

I'll admit, it's a pretty crummy time to be into handhelds. That's largely thanks to the Steam Deck OLED being out of stock and other premium options like the ROG Xbox Ally X coming in at $1,000. Yes, you can grab the white version of the latter for under $500, but honestly? It feels like that portable borrows too much from the 2023 Asus original to feel fresh.

All of that might have you saying Steam Deck 2 three times in the mirror in hopes it will jump you from behind. I don't blame any of you for thinking fresh handheld hardware at the sort of reasonable price point Valve normally guns for will fix things, but I firmly believe the Steam Machine will influence anything the storefront giant currently has in the oven.

I should note that the reverse also naturally applies to the Steam Machine. In fact, Valve's new controller basically exists thanks to the Steam Deck, and it practically just takes all the portable's tried and tested design cues and transforms them into a standalone gamepad. If the handheld hadn't already proven to players that haptic touchpads can make for an excellent way to play some PC games, it would no doubt be receiving a very different reception.

Of course, that latter scenario already happened with the first Steam Machine and controller. Both were arguably not completely different concepts, but Valve tried to introduce a new format with no prior success to back it up. As a result, the hardware was met with hesitation and a dash of skepticism, which ultimately led to its demise.

These sins of the father shouldn't technically haunt the Steam Machine, but the mini PC is new territory for Valve. It has managed to convince the PC scene at large that SteamOS is a proper rival to Windows and has effectively solved previous Linux-incompatibility hurdles with compatibility layers, but now it has to prove it can provide higher-end performance on par with a full-on rig.

The main challenge the Machine has on its hands that will directly impact the Steam Deck 2 is actually running games at 4K 60fps. For the record, the mini PC will be leveraging AMD FSR upscaling to make that happen, and if Valve can prove that the tools can boost fps appropriately, it will help outline realistic expectations for the handheld.

Let's be real, if a Steam Deck 2 drops that can't keep up with the Nvidia DLSS-enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, it's doomed. Yes, performance comparisons are far more nuanced when comparing console and PC platforms since the expectations are higher on the latter. Still, it has to feel like it's providing next-gen specs without simply shoving the latest chipsets into expensive packages (something Intel Arc G3 handhelds will likely do), and the Steam Machine is the testing ground.

Performance will be pivotal to the Steam Deck 2 conversation, only second to its eventual price point, but new physical hardware features will be key too. Theoretically, Valve could test different accessories like new controllers that include elements destined for the handheld, allowing them to get a real sense for if something will actually stick.

It's not just the portable PC that will be influenced by the Machine, as the best Steam Deck docks of tomorrow could mimic the mini PC. For example, the next-gen accessory could incorporate features like the wireless controller puck into its design, or even adopt the same functional LED light strip at the front. It could even end up tapping into the faceplate design that will allow for e-ink panels at the front, all serving the purpose of transforming the handheld into a lower-spec alternative to the Machine with a similar featureset.

My entire point boils down to the idea that the Steam Machine has to be a proper force in the PC and console scene before the Steam Deck 2 can exist. Valve agrees, as SteamOS developer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated yesterday that you can "you can draw a straight line" across everything from the OG Machine to the new Steam controller and the mini PC.

"The Steam Deck 2 will be a lot of the same, where a lot of what we're doing here will be learnings that build up to it," says Griffais, and that cements the idea of a linear journey to the next gaming handheld. In a nutshell, park your portable cravings to one side for now, as we've got a Steam Machine main course to chow down on first.

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The Steam Deck 2 isn't lost in the haystack of other Valve projects, the company says, but you nonetheless won't see it soon. The Steam Machine and just-announced Steam Controller take priority.

Valve coder Pierre-Loup Griffais tells IGN in a new interview his team is "hard at work" on the Steam Deck 2, a whisper Valve started passing around in 2022. But while both the Steam Frame VR headset and Steam Machine are meant to release in 2026 (unless the global RAM shortage becomes a RAM extinction), and the new Steam Controller will launch May 4, the Steam Deck 2 doesn't have a release window. It doesn't even have a release doggy door.

That seems to be because Valve wants the tech it develops this year for the Steam Machine and other projects to help build the innovative Steam Deck 2, which the company has always maintained should "truly be a next-gen performance," as Griffais said in 2025.

Expanding on this, Griffais now tells IGN, "If you look at our hardware projects over the years, you can draw a straight line from the original Steam Controller and Steam Machine to Steam Deck, to everything that we're announcing and shipping this year. And we expect Steam Deck 2 will be a lot of the same where a lot of what we're doing here will be learnings that build up to it."

People have speculated the handheld console could release in 2028 at the earliest, though some leaks indicate a 2029 launch. In 2023, though, Valve admitted the Steam Deck 2 would require "the next couple of years" of work, which couldn't possibly be more vague, and also serves as an important reminder that we're all just guessing until Valve gives us something tactile to work with. In any case, this year is meant to be stacked with Valve, Valve, and more Valve, so hopefully you'll have your hands full anyway.

Valve says it can sell the Steam Controller while the Steam Machine is in AI limbo because "this doesn't have RAM in it."

Intel has officially confirmed that Arc G3 chipsets are a thing. No, the tech giant didn't share any specs or mention any best gaming handheld contenders destined to use the Panther Lake APU. Instead, the company's vice president merely invoked its name in a sentence, so you'll need to wait until at least Computex for those MSI and Asus portables included in last week's wave of rumors.

In an interview with Intel's Robert Hallock, PCGH quizzed the VP on the company's future role in the gaming handheld scene. In response, Hallock specifically named the Arc G3 as the chipset teased last month while admitting that he's "not well versed in that product." The general manager then goes on to cite what he loves about Intel in regards to its tech versatility.

"What I do love about working at Intel is that we are a business where my team can work on a really nice desktop roadmap, another team can work on a really cool handheld roadmap," explains Hallock. "Another team can work on a really nice notebook gaming roadmap, and we can make unique products for all three of those markets."

The VP and General Manager cements his point by saying "I don't have to borrow a CPU and try to make it work in a different form factor," providing reassurance that its handheld chips are designed specifically with a specific portable use case in mind. "That's a unique capability Intel has in the market," boasts Hallock before expressing that he's "interested in seeing more handheld competition."

Even from that very vague acknowledgement that Arc G3 is a thing, it's clear that the chipset fully intends to rival AMD rivals like the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Unfortunately, PCGH wasn't able to get Hallock to spill the beans on the APU beyond using its name, but he did allude to Panther Lake chips having a reassuringly long shelf life.

When asked whether "timing is critical" in the handheld market in the context of Pather Lake's late arrival to the handheld scene, Hallock confesses, "I actually don't work on Arc G3 all the time," but says "in general, as a comment about CPUs like that, CPUs that fit in smaller appliances, especially very small compact notebooks, the ones that are razor-razor thi or handhelds, those marketing life cycles are way longer than most desktop PC enthusiasts understand."

The example the VP provides focuses more on it taking longer to convert players to the aforementioned thin notebook systems compared to enthusiasts picking up the best CPU for gaming. But, even linking the idea of portable APUs having a longer shelf life is extremely reassuring, as while handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED are sticking with the one custom Ryzen APU for now, it feels like the premium side of things is pushing for yearly APU revisions with a traditional laptop-style rhythm.

Simply put, Intel's acknowledgement that players typically take more than a year to upgrade their handhelds is extremely reassuring. Yes, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ only just arrived with a Lunar Lake APU last year, so if you invested in that portable, seeing a new, punchier Panther Lake contender at Computex 2026 is going to be irritating. But, while we know nothing official about Arc G3's specs, it sounds like it'll pack enough power to throw punches against Ryzen rivals for much longer.

Previous reports by Videocards already named the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme before Intel, so this is really just official confirmation that the chipset exists. Early specs suggest the APUs will boast Arc B370 and Arc B390 graphics, respectively, along with support for LPDDR5X-8533 RAM. I'll save direct comparisons to its main rival, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, for when the official specs land, but all signs point towards a worthy contender, albeit one that will likely make its way to pricey portables like a new MSI Claw and something by Asus that are out of reach for most players.

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The Xbox Ally just became a light in the darkness that is the best gaming handheld scene right now, as it's now challenging the Steam Deck OLED on price. That's thanks to discounts in both the US and UK that mean it's now at a more palatable price point, but I need to remind you that it's not the beefier ROG Xbox Ally X everyone normally talks about in terms of Microsoft handheld performance.

Okay, here's the skinny - you can grab the white ROG Xbox Ally for $539.99 at Best Buy thanks to a $60 discount, while those of you in the UK can pick it up for £396.60 at Amazon. The US discount is a record low that takes more than usual off its $599.99 MSRP, but the United Kingdom's 21% discount looks more impressive on paper since it adds to over £100 off.

Both deals are refreshing considering every other option out there, including the Xbox Ally's flagship X sibling, are around $1,000. So picking up the white version for half of that should be a no brainer, right? Well, perhaps, but the issue with this model is that there's a sizable performance gap between its Z2 chipset and the Z2 Extreme that its expensive rivals are using, and it's technically less punchy than the last gen Z1 Extreme.

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If the original Asus ROG Ally and its first-gen handheld gaming PC kin hadn't come along and set a frame rate bar, I'd have less beef with Z2 handhelds. The chipset's capabilities make sense if you exclude those previous attempts, as it's boosts fps similarly to the Steam Deck, although the Lenovo Legion Go S only just beat Valve's OLED model during testing.

The part that annoys me more with the Xbox Ally specifically is how similar it is to the OG Asus handheld. Both are rocking the same 1080p 120Hz screen, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, so it doesn't feel entirely like a new device. Physically, it adds controller-style grips that do admittedly enhance comfort, but if given the choice, I'd be tempted to go for the older Z1 Extreme version just for that frame rate edge.

Of course, the reason the Z1E has the advantage comes down to raw specs. It's packing 8 cores and 16 threats versus 4 and 8 with the Z2. The latter also has a higher 5.1GHz boost clock compared to the latest chip's 4.3GHz, which can translate to higher frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.

Where the vanilla Z2 can sometimes shine is at lower TDPs, which could be beneficial if you're trying to prolong battery life when playing lighter indies and older releases. My issue there is that if we're getting into that, the Steam Deck OLED comes up trumps while offering up a superior screen and a more robust gaming environment in SteamOS.

Here's the thing, though, the Steam Deck is still out of stock. The 2023 Asus ROG Ally is also discontinued, so when it comes to new handhelds under $500 / £400, the Xbox Ally stands alone on the battlefield. I might be salty about the decisions made with the portable, but that doesn't stop it being the most affordable portable PC right now thanks to the discounts, and I won't turn my nose up at the current prices given the situation the gaming hardware scene at large is in.

My advice is either take advantage of the Xbox Ally price drops if you're hellbent on getting a portable PC right now, or hang tight for X2 Extreme deals. If neither of those options sound too appealing, maybe take a peek at some of the best retro handhelds and bide your time playing some oldies (that's what I'd personally do).

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Intel is about to enter the best gaming handheld ring again, as Arc G3 and G3 Extreme portable PCs are apparently on the way. That's according to insider information acquired by Videocardz that suggests the Pather Lake devices will debut at Computex, but I'm not holding my breath for approachable price points.

I don't want to be a premium portable party pooper, especially since the MSI Claw 8 AI+ gave Intel a handheld scene second wind. Plus, if the Pather Lake models are packing Arc B380 and B360 graphics, they could take the fight to the likes of the ROG Xbox Ally X and its non-X sibling, all while offering better efficiency.

The new handheld chipset duo is expected to also represent a generation that will last until Q2 2027, suggesting Intel's already planning for a successor next year. That fuels my fears that the handheld scene will switch to a laptop-style life cycle, and it begs the question whether players will be put off investing in a portable PC if it will be outpaced by a new chip the following year.

As for power, the G3 handhelds will allegedly aim for 25W base TDP that ramps up to 65W and 80W in turbo mode, respectively. That latter figure sounds wild given that the max for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme is 60W, but it makes sense given the chip is expected to end up in premium MSI and OneXPlayer handhelds.

Perhaps I'm being cynical, and it's hard not to be when the Steam Deck OLED is AWOL, and rivals are trying to offer elevated performance for the same price range. However, it feels like handheld makers in the scene are trudging on without the majority of players who'd buy the devices if they were under $1,000. Just last week, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 jumped up to nearly $3,000, and it's starting to feel like the industry simply can't produce devices at around the same price as a Switch 2.

The saving grace here is that there are quite a few brands that could make use of Intel Arc G3 chipsets. Some of the additional names previously highlighted as partners by the tech giant include Acer, GPD, and even Microsoft, despite already being proverbially in bed with Asus, and that leaves some scope for different SKUs targeting affordable price points.

Out of the three, Acer feels more likely to try to make an "affordable" handheld, rivalling MSI's likely more lavish successor to the Claw 8 AI+. All we can really do is hope Computex spits out a handheld most players can realistically invest in, as the realm of portable PCs will otherwise be perpetually trapped at a premium party where few can afford to have fun.

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In theory, the Playdate should be the perfect portable for escaping the horrors of generative AI. It looks like retro handheld, wields a monochrome screen, and pairs low specs with crank controls to create a platform geared towards indies. All that wasn't enough to keep ChatGPT away from the quirky device, though, so its creator, Panic Inc., has stepped in to tackle use of the tech ahead of its Season 3 game drop.

In a Bluesky post, Panic pairs a Playdate Season 3 announcement with some clarification surrounding AI on the platform (thanks, Game Developer). "We can happily confirm that it was a requirement for all season three devs that no ai can be used in season three games," says the publisher before clarifying that "this includes art, music, writing, and, yes, code."

Simply put, Panic is already taking the fight to AI on the Playdate, but the new guidance comes after the release of Wheelsprung, a season 2 release that was apparently developed using ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot. It's worth noting that the 2-bit Trials-inspired dirkbike romp seemingly only used the tools for coding purposes rather than art, and there is a disclaimer on the game's page, but it's one of the first known times a large language model has been used to generatively create something for the handheld.

we can happily confirm that it was a requirement for all season three devs that no ai can be used in season three games. this includes art, music, writing, and, yes, code.

— @play.date (@play.date.bsky.social) 2026-04-20T11:38:14.227Z

The takeaway here is that, unless developers try to evade Panic's new rules, AI-made games should no longer be a thing on the Playdate. It could be tricky to tell if devs are using generative tools for coding or translation, as while Wheelsprung creator Nino van Hooff is open about using the tech to make the dirtbike platformer, there's no guarantee others will be as transparent.

Regardless, putting a stop to AI tools being normalized in Playdate game development is a good thing for the spirit of the platform. In a sense, it's intrinsic to the way Panic is celebrating the gaming handheld's 4th birthday, as the publisher's head, Greg Maletic, highlights the Playdate for Education program that helps budding developers learn to code from "elementary all the way up to graduate level."

"With Playdate, students of any age can create real, playable games on a device they can hold in their hands." Arguably, letting developers use AI to do any of the work contradicts the whole ethos Panic is going for, and while I'm not exactly sure how the publisher will vet future releases, it feels like the indie handheld is still a safe space away from the online-reliant world of large language models and generative shenanigans.

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Anbernic just officially unveiled the RG Rotate, and the retro handheld maker's next device mimics a weird sub-genre of 2000s cellphones. Having already created numerous conventional Game Boy clones over the years, quirkier clamshell portables like the GBA-inspired RG35XXSP, and oddities like the RG Slide, it's apparently time for rotating devices to make their grand return, bringing era-appropriate MP3 player functionality with them.

A fresh minute-long teaser for the Anbernic RG Rotate provides a proper look at handheld in all its rotational glory, albeit without full specs, pricing, or a release date. For now, the focus seems to be on the spinny screen and its "proprietary ultra-thin alloy hinge" that's used to hide flat Game Boy Advance controls under a 3.95-inch square IPS display.

The swivelling screen is naturally what gives the RG Rotate 2000s cellphone vibes, but it's evocative of several other devices, both classic and contemporary. You could say that the 1:1 screen means it's effectively an Anbernic RG Cube with no thumbsticks and a vertical layout, but while it's tempting to label the new portable as a homage to the Nokia 7705 Twist (my last cell before finally getting an iPhone 3GS), it also looks like a really beefy sixth-gen iPod.

The latter actually means that while the flat GBA-inspired buttons and odd ergonomics might make for a crampy gaming handheld experience, the RG Rotate could make for a solid touch-screen MP3 player. Anbernic seems to think so too, since it shows off the portable running a music app, complete with a cassette tape animation not unlike Sony's new-age Walkman.

Just keep in mind we're still talking about what should be an affordable Android handheld here rather than a premium portable player. The handheld solely relies on USB-C and Bluetooth for audio, so you're not getting a proper DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) or even a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Skipping the latter feels extremely weird since every other Anbernic portable I've tried so far has one, and I can only imagine it's thanks to the thin swivel sandwich design.

If the trailer is anything to go by, the pitch for the RG Rotate seems more fashion-lifestyle-based. By that, I mean the portable is focused on providing the right 2000s vibe, ultimately becoming something you'll see dangling from waistbands and carabiners. Again, we've got no specs yet to determine whether it'll actually pack an emulation punch too, as so far all we know is that there will be ABS plastic and aluminum flavors in "Polar Black" or "Aurora Silver".

Anbernic sometimes releases reduced-spec versions of its handhelds, but there's nothing to suggest so far that the plastic RG Rotate will deliver less performance. Both the metal and ABS models will come armed with Android, and seemingly the same screen, so the real difference between the two could simply be durability and weight.

Lingering specs questions and caveats aside, I do think MP3 player functionality could be a saving grace for the RG Rotate. Yes, it's geared towards casual use since it's missing a DAC or headphone jack, but it could be a bridge for people looking to shift away from subscriptions like Spotify and embrace loading up files to the portable for an offline experience.

I'm not fully convinced the handheld itself won't upset my aging hands, especially since the buttons are both extremely flat and recessed. But, I'm open to giving the RG Rotate a seat at the retro handheld table, even if it does end up loaded with a bunch of nu-metal and emo playlists.

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ONEXPLAYER X2 Mini teasers have popped up online, and the timing feels comical. Not only does the gaming handheld seemingly pack a punchy Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, but it's also armed with detachable controllers and a similar 8.8-inch display to the potentially discontinued Lenovo Legion Go 2 that now costs almost $3,000 for some reason.

The X2 Mini teaser video posted to Weibo outlines ONEXPLAYER's plans for the handheld while avoiding full specs or a price for now. It does absolutely feel like the brand is trying to kick Lenovo while it's down, though, as its detachable Switch-style gamepad and 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED Display make it look like a Legion Go 2 at a glance. It also bears resemblance to the existing OneXFly Apex model equipped with the same chipset, but that portable is slightly smaller.

Fancy premium handhelds are exciting, and while they arguably exist in a completely different realm to the Steam Deck OLED or even the Lenovo Legion Go 2 if it had stuck with a sensible price in the first place, they help keep things innovative. At the same time, I really don't think now is the right time for any brand to be teasing devices that will ultimately cost way more than before, thanks to RAMageddon, and ONEXPLAYER's MSRPs were already bananas.

For context, the existing ONEXPLAYER APEX started at $2,059. That would have provided you with 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, but the model is sold out. Now that components and memory are sparking price increases across the board, I'm willing to bet the X2 Mini will cost even more, especially when you factor in the better 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED screen and controller tricks.

Okay, maybe I'm being a grump. It's not like I want the handheld scene to come to a halt because of the pricing situation. I would just appreciate it if companies would work to make more affordable devices that pack solid specs into portables that most players can afford. ONEXPLAYER isn't the only brand guilty of this by any means, and if we're being real, the biggest names like MSI, Lenovo, and even Asus to an extent, with the ROG Xbox Ally X aren't working to combat price increases in a meaningful way.

But hey, the ONEXPLAYER Mini X2 teaser does show off an attachable keyboard that transforms it into a laptop. People were asking for that, right? Right?! I won't yuck anyone's yum any further, but call me when we get portable's that rivals that can fill in for the Steam Deck price-wise while it's out of stock.

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I'm not really sure Lenovo is trying to gain asking $2,849.99 for the Legion Go 2. Yet, that's how much the brand's best gaming handheld contender will now set you back at the official store. That's almost double the original $1,480 launch MSRP, so I really think someone should just put the portable PC out of its misery.

It feels wrong even saying this, but the semi-good news is that the 2TB Legion Go 2 is still available for $1,849.99 at B&H Photo, but no one should be buying the handheld even at that price. Lenovo's new "available soon" price honestly feels outright insulting, though, and I'm hoping the increase is actually an automatic hike linked to its potential discontinuation.

The latter feels incredibly likely since Lenovo's landing page currently greets you with a "Sorry, Legion Go 2 Gen 2 (8.8″) is no longer available" message. Hilariously, it then tries to get you to consider paying $1,049.99 for the Legion Go S or, wait for it, $749.99 for the original Lenovo Legion Go. Yes, that 2023 handheld is somehow still available at the site, despite being effectively discontinued at every other retailer last year.

I should point out that the Lenovo Legion Go 2 isn't even a year old, so it would still be pretty surprising to see it discontinued so quickly. Not that I've reviewed it yet, as review loan samples for handhelds at this price point are impossible to get hold of these days. Naturally, the issues all stem back to "RAMageddon" and the ongoing RAM shortage sparked by AI demand, but if I'm being real, Lenovo's handheld was already too expensive at $1,500.

With any luck, Lenovo will address this unexplained Legion Go 2 price hike and either confirm its discontinuation or reduce the cost. No one's buying Legion handhelds at these current prices, and if they are, I want a word with them. At the same time, the Steam Deck OLED is still out of stock, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is staying pretty firm at $1,000, so I do feel anyone who's itching to get into portable PC's pain.

If you want a handheld gaming PC right this second, you'll probably want to stick to second-hand and open-box listings. The latter can pop up at Amazon and Best Buy, but I'm not seeing too many options right now, while marketplaces like eBay can help reasonable players pass on their old gadgets for less.

Who knows, maybe Skynet will eventually fall, and we'll get a bunch of new portable PCs for under $500. Until that happens, it's maybe worth dragging out your old retro console or running some classics on a "cheaper" retro handheld with emulation capabilities.

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I have a big spot for budget retro handhelds, but I wasn't initially sold on the Atari Pocket Player Pro. My doubts weren't sparked by its design, its ability to emulate the original VCS, or its hearty selection of 100 games. Instead, I'm ashamed to admit that I pre-judged the portable due to its similarities with the first console I ever owned, which happens to be a crusty Atari clone that hits many of the same notes despite a 30-year age gap.

Just so we're clear, I now feel silly for doubting the Atari Pocket Player Pro, especially since it's basically a comprehensive and compact time capsule for playing the console's greatest hits. Yes, it's potentially missing your favorite Atari game since it doesn't include third-party releases for licensing reasons, but for under $40, you're getting a handheld with respectable buttons, a decent 2.75-inch screen, and the option to play with AA batteries or USB-C power.

Before getting the Atari Pocket Player Pro out of the box, something about the tiny gadget reminded me of the Systema TV Boy. Anyone familiar with that plug-and-play system from 1992 might think I'm particularly bananas since it doesn't even have a screen. But, just like My Arcade's modern device, that console uses AA batteries and features a bunch of classics built in, albeit with an obscure twist to avoid licensing.

You see, unlike the Pocket Player Pro, which includes fully licensed ports of 100 Atari classics that run pretty well, the TV Boy opted for 127 ROM hacks with swapped palette colors and tweaks. Basically, the console makers fiddled with a bunch of real games to pass them off as originals, with games like Frogs and Flies (Frog Bog if you've got an Intellivision Sprint) becoming "The Frogs" and Defender disguising itself as "Protector."

I hate to admit it, but the TV Boy is the reason I'm in the world of video games today. I'd love to say the Sega Master System or Mega Drive was my first console, but Systema's crusty clone reached my tiny digits when I was just three years old. Atari's back catalogue was considered retro even back then, yet my undeveloped brain thought the mysterious list of 127 outings felt like entering a bunch of doors leading to random, exciting worlds.

You could say that by automatically comparing the Atari pocket Player Pro to the TV Boy in my head, I was actually paying My Arcade a backhanded compliment. Having now spent some time with the mini portable, though, I now realise it deserves better than to be lumped in with a cheap '90s clone. It's still what I'd call a casual option rather than a definitive way to experience the '70s console's back catalogue, but for the money, it really holds up as a collectible handheld.

For starters, the desk-shaped 8-directional d-pad is actually pretty servicable, as while it's slightly mushy, it's nice and responsive across the Pocket Player Pro's 100 games. The chunky dome A and B buttons also feel pretty tactile, and I actually think I prefer the feel compared to even the Super Pocket, but that's probably since the Evercade console features four smaller buttons.

I don't want to suggest I'd necessarily buy the Pocket Player Pro over the Super Pocket, especially since the latter is a proper retro platform that supports cartridges. But, My Arcade has squeezed a few features in that Blaze's budget contender skips on, like a brightness toggle and a difficulty button on top. Small touches like that make it evident that the Atari handheld is made with respect.

At the same time, this is a cheap and cheerful handheld, and that means going back to the good old days of using AA batteries. Having the option to use your own cells does come with perks, as you'll technically never have to wait for a charge, but it's still annoying having to rummage around for spare bats. The fact that you can just feed the little guy 5V 1A via USB-C makes up for that, though, and it means you'll always have a way to power on if you're in your car or near a power outlet.

Let's be real, if you're a serious Atari nerd, you've probably still got your OG console or something like the Atari 2600+ that will run your real cartridges using HDMI. The Pocket Player Pro is more or less like a quick reference handheld for trying out games with a bunch of history behind them, and if you get bored with those, there are 23 outings from 8 and 16-bit consoles, although NES ports like Stanley: The Search for Dr. Livingston seem to suffer from flicker tied to the screen's refresh rate.

Even if you don't sink hours into actual gameplay with the Pocket Player Pro, the handheld's Earth Tones yellow, orange, and black getup will look pretty next to your other portables. If you're into collecting handhelds, grabbing My Arcade's smol Atari for under $40 makes sense just for the vibes.

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ROG Xbox Ally thumb stick mouse controls arguably should already be a thing, but the feature has just popped up for Windows Insiders. Dubbed the "Gamepad Cursor", the navigational feature seemingly turns the left stick into exactly what you'd think, arming the best gaming handheld contender with a way to navigate the desktop screens still haunting its console-like experience.

Originally highlighted by ROG Ally Life, the Xbox Ally Gamepad Cursor lives in the Game Bar and will switch left stick movements to mouse controls with a click. The feature isn't unlike the desktop mode provided by Asus' integrated Armoury Crate feature, but having tried to use it both during my ROG Xbox Ally X review and more recently, I can confirm it's too janky to use properly.

With that in mind, Xbox Ally owners will likely welcome the new mouse controls with open arms. Having quick access to a traditional cursor should make navigating desktop settings or apps that aren't built with gamepads in mind less torturous. That said, I am worried this is less a thoughtful feature and more a distraction from the fact that the portable is still at the mercy of Windows 11 settings screens.

I wouldn't blame you for thinking the ROG Xbox Ally and its X sibling are more like a console than a PC. The name implies that it shares DNA with something like the Series X, and while the new Xbox Full Screen Experience provides a controller-friendly hub for accessing your library, and will initially save you from crashing on a desktop after boot, it's still a Windows 11 rig.

Unfortunately, boiling beneath the surface of the Xbox Full Screen Experience is full-blown Windows 11. Unlike with the Steam Deck OLED and Valve's SteamOS, Microsoft's current approach will send you to desktop settings menus or the App Store for updates or anything still tied to the operating system's existing options screens. Basically, find yourself leaving the comfort of the thumbsticks and buttons and reaching for the touchscreen in a bid to "click" on things using your finger, and it feels pretty janky.

That's exactly what the new Gamepad Cursor toggle aims to address, and since it's sitting within the Xbox Game Bar's settings option as a toggle switch, switching back and forth shouldn't be too disruptive. I should also stress I'm glad the feature is finally available to members of the Insider Program (make sure you're signed up to check it out early), but I ultimately think we need a proper alternative to Windows 11.

Whether we end up with a more console-like ROG Xbox Ally experience eventually off the back of Windows 12 remains to be seen. For what it's worth, features like the Full Screen Experience do make the handheld more pleasant to use, and functions like the recent Game Bar Display widget and this new mouse mode build on what is already a good gaming UI.

Simply put, I want to see the Xbox Ally evolve into a proper Xbox device rather than a desktop machine with controller workarounds, and I'm hoping the Gamepad Cursor isn't just the latter.

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The idea of shooting the Artemis II launch on a 3DS might sound bananas considering most of us have 4K camcorders in our pockets, but a fan of the retro handheld has shared a unique clip of the takeoff that's more charming than the official feed.

Captured by proud 3DS owner Cambot72, the 3DS Artemis II launch clip is as janky as you'd expect. We're talking about a handheld from 2011 with a 0.3 megapixel camera and zero image stabilization. Yet, the portable has somehow managed to produce a shot that, despite the resolution, looks pretty clear, and since the camera person has shared the raw video file, you can even watch it back in 3D if you have the console or a compatible screen.

Recording the first Human crewed moon mission of its kind in over 50 years on a 3DS is naturally just a bit of fun. That said, if criticism of NASA's own Artemis II launch footage is anything to go by, space enthusiasts might get more out of the handheld's unique shot. The agency's official feed is coming under fire over at r/ArtemisProgram for bad tracking and frame rate issues, with some critics even saying "TV networks achieved a greater result in the 1960s with far less sophisticated camera technology."

Artemis II Launch Shot on 3DS from r/3DS

It's safe to say there probably aren't many people out there capturing historic moments like the Artemis II launch on old handhelds, but you'd be surprised how often Nintendo's handhelds show up to events. While gigs are hardly comparable to NASA missions, I spotted what appeared to be a DSi XL during a State Champs show in Glasgow last year, which supports the idea that using portables from 15 years ago to capture moments is becoming its own genre of videography.

Using a 3DS specifically grants the extra benefit of 3D, which isn't something you'll get by default even with high-end cameras in 2026. Ninty's stereoscopic effect was actually pretty advanced for the time since it doesn't require additional glasses, and the "New" 3DS even adds eye tracking to address having to hold the handheld at specific angles.

I suspect this won't be the last time we see older handhelds tasked with archiving important events, but this might be the only 3DS Artemis II footage out there. Even if the clip ultimately isn't considered significant archival material that should be preserved at all costs, it's a wonderfully janky account of a historic NASA launch that feels more exciting thanks to its lo-fi charm.

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Steam Machine is still AWOL on the shelves, some four months after its original announcement. Valve has addressed the silence, stating it originally intended to have price and availability information for us way back in February - but still nada. It's not surprising. Current component shortages are putting MSRPs all out of whack, with RAM and storage (and soon CPU) supplies dwindling and prices skyrocketing across the industry.

Anyone who already has a Steam Deck is already about halfway there, though. Yes, the Steam Machine will likely greatly improve on the overall power you'll have at your fingertips, but the handheld device only needs a few extra gadgets to offer up a similar big-screen experience today. The best Steam Deck docks can throw your games up on the TV with plenty of extra ports for storage and accessories. Not only that, but there are plenty more Steam Deck accessories to refine the experience.

You'll just need four gadgets to get a fully functional Steam Machine-esque experience off the ground using one of the best gaming handhelds - and only two if you prefer gamepad controls.

Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock

The Baseus 6-in-1 docking station doesn't offer the widest array of connections, but you're still covered for a controller, keyboard and mouse - and we never noticed any power drops when everything was hooked up and running. Yes you'll find full-PC docks out there with up to 20 outlets for who-knows-what accessories, but in a Steam Machine-like living room setting this is the perfect balance between functionality and compact design.

You're getting three USB-A ports and one USB-C port to play with, and an HDMI 2.0 connection for up to 100W of power delivery. The dock is designed to output at 4K 60Hz, like the Steam Machine, but considering the handheld's power you may well be scaling down your resolution to keep all but the lightest games playable.

Crucially, the whole thing is just well made. It's sturdy, solid, and hasn't let us down in over a year of continued testing. There's even a handy foldable stand (fully adjustable for the Steam Deck) that can tuck out of view when not in use.

Asus ROG Raikiri Pro

The Asus ROG Raikiri Pro has found its home in the GamesRadar+ Steam Deck setup. That's because of that handy Bluetooth connection, fantastic design, and solid battery life. While its back buttons can't quite keep up with the competition and there must be something else Asus can do with that onboard display, this is still our go-to recommendation for those building a Steam Machine setup out of a Deck.

You're essentially getting an Xbox-feeling controller with the extra spice of pro features. Trigger locks, mapping, and profile presets can all be set within Asus's Armoury Crate app, with some features toggled via the OLED panel itself. That's great for on-the-fly hopping on Steam Deck, especially if you want as little time in software as possible.

We've been running this controller specifically with Steam Deck for a couple of years now and that 48 hour battery life holds up. Sharing between devices using the dual 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections is easy going as well.

Razer Joro

The Razer Joro is a slimline gaming keyboard that feels tailor made for the Steam Deck but also avoids all the pitfalls often associated with these 'living room' devices. It's pictured above with an Asus ROG Ally but gets on just fine with either system and offers an incredibly satisfying typing experience without the bulk of a more permanent keyboard.

Unlike most mushy, rattly keyboards you'll find in this portable category, the Joro uses Razer's scissor switches for a super satisfying, tactile typing experience. It's a little heavier than the chiclet deck you might find on a laptop, which means anyone typing for hours at a time may feel a little fatigue. For gaming on your lap though? It's easily the best gaming keyboard for the job.

A sturdy battery life and Bluetooth connection means you can keep this one cable (and dongle) free for a considerable amount of time, though that drop away from 2.4GHz won't suit more competitive players. It certainly makes for an easier setup, though. Whether you're at home with your dock or on the road, just turn the deck on and you're away.

SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2

That removable battery is both a blessing and a curse for the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2. Whether you love the flexibility it provides or hate the lack of cable charging, though, this cheaper rodent feels particularly well suited to the Steam Deck.

With up to 450 hours of Bluetooth battery at your disposal you're going to be sorted for quite some time before you'll need to swap over, but being able to go from 0 to 100% in just a few seconds can come in surprisingly useful with a handheld.

Not only that, but the Rival 3 also comes with 2.4GHz options - it's rare for a gaming mouse this cheap to go for both. Go for Bluetooth when you're out and about and 2.4GHz when you're on the couch and you're sorted for both speed and versatility here.

The actual build is surprisingly sturdy for the price (I just wish those side buttons were a little thicker) with a textured surface that feels fantastic in the hands.

For more setup gadgets, check out the best gaming headsets and best gaming monitors on the market. We're also rounding up the best Xbox Series X controllers for more options.

Rumors of a next-gen PlayStation handheld are making the rounds yet again, and I'll admit that they include some exciting performance details. The short of it is that the PS6 portable could outpace the Xbox Series S and even the yet-to-be-announced Steam Deck 2. Just don't expect the latter devices to clash on the best gaming handheld battlefield any time soon, as we're talking at least 2028 before anything arrives.

In a Neogaf thread, well-known hardware leaker KeplerL2 says the PlayStation handheld GPU is "a bit ahead of the XSS [Xbox Series S] in raster" while also being "massively ahead" when it comes to path tracing (via Videocards). This isn't a massive shocker, considering Microsoft's box uses an RDNA 2 GPU from six years ago, but it does illustrate where portable performance could soon sit compared to current-gen consoles.

When asked whether Sony's AI upscaling solution, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), will be much better than the version of Nvidia's DLSS 2 used by the Switch 2, KeplerL2 explained that Nintendo's adopted upscaler uses older Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models, whereas "FSR5/PSSR3 will be better IQ [image quality] than even current DLSS 4.5."

The fact that the conversation surrounding the PlayStation handheld turned so quickly towards AI upscaling suggests the portable will heavily rely on AMD's FSR 4 and PSSR. That's nothing new, seeing as the Steam Deck OLED uses current versions of the tech to get by, and more recent rivals like the ROG Xbox Ally X are tapping into neural processor tricks like Auto Super Resolution for DirectX games.

The parts of this latest round of rumors are the bits that tie to the Steam Deck 2. When asked if the sequel portable would be ready in time for the PlayStation handheld's arrival, the leaker simply answered "Nope." The insider then elaborated by saying, "they [Valve] were targeting a 2028 release date AFAIK, but the whole RAM/NAND situation could delay it."

Yes, RAMageddon is once again rearing its ugly head to spoil next-gen tech plans, but the leaker optimistically points out that since Valve "doesn't have a semi-custom SoC" it could end up with better specs "unlike the PS6/Xbox if it gets delayed." Effectively, the Steam Deck 2 could use any pushback to better match the PlayStation handheld and give it some healthy competition, and if it can stick to roughly the same price as the current portable, that could encourage easier-to-digest MSRPs across the scene.

As always, take all of these PlayStation handheld and Steam Deck 2 rumors with a big grain of salt, as nothing is official as of yet. Even if both companies do have big portable plans, component shortages sparked by AI datacenter demand are a metaphorical spanner in the works of every big release right now, and Valve really has to deal with getting the Steam Machine out the door before even thinking about new handhelds.

Don't get me wrong, I'm buzzing at the thought of a proper handheld that's more like the PS Vita than the online-reliant PlayStation Portal, but let's maybe focus on not letting AI eviscerate gaming hardware options via absurd price increases, eh?

• PlayStation Portal | $199.99 at Amazon
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Check out the best retro handheld and best retro console options if you'd prefer to dive back into the classics.

Oh, goodie, the ROG Xbox Ally X just gained a new Game Bar widget that lets you adjust display and future Auto Super Resolution settings on the fly. Hold up, I forgot that Windows 11 likes to troll me any time a new update drops, and rather than letting me check out what should have been an easy-to-access feature in peace, it decided to once again remind me why I try to avoid using the operating system.

Upon catching reports by ROG Ally Life that an Xbox Ally Game Bar update that will include Auto SR options has landed, I knew I'd have to try it out. While the AI upscaling feature for DirectX games is supposed to be a big reason to pick up the best gaming handheld contender, I feel like the feature lurks in the shadows a bit. However, upon ensuring the portable was up-to-date, the new widget was nowhere to be found, kickstarting what would become a painful troubleshooting process.

The issue was that, despite being enrolled in all the right Windows Insider branches for the early Xbox app and updating Windows 11, there was no sign of Game Bar version 7.326.326.0. The solution? Apparently, it was expecting me to uninstall everything Xbox App-related and reinstall the latest OS version before finally getting the widget patch to kick in.

I'd love to say this was a one-off, but I often dance this dance with both the ROG Xbox Ally X and my main gaming PC. All it takes is for something nonsensical to happen it the background to seemingly throw the whole update process off, and the fact you have to jump between the Microsoft Store, Xbox App, and ROG Armoury Crate for installations really doesn't help.

Simply put, while the new Xbox Full Screen Experience helps Windows 11 handhelds feel a bit more console-friendly, the illusion is shattered when it comes to updates. Yes, I know the latest Xbox App patch is for Windows Insiders and comes with beta caveats, but that doesn't excuse the temperamental nature of the OS that will frequently force you to use desktop mode and stare at settings pages, wondering what went wrong.

FYI, I eventually managed to get the Display widget to appear in the Xbox Game Bar. It's not what I'd describe as an exciting update, but being able to tweak multi-screen options without going into desktop mode is nice. There are dropdowns for resolution and refresh rate too, but those toggles are already available in the Game Bar thanks to Asus Armoury Crate.

If you want to try the new Xbox Ally Game Bar display widget for yourself, you'll need to sign up to be a Windows Insider and fetch the app from the Microsoft Store. While there's no guarantee the updates will automatically kick in even with all the right options enabled, you'll need to opt into the "PC gaming" and "Game Bar - SDK Development" previews. This will ensure you'll get new features before they enter the public stable branch if that's your jam, but everyone should end up with the perks eventually.

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news when it comes to the best gaming handhelds, but Ayaneo's KONKR Pocket FIT 8 Elite is apparently on borrowed time. That's according to an Indiegogo update revealing that while a restock for the Android device is on the cards, production costs are seemingly set to rise significantly before it's ultimately discontinued.

That's right, RAMageddon is once again ruining fun retro handheld projects like the KONKR Pocket FIT 8 Elite (thanks, Time Extension). The new brand by Ayaneo was only unveiled in January, but component shortages sparked by AI are already derailing the portable console maker's 2026 endeavors. It's hardly struggling alone in the current wasteland, as even the Steam Deck OLED is now intermittently out of stock, not to mention other emulation device makers like Retroid and Ayn are also bracing the storm.

I can think of a crude word to describe the whole situation and the thing causing it, but instead, here's a bright note. The Pocket FIT 8 Elite hasn't been cancelled or discontinued yet, as the device has "officially started shipping." That means if you backed the Indiegogo or preordered, your handheld should be on the way. Ayaneo has also clarified that it's looking to compensate eligible backers for delayed orders, and it's apparently adopting a “produce-and-ship immediately” approach.

This isn't even the first Ayaneo handheld to fall victim to RAMageddon, as the pre-orders for the Next 2 handheld gaming PC have also been suspended. Boutique devices normally have to walk a careful line when it comes to premium price points, especially since the latest models normally find themselves superseded. Actually taking pre-orders right now for hardware is also extremely challenging due to the volatility of final MSRPs, as even established systems like the PS5 Pro are actively jumping in price.

The entire situation when it comes to gaming hardware in 2026 is frankly bananas. Crowdfunded projects are less likely to come to fruition than ever; MSRPs are now a temporary thing, and extra elements like US tariffs and AI datacentres deciding they need even more components make planning for a release near impossible. That's why, despite everyone bracing to throw cash at Valve, the Steam Machine still hasn't got a solid release date or a pre-orders page, and if one of the game industry's giants can't make what isn't a terribly complex mini PC happen, fancier handheld makers have no chance.

I'll quit while I'm ahead when it comes to the RAMageddon rant and pivot instead of hopefully helpful advice. I don't think anyone should panic buy or rush into big purchases, but at the same time, I wouldn't take any current prices for granted. If you've been eyeing up a handheld, or in fact any PC or console hardware, make sure to keep a steady eye on retailer supplies and pick it up if things are looking shaky.

This might make me sound like a Doomsdayer, but I also think we might be entering a sort of scrapheap era of gaming. By that, I mean taking full advantage of second-hand, refurbished, or slightly older devices might be the best call while we weather the storm, and that might mean checking out options at eBay, making cheaper upgrades to your existing gaming PC, or even just checking out the best retro consoles instead for a while.

I am hoping Ayaneo and other smaller companies can find their footing again and make exciting new handhelds. At the moment, things look grim, but I'll be keeping tabs on all the latest gaming gadgets regardless.

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Anbernic's shiny take on the PS Vita is now kicking around at retailers, but I'm not so sure I'd grab one over the original. Yes, we're talking about a modern contender within the best gaming handheld ring that's designed to run, well, almost everything rather than just Sony's portable catalog, but if you're mainly the idea of owning something Vita-shaped again in the big 26, you could get the real deal for the same money.

Again, the Anbernic RG Vita is a modern handheld with Android and Linux emulation capabilities, so the fact that it's $179.99 at Amazon isn't a shocker. That sort of cash will get you the "Pro" version with a Rockchip RK3576 chipset, 4GB RAM, a 1080p IPS display, video output, and dual booting, but there is a vanilla version at Aliexpress for around $116 that swaps in a lower-spec Unisoc Tiger T618 SoC with 3GB of RAM.

Focusing on the RG Vita Pro as just a handheld, it does offer up more impressive specs than the RG Cube. That RK3576 is going to fare better with PS2 games or anything that needs a little more oomph, but we're not talking dramatically enhanced results. The issue is that if you spend that bit more for something like the Retroid Pocket 5, which has an AMOLED screen and Snapdragon 865 under the hood, you'll end up with slicker results when emulating the best retro consoles or messing with Android apps.

Don't get me wrong, I love a handheld homage, and "remakes" like the Anbernic RG35XXSP do a tremendous job of bringing back old portables like the GBA SP. My issue with the RG Vita is that it feels a bit half-baked on all fronts, as it's missing too many little details that would make for a convincing PlayStation Vita comeback while not quite managing to stand as tall as other portables within the price bracket.

Okay, maybe I'm being slightly pedantic when it comes to the portable's overall vibe, as the fact that it's missing the side landyard holes shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Its bulkier body sort of upsets me too, but for what it's worth, the Anbernic RG Vita does retain plenty of original elements like similar symmetrical thumbsticks and the back grip divots that are a core part of the 2010s device's DNA.

If the RG Vita Pro were armed with an AMOLED screen and specs that could properly rival Retroid and Ayn's top-end rivals, I'd be more on board with the remake. Since that's not the case, though, I'm left wondering whether I should just tell anyone who asks me for something Vita-inspired to just search for an actual Sony handheld. Your mileage may vary depending on the condition, but as of this moment, I'm seeing plenty of options at eBay ranging from $150 to around $220, so you could potentially acquire the OG for less than its tribute.

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The Nintendo 3DS just turned 15, but the anniversary has completely caught me off guard. Yes, it's technically now what I'd call a best retro handheld contender, and it abdicated its throne back in 2017 to make way for the Switch. However, the fact that mine still lives on my bedside, and companies are now putting out handheld homages, makes the console feel pretty current.

I should note that the Nintendo 3DS 15th anniversary marks the gaming handheld's release in the US, rather than its official Japanese debut. Technically speaking, the dual-screen device arrived on planet Earth on February 26, 2011, but March 27 serves as the day most of you were able to actually pick up the portable.

The 3DS managed to stick around for nine years until 2020, ultimately becoming the third best-selling console of all time. That perhaps explains why, even though I'm a retro console historian, I honestly forgot how old the system is, so I'm now here with my party hat on in a bid to inspire you to play some dual-screen delights on either the OG clamshell or a new device with the same vibes and functionality.

Grabbing a real 3DS in 2026

It's easy to assume the Nintendo 3DS is a singular console, but Ninty actually released a whole armada of models over the course of nine years. In fact, the device even received both a "2DS" demake and "New" 3DS remake, with the former stripping out the clamshell design and 3D screen and the latter adding in a C-Stick, amiibo support, and slightly beefier specs for exclusive games.

You'd think with the sheer number of 3DS options available, you'd be able to pick up the very first handheld for a reasonable price. I hate to break it to you, but that's not exactly the case, as you're looking at around $150 at eBay for the 2011 version. The original "XL" version comes at around $200 on average, and the "New" models can go for an absolutely bananas $300, depending on the condition.

Naturally, there are ways to strike lucky with finding an original 3DS at thrift stores and flea markets, and spring is an excellent time to go hunting for dual-screen diamonds. Using OG hardware also saves you from thinking about pesky things like emulation and backing up your cartridges, but at the same time, opting for a new device that mimics the Ninty's DS format could save you some pennies and arm you with a more versatile device overall.

Handheld homages

The handheld emulator scene has evolved into a remaking monster. Yes, the scene started off pumping out cheap and cheerful Game Boy clones like the Bittboy, but it has since shifted its focus to making higher-end homages to the likes of the 3DS that aim to solve the physical hardware side of dual-screen emulation.

One of the first devices that, in my eyes, nailed acting like a proper modern 3DS was the Ayaneo Flip DS. It's a pretty different beast from most modern claimshells out there since it's actually a full-blown Windows 11 PC with specs that would put your gaming laptop to shame, and it's $700 starting price absolutely reflects that. Still, it was and still is a monster for running the 3DS library while retaining dual-screen functionality, and the specs mean it can run pretty much the whole library at full speed while scaling to 720p.

At the same time, spending over $700 on a portable PC that is more or less designed to make your 3DS game look pretty is an enthusiast move. Thankfully, alternative brands have stepped in since then to fill in the gaps at lower price brackets with Linux and Android alternatives, all while offering up specs that will enhance your favorite outings.

If you're looking for something that sticks pretty close to the OG 3DS format, the Anbernic RG DS makes for a nice starting point at $129.99. Admittedly, its specs lean more towards the original "DS" released in 2004, but it can handle lighter-weight releases that belong to Ninty's successor. It's also rocking Android, which means it has access to a whole suite of apps and emulators that make it a great all-around option rather than just a 3DS tribute.

There is a core question you'll want to ask yourself while you look for a modern 3DS emulator, and it's whether you care about clamshells. If you do, it'll narrow your options down to a specific subset of portables like the Ayn Thor, but its AMOLED screen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset will set you back around $250. It's still what I'd call a higher-end option, but not quite as spenny as a portable PC.

Those of you who couldn't care less about flippy screens, though, will want to explore slightly weird looking options like the Anberic RG Cube. Rather than folding, the portable uses a perfectly square 1:1 aspect ratio screen that is geared towards very specific SNES and Game Boy games, but happens to provide the right vertical space for 3DS emulation.

Yes, the display is far smaller than those beefier clamshell remakes and the original, but it works spectacularly as a compact way to play 3DS adventures. Its Unisoc T820 is surprisingly good at handling most of the console's library, and the reduced screen size means trying to upscale to higher resolutions is less of a concern. Plus, you're getting excellent controls that bring modern Steam Deck rival vibes to the table, once again making it a nice option for retro emulation in general.

Ditch the 3D, save money

I know the focus should be on the 3DS for its special day, but I'm too aware that many of you actually associate the handheld with original DS games. That's thanks to the fact the 3D portable was backwards compatible with the OG, so if you're actually looking to play a bunch of mid-2000s classics, you've got a few extra options.

I've already touched on the Anbernic RG DS, and it's certainly the handheld to go for if you need the clamshell vibes. But, the option I reckon will appeal to most of you is actually the 2DS-inspired MagicX Zero 40. I want to clarify that the "2DS" is confusingly a 3DS handheld (make it make sense), whereas the latter-mentioned emulation device just borrows the flat look for playing the older library.

The point is that for under $100 (typically around $89 at Amazon), you'll get a vertical screen with the right space for dual-screen gameplay. Having put the portable through its paces, I was impressed at how sharp the more modern IPS display looked compared to my original DS Lite, and while I would suggest sticking with the real deal if you can find it at the right price, the Zero 40 does make for a more convenient gadget for running your full library.

Whether you're looking to dive back into the 3DS or even just play OG DS games on a handheld with the right feel, there's no shortage of options as the portable turns 15. We'll no doubt be graced with even more too as the platform matures further, but my current aim is to steer you towards either grabbing an actual Ninty handheld or exploring new ways to play.

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I feel like the Steam Deck is stalking me like a slasher villain. No, really, how else do you explain the portable PC popping up on the big screen while I'm trying to watch the new horror sequel Ready or Not 2? That's exactly what happened while I was taking a break from testing the best gaming handhelds at my local cinema, and its film debut felt pretty true to real life.

Naturally, I'm not going to spoil Ready or Not 2: Here I come, but just know that the Steam Deck OLED specifically shows up in two scenes. It plays the role of a handheld in the clutches of Wan Cheng Fu, played by Antony Hall, who's portrayed as a stereotypical iPad "kid" who's too preoccupied playing something on Valve's powerhouse to care about the chaos ensuing around him.

I should note that, having only watched the film once, I wasn't about to pick up on exactly what Hall is playing on the Deck. What I did spot, though, is that while the handheld and character are a double act in the horror romp, it's MIA in one of the scenes. This struck me as a little odd, seeing that it was cemented to the character's hands in two previous scenes, and I like to think that's because it inevitably ran out of battery.

Yep, even getting its big break in a horror flick couldn't save the Steam Deck from its battery life woes. There's every chance the character simply placed down the handheld to tuck into the bougie buffet, as the prop has been sort of swapped out for a chicken drumstick in the scene for comedic effect. But I like the idea that, having arrived at the film's main casino location with the Deck already in hand, its average runtime of two hours had already passed.

This all might sound like I'm having a go at the Steam Deck for its battery life, but in truth, it's just a reality tied to using most handheld PCs today. Even the more expensive ROG Xbox Ally X isn't going to last beyond three hours, and the Switch 2 is in the same ballpark. I actually love that the portable only popped up for a few scenes, as it feels like a true representation of the scene and the caveats tied to high-spec, on-the-go gaming.

The funny thing is that there's a good chance horror fans who aren't savvy with the latest handhelds won't even recognise the Steam Deck in the film. The only part of the portable PC you can really see is the top, and the OLED's red power button does a lot of heavy lifting in terms of visual identification. It could have perhaps managed more screentime if the film's handheld player used a power bank (like this Baseus model for $55.99 at Amazon), he could have kept tackling his Steam backlog closer to dawn.

If you've managed to spot the Steam Deck in any films or TV shows, or want to share your favorite big-screen retro handheld appearance, please let me know. Valve's portable certainly isn't the first device I've spotted, but I am fairly amused that Ready or Not 2's stereotypical nerd rich kid opted for the Deck over Microsoft's $1,000 Xbox Ally.

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The Game Boy Advance celebrated its 25th birthday at the weekend, so it's only fair to see how far its emulation systems have come since then. Anyone looking to get back behind the wheel of one of the then-record breaking device will want to check out the best retro handhelds on the market this week. The good news is Game Boy Advance games are pretty easy to run, so you don't need to spend hundreds on an OLED-toting powerhouse to get all your old games up and running again.

Anbernic seems to have this corner of the hobby locked down from our testing. The RG Cube is your go-to for a chunky like-for-like, while the RG28XX runs best as a modern alternative to the Game Boy Micro. If you had an SP childhood, though, you'll want to check out the RG35XXSP, a true clamshell throwback.

Retro handheld for Game Boy Advance

I'll get one thing out the way straight out the gate, the Anbernic RG Cube has a 1:1 aspect ratio display, which means you'll need a set of black borders when running Game Boy Advance games. It does, however, scale that original 3:2 display pretty well - a versatility that keeps the GBA from distorting once stretched out.

The Cube ships with its own Android OS overlay, with emulator launchers included straight out the box. Of course, there's always the freedom to dive into files yourself, running your own suite of systems but if you're after a pick-up-and-play this is a ROM-ready device.

An asymmetric thumbstick layout and a set of buttons that would feel at home on a far more expensive system complete the outfit, but it's those chunky grips to the rear that pull some serious weight. Gone are the days of cramping over the GBA's flat back panel, this handheld is designed to meet your hands' contours particularly well.

At 260g this is no toy, either. The RG Cube feels solid in the hands without an ounce of the hollow cheapness one might expect from a more affordable system.

Its power level caps out at around PS2 level, though you'll still get some mileage out of Sony's second generation system by dropping resolution. For Nintendo systems though, this is a beast. That's not to mention the 8 hours of battery life we recorded, and the fact that it only dipped by 17% when left idle for a week.

Game Boy Micro retro handheld

Grew up hunched over a Game Boy Micro? The Anbernic RG28XX is the modern day retro handheld for you. This tiny little device can sit comfortably in a pocket but still packs enough power to blast through your GBA library and well into the PS1 / Dreamcast roster.

That small form factor takes us straight back to the last Game Boy Advance model to hit the shelves, but it's both a blessing and a curse. While there's a surprisingly high battery life in here (3,100mAh) and the system is about as portable as they come, controls still feel a bit cramped and squished in. Build quality isn't quite up to the RG Cube either - we noticed some particularly rattly shoulder buttons in testing.

Still, that's what the Game Boy Micro was all about - forcing your hands to contort to meet its miniscule controls, all for the benefit of keeping it, your phone, and your keys in one pocket.

Beyond the Game Boy Advance, the RG28XX comes with emulators for everything from the original Game Boy up to the PS1 straight out of the box. Considering the sheer size (and lower price) that's a solid suite of systems.

Game Boy Advance SP retro handheld

The Game Boy Advance SP was the endgame for many in this generation, and the Anbernic RG35XXSP is an absolute love letter to the backlit system. Just like the original handheld, this is a noteworthy screen upgrade, with a 3.5-inch display busting out super crisp visuals across the catalog. It's not going to run you as far into PS1 or PSP titles as others on this list, and the D-pad's difficulties with directional inputs may hurt some experiences, but this is still absolutely worth investigating.

You've got the same layout here, just with an extra two face buttons on the right. Of course, under the hood things are ramped up a little. The H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 chip runs particularly well in this more budget-friendly device, with a Mali-G31 GPU offering a good balance for Game Boy Advance emulation.

That's not the only modern nod. Underneath the RG35XXSP you'll find a micro HDMI connection, perfect for running your portable adventures on the big screen.

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Hey, Microsoft, I know you don't need me talking about Xbox 360 hardware in the big 26, given your seemingly turbulent internal situation. Talking about parking the ROG Xbox Ally X onto a Steam Deck dock probably isn't going to help either when you're looking ahead to Project Helix, but you know what? I reckon my current setup highlights the glory days of your console endeavors.

If I'm being real, the following setup PSA is really just me highlighting that your crusty old Xbox 360 controller works with the best gaming handhelds today. That sounds slightly wild, and I admittedly decided to start using the aging gamepad again after a sleepless night of overthinking about an old wireless PC adapter still in my box of cables.

Essentially, if you arm your handheld with the right docking station and the aforementioned wireless doodad, you can treat your portable like an Xbox 360 mini. Before you click away in fear of any weird emulation shenanigans or custom modding, just know I'm only talking about straight-up playing a bunch of Steam games that are late 2000s appropriate, and using the right gamepad for the job will help transport you back to Microsoft's peak console era.

Let me quickly run through exactly what I'm using before I talk about the actual experience, as I've only mentioned the ROG Xbox Ally X by name so far. The other key ingredients to my seventh-gen faux setup are a compatible docking station (Steam Deck dock, if you will) like the Baseus 6-in-1, and an Xbox 360 Wireless adapter for PC. I'm using an official Microsoft receiver (check eBay if you want one of those) from back in the day, but believe it or not, you can still pick up replicas at Aliexpress for pretty cheap.

The receiver is designed to sync to your old 360 pads just like the original console, and even the button on top feels like the system's toggle. You will have to install the right drivers, but rather than hunting down software, you can use the Windows 11 wizard to select existing drivers from Microsoft's library, and there are still compatible versions lingering within the menus.

Naturally, Windows 11 can be a bit of a pain, but I was able to install the Xbox 360 onto the Xbox Ally X without a hitch. Better still, the buttons all mapped exactly how they should be, and the middle button even activates the Gamebar. This isn't really that surprising since Microsoft's gamepad was really the first mass-market PC gamepad that made Xinput a standard.

If you're using a Steam Deck OLED, fear not, as the receiver will work with SteamOS too. In fact, if you're not fussed about wireless, you can just whack in a USB version and start playing. I really wanted to use my old AA munching pads with a handheld, though, partly for novelty, but also because the wireless Xbox 360 controller is still one of my favorite controllers to this day.

I should say that the Xbox 360 gamepad isn't going to bring anything extra to games above and beyond the best PC controllers. In fact, I'll be sailing purely on vibes here, so if you'd rather just play a bunch of classics from up to 20 years ago on something contemporary, you can obviously do that. All I'm saying is that playing Fallout New Vegas, Bioshock, and even slightly newer romps from that generation like Dishonored feels really authentic, and since I'm the same loser who studies the best retro consoles and original setups for a living, you should expect nothing less.

If you take anything away from my daft setup of the week, let it be this: picking up a dock for your handheld opens up possibilities. Whether you're really just looking to make Valve's handheld into a cheap Steam Machine alternative before the box arrives, or you want a Nintendo Switch-inspired experience without the wild eShop game prices, a docking station will help you do that.

All you need to do is decide how many USB ports you need your dock to have, whether you'd prefer HDMI or DisplayPort, and whether you need it to travel well. Otherwise, there's nothing stopping you from turning your portable into something that feels like a tiny Xbox 360 in 2026, and it could help prepare you for when emulation becomes a proper thing on PC.

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I really figured hiding from Xbox Project Helix drama and trying to run Microsoft's OG system on one of the best retro handhelds would be less chaotic. Yet, my pals at Time Extension have highlighted that while someone has ported Xemu, the popular Windows and Linux emulator, to Android, they've also caused an uproar by slapping an $8 price tag on the app.

Before the drama kicked off, enthusiast Retro Game Corps shared a look at the unofficial Xemu port running Xbox games on a Retroid Pocket 5. Dubbed "X1 Box", the app certainly has potential, albeit with major performance caveats in most games. I want to put those performance thoughts to one side for a moment, though, as there's controversy surrounding Izzy2lost's initial decision not to make it free.

The main issue lies with the fact that you can download the original Xemu emulator for Windows, Linux, and Mac for completely free. While Izzy2lost is technically fulfilling the licensing requirements for the app by listing all the source files on Github, they have decided to charge $7.99 for the compiled Play Store version.

This naturally sparked some Xbox-shaped drama, prompting one of the original Xemu developers to say that it's "unfortunate that they'd rather go down this road instead of trying to collaborate to get an official Xemu Android app, but grifters will grift," before stating that an official Android app is coming that will "make their app moot."

If you can't wait until then, you'll be pleased to hear you can actually get a fork of the X1 Box app for free at GitHub, and Izzy2lost now also has an APK available. Naturally, the first place most wandering players will end up while looking to revisit the best retro consoles on Android devices is the Play Store, and if they aren't savvy enough to sideload, they'll end up forking out money for something that's otherwise gratis.

For that reason, I decided to spend my morning guzzling iced coffee and trying the free version of X1 Box the Mangmi Pocket Max (it's currently on my test bench). The whole affair kicked off with sideloading the Xemu port and using its accompanying BIOS, boot, and HDD emulation components during the setup. What I will say is that from the short time I've spent with the emulator, it's very much in the early stages, and is more of a run experiment than something you can play Oddworld: Munch's Odyssey on.

Yes, I started with Abe's 3D sequel, and things got off to a real shaky start. Initially, I couldn't even get the rescue mission to boot, and upon striking lucky, reaching Oddworld, I was greeted with broken visuals, glitchy audio, and shaky frame rates. It was technically "playable", but I'd probably rather take up a job in Rupture Farms than actually deal with choppy speeds and textures that blink out of existence.

Foolishly, I figured I'd have a better time with Soul Calibur 2, but it decided to lecture me on how it couldn't read my disc. Amusing, considering my copy is currently on my shelf, and we're dealing with emulation, but I managed to convince it to run after redoing the app setup. Aggressively sharp audio aside, the fighter's menus actually felt slick to navigate, but brawls were ultimately running at what felt like under 60% speed.

I'm not a complete glutton for punishment, so I decided to give Mr. John Halo a chance to shine on the emulator just to round out the initial taster. It pretty much ran just like the other two romps, but Halo: Combat Evolved almost tricked me into thinking it'd run slick. The menus felt nice, and the opening cutscenes dodged jitters, and while the gameplay feels like it's at full speed, it was actually spiking in a way that felt too fast, and the slowdown returned right in the heat of the action.

X1 Box also has a relitively streamline settings menu that may or may not help dial in performance. That said, I wasn't able to alter my results by switching between 30fps and 60fps fps locks, and since I already had resolution set to native, I couldn't rely on dialling things back to stabilize performance.

I'm going to try to squeeze testing X1 Box with more handhelds, as punchier CPUs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and using Vulkan drivers might tighten the experience up slightly. The main takeaway here is that while we might soon have solid OG Xbox emulation on Android devices, it's extremely early days for the Xemu port, and I certainly wouldn't pay $8 for the Play Store version.

If you're really itching to play now and you've got a more expensive handheld PC like the Steam Deck OLED or something Windows-based like the ROG Xbox Ally X, you should have a much better time with Xemu since the emulator has been around for a while.

• More retro handhelds at Amazon
• More gaming handhelds at Amazon

Using Valve's powerhouse for classic games? Check out the best Steam Deck dock options for ways to turn your portable into a console hybrid.