Tag: Gaming Handhelds

  • Asus ROG Ally Upgrade Kit for Extended Battery Life & Cooling

    Asus ROG Ally Upgrade Kit for Extended Battery Life & Cooling

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Ally X offers enhancements over the standard Asus ROG Ally, including faster RAM and a larger battery for longer playtime.
    2. The Jsaux Battery & Thermal Upgrade Kit allows users to upgrade the original Asus ROG Ally’s battery capacity from 40Wh to 65Wh, significantly improving battery life.
    3. Installation of the upgrade kit is manageable for those with moderate skills, taking less than 15 minutes, and includes all necessary tools.
    4. The upgrade kit features a new battery and an extra heatsink for improved cooling, requiring a replacement of the backplate.
    5. The Jsaux Battery and Thermal Upgrade Kit is available for preorder at $79, with shipping expected to start in early May.

    The Asus ROG Ally X and the standard Asus ROG Ally are quite well-liked among gaming handhelds, with the Ally X making a positive mark in our detailed review. The Ally X has some enhancements compared to the base version, like quicker RAM and a much bigger battery for extended playtime.

    Upgrade Options

    With the Jsaux Battery & Thermal Upgrade Kit, it’s now pretty simple to upgrade the original version of this gaming handheld. We’ve mentioned earlier that the new battery boosts the capacity by over 50%, increasing it from 40Wh to 65Wh, to be precise. In contrast, the Asus ROG Ally X boasts an impressive 80Wh. Still, this upgrade kit is expected to noticeably enhance battery life.

    Installation Process

    A video uploaded by Jsaux is included below, demonstrating the upgrade procedure step-by-step. Gamers with moderate skills shouldn’t face too many challenges while installing the kit, even though there are some tricky parts. For example, the case of the handheld needs to be opened, but all the essential tools are provided in the kit, and the whole project is said to take less than 15 minutes. The kit also features the new battery along with an extra heatsink, which aids in better cooling. Additionally, the backplate must be switched out since the original one won’t fit post-upgrade.

    The Jsaux Battery and Thermal Upgrade Kit for the Asus ROG Ally is currently available for preorder at a price of $79. Shipping is expected to start in early May.

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  • Anbernic Announces 2025 Handheld Gaming Release Plans After RG34XX SP Rumors

    Anbernic Announces 2025 Handheld Gaming Release Plans After RG34XX SP Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has had a quiet start to 2024, with no new product launches so far, unlike the previous year’s monthly releases.
    2. The only release this year is the Glacier color update for the RG34XX, priced at $89.99.
    3. A successor to the RG556, named RG557, is expected to be unveiled soon.
    4. Anbernic plans to launch “at least seven or eight” new devices this year, possibly up to ten, excluding the RG557.
    5. The RG557 is likely to be released later this month, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 8300, with additional models expected to follow.

    Anbernic has had a rather quiet beginning this year. To put it in perspective, last year, the company was on a roll, launching a new gaming handheld each month throughout 2024. In stark contrast, there have been no new product launches this year so far.

    Refresh of the RG34XX

    The only notable release from Anbernic in 2024 is the Glacier color update for the RG34XX, which arrived less than a month after the original device’s debut (currently priced at $89.99 on Amazon). On another note, it’s becoming clear that a successor to the RG556, called the RG557, is close to being unveiled.

    Upcoming Devices on the Horizon

    Although one might anticipate that Anbernic has slowed its pace since they waited till April to hint at new hardware, it seems that a flood of new gaming handhelds from Anbernic is imminent.

    Reportedly, Anbernic is looking to launch “at least seven or eight” new devices this year, not counting the RG557. This figure might even be a low estimate, as the company is suggesting that “around ten” could be a more accurate total.

    Launch Expectations

    As of now, it seems very likely that the RG557 will be released later this month. This will be Anbernic’s first gaming handheld powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300, and it is expected to be quickly followed by two additional models. Recent rumors hint that one of these could be the RG34XX SP, which is said to be more than just an RG34XX dressed up like an RG35XX SP. Additionally, Anbernic has yet to launch its translucent pink or fuschia versions that were leaked back in February. It’s still unclear if these will count as new releases for the company at this time.

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    Anbernic Announces 2025 Handheld Gaming Release Plans After RG34XX SP RumorsAnbernic Announces 2025 Handheld Gaming Release Plans After RG34XX SP Rumors
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  • New AMD Ryzen Z2 APU for Gaming Handhelds: Tips and Features

    New AMD Ryzen Z2 APU for Gaming Handhelds: Tips and Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD launched the Ryzen Z2 series of APUs for upcoming gaming handhelds, including Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme.
    2. The Ryzen Z2 series features three generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point, but currently lacks built-in NPUs.
    3. New models, Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, may be introduced, with the latter expected to include an NPU for improved AI performance.
    4. Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs have NPUs, suggesting future AI integration could enhance gaming features like upscaling and frame generation.
    5. Information about new models and features should be viewed skeptically until officially confirmed by AMD.

    Earlier this year, AMD introduced its Ryzen Z2 series of APUs aimed at powering many upcoming gaming handheld devices. This lineup includes the Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme, and interestingly, it incorporates three different generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point. Notably, none of these APUs come with a built-in NPU, although a recent tweet suggests this might change in the future.

    Possible New Variants

    According to leaker @AnhPhuH, the Ryzen Z2 series might soon expand with two new models: the Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The latter is evidently a version of the Z2 Extreme featuring an NPU to enhance AI performance, while the former remains somewhat of a enigma. There’s a chance that it could just be a mistake—maybe the source forgot an ‘I’—but that’s still unconfirmed. The Ryzen Z2 Go is already a low-end option, and there’s not much space between the original Ryzen Z2 and the Z2 Extreme for an entirely new variant.

    AI Integration for Gaming

    As noted by VideoCardz, both Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs are recognized for having NPUs, which makes the idea of integrating AI more believable. It’s likely that technologies like upscaling and frame generation will significantly enhance handheld gaming experiences, and a capable NPU would definitely aid features like FSR. However, as is the case with all leaks and speculation, it’s wise to take this info with a bit of skepticism. It won’t be long until we discover what AMD has planned for fans of handheld gaming.

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    New AMD Ryzen Z2 APU for Gaming Handhelds: Tips and Features
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  • Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU Handheld Gaming Test

    Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU Handheld Gaming Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chinese brands have launched gaming handhelds with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, featuring the powerful Radeon 890M iGPU, while devices with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 are on the way.

    2. Initial tests with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU show limited performance, struggling to exceed 600 MHz at 18 W TDP and 1,000 MHz at 25 W TDP.

    3. In gaming tests, GTA 5 ran at around 60 FPS at 1080p on High settings at 18 W TDP, improving to about 90 FPS at 25 W TDP.

    4. DOOM Eternal performed over 70 FPS at 1080p on Medium settings, while The Witcher 3 achieved around 65 FPS at 18 W TDP and 84 FPS at 25 W TDP.

    5. Gaming performance may require sacrificing battery life, and AMD might adjust power settings if a Ryzen Z-series APU is released, potentially alleviating battery concerns.

    While gaming handhelds with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme haven’t arrived yet, Chinese brands have already launched devices that come with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. This model brings the powerful Radeon 890M iGPU into the gaming handheld market, and now that more devices featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 are being announced, we could soon see handhelds equipped with the latest Zen 5 APU.

    Performance Insights

    Before this happens, ETA Prime has shared a sneak peek of what the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with the Radeon 8060S iGPU might perform like in a gaming handheld. In a recent simulation, the YouTuber tested the Zen 5 APU at both 18 W and 25 W TDPs. Although the gaming performance appears adequate, the iGPU seems limited and unable to reach its full potential.

    Limitations in Power

    Specifically, ETA Prime points out that the Radeon 8060S doesn’t exceed 600 MHz when operating in the 18 W TDP mode. Even when the TDP is raised to 25 W, it struggles to surpass 1,000 MHz during gaming tests. For context, the Radeon 8060S has a boost capability of up to 2900 MHz when the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 isn’t power-limited.

    Game Performance Summary

    In terms of actual performance during the simulation, ETA Prime first tested GTA 5 Enhanced Edition. At 18 W TDP and with the resolution set to 1080p, the frame rate stayed around 60 FPS for most of the gameplay on the High preset. When the power was increased to 25 W, the game maintained an average of about 90 FPS.

    For the next game, ETA Prime ran DOOM Eternal, which performed at over 70 FPS in most scenarios at 1080p on the Medium preset. The Witcher 3 also performed satisfactorily. At 18 W TDP with 1080p resolution on the Steam Deck preset, the power-limited Radeon 8060S achieved an average of roughly 65 FPS. When the TDP was increased to 25 W, the average FPS improved to around 84.

    Battery Life Considerations

    From this simulation, it appears that gaming handhelds featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 may need to sacrifice battery life to deliver solid performance (the 140 W Anker 737 power bank is priced at $109.99 on Amazon). Of course, AMD could adjust the power profiles and overall settings if it chooses to release a Ryzen Z-series APU based on this. In such a case, the same battery life concerns might not apply. For a look at how well the Radeon 8060S performs in a mobile device when not limited by power, check out our review of the ROG Flow Z13 GZ302EA.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Price May Rise to $399, Still Cheaper Than PC Handhelds

    Nintendo Switch 2 Price May Rise to $399, Still Cheaper Than PC Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be priced around 399 US Dollars, an increase from the original model’s 299 US Dollars.
    2. The price hike is attributed to enhanced hardware features in the new console.
    3. Despite the increase, the Switch 2 will still be more affordable than competing Windows gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck.
    4. Nintendo aims to balance technological upgrades while retaining its loyal customer base.
    5. The focus is shifting from selling physical units to maintaining user engagement through features like backward compatibility and ongoing updates.

    There is significant excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 following its initial teaser. Although specific details remain sparse, a recent report has shed light on its pricing. The upcoming Switch 2 is anticipated to see a price increase due to enhanced hardware, yet it may still be more budget-friendly compared to various Windows gaming handhelds.

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Insights

    A new report from Joost Van Dreunen, the Co-founder of SuperData Research, suggests that Nintendo intends to increase the price of the Switch 2 compared to the original model. To refresh your memory, the first Nintendo Switch was launched at a price of 299 US Dollars, while the new Switch 2 is expected to retail for around 399 US Dollars. This price increase is set to correspond with the upgraded hardware that the next-generation gaming handheld will showcase, aligning with previous reports.

    Competitive Pricing

    At a price of just 399 US Dollars, the Switch 2 would still be less expensive than competing Windows gaming handhelds, including the Steam Deck. However, Nintendo is also considering its main audience. The analyst points out that the company is trying to find a middle ground between technological improvements and keeping its loyal customer base intact. The days of console manufacturers solely focusing on selling physical units are over.

    Now, the focus has shifted to sustaining the platform with features like backward compatibility and ongoing updates, which are more effective at maintaining user engagement. It’s important to remember that this information is still speculative, so approach this news cautiously and stay tuned for further updates.

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  • MSI Reveals Launch Dates and Prices for Lunar Lake Claw Handhelds

    MSI Reveals Launch Dates and Prices for Lunar Lake Claw Handhelds

    MSI has recently unveiled the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ gaming handhelds. While the announcement initially did not specify the availability of these devices powered by Lunar Lake, MSI has since shared through a post on X that the official launch date is December 26.

    Pre-order and Launch Dates

    This December 26 date applies specifically to pre-orders in the US. The company has also informed that both the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ will actually be available in stores starting January 15, 2025. Along with the launch dates, MSI has revealed the pricing for these two models.

    Pricing Details

    The Claw 7 AI+ will retail for $799, while the Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $899. Key differences between these two models include screen size, battery capacity, and connectivity options. MSI had earlier mentioned that both handhelds would feature the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, but now suggests that the Claw 8 AI+ might also come in a variant with the Ultra 7 256V.

    Variants and Performance

    This lower-tier version of the handheld could be cheaper than the higher-end model since the Core Ultra 7 256V is equipped with 16 GB of RAM compared to the 32 GB in the other. Additionally, the official MSI Claw 7 AI+ page mentions it will offer “up to Core Ultra 7 258V,” indicating the potential for other Lunar Lake configurations as well.

    Both setups are expected to deliver superior performance compared to the previous MSI Claw model. It will be exciting to see how these new gaming handhelds stack up against competitors like the upcoming Ryzen Z2 Extreme. If you’re interested in more information about MSI’s latest handhelds, feel free to check out our earlier reports.

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  • D-28S: Compact 2.8-Inch Retro Gaming Handheld Device

    D-28S: Compact 2.8-Inch Retro Gaming Handheld Device

    SZDiiER has recently introduced several new handheld gaming devices, like the D008 with a 3.5-inch screen and the larger D50 Plus, which has a 5.5-inch display. Moreover, they are stepping into the growing trend of 2.8-inch gaming handhelds with their new Diium D-28S, as suggested by its name.

    Competing Models

    To provide some context, several devices such as the Anbernic RG28XX, MagicX XU Mini, and Miyoo A30 (currently priced at $64.99 on Amazon) have launched this year featuring 2.8-inch screens. These models typically have a horizontal design, each with unique features to set them apart. In contrast, the D-28S has a more distinctive vertical design, which is rare for this type of screen size.

    Specs and Features

    SZDiiER’s product details indicate that the D-28S has a compact display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, similar to the larger D008 model. Additionally, the D-28S is expected to be powered by an RK3326 chipset from Rockchip, the same as what’s used in the Anbernic RG351 series and Powkiddy RGB10Max 2. Essentially, this means that its emulation performance will likely be best suited for PlayStation 1 games, as noted by RetroHandhelds. For comparison, SZDiiER lists the price of the D-28S at CNY 185 (around $26) in China, but it’s still uncertain what the price will be in other regions at this point.

    Availability and Pricing

    It was noted via 1688 and RetroHandhelds that the device might have varying prices internationally. Since the launch is still fresh, potential buyers will have to wait for more information regarding its availability outside of China. This will help in understanding whether the D-28S can compete effectively against its contemporaries in the handheld gaming market.

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  • AYANEO Announces Release Dates for Pocket DMG, Pocket Micro Handhelds

    AYANEO Announces Release Dates for Pocket DMG, Pocket Micro Handhelds

    The global release dates for AYANEO’s Pocket DMG and Pocket Micro retro gaming handhelds have been confirmed. Both devices will be launched on July 31.

    The upcoming AYANEO handhelds are reminiscent of classic Nintendo consoles like the GameBoy and GameBoy Micro but are packed with modern features such as an OLED display and powerful chipsets capable of emulating games from various popular consoles.

    Future Launches

    AYANEO has several other gaming handhelds awaiting release, with no confirmed launch dates. Models such as the Pocket EVO, AM01S mini-PC, and AG01 eGPU are anticipated to be part of AYANEO’s future product lineup. The specifics of their release routes and specifications remain unknown.

    Chipsets and Specifications

    The AYANEO Pocket DMG and Pocket Micro feature different chipsets aimed at providing varied user experiences. The Pocket DMG is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, also found in the Pocket S model. This chipset is one of the most powerful SoCs for Android gaming handhelds. On the other hand, the AYANEO Pocket Micro runs on the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which limits its compatibility to games from GameCube, PlayStation 2, or PlayStation Portable.

    Crowdfunding Launch

    Both the AYANEO Pocket DMG and Pocket Micro are set to launch globally through the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform. However, the brand has not yet disclosed any pricing details for the two models.

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