Tag: handheld gaming

  • AYN Odin 2 Portal Discount Starts at $249

    AYN Odin 2 Portal Discount Starts at $249

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Odin 2 Portal remains available at a discounted price, initially intended as a temporary promotion, effectively making it a permanent deal.
    2. It features a 7-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with multiple configurations ranging from $249 to $449.
    3. The device offers high-end specifications, such as Android 13, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and expandable storage, providing strong value compared to similar handhelds.

    Persistent Discount on Odin 2 Portal

    Back in late January, AYN has said the Odin 2 Portal’s discounted price was a limited offer which was supposed to end on February 25. But, little did anyone expect, the sale keeps going, which possibly means it will stay like that for good. It’s pretty rare for deals like these to last so long, given how fast prices can change in the market of handheld devices. This prolonged discount makes it quite a steal for consumers looking for a good deal on a capable device.

    Display and Technical Specs

    The Odin 2 Portal’s bright spot is its 7-inch 1080p OLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The device runs on the snappy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is also used in high-performing devices like the Retroid Pocket 6. Running Android 13, it boasts an 8,000mAh battery, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, an active cooling fan, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support. This suite of features makes it a powerful pocket gaming device combined with versatility in connectivity and performance.

    Pricing and Variants

    Available in three variants, the Base, Pro, and Max, each offers different levels of RAM and storage. The base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD) is priced at just $249, which is only $5 more than the newer Retroid Pocket 6. Given the larger display and battery size, many see it as a fair price considering what you’re getting in return. For more robust options, the Pro version comes with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage for $369, while the Max boasts 16GB RAM and a hefty 1TB of storage at $449.

    Where to Buy and Accessories

    The Odin 2 Portal can be bought directly from AYN’s official website. The company also offers several accessories to enhance the user experience, including a $12 carry case, a $15 TPU grip for better hold, a $5 screen protector, and another $5 set of ABXY switch layout and textured joystick caps. These extras are designed to give users more customization and protection for their device.

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  • 600 Hours of RTS on Steam Deck Showcases Valve’s Greatest Handheld Success

    600 Hours of RTS on Steam Deck Showcases Valve’s Greatest Handheld Success

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Steam Deck remains the best handheld for strategy games, especially RTS titles, due to its optimized controls, trackpads, and customizable buttons.
    2. Valve has effectively addressed traditional control issues for RTS games, making complex titles manageable on a handheld device.
    3. Single-player RTS games like Stronghold Crusader, Spellforce, and Stellaris are highly playable and enjoyable on the Steam Deck, offering a relaxed gaming experience outside of PC.

    The Steam Deck has been around for over four years now, and during this time, newer gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, which costs around $1,199, have come into the market with more impressive specs, better screens and bigger batteries. Nevertheless, there’s one type of game that the Steam Deck still dominates, which is strategy games.

    Popular Games on the Steam Deck

    The list of the hundred most played games on the Steam Deck mainly consists of indie titles that are controller-friendly, such as Slay the Spire 2, Stardew Valley, and Balatro. Though, it also includes major role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Surprisingly, real-time strategy (RTS) games are quite rare on the list, with only the turn-based game Civilization VI entering the top 100.

    Why RTS Games Are Rare on Handhelds

    This trend is not shockin’, considering that consoles, controllers, and handheld devices were, for ages, thought to be incompatible with RTS games. Using analog sticks to select small units or buildings is tedious and frustrating, and many handhelds lack the necessary function keys. Even navigating menus was once difficult without proper controller support. But after these four years, Valve’s Steam Deck has proved these obstacles are now tackled. The device’s trackpads, four customizable back buttons, and individually programmable controls for each game make managing even complex RTS titles much more achievable.

    Playing RTS Games on the Steam Deck

    Throughout 172 hours of trying, I managed to play Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition fully on the Steam Deck, completing all campaigns and experimenting with workshop content. The D-pad simplifies controlling game speed, which is vital because probably you’re a bit slower than usual when you play on portable. Shoulder buttons rotate the camera, triggers act as left and right mouse buttons, and the camera is maneuvered with an analog stick. The touchpad serves as a mouse, while the back buttons let you quickly select troop recruitment buildings.

    Extended RTS Experience

    From spending over 190 hours with Spellforce Platinum, 62 hours on Diplomacy is Not an Option, and 38 hours with Stellaris, I can confidently say that single-player RTS games run smooth on the Steam Deck. These experiences show it’s no longer just playable; it’s enjoyable and relaxing to play RTS games on the couch after a long workday instead of sitting in front of a PC.

    Comparison to Other Handhelds

    Other handheld consoles, like the Zotac Zone or Lenovo Legion Go, do feature trackpads as well, but those are neither as large nor as comfortable to use as those on the Steam Deck. Valve’s haptic feedback also enhances control, making in-game interactions more precise. Games like Frostpunk, which require less precision, or RTS titles with good controller support such as The Wandering Village, can also be controlled on other handhelds. But for someone passionate about strategy games, I truly recommend the Steam Deck for this genre.


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  • Upcoming Anbernic Handheld with Metal Shell Reacts Before Launch

    Upcoming Anbernic Handheld with Metal Shell Reacts Before Launch

    Key Takeaway

    1. Anbernic’s new gaming handheld features a sliding display mechanism, similar to the RG Slide.
    2. The device includes a top-mounted USB Type-C port, in-line triggers, a microSD card slot, and possibly a 3.5 mm audio jack.
    3. It is advertised to support up to Nintendo 64 games and may be released as the RG Rotate with both metal and plastic shell options.
    4. The official release date is not yet known, but a launch is expected later this month.

    New glimpses of the upcoming Anbernic handheld device has just been shared online. Its the second device from the company to feature a sliding display, following last year’s RG Slide which is currently priced at $174.99. The device was first seen in mid-March, and these new videos prove it’s no April Fools’ prank.

    Additional Features Revealed

    Although a specific release date still hasnt been announced, the folks at Handheld Penguin have posted new footage on Bilibili. The videos, embedded below, allow us to see some more details of the device. For example, there’s a USB Type-C port located at the top, inline trigger buttons, and a microSD card slot visible in the shots.

    Audio & Gaming Capabilities

    It’s interesting to note the inclusion of a built-in MP3 player, which suggests that a 3.5mm headphone jack will be present. Though it’s not visible in either video, it’s likely on the right side of the device. Also, the recent footage hints that Anbernic plans to promote the device as capable of running games on Nintendo 64.

    Design & Potential Release

    From what appears, Anbernic might call this device the RG Rotate. The design has a metal shell option alongside a basic black plastic version. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official reveal, which is expected to happen later on this month.

    Speculations and Expectations

    • Possible metal and plastic body options
    • Targeting retro gaming enthusiasts especially for N64 games
    • Expected inclusion of extra ports like USB-C and microSD card slot
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  • Evercade Nexus Handheld with RGB Logo, TATE Mode, & Special Edition

    Evercade Nexus Handheld with RGB Logo, TATE Mode, & Special Edition

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Evercade Nexus is a new, larger horizontal handheld console with a 5.89-inch IPS display, compatible with Evercade cartridges and featuring customizable controls.
    2. It introduces EverSync, a local multiplayer feature allowing two Nexus devices to connect without internet, simply by inserting game cartridges.
    3. Pre-orders begin April 1, 2023, with a release scheduled for October 2026; the device includes bonus items and is available in standard and limited edition versions.

    Introducing the Evercade Nexus: A New Handheld Gaming Device

    Evercade has recently announced their latest handheld gaming console, the Nexus, which is their biggest yet. This device boasts a horizontal design, similar to prior models like the Evercade and Super Pocket, and it maintains compatibility with Evercade cartridges, ensuring fans can enjoy a broad library of games.

    Design & Display Features

    The Nexus sports a 5.89-inch IPS display with a resolution of 840 x 512 pixels, and it shines with over 500 nits of brightness, making the visuals clear even in bright environments. The device’s design includes symmetric analog thumbsticks, a floating disc D-Pad, stacked triggers, and bumper buttons, creating a comfortable and responsive control setup for players.

    Controls & Connectivity

    Under the screen, you’ll find four pill-shaped buttons labeled Select, Start, and a dedicated button to switch to TATE mode, which is used for classic vertical shooter games, giving you options for different gameplay styles. Between these pistil-shaped buttons, there’s an RGB NEXUS logo that allows users to customize the look, adding a personal touch to the device.

    The Nexus is equipped with stereo front-facing speakers, a USB-C port, an audio jack, and Wi-Fi 6 for seamless online connectivity. One of the newest features exclusive to this handheld is EverSync, a system letting two Nexus units connect for local multiplayer sessions without needing internet, simply by inserting game cartridges and hosting the multiplayer game.

    Color Options & Limited Edition

    The standard Nexus will come in black, but the company offers a limited edition known as the Nexus 64. This special version has a silver D-Pad, thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and colorful ABXY buttons in blue, green, and yellow, making it stand out. Only 2000 of these will be made, adding to its exclusivity.

    Extras & Pre-Order Information

    With the limited edition, customers will receive bonus items like a PVA hard case, a glass screen protector, an exclusive poster, and a signed certificate of authenticity, which are not available for sale separately. Pre-orders will start on April 1, with release planned for October 2026, shortly after the launch of the new Evercade Wireless Controller.

    Pricing Details

    • The standard Evercade Nexus costs £169.99 in the UK, $199.99 in the US, and €199.99 across Europe.
    • The Evercade Nexus 64 Edition is priced at £189.99, $229.99, and €229.99, available exclusively through Funstock UK and Funstock USA.

    Both models will include a bonus cartridge featuring the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack, including Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, offering an extra treat for fans of the franchise.

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  • Ayaneo Halts Next 2 Windows Handheld Sales Amid Rising Costs

    Ayaneo Halts Next 2 Windows Handheld Sales Amid Rising Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo has suspended sales of its Next 2 handheld device due to rising storage costs.
    2. The company decided to continue with pre-orders but will not change prices frequently.
    3. All pre-orders made before the suspension will still be honored and fulfilled.
    4. Ayaneo may resume sales of the Next 2 if storage costs decrease in the future.
    5. The industry is facing similar issues, as seen with Retroid’s recent production halts and price increases.

    Last month, Ayaneo started taking pre-orders for its much-anticipated Next 2 handheld device that runs on Windows. This gadget was being funded through Indiegogo, with plans to ship orders by June 2026. But, a recent update from the company has announced that sales for this device are now on hold.

    Reasons for Sales Suspension

    In a detailed message on Indiegogo, Ayaneo stated that the halt in sales of the Next 2 is because of skyrocketing storage costs. The company noted that even before the Next 2 launched, storage prices were already quite high. They decided to move ahead with the launch to avoid disappointing their supporters, even if that meant they would earn very little or possibly lose money.

    Sadly, after the Chinese New Year, storage costs surged dramatically, causing the total production expenses to surpass the selling price, nearly doubling the initial launch cost. Due to this, Ayaneo has chosen to suspend sales, as they do not want to constantly change the price of the Next 2 because of the rising component expenses.

    Order Fulfillment and Support

    Ayaneo announced that the Next 2 has been removed from sale and is not available for buying anymore. However, all pre-orders made before this announcement will still be honored, and production for those orders will continue. The company is also reassuring backers that it will provide long-term support for the Next 2, ensuring they have enough parts in stock.

    While Ayaneo mentioned that this suspension is only temporary, they also noted that they “might think about resuming” sales if storage costs become more reasonable. For those interested in an Ayaneo Windows handheld, the Konkr Fit is available for $999 and can be pre-ordered directly from Ayaneo, with shipping expected by the end of April.

    Industry Context

    Ayaneo’s choice to halt Next 2 sales comes shortly after Retroid, another Chinese handheld maker, revealed that it would stop producing its recently launched Android device, the Retroid Pocket G2. Before that, Retroid had also decided to discontinue the 12GB RAM variant of the Pocket 6 and raised prices for the 8GB RAM edition of the same device, as well as for the older Retroid Pocket Classic, which is available on Amazon for $149.

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  • Anbernic Handheld Revives Motorola FlipOut Design

    Anbernic Handheld Revives Motorola FlipOut Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has yet to launch the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro handheld consoles, despite their announcement over a month ago.
    2. A new unnamed handheld device has been showcased, featuring a square shape and a unique rotating touchscreen display.
    3. The device’s controls, including a D-Pad and ABXY buttons, are cleverly concealed under the screen, reminiscent of flip phones.
    4. The design includes a lanyard hole, shoulder buttons, and the Anbernic logo, with screws visible on the back.
    5. The device appears to operate on Android, but specific technical details and release plans remain unclear.

    Anbernic has not yet launched the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro handheld consoles, even though they were announced over a month ago. However, this hasn’t stopped the company from working on newer devices, and one has recently been showcased in a video. The uniqueness of this handheld lies in its innovative design.

    Unveiling the New Device

    An unnamed handheld has been featured in a video shared on the r/SBCGaming subreddit by a user named Qink001. The footage reveals a device with a square shape and a touchscreen display. At first glance, it may not seem impressive, but the screen rotates 90° to uncover control buttons that are cleverly concealed underneath. This flipping feature will remind many of the flip phones from the 2000s to 2010s, like the Motorola FlipOut.

    Control Layout and Design Features

    The controls are situated in a recessed section to avoid any obstruction during the sliding action. They include a D-Pad, vibrant ABXY buttons, start and select buttons, and a circular button at the top center, the purpose of which remains unclear. In the video, the device appears in silver, featuring the Anbernic logo at the bottom along with a lanyard hole on the corner. Additionally, shoulder buttons can be seen, as well as four screws located on the back.

    Speculation on Specifications

    While there are no specific technical details available for this handheld, it seems to be operating on Android, suggested by the Chrome browser icon visible on the home screen. It is yet to be determined if this device will be released similarly to the Anbernic RG Slide, which is currently priced at $174.99 on Amazon, or if it will remain merely a prototype.

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  • Anbernic RG Vita Pro: Exciting PS Vita Emulation Revealed

    Anbernic RG Vita Pro: Exciting PS Vita Emulation Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic announced the RG Vita Pro specs, priced at $69.99, one month after the previous model’s launch.
    2. A new video showcases the RG Vita Pro’s expected performance improvements over the original RG Vita.
    3. The RG Vita has struggled with PS Vita game emulation, being compared to the RG PSP due to its limited CPU and GPU.
    4. The RG Vita Pro’s ability to emulate PS Vita games at 1080p resolution remains uncertain.
    5. The RG Vita Pro features a Mali-G52 MC3 GPU, 4 GB of RAM, a 5,000 mAh battery, and Hall effect joysticks.

    Anbernic has made an announcement about the RG Vita Pro specs this week, more than a month after its previous launch (currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon). The company has released a new video demonstrating the capabilities of this handheld device. The video below shows that the RG Vita Pro is expected to be more powerful than the current RG Vita model.

    Insight on Performance

    At this point, we can only rely on the information provided by Anbernic. It’s important to note that independent evaluations have shown that the RG Vita struggles to emulate PS Vita games. Retro Game Corps described the handheld as being more akin to an RG PSP due to its weak CPU and GPU. According to the latest video from Anbernic, the RG Vita Pro aims to fix the limitations seen in its non-Pro version.

    Emulation Capabilities Uncertain

    Currently, it’s not clear if the RG Vita Pro is capable of emulating PS Vita games at its native 1080p resolution. Achieving this would mean around 4x scaling, which seems improbable given the device’s Mali-G52 MC3 GPU. For context, this GPU is part of the Rockchip RK3576 chipset, which Anbernic has paired with 4 GB of RAM, a 5,000 mAh battery, and Hall effect joysticks. For additional information, please check out the video below.

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  • Anbernic RG Vita Pro Specifications Released: Full Details Inside

    Anbernic RG Vita Pro Specifications Released: Full Details Inside

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RG Vita Pro features a 5.5-inch INCELL touch screen with a 1920 × 1080 resolution and is powered by a Rockchip RK3576 octa-core processor.
    2. It includes 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a MicroSD slot supporting up to 2TB, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
    3. The device offers AI capabilities like real-time translation and text-to-image generation, and includes a six-axis gyroscope and RGB light control.
    4. It runs on Android 14 and a 64-bit Linux OS, supporting Android games and emulating various retro consoles.
    5. Battery capacity is 5,000mAh with 18W charging, providing about 8 hours of usage on a single charge.

    Following the release of a video demonstrating the features of their new handheld device, the RG Vita Pro, Anbernic has put out another video that discloses the complete specifications of the device. Nevertheless, the price and release date remain a mystery.

    Display and Performance

    The RG Vita Pro boasts a 5.5-inch INCELL touch screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. Powering the device is a Rockchip RK3576 octa-core processor, which includes 4 Cortex-A72 cores and 4 Cortex-A53 cores. Running at a speed of 2.2GHz, this processor comes with a Mali-G52 MC3 GPU and is complemented by 4GB of RAM along with 64GB of storage.

    Storage and Connectivity

    For additional storage, there’s a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 2TB. The device also features stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, an audio jack, and a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort (1080p output). It comes with a battery capacity of 5,000mAh, which supports 18W charging. According to Anbernic, users can expect about 8 hours of usage on a single charge.

    AI Features and Operating System

    Anbernic has announced that both the RG Vita Pro and RG Vita will include AI capabilities like real-time translation, text-to-image generation, image processing, and one-click game guide retrieval. Additional features include a six-axis gyroscope, RGB light control, and Hall Effect joysticks.

    Pre-loaded with Android 14 and a 64-bit Linux OS, the Anbernic RG Vita Pro will be available in Black and White. It is capable of running Android games and can also emulate various retro consoles, including the PS2, Wii, GameCube, PSP, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Super Famicom, and NEOGEO, among others.

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  • Anbernic RG Vita Pro: Official Video Highlights Gaming Features

    Anbernic RG Vita Pro: Official Video Highlights Gaming Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RG Vita Pro will feature dual operating systems: Android 14 and a 64-bit Linux OS, unlike the basic RG Vita model which has Android 12.
    2. The device can play PS Vita games, Android titles, and emulate classic PS2 games such as Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3.
    3. It supports emulation of older consoles including Nintendo Wii, 3DS, N64, GameCube, PlayStation One, and Sega Dreamcast.
    4. The RG Vita Pro can stream games from a PC and connect to an external display for multiplayer play.
    5. It will have a 5.5-inch touchscreen with 1920 × 1080 resolution, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 5,000mAh battery, available in Black and White.

    A few days ago, Anbernic shared a video on YouTube that disclosed a significant aspect of its new handheld device, the RG Vita Pro. Although the video was removed by Anbernic, some viewers managed to catch a glimpse of its content. Now, the video has made a return online, presenting fresh insights regarding the device and its gaming abilities.

    Key Features of RG Vita Pro

    The video’s title immediately dives into the specifics, indicating that the RG Vita Pro will feature dual operating systems. According to the video description, this device will come equipped with Android 14 alongside a 64-bit Linux OS. In contrast, the basic RG Vita model operates on a single OS and is pre-installed with Android 12.

    Gaming Performance Showcased

    In the video, the RG Vita Pro is demonstrated playing several games, including PS Vita favorites like One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2, Adventures of Mana, and Gravity Rush. It also runs Android titles such as Punishing: Gray Raven and Snowbreak: Containment Zone. Additionally, the handheld is capable of emulating classic PS2 games like Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Neo Contra, and Castlevania: Curse of Darkness.

    Retro and Streaming Capabilities

    Moreover, the Anbernic RG Vita Pro can emulate various older consoles, including the Nintendo Wii, 3DS, N64, and GameCube, as well as the PlayStation One and Sega Dreamcast. It also has the ability to stream games from a PC and can connect to an external display for multiplayer experiences.

    Anbernic has stated that the RG Vita Pro will be released soon, with details regarding pricing and availability set to be announced at that time. When it arrives, the device will feature a 5.5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, DisplayPort support (1080p), and a battery capacity of 5,000mAh. It will be offered in both Black and White color options.

    Anbernic on YouTube

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  • Ayaneo’s Affordable Handheld Update Leaks Before Official Reveal

    Ayaneo’s Affordable Handheld Update Leaks Before Official Reveal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo introduced the Pocket Air Mini as a budget-friendly handheld gaming device priced at $89.99.
    2. A special edition of the Pocket Air Mini, in partnership with B.Duck, is available on Amazon for $119.99.
    3. The B.Duck edition features a vibrant gradient yellow design with various texts and images.
    4. The B.Duck edition has 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the regular version is priced at $99.99.
    5. An official announcement for the B.Duck edition is expected soon, with hopes for a global release.

    Last year, Ayaneo introduced the Pocket Air Mini, which is a budget-friendly handheld gaming device featuring a 4:3 screen ratio. This retro-style console is currently the most affordable option from the brand, starting at $89.99. Now, just a few months after its launch, there’s a new version that’s come to light.

    Special Edition Unveiled

    The latest iteration of the Pocket Air Mini is a special edition created in partnership with B.Duck and is being sold on Amazon for $119.99. This isn’t the first time Ayaneo has teamed up with the Chinese brand; they previously released the Konkr Pocket Fit Elite B.Duck edition, which boasted 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage.

    Design Differences

    Unlike the Konkr Pocket Fit Elite B.Duck edition, known for its purple hue and graffiti-style writing, the Pocket Air Mini B.Duck edition sports a vibrant gradient yellow finish. According to a YouTube video from NITTRX, this handheld also showcases various texts and images throughout its design.

    The video further discloses that the B.Duck edition features 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The regular version with similar specs retails for $99.99, hence it’s uncertain whether the B.Duck edition will be priced higher or remain the same. Given the recent uptick in RAM and storage costs, a price increase seems probable.

    Official Launch Anticipation

    Though Ayaneo hasn’t made an official announcement about the device yet, it’s just a matter of time before they do. We can only hope that this version will be available worldwide rather than being limited to the Chinese market.

    NITTRX on YouTube

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