#handheld-gaming

#handheld-gaming

The library is impressively stacked. Over 200 video games from yester-year, spanning the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, and Atari 7800 along with Atari Arcade as well as Jaleco and PIKO platforms. Play titles like Breakout, PAC-MAN, Balls of Steel, Missile Command, Centipede, and Asteroids. They all come pre-loaded, no download necessary. It does state is has built-in Wi-Fi for easy updates, but it's unclear if that could mean more games added at some point in the future.

I generally like using the Peak Design backpack, except that bringing it on vacations means that I have to leave my handheld(s) at home. It's not wide enough to accommodate even the original Switch once things are stuffed into its side pockets. The Vortex 1.0, on the other hand, let me bring both my Switch 2 and Steam Deck, thanks to its two dedicated handheld sleeves. It's also wider and taller, which means its top zipper compartment can hold a 16-inch laptop and a tablet.

Ayaneo has been on top of its game lately with handhelds that serve every type of gamer who loves the freedom of mobility while gaming. Known for its premium handhelds that more often than not reach the $1,000 mark (or even cross it), the brand has something to offer its more budget-conscious gamer. Under the sub-brand KONKR, the Chinese brand has just teased the first-ever budget-friendly Android handheld, which most likely will be powered by the Snapdragon Elite 8 SoC.

Microsoft is creating a new "advanced shader delivery" feature for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds that might make loading games faster and more stutter-free. The company teased the upcoming feature alongside the announcement of the launch date for the first Xbox-branded handhelds and the company's new compatibility system for figuring out if games will run well on handhelds. It sounds like this new shader delivery system will require some amount of buy-in from developers, which means it likely won't impact every game at launch.

MSI's Claw 8 handheld features an eight-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering excellent visuals and smooth animations, outperforming the Steam Deck's display.

The PSP felt cooler than its competitors, thanks to its sleek graphics and focus on mature themes, appealing to teenagers seeking a more grown-up gaming experience.

This made the whole process a bit nerve-wracking, though in the end my save files made it through with flying colors.

The Backbone Pro promises quality handheld gaming with its advanced features, competing directly with dedicated consoles at a fraction of the price.

Windows is not designed for touch devices, which is especially evident on the Legion Go S, leading to frequent frustrations with the interface during usage.