So far, Nintendo Switch 2 mouse and keyboard support seems to be a mixed bag. However, upon launching Cyberpunk 2077 with the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 connected to the dock, my colleague Tabitha Baker found herself prowling the streets of Night City just like you would on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contenders like 🃏t💫he Steam Deck. Even 2.4GHz wireless dongles work alongside wired connectivity, which is a bonus considering we're talking about a home console.

Just keep in mind that Switch 2 Mouse Mode support is limited to a shortlist of games, and even those releases aren't guaranteed to also work with a gaming keyboard. That ultimately could crash my dreams of playing 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Metroid Prime 4: Beyond just like I would any other PC shooter, even though it'll 𝄹work using the new JoyCon setup.

The fact that Cyberpunk 2077 is also playable with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming mouse and keyboard setup on Xbox Series X/S means this could be a CD Projekt Red one-off. Again, you can't navigate the Switch 2 home screen using desktop peripherals, so it might be the case that USB accessory compatibility is down to individual develop𒉰ers.

Still, I'm pretty amused at the idea of the Switch 2 muscling in on a playstyle that used to be unique to desktop rigs and handheld gaming PCs. I'm picturing a world where I can use Nintendo's handheld to get my regularꦑ competitive Overwatch 2 sessions in using a mouse and keyboard while also hitting 1440p 120Hz thanks to the new portable's punchier performance.

Perhaps that's a pipedream, but I'll be joining the team in further testing Switch 2 mouse and keyboard compatibility in the weeks ahead. I'm not getting my hopes up, but maybe I'll have a reason to pitch up a second dock at my gaming desk connected to all my PC peripherals and even a webcam instead of a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 Camera soon.

Putting together a new setup? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories for new gadgets. You might also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs to treat yourself to a new screen.

Not to mention, this is a hotly anticipated war following on from the last console generation. The Nintendo Switch and the PS4 both became two of the best-selling game consoles of all time, so it's only natural that we size up the next era of hardware sales wars we'll be watching for the next couple of years. The PS5 has been on the shelves since 2020, so Nintendo has had nearly five years to watch on and prepare for🅺 the fight ahead. Of course, the PS5 was always going to be more powerful⭕ in terms of raw specs since it isn't trying to be something you take on the go.

But this isn't just a battle of raw specs. Game consoles today are pricey, especially if you have to balance their costs with rent, bills, food, pets, and even kids you're raising. The PS4 and the first Switch were a bit more affordable, which allowed more gamers to grab one of each after they had both been discounted. The PS5 and Switch 2 are both a bit more expensive, so you may find yourself choosing between one or the other. I'm here to break down the ❀pros and cons of each in all the separate categories that matter, so read on to get the fight underway.

Price

Since the first Nintendo Switch was the affordable kid on the console block, it's a little surprising to come straight out of the gate and realise that the PS5 is actually ahead of the Switch 2 in the pricing race. Sure, the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro do take over from the Switch 2 as a premium option, but if you're looking for either console as cheap as they come, the digital edition of the PS5 is cheaper than a Switꦦch 2. Moreover, the PS5 is older, which means it's more likely to get discounts more often. We've seen this in the past, and the record-low prices of both PS5 models can claim to be cheaper than the Switch 2.

This is a tough round to call, depending on what it is you're looking for from a console. The Switch 2 only has one edition so far, but it has a lot of versatility in its price tag. It's also cheaper than many of the opposing handhelds on the shelves with equivalent specs. The PS5's cheaper versions cut some of its versatility out, meaning if you want to play physical media, yo🍃u'll need to spend more.

Portability

This round goes the way you might expect, although it's not the clear-cut win that you might think. Certainly, since the first Switch launched, the PlayStation ecosystem has really upped its portable game to combat both the Switch's appeal and the growing 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld market.

The PS5 now has the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PlayStation Portal, which, although sold separately, does allow you to take your PS5 gaming sessions on the go. Thankfully, cloud streaming on it is now a thing, meaning you're not just limited to Remote Play for a PS5 that has to be on while you play in another room or when you're out and about. Not only do we have the PlayStation Portal, but Remote Play via one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best mobile controllers is also an amazing way to⛦ keep playing when you can't make it to the couch. It's annoying that PlayStation Plus doesn't have the same cloud streaming credentials as Xbox's Game Pa⛦ss, though.

As valiant an effort as that is, PS5 doesn't really stand up properly to the Switch 2 if you're looking for a truly versatile, from-the-ground-up portable experience. The Switch 2 is a handheld device first and foremost, so it's naturally going to win the port😼ability contest.𝓰 Just like the original Switch, the versatility here is almost unmatched, especially due to the detachable Joy-Con controllers.

Comfort

A few of these rounds come down to personal 𒆙pre💎ference, but maybe none more so than comfort.

Depending on what you prefer, the Switch 2 and PS5 can both be plenty comfortable to use in longer sessions. I'm going to say that for most people who want a traditional console-on-the-couch experience, the PS5 is going to be a better stay-at-home setup since that's what it's designed to do. At the same time, its controllers are a bit larger, they're more rounded, and thus far, there are more of them. If you prefer a heavier controller, the DualSense and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:DualSense Edge have a bit more substance to them, not least because of their haptic feedback and trigger re🔥sistance.

In handheld mode, the Switch 2's increased size over the original Switch makes it a bit easier to hold. Similarly, its new mattꦑe texture feels a bit more premium than the first Switch, but does make it a tad slippier. It does feel like Nintendo has mဣissed a trick in upgrading the comfort of Switch 2 when you compare it to the more recent handheld PC rivals it now faces on the shelves. Having some rounded grips, back buttons, or a slightly bulkier design may not be as appealing as the slimline design of the first console, but it'd make it a lot more comfortable to hold for longer periods of time.

It's also a shame that the Switch 2 kept its asymmetrical thumbstick layout, since this brought in some discomfort for people, namely, thumb cramps. The offset vs symmetrical thumbstick debate has been raging on for decades, so I'll let you decide what you prefer, but certainly in handheld devices, we've noticed that the more recent options like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nitro Deck+ and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Scuf Nomad, which have symmetrical sticks, are much more comfortabl✨🦋e.

Display

Since the PS5 doesn't actually have its own display, this is another comparison of apples and oranges. The Switch 2's enlarged display now supports 1080p resolution, which is more than the Steam Deck can say. It's an LCD, HDR-compatible screen that has a 120Hz refresh rate. That makes for some really smooth handheld gaming and gives some of the handheld gaming PCs like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X a run for their money.

In docked mode, things chan🅺ge, however, since the Switch 2 can only handle 4K 60fps, which is a bit limited compared to the PS5, which can boot 4K games out at your eyeballs at up to 120Hz, so long as you have a compatible display.

PS5 has more power under its hood, so for those looking to max out the visua🃏l fidelity that's possible on a console, the PS5 is the clear choice. However, in handheld mode, the Switch has an impressively vivid display despite not opting for an OLED panel.

Controls

Both consoles have their wins in this category. The Switch 2's controllers are versatile, probably more than any other gaming platform around today, if you don't count the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go. The Joy-Con 2 controllers are easy to use in handheld mode, in a more comfortable grip for a traditional gamepad feel, or to🎉 flip on their side, pass to a friend, and use in multiplayer. That versatility does put the PS5 to shame, since playing multiplayer will mean an additional purchase of a 𒁃separate controller, which doesn't come in the console's box.

The Switch 2 also has an official pro controller, and probably an accumulating line of officially licensed third-party contro✃llers in the pipeline. The offici♍al one has back buttons, but doesn't seem to change too much compared to the original Switch's Pro pad.

There's one big potential issue wi꧒th the Switch 2's ✅controls, though, and only time will tell if it's going to cause trouble this generation.

Nintendo hasn't been able to get the words "Hall Sensor" out of its mouth in the lead up to Swi🌌tch 2's launch, and that's not exactly encouraging when its last generation of controllers have been plagued by stick drift. Even if the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the official Pro Controller have been redesigned from the ground up, it's hard to imagi🤪ne that if Nintendo wasn't using a stick drift-immune technology here, it wouldn't make a show of it.

Then again, it's not as though the PS5's DualSense hasn't been plagued by this issue either. Fortunately, Sony's gamepad has a lot more goinꦗg for it in the way of haptic feedback and trigger resistance, which may not🍒 be as versatile as the Joy-Con's motion controls or funky new mouse controls, but certainly do a lot to ground you in virtual worlds when implemented properly.

Looking into the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 controllers, you can actually see plenty of versatility if you're willing to pay extra for it. There's the Access controller, there are guitar controllers, there's an upcoming fight stick, and there are excellent Esports controllers like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Victrix Pro BFG as well.

Connections

As you can see from the table above, the connection battle is pretty close between the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5. Honestly, this one might be a clear-cut draw, becaus⛦e even when you ta⭕ke accessory possibilities into account, both platforms have their strengths.

Potentially, PS5 does sneak past in this round thanks to its HDMI 2.1 compatibility, which allo♕ws for higher refresh rates at 4K. For the most part, however, this is a close call.

Games

Both the PS5 and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 feature backwards compatibilitಞy with their previous generations. The PS5 can play PS4 games, the Nintendo Switch 2 can play original Switch games. Both seem to have gone about this problem in similar ways, by making the large base of games compatible with the new-gen hardware, but by opting for paid "next-gen upgrades" for some of tဣhe heaviest hitters🔥.

There have been PS5 exclusives this generation, but Sony has put more of an emphasis on remasters and remakes, as well as third-party publishing and acquisitions for them to now call their own. From the standout first-party family that arguably won Sony the PS4 generation, things haven't been quite as exciting, and even Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War Ragnarok felt very similar to the last-gen entries wওe had seen already. Newcomers like Returnal and Helldivers 2 have been standouts, and we're still awaiting new work from Naughty Dog and Sucker Punch this generation. Remasters of Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us (parts 1 and 2), Days Gone, Demon Souls, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more have shown that Sony is happy riding on the coattails of its previous successes.

At the same time, its investment in live service has left ꧂a lot to be desired, with Concord being the biggest showing of how that's gone.

Switch 2 Editions of games like BOTW and TOTK seem to be taking a similar approach, and although we've started the generation off with Mario Kart World and the first 3D Donkey Kong game in decades, mainline Mario and Zelda games feel like they're missing from the l♔aunch lineup. These will undoubtedly arrive in the next few years, but it'll be interesting to🅘 see just how much onus is now going to be put on remaking what's come before with the Switch 2.

Something else to consider is that Sony has opened its doors this generation, bringing its new releases to PC players. It's very much following the footsteps of Xbox, which has made its games (even the supposed exclusives) available on everything with an internet connection. In fact, Nintendo now 🍎enters the fray as the last bastion of exclusive platforms in the games industry. It'll be interesting to see how that impacts the brand going forward, but it means that the Switch 2 is the only place you can play Nintendo games. If you want to play PS5 or Xbox games, you can play on a PC and not miss too much.

Remember also that both 🔯platforms have their online subscriptions. PS Plus gives you access to three free games♔ every month, as well as a catalog of classics and current-gen games to download and play. Switch, on the other hand, only gets you virtual console libraries from previous eras.

All told, this round has a lot that remains to be seen. It may well come down to the Switch 2's performance in third-party games. Third-party support for the 🌌PS5 is already set in stone at the moment for the majority of games that come out. The first Nintendo Switch started out great with its third-party support, but the limitations of its hardware let it down after a few years, with fewer and fewer demanding titles making the leap across to Nintendo's platform. Indie support, however, has always been good on the Switch, but the same is true of PS5 as well.

Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 was never going to be able to compete with the PS5 from aꦉ performance perspective. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on each one, side-by-side, reveals the weaker hardware at play from Nintendo. This is still impressive performance - the device is a fraction of the size of the PS5, and it's running a game🌱 that gave the PS4 some trouble just a few years ago.

If, however, you're looking for docked-only gameplay and want the best textures, most sophisticated raꦦy-tracing, and the highest quality distance rendering, the PS5 makes far more sense.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is still zippy in these harder performance tests - in fact, I've been surprised by just how smooth action feels in both handheld and docked m🎶odes. It's just not quite go♊t the power grunt behind it that the PS5 does.

In real-world terms, that means a drop in sharpness and detail, especially across more complex objects like faces and hair. The difference isn't as large as you might 𒐪expect from a handheld, but it's certainly still there.

Storage

The Switch 2 puts up a solid fight in this round thanks to its up to 2TB of additional storage, but the PS5 ha💮s storage supremacy thanks to its additional M.2 port. Even without💫 that, the close to 1TB of space you get out of the box means you have plenty of space for those beefy 4K game files.

That brilliantly integrated extra storage slot means you can put any Gen 4 SSD inside the PS5 and benefit from its loading times. Storage and fast loading times are one of the hills PS5 has always been willing to die on, so it's no surprise that this was a feature the brand wanted to ensure was there. With up to 8TB of extra space thanks to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best SSDs for PS5, Sony takes this round in a clear victory.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: which should you buy?

All in all, this is actually a pretty close race. In the end, it's going to come♕ down to you, what your playing habits are, and what games you simply can't do without.

If you play mainly on the go, or you just can't miss the next entries in some of Nintendo's biggest franchises, a Switch 2 is the only place you'll be able to get that truly portable experience you can take with y🀅ou. It's also the only place you'll be able to play those games because Nintendo refuses to move into the current era with the rest of the gaming industry.

If you mainly play at home but still want some portability options, the PS5 is going to be the better option. It has higher resolution and frame rate capabilities, more power under its hood, and has been designed as a home console more than a do-it-all and do-it-everywhere device. Moreover, if you want to ensure you have a gaming platform for all sorts of third-party games, and don't want to risk not having access to these titles (or not waiting a year or m✨ore for a seriously downgraded version), then the PS5 is your winner.

Luckily, both have their merits in terms of price, and there's a close call in many of the rounds we've listed above. Console gaming has two serious contenders with the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and in a few years, it'll be very intriguing to see how the two platforms sell against one another and 🅠compare to the succes๊ses of the PS4 and Switch race.

For more on Nintendo's new console, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch Vs Switch OLED.

If you're setting out to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy the Switch 2, or already have the (around $22.8🅷1) and manage to take up even less room. There aren't many third-party options at the likes of Amazon right now, but they will likely start to show up in the coming weeks and serve as satisfying space savers in yꦛour case.

On that note, even the slightly larger official Switch 2 power adapter is going to fit much nicer in travel cases. I reckon we might end up with slimmer zipper shells that'll accommodate the small brick too, and the Jsua൲x Carrying Case I have to hand right now just about has enough room for it. But, even if you opt for the lavishly large official Carry Case or launch things straight into your backpack, the brick's compact nature and removable cable are going to make things far easier.

I know, this is all super dull c🍌ompared to everything else the Switch 2 has to offer, but I'm pretty pleased with the new power brick and smaller third-party alternatives. I like to take handhelds with me regularly, and as someone who prefers to use the right adapter for each, I always found myself breaking that rule with the OG Switch due to its cumbersome nature.

It's worth highlighting too that if you already use a compact all-in-one charger dock like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Genki Covert Dock Mini, you'll curren🐲tly experienc♔e Switch 2 compatibility problems. My hardware accomplice Tabitha Baker says the gadget will seemingly only charge the handheld right now, but since the official adapter is around the same size, you at least won't have to wrestle with something as bulky as the OG plug.

Trying to decide if Ninty's console is the right call? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Steam Deck and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Switch OLED for side-by-side comparisons.

Just to be clear, while the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras use USB-C, you can use compatible USB-A webcams with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld. Everywhere you look online right now, you'll see the phrase USB-C hau♌nting the narrative, especially on Ninty's own site. Therefore, it feels only right to spread the word before any of you spend needlessly on adapters and different accessories.

So, why is Nintendo obsessed with telling you to use a USB-C camera? I'm guessing it's down to the fact you'll only be able to use USB-A accessories in docked mode without an adapter. This isn't the first time Nintendo has implied incompatibility via its guidance, as a few months ago it claimed your o🎀ld Switch HDMI cable "isn't compatible" with the Switch 2, which isn't fully true.

Of course, I don't want you to get too excited and just assume every webcam ever will work with the Switch 2. The laws of compatibility still apply, and there are even USB-C options like the monstrous Elgato Facecam Pro that aren't going to fly. Not that I'd ever suggest using a $300 piece of streaming gear just to add your disgruntled face to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Mario Kart World, but it does mean you'll need something that requires a little less USB powe༺꧟r.

I'm only at the start of my Switch 2 accessory testing journey, but so far, I've plugged in a few cameras. The general vibe is that sticking with something more traditional is more likely to yield success, and I was able to easily use my trusty old✱ Logitech C920 with th💃e console straight into the dock. Our very own Tabitha Baker has also tested the Logitech StreamCam out and managed to get it working just fine, just in case you have the fancier electric eye lying around.

Tha📖t being said, I do think it's worth keeping dedicated Switch 2 Cameras on your radar. While many of you may have grabbed a compatible webcam during the pandemic in the name of virtual socializing, I can see why fans of first-party accessories would want the real McCoy pitched up next to the handheld. Plus, third-party options like the HORI Piranah Plant are stinking cu🌳te and make for a pretty affordable alternative to the official add-on and desktop alternatives.

Trying to find the perfect portable? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintrendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Switch OLED for handheld comparisons. You'll want to swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers too if you're planning multiplayer sessions.

The world of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds has been dominated by two models for the last few years. We've already seen how the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck battle plays out, so I'm turning my attention to the best handheld PC on the market; the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally.

I first reviewed the ROG Ally back in 2023, and then took on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X just a year later. With their AMD Ryzen Z1E chips, full-sized controls, and chunkier form factor, they both offer a very different experiencဣe to Ninty's family-friendly console. Now that I've got the Nintendo Switch 2 firmly in my hands, I'm pitting it against the very system that saw its predecessor collecting dust on my sh🌠elf.

Price

There's a considerable jump in price between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally (and then again up to the X model), however there's a little more nuance to these num🌸bers as well. The Asus ROG Ally Z1E is no stran༺ger to sales, and it's dropped to $449.99 / £399.99 a few times in the last year. That's the same rate as the Switch 2 at launch (a set of numbers I don't expect to be falling any time soon).

If🍰 timed correctly, the Asus ROG Ally could be the same price as the Nintendo Switch 2 - though discounts are far less forgiving on the boosted X model. That's a $700 device even on sale and I haven't seen any price cuts in the UK at the time of writing. That price increase does come with sturdier specs and a sl♐ightly better design, but it's only going to make sense for a select number of players.

There's also a cheaper version of the Asus ROG Ally, with a Z1 rather than Z1E chipset. However, it's harder to find on the shelves these days and seems to be fading into the sunset now. If you do spot it, though, it's usually sitting at aꦏround $399.99 when on sale.

At full price, the Nintendo Switch 2 takes this one. It's $200 / £200 cheaper than the Asus ROG Ally Z1E, but it's well worth lo🐻oking out for discounts on the latter.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Portability

These are h🅰andhelds, so they need to be easily portable. Of the bunch, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the lightest and thinnest, measuring in at only 0.55-inches thick and weighing 535g. The Asus ROG Ally Z1E is considerably bulkier, and the Ally X slightly more so, at 1.28-inches and 1.45-inches respectively.

That means your case is going to be significantly larger if you opt for the Asus ROG Ally. I've been ꩵtransporting both, and it's much easier to squeeze Ninty's system into a backpack. Even a slimline fabric ROG Ally case is still bulky and heavy, whereas I can slip skinny Switch clamshell into even a smaller bag and still have space left over.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Comfort

The Nintendo Switch 2 is certainly far more comfoಞrtable than its predecessor, but it still sacrifices the extra grips of the Asus ROG Ally in favor of a slimmer form factor. That means it's lighter and easier on the wrists overall, but with smaller controls and less to hold onto I do still feel a slight cramp after longer play sessions.

This year's Joy-Con are taller, but they're not much wider. Pair that with the scaled-down face buttons and thumbsticks, compared to the full-sized iterations on the Ally, and l🧔arger hands will still struggle to stay relaxed during marathon runs.

The Asus ROG Ally is built more for ergonomic comfort than the Switch 2. It features large protruding grips around the rear that provide additional leverage and promote a more natural hand placement. These grips are coated with a textured surface for a more precise hold, whereas Nintendo's device is completely matte. One isn't necessarily better than ꦗthe other, this is largely down to personal preference. I much prefer the softer feel of the Switch 2 compared to the original console, but it can feel a little slippery compared to the rougher surface of the Ally.

The s🌠lanted edges around the front are also more gentle on the palms compared to the completely flat Joy-Co🌃n 2. I still find the corners of Nintendo's controllers can dig into my hands after a bit, whereas I've never experienced the issue on the Ally.

Nintendo wins in weight. ♊If you're holding the device in the air, rather t💫han resting it on your lap or a table, the additional heft of Asus's handheld does make itself known. Overall, however, this one goes to the PC.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Display

On paper, the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally have very similar displays. They're both 1080p LCDs running at 120Hz, though there's a 0.9-inch size difference. Overall, Ninty's pulled this one off particula🀅rly well.

The Switch 2's panel isn't as bight as the Ally's 500 nits, but it does come with HDR support. Asus's display is crisp, sharp, and has excellent range, but side by side there's a little more pop in Nintendo's display (notab꧑ly more so in games like Cyberpunk 2077 with HDR switched off) - even if the Asus is a little sharper on occasion.

Despite only hitting the shelves a couple of years ago,𓄧 Asus's device suffers from fairly large bezels around the display itself. It's a factor that can make the Ally feel a little outdated and, while the Switch 2 still keeps similar bezels in play, the larger panel makes it a little easier to forgive.

It should also be noted, a🎐nd I'll get into this more later in the Performance section, that both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Ally can output at 4K 60Hz when connected to a compatible display. The diffeꦅrence is the Ally is a PC and the Switch will have games specifically optimized for this level of resolution. You'll have a much easier time getting your games looking good on a 4K gaming monitor with the Nintendo Switch 2 to hand.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Battery

It's undeniable that the Nintendo Switch 2 has a weaker battery than the Asus ROG Ally (and a much smaller one compared to the X). That's not the full story, though. Yes, at 5,220mAh (and running at 3.7v), you're not even getting half the WHr size of the Ally in the Switch 2 - a🍨nd yet the device's actual runtime ea♍sily keeps up.

That's because the Ally🍌 is working much harder to play its games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a heavily opti🙈mized device, as most consoles are. That means the titles you're playing have been built for your system - even ports are re-jiggled to run well on the handheld. PCs like the Asus ROG Ally live in a wild west where different games have different system requirements and optimal settings.

🎉A more demanding game could run your Ally charge down to zero in as little as an hour, but a lighter title on the right power preset could have you playing for up to six. The story is 🌠similar on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a tie between these two handhelds.

That's where the Ally X🔴 comes in. This upgraded model comes with a monster battery at 80WHrs. Suddenl𓂃y your heaviest games can last from three hours - the longest stretch I've managed to squeeze out of this handheld is 8.5 hours. That's two hours more than the Switch 2, with the handheld doing significantly more work during that time.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally X

Controls

This is a tight one. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a lot going for it from a control perspective; detachable Joy-Con make multiplayer sessions a breeze, the new mouse sensor offers inbuilt precision, and the improved rumble is far more nuanced than Asus's. However, the Ally benefits from full-sized thumbsticks and face buttons, additional programmable paddles 🦋on the back, and a𒁃 far more sophisticated d-pad.

There's a battle here between functionality and quality. The Nintendo Switch 2 can do more, but the Asus ROG Ally feels much better doing less. I'm far more precise with my aiming and movement when using Asus's taller thumbsticks (ဣand even better on the X where they feel much tighter), and directional inputs are more comfortable with the full d-pad.

No, you can't remove one side of it and use it as a pointer but the Asus ROG Ally can easily connect to any 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:wireless gaming mouse you've got for a, potentially, mu🌠ch better experience in🎃stead.

At the end of the day, I prefer Asus's controls for single-play🍨er adventures and online multiplayer. They're more comfortable and more precise at the same time. However, if you know you're going to be prioritizing couch co-op gameplay the additional features of the Joy-Con 2 will prevail.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Connections

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Asus🧜 ROG Ally X both have two USB-C ports, perfect for those who use wireless accessories via 2.4GHz receivers and still want to keep their handhelds plug𝓀ged in. The regular Ally Z1E, however, only has one USB-C connection.

That's the only major difference between the two handhelds' port selections. The Asus ROG Ally does feature a proprietary connection for its own XG Mobile eGPU hub, but that's an incredibly expensive add꧅-on that very few will be looking to purchase. If you've got an exﷺtra few grand to play with, though, you can add RTX 4090-level performance to your Ally via this port.

The Switch 2's second USB😼-C port clinches this one.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Games

Settle in, this is a complicated one.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is far more powerful than its predecessor, which means more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 4 are coming to the system. That opens the Switch library considerably, blockbuster releases have a much higher chance of also landing on the Switch 2 than they did the original model. Not only that, but you will only be able to play first-party (and some third-party) ꦡNintendo Switch games on the system itself - Ninty is hard on its own exclusivity.

That leaves the Asus ROG Ally in an interesting position. This is a full Windows PC, so you can run anything you could on a laptop or desktop on here (in theory). That's a much bigger library, pretty muc🦂h everything (outside of those aforementioned exclusives, as welꦆl as those of the PS5) can be played on this device in some form.

You're also not beholden to one eShop here. Rather than living by Nintendo's prices, you can shop ❀around between Stꦆeam, Epic, and other launchers.

Similarly, the ROG Ally has one final trick up its sleeve; Game Pass. Love itꦛ or hate it, Microsoft's subscription service is the best-value way to play new and old releases if you're not building a physical collection. A massive catalog of blockbusters and a healthy roster of day one releases means this is a fantastic tool in the arsenal of any Asus ROG Ally owner.

If you're a Nintendo fan you'll want to prioritize those first-party exclusives, if you're a gaming fan looking for one device to play a much wider range of releases, the Asus ROG Ally is a much better pick. The Switch 2 is promising better Tri🔥ple-A compatibility, but nothing is concrete until it's out on the digital shelves.

For a better picture of the difference between the platforms, I've collected every game featured in this year's The Game Awards nominations and compared platform availability between the two. Compatibility is only ticked if there is an officially confirmed version of the game heading to Nintendo Switch 2.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Performance

The Asus ROG Ally is a PC, but it's not going to give you conventional PC performance. Yes, it's an efficient 🔯system and it's run nearly every game I've tried on it comfortably (the ROG Ally X is a particularly potent beast), but there are more steps to getting that frame-perfect experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 picks up its new resolution and sprints wi൲th it. This is a seriously impressive achievement considering the size of the device and while the final result isn't quite as texturally sound as you'll see in lower resolutions on the Ally it's still a smooth, enjoyable experience.

The Asus ROG Ally can run in 4K, but it generally prefers not to. The X model is far better suited to this kind 🗹of high-resolution gaming, with its boosted RAM, but you're still restricted to lighter games. Cyberpunk 2077 could never.

Nintendo is running a c﷽ustom Nvidia chip inside its new handheld, whereas the Asus ROG Ally is a full AMD build. The performance of that Z1 Extreme chip puts it at the top of the current handheld PC market, out-gunning cheaper options like the Steam Deck easily.

It's likely that Nintendo is relying on Nvidia's own DLSS upscaling tech to keep its 4K 120fps promise, whereas the Asus ROG Ally uses AMD's FSR kit. Both a similar in their framerate-boos꧙ting capabilities, but both also leave behind their own visual defects from time to time.

In my testing of Cyberpunk 2077 so far, the Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch 2 have played to different strengths. The Switch is much smoother, with no screen tearing and very very few judders. Textures and lighting are generally similar between the two, with both taki🐟ng a heavy drop during faster gameplay moments. However, the Ally has a crisper level of detail on its visuals than the Switch 2 - most notable around character faces. That's running the Asus ROG Ally on Steam Deck graphical settings, things are a lot choppier once you start moving into full RT offerings.

The Asus ROG Ally is capable of more thaꦉn the Nintendo Switch 2 is, but you'll need to jump through more hoops to get there. That could even things up, if it weren't for the Asus ROG Ally X. With a massive 24GB of faster 7500MHz RAM, this is where true framerate chasers need to be looking.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally X

Storage

The Nintendo Switch 2 has seen a massive increase in storage this generation, upping the Switch OLED's 64GB to an excellent 256GB starting position. That's still half of the 512GB SSD inside the Asus ROG Ally, though, and a quarter of the 1TB Ally X. Those numbers aren't to be taken a🦂t face value, though, th𒁏e runway you've actually got from those drives differs.

That's because game sizes are on the up. While original Switch games may have taken up a few gigabytes, Cyberpunk 2077 will require⛄ around 60GB of space. As Nintendo starts taking on these chunkier games, the Switch 2's built in storage is going to suffer just as much as its predecessor did. These are PC-sized game files, and even the Asus ROG Ally struggles with doub💎le the space.

Both devices are upgradeable, with the Switch 2 only accepting MicroSD Express cards and the All💙y offering a swappable internal SSD and extra storage via a MicroSD as well. While it's a big leap in sheer size, Asus still wins this competition.

Winner: Asus ROG Ally

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Asus ROG ꧅Ally: which should you bu﷽y?

Nintendo wins out in price, portability, displaꦛy, and connections, while Asus takes the lead in comfort, batte❀ry, controls, games, storage, and overall performance. That doesn't mean everyone should be flocking to the Ally, though.

The console experience is still very different to that of a PC, even in 2025. Driver patches, graphical settings, and varying system compatibility among games mean handheld PCs are still far from the slick, streamlined experiences of a purpose-built operating system. The Nintendo Switch 2 is much more pleasant to use outside of actual gaming. You know the games you buy will run, you don't hav𓆉e to dig through updates and settings menus to get them going perfectly♐.

If you're buying for younger kids or you simply want fewer barriers between you and your games, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the better buy. If you're looking to play all the latest and greatest games on one portabl🐈e device, though, Asus is still going to be your best friend.

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if:

Buy the Asus ROG Ally if:

You can find out exactly 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 with our launch day live reporting, or check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express cards available now. I've also been refereeing the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED battle as well.

However, there are some benefits to consider. That OLED display doesn't just improve color contrast, it also contributes to a much larger battery life, plus the age of Ninty's predecessor means it's considerably cheaper than the 2025 release. The improvements in the Switch 2 make it the superior handheld overall, but if you're looking to spend as little as possible while still enjoying Nintendo's original catalog, the OLED does still have its moments. It's been one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds for the last couple of ye♐ars for a reason, 🦩after all.

I've put the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 against🐽 the Nintendo Switch OLED head to head, to see ex🥀actly what that extra $100 gets you in the new device.

Price

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches at a $100 / £86 price increase over the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch OLED, but that's not the full story. With the new model landing on the shelves, the older device is seeing some particularly heavy discounts. The lowest those price cuts have taken us is $299.99 in the US and just £ꦇ239.99 in the UK. That's a price difference of $150 and £156.

If you're going for the lowest price possible, thꦆe Nintendo Switch OLED wins this one - especiall𒈔y considering there are only a handful of Switch 2-exclusive titles available at launch.

The value of those price tags may well change as Ninty's library fills with Switch 2-only titles, but for now the Switch OLED has the better rate. After all, you're getting a much more powerful console, new mouse features, and a better docked experience. Until then you'll mostly be playing the games you could play on the older device, ju𝓡st souped-up a little.

Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED

Comfort

Despite looking and⛎ feeling a lot more svelte, the Nintendo Switch 2 is actually the same thickness as the Nintendo Switch OLED. That's🎀 both a good and bad thing.

It's still the slimmest handheld on the market, making it easily portable even in smaller bags. However, those with larger hands may still struggle to feel truly comfortable during longer play sessions on either device. The lack of chunkier grips around the back (which you'll find on both the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally) forces the hands to hold both the Switch 2 and Switch OLED in a flat position. Throw in smaller controls and you'll be stretching those palms out regularly d🌳uring marathon runs.

There are two other💞 arenas where these handhelds battle it out, though; weight and surface material.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is heavier than the OLED, but I haven't noticed any additional strain during my testing sessions so far. It feels denser and more substantial, but the extra 115g isn't getting in the way of play either on my lap or held in the air. It could still prove troublesome if you struggle in a handheld position, though. The Nintendo Switch OLED is lighter and ♔shorter than the Switch 2, which means it's easier to hit the +/- buttons and sideways Joy-Con action is less of a stretch as well.

However, the slightly stickier plastic surface makes for a less comfortable experience overall. The matte finish on the Nintendo Switch 2 feels fantastic in the hands. It's more slippery, yes, but there's still enough grip to mai🐭ntain a stur🍒dy position during gameplay and I've noticed significantly less irritation on my palms so far.

So, the Switch 2 is heavier but m✤uch better feeling while the Switch OLED is lighter and easier to reach all your controls if you have smaller hands. ⛦Overall, the new model wins out in this race.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Display

There's so much more to🐻 the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED display debate than the type of panel used. The new model drops us back to an LED screen, a move that many decried as a downgrade from the OLED model. In a way, it is. You won't get the pop of color c🌸ontrast or the dark, inky blacks of the previous device on the 2025 release, and that is noticeable in everyday use.

However, LED panels have come a long way even in the last few years. I came to the Nintendo Switch 2 expecting a washed out experience compared to the OLED I've been using for the last few years, but I was pleasantly surprised by the vividness of this display. No, it's not got t🥀he contrast of an OLED - and brighter momen𒈔ts don't quite pop in the same way against dark backgrounds.

H🎃owever, there's excellent color reproducti𓆏on in here, even if HDR is washing out scenes in my early testing.

That's not even mentioning the boost up to 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Nintendo Switch OLED caps out at 720p in handheld mode, only jumping to 1080p when docked. The new Nintendo Switch 2 looks far crisper on the handheld screen itself, and ramps all the wa♓y up to 4K when docked. The difference is pretty night and day, from finer details like the clear stitching on Mario's overalls in Mario Kart World to sharper landscape scenes and more defined objects in the distance.

A🎶ll those sharper, more detailed images run𝓀 much smoother across the screen as well. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, double that of the 60Hz Switch OLED. Both are still comfortable for the human eye, but the new device gives you a little extra time to react in smaller ways and keeps faster action looking slick as well.

All that takes place on a larger 7.9-inch panel, a consideܫrable upgrade that feels far more immersive in the hands than the original's 7 inches.

Yes, you're dropping the contrast and blacks of the OLED panel, but I'll take a larger screen with a higher r♕esolution image and better motion handling any day.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Battery

The Nintendo Sw🍸itch OLED may have a smaller 4,310mAh battery, but its display is far more efficient. That means it can more than double the Nintendo Switch 2's minimum runtime on more demanding games, reaching all the way up to 9 hours max compared to the Switch 2's 6.5.

The newer handheld is doing a lot more under the hood, with a more power-intensive screen, so that smaller battery is inevitably going to drain quicker. I🌜f you're going for longevity, you're better off sticking with the Switch OLED.

Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED

Controls

The new Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a refreshed set of Joy-Con. These gamepads are taller, covered in the same matte finish as the tablet, and pack a wholeꦍ host of new features. It's not all upgrades, though. I'm finding that the larger height of the controllers themselves make for a harder time finding buttons towards the top, and when playing horizontally (particularly on the right pad) the thumbstick is even more of a stretch to reach.

Still, that's about the only feather in the Switch OLED's cap. These෴ are new and improved 🐻in every other way.

The biggest new addition is the mouse sensor 𝔉hidden away in the magnetic connection on each side. This opens you up to far more precise controls in certain games, with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond seeing the biggest benefits in my preview testing. The Nintendo Switch OLED keeps you stuck with a set of relatively imprecise thumbsticks, more cumbersome than the snappier sticks of the Pro Controller or even third party alternatives.

That's not all, ꦗthe Nintendo Switch 2 also comes with enhanced HD Rumble 2 for a far more nuanced feel overall. Side by side, the difference is pretty impressive - there's more tu෴ning to the newer device. It's not necessarily a more powerful set of motors, but they're far more nimble and the result makes for a detailed feeling overall.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Connections

There's only one difference betwee🍒n the ports on the Nintendo Switch 2 vs the Nintendo Switch OLED, and it comes in the form of an extra USB-C at the top. That's enough to seal the deal, though, keeping everything you need to charge your device, connect wirelessly over Bluetooth, and still have access to an additional accessory connection at the same time.

It's a small addition, but excellent for quality of life - especially if you use one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming headsets with your handheld. I've been using the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Kraken V4 to test the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, and have been able to keep it plugged into the top port while keeping the battery charged up underneath as well. Of course, it can also be used to connect extra devi꧟ces while the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked as well.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Games

At the time of writing there are just a handful of Nintendo Switch 2 launch exclusives that can't be played on the Nintendo Switch OLED. Obviously, however, that roster is going to grow pretty quickဣly.

There are a few original Nintendo Switch games that the Switch 2 can't play, and more that you'll need a set of classic Joy-Con for, but overall the new device is going to have a much larger library than💦 the original. It can play pretty much everything the 🐓Switch OLED can plus its own catalog. Not only that, but with update patches and full Switch 2 Edition upgrades, existing titles run better as well.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Performance

The Nintendo Switch OLED brought no performance upgrades over the original Switch system, a device that launched way back in 2017. That means we were well overdue an upgrade when the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced. Now that we've got both in-hand, it's obvious what we were missing out o🃏n.

We still don't know exactly what's powering the Nintendo Switch 2, but it makes some clever plays with AI upscal👍ing, raw power enhancements, and a vastly improved screen to offer a far more capable device overall. It's running Cybe🐼rpunk 2077, for crying out loud.

Yes, it's not exactly offering up a PC-like experience in CD Projekt Red's blockbuster, there are a few textures going awry, a couple of stutters, and some fading at the edges. This is a tiny device, though, outputting at 4K resolution w♚ithout breaking a sweat. That's some serious engineering.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is faster in its processing and load times, while being capable of rend🦹ering much further into the distance at higher resolutions and with better motion smoothing. It's capable of ray tracing and motion syncing with Nvidia G-Sync, with 12GB RAM under the hood. That's a far more powerful device than the Nintendo Switch OLED.

There's a but here. I have noticed in my testing that the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't use those game updates (the free ones, not the Upgrade Packs) to bump up resolutions to 1080p when running Nintendo Switch 1 games. That means you're still playing at 720p in han🔯dheld mode, even if the title supports 1080p docked play.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Storage

The Nintendo Switch OLED shipped with 64GB of internal storage, ꦦunbelievably an upgrade from the original system's 32GB. Nintendo has upped that again this time around, ﷺquadrupling storage up to 256GB.

Importantly, though, some of that space is taken up by the system's own operating functions, whereas this was completely partitioned on the older device. That'♐s not going to make much of a difference, but it does mean that you'll have slightly less than 256GB to play with on day one.

At first sight, it might look like you won't even need to use the expandable storage tray. After all, many were content with a 256GB MicroSD card in the Switch OLED - we're getting that straight out the box. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of running much bigger games and there's only s♋o much optimizing Ninty can do. Game sizes are growing c🍰onsiderably for this system, which means you'll still need to add some extra space.

The Nintendo Switch 2 supports much faster MicroSD Express cards, but isn't compatible with the cheaper versions used by the Switch OLED. The OLED does have some figh📖t in this battle, but ultimately it has to go to the new𒈔 contender.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch OLED: which should you buy﷽?

The benefits of the Nintendo S🅰witch 2 are obvious. The handheld features a far more powerful internal system, with countless upgrades to performance overall while also improving overall form factor and desi꧂gn, display resolution and speed, and storage capacity. That's without even considering the new mouse controls and GameChat features, or the compatibility with both the original Switch library and new releases.

That extra $100 is well worth spending if you🥀're after the best performance on the best display, but if you're just looki🧔ng to experience older games for the first time without investing too much cash the Switch OLED still holds up. You can save plenty of cash and still have access to most of the same games folks will be playing on the Switch 2 anyway, all while bumping up your battery life and grabbing better contrast in that OLED panel as well.

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if:

Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED if:

I'm also comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Asus ROG Ally and we've been busy with our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck debate as well. If you're already set on your new device, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories on the market.

Ninty frames GameChat as a main reason to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:buy the Nintendo Switch 2, but I'll forgive you for wondering what it'll bring to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld. Just like Discord, Xbox Party Chat, or Parties on PS5, GameChat is designed to be the console's ♕central social hub. Not only will it save you from using the Nintendo App on your phone for chatting - it's also a way to share real-time gameplay with your friends.

I'v꧟e been using Nintendo consoles since the glory days of the SNES, and GameChat feels like a bold step in the future for Nintendo. If you've just picked up the handheld, or you're planning on in the future, you'll no doubt be wondering how the feature actually works, what you'll n𒆙eed to access it, and any potential caveats, and I'm here to tell you every vital detail.

What is Switch 2 GameChat?

Making its debut alongside the Switch 2, GameChat is a new console feature that will allow you to voice chat with up to 12 other players while gaming on the handheld. The app will also let you stream your gameplay to four players in real-time, broadcast yourself using a compatible USB-C camera, o𒊎r both.

The latter element works a bit like using a green screen on Twitch or the faux feature available on apps like TikTok. Effectively, the Switch 2 will take a cutout of your body and layer it on top of whatever game you're playing at the time. You'll be able to switch to other ba༺ckdrops or simply stream your footage too, like a traditional webcam, but the core idea is that you'll be able to do a Zoom-esque call using video chat and gameplay.

Streaming gameplay ties into Switch 2 GameShare, an additional feature that'll let your friends virtually join your session using one game💜 copy. At the moment, th💞ere are only six games that support over-the-net multiplayer, but more favorites should gain compatibility over time.

How to use Switch 2 GameChat

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a built-in microphone, so you'll be able to use GameChat out the box. You will naturally also need an internet connection, but Ninty is offeri🍎ng up the service to everyone for free until March 31, 2026, so you won't need a Nintendo Online subscription straight away.

To use the video elements of GameChat, you will need a compatible USB-C webcam. While Nintendo has its own first-party Switch 2 Camera, you'll actually be able to use a whole hos🎉t of different options, inꦉcluding existing desktop PC peripherals and new third-party options.

To check compatibility, you'll have to connect your chosen webcam ꦫusing USB-C and press the "Test USB Camera" button within the system settings menu. In theory, most options should work, but there are some that will require𝄹 more power and bandwidth than the handheld can provide via its ports.

To access GameChat on the Switch 2, you can either press the 'C' button on the new right-hand JoyCon or Pro Controller or select✅ the app on the home screen. The latter will help you still create and join group sessions, but the dedicated gamepad toggle will let you instantly jump in while running a game.

Upon entering GameChat, you'll be prompted to invite friends to join your gro🌞u𒈔p. The app will show you a list of friends who are available to join your session, but you'll also have the option to add players using 'chat history' by hitting the X button. That will then send an invite to your chosen pals, allowing them to join by hitting that aforementioned 'C' toggle on Switch 2 controllers.

Once the session has started, you'll have access to a nav-bar of options that'll let you ♈enable your microphone, connected USB camera, and screen sharing. The latter two features are available in groups of four, whereas you'll be able to use voice chat with up to 12 players.

Each player will get their own box along the bottom of the screen that'll display webcam and gameplay footage if 💖active. Your own broadcast will feature in a larger window at the top, but if you do want a closer look at what your pals are up to in-game, or just want to look at their gorgeous faces, you can press on each box using the 'A' button to expand things.

Switch 2 GameChat Verification

If you aren't showing up ꩵon your friend's Switch 2 GameChat screen, or you can't find your pals listed, you might have to verify your Nintendo account. To do so, you'll have to link a phone number to your profile and authenticate using SMS u💙sing the following steps:

• Sign in to your Nintendo account at
• Select Nintendo Accounts Overview
• Press Account Settings, then Sign-in and security settings
• Navigate to Phone Number, then click edit
• If prompted, verify your email address using a generated code
• When asked, double-check your area code and enter your phone number
• Wait for the code via SMS and use it to verify your number

Yourꦕ account will not be verified by SMS, which should, in turn, make your account visible to other Switch 2 GameChat users. Your friends will also have to do this to ꦛjoin your sessions and invite you to groups, so you'll want to carry out the above steps before you get your handheld.

Just got hold of Ninty's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch accessories for a range of compatible add-ons. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck if you're trying to find the perfect portable pal.

Officially announced at Computex 2025, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM will pair the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme with similar specs to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:MSI Claw 8 AI+. That means you're getting an 8-inch 120Hz 1920 x 1200 display, up to 24GB LPDDR5 RAM, 🔥and a 1T𓃲B M.2 SSD. Just like before, you'll also (for better or for worse) have Windows 11 at your fingertips and various other perks like two Thunderbolt USB-C ports and a set of 2W speakers.

The new Claw is♔ available in white or lime green, and there are subtle differences compared to the 8 AI+. In a sense, the A8 BZ2EM look💃s like a cross between the last release and MSI's devut device, but I suspect the form factor will be dictated by design changes to accommodate the new Ryzen chipset within.

If you're a big fan of the current 8-inch handheld, you'll be pleased to hear a🌼 new MSI Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest edition is on the way, too. The company says the "dual launch empowers gamers with the freedom to choose between AMD and Intel," which isn't too dissimilar to shopping for a gaming laptop.

However, the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest is more than a way to keep Intel involved. The new colorway features a white shell with a "glittering UV coating," which should help it stand out far more than the beige Sandstorm model currently available.𒁏 The new edition also features a beefier 2TB SSD, so you'll have reason to grab one beyond the prဣomised Twilight vampire aesthetics.

There's🔜 no word on pricing yet for any of the three new Claw models, but I'd brace yourself for some eye-watering tags. The non-glittery Claw 8 AI+ currently costs despite originally arriving with a $899 price tag, and I wouldn't be surprised if the new Ryzen Z2 Extreme flavors stick with a similar figure.

Intel vs AMD: Which handheld should you go for?

AMD has been dominating the gaming handheld battlefield lately, but Intel is finally gaining some ground. Not only does the MSI Claw 8 AI+ wield an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip that can outpace frontrunners like the Asus ROG Ally, but it's not too far behind punchy premium portables like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Zotac Zone and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS.

It's also worth noting that while "next-gen" AMD competitors like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S are already available, they're currently armed with an underwhelming Ryzen Z2 GO chip. That particular portable only boosts fps to around the same level as a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, meaning you'll actually൲ get better peꦡrformance out of older Ryzen Z1 Extreme models.

That saꦿid, I am expecting the Ryzen Z2 Extreme to set a new bar for the generation ahead. The chip features 8 cores and 16 threads, just like the Z1E before it, but ramps up its graphics core count to 16. It also uses a hybrid Strix Point architectu✅re that taps into Zen 5 capabilities to enhance power efficiency, hopefully contributing to better battery life.

Based purely on specs, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme theoretically has an edge over the Ultra 7 258V. Intel's chip is armed with 8 cores and threads, and its 4.8GHz boostꦏ clock is just slightly lower than AMD's 5GHz ceiling. What I will s💎ay is that benchmarks can paint a completely different performance picture, and I could end up seeing better results on the "lower spec" chip depending on specific game compatibility.

It's well worth noting that while both Intel and AMD have upscaling techniques up their sleeves, Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds could end up with FSR 4 support. The red team's answer to DLSS promises to harness AI-accelerated abilities like Frame Generation, which could make a dramatic difference to game spꦏeeds.

Put it this way, many players out there will have grabbed a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order purely based on the fact that it can run Cyberpunk 2077. That's something it can pull off thanks to Nvidia's DLSS AI upscaling tricks, and if new portable PCs gain access to the same kind of Frame Generation as new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:graphics cards, we could be looking at devices that'll make playing at well over 60fps with fewer caveats🀅 a reality.

With all that in mind, here's my TLDR: if you want a premium portable that can outpace current contenders like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go, the Intel-based MSI Claw 8 AI+ has you covered. If you're not too fussed about high-end performance, you'll be able to save some cash by sticking with the Steam Deck OLED or even the newer Legion Go S🌱.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for handy add-ons. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for portable powerhouse systems with more oomph.

Over at Best Buy, the Lenovo Legion Go S has dipped , meaning it's now the same price as the base SteamOS model. The $130 discount brings the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender to a new record low, but rather th🍰an focusing on the fact it's never been cheaper, I want you to step back and look at the specs for a moment.

Unlike the SteamOS version, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Windows 11 Lenovo Legion Go S is only available in one pricey flavor in the US. It usually retails for $729.99, but that's because it's packing 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD. Is that overkill since the handheld uses a Ryzen Z2 Go chip that struggles against the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally? Absolutely, but the current discount means you're paying the same as you🧸 would for the ও16GB / 512GB SteamOS edition.

It's safe to say I have beef with the Legion G S due to its mismatched specs, but I actually have extremely mixed feelings about this handheld. They say beauty lies within, but in the case of this portable PC, I lovℱe the changes Lenovo has made to its latest device.

Unlike the OG 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go, y🌟ou're getting an all-in-one design that ditches the detachable TrueStrike controllers for a much nicer integrated gamepad setup. The shell itself is far curvier, making for a far more comfortable gaming experience, and the build quality feels far more solid compared to the hollow feel of the 2023 model.

By ditching some of the arguably more gimmicky JoyCon-inspired traits, Lenovo also makes room for some useful features. The Legion Go S packs adjustable triggers that will help you switch to clicky hair presses on the fly, and that ca🐽n make playing some games on the handheld far more effective.

I'm also glad that Lenovo has armed the Legion Go S with an 8-inch 120Hz 1200p display this time around, as that screen feels like a far better fit for a handheld. Sure, you could say the OG's 1600p 144Hz screen will be useful in older releases, but it still feels ambitious since even powerful handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Zotac Zone and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:MSI Claw 8 AI+ struggle to maintain 60fps in the latest outings⭕.

I will admit that even at under $600, the Legion Go S is a bit of a hard sell next to the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. Lenovo has really nailed the physical side of things this time around, but performance is a bit of a sore spot for the portable sincꦺe Valve's cheaper contender isn't miles behind in benchmark tests. We're talking a few frames of a difference in Cyberpunk 2077, which, in the words of Shania Twain, don't impress me much.

That said, I can absolutely see this specific beefier version of the Legion Go S serving as a beefier alternative to the Steam Deck for players with extra cash to spend. The extra RAM might not feel that beneficial in handheld play, but if you're planning to consolize things using a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck dock🎶, it will ultimately help you boost fps at higher res𒀰olutions.

Not only are you going to have an easier time meeting system requirements, but games that are glutenous for memory will give you a slightly easier time. I've tested dozens of tiny rigs at this stage, and if there's one apparent thing, it's that extra RAM aids stability when aiming for low-spec 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV play.

Of course, I am skirting around one of this Legion Go S model's inherent flaws - it uses Windows 11. I've said this a million times, but Microsoft's operating system is a blessing♚ and a curse since it offers up storefront versatility at the expense of usability. It simply just isn't as optimised for handhelds as SteamOS, and if you don't want even slight PC vibes cramping y🍰our sessions, I can see why you'd want to wait for Lenovo's Valve-infused version.

Thankfully, you don't have to buy a specific version to actually embrace SteamOS, as you can on the Windows 11 model. I'd absolutely recommend doing this with the currently discounted 32GB / 1TB variant rather than paying the same price for lower specs and Valve's operating system baked in, and there's nothing stopping you from reverting back if you want easy access to Xbox Game Pass and t🅘he Epic Game Store.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories for handy add-ons. If you're looking for a portable rig, you'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for beefier systems with larger screens.

If the new Claw 8 AI+ is indeed a reincarnated white wizard, then that probably makes the original MSI Claw Gandalf the Grey. I could get even more unbearably metaphorical by saying it died battling the Balrog (an indu🐻stry filled with fierce Ryzen Z1 Extreme rivals) so that the latest revision could enter the scene with a bang. It’s simply a more refined version that packs the right punch and wears a new 8-inch display, and that hel🍬ps better justify its $900 / £899 price tag.

At the same time, I still think MSI’s premium asking price is a bit of an issue. You’re at least getting something that places a decent performance gap between the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally, sure, but the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld battlefield will get a little bloody once the Nintendo Switch 2 drops. I’m not saying you should be comparing a pricey portabl꧋e PC to a mainstream console, but it certainly makes the conversation spicier.

Design

As the name implies, 🧸the Claw 8 AI+ is larger than its predecessor since it weilds an 8-inch 1200p 120Hz display. So, it’s not quite as large as the Lenovo Legion Go, but this has ultimately helped MSI stick to sensible design principles and protect important ergonomic factors. In other words, this device still 🍒feels like a handheld while offering up more screen space, and that’s quite an impressive feat.

MSI’s new handheld also has a new getup to match its size, which in turn helps it beat the “just a goth Asus ROG Ally” allegations. New “Sandstorm” coverings at the front that give it a two-tone effect, making for a nice change from most black and while ♓options out there. Other than that, most of the other differences apply to the back, with some slightly different ventilation grills and tweaked back buttons that ditch the weird point angles in the name of flatter comfort.

The face buttons, D-pad, menu toggles, and RGB-accented sticks are all pretty much the same as last time. That’s not necessarily a good thing since the directional pad is a bit of a nightmare and features very little pivot that’s further hindered by its convex cross-shape. The A and B buttons are also precariously close to the curvature of the body, which results in a bit of a slippery feel. But the rest of the controls are pretty serviceable, and they’re not much💃 of a departure fro꧟m the standards set by the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

I’m pretty surprised at just how similar the Claw 8 AI+ is to the original design-wise, especi🉐ally since it’s rocking that larger screen. Scaling devices up without adding way more bulk or placing things differently is a skill, one that MSI has made sure to fully leverage when reimagining its first concept.

Features

As the handheld gaming PC scene matures, there are a few staple features that are becoming commonplace. Just like the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S, the Claw 8 AI+ has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports at the 🔥top for charging and connecting other peripherals. Having a spare connector will potentially save you from me🐽ssing with Steam Deck docks, depending on your setup, as you’ll still be able to connect the 65W charger and output to an external display.

Under the hood, you’re getting a few premium extras too. Hardly surprising given that this handheld costs $900 / £899, but that does at least translate to anti-drift hall-effect joysticks, a fingerprint sensor for extra security. What I will say is that the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Zotac Zone is starting to look a bit more like a lavish buy since it coಌmeꦰs armed with pro-controller elements like adjustable triggers and customizable thumbstick dials, and it does feel a bit like you’re paying a premium for specs rather than features here.

Not that I’m mad about the Claw 8 AI+ boasting a 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD alongside its new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip. In fact, I’d rather pay more for raw performance than portable parlor tricks, especially since in this instance they result in a handheld worth buying. It also proves that there wasn’t much wrong with the o👍riginal Claw beyond underwhelming performance levels, and it should be a sign to portable PC makers to be more careful about specs pairings.

That said, the caveat currently haunting every handheld PC like this is Windows 11. Sure, the plus is that you’re getting the versatility of a full-blown rig and can jump into virtually any storefront you like from the get-go, whether that means downloading Game Pass newbies, grabbing Epic Game Store freebies, or tackling your Steam backlog. However, the optimization just isn’t there, and until Microsoft decides to finally throw us a handheld-friendly version of its operating system, the experience is going to feel like a🐼n awkwardly shaped tablet.

MSI, like every other handheld maker out there, includes management software to soothe Windows 11 wounds. The included Centre M app isn’t terrible by any means, and I’ve certainly experienced worse alternatives to SteamOS. What I will say is that it does feel aꦉs much like a middleman as every other variant out there, and it actually just uses the Xbox overlay for quick settings rather than its own tailored menu. This approach means you’re missing out on a streamlined way to access settings in a console-like way.

Performance

2025 is actually off to a weird start when it comes to handheld performance. The Lenovo Legion Go S was technically the first “next-gen” portable to arrive on the scene, but rather than pushing frame rates to new heights, it instead offers up an fps range comparable to the Steam Deck OLED. So, you can imagine my delight when 𒁏I discovered𒁃 that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ actually provides the sort of boost I’m craving from new devices, which is surprising since we’re talking about an Intel chipset.

Starting off with my usual trip to Night City, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ handles Cyberpunk 2077 respectably. Again, I was looking for performance that outpaces the Ryzen Z1 Extreme since that chip represents top-end mainstr🍸eam handheld performance. Thankfully, Intel’s APU doesn’t remotely disappoint when paired with 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, as the handheld hits a 40fps average at 1080p with low settings enabled. That’s before we even get to upscaling assistance, as you’ll gain more frames by leveraging XeSS or even FSR where available.

Hitman 3 paints a similar performance picture, as the Claw 8 AI+ hits around 43fps at 1080p. It certainly fee💜ls like there’s some headroom to play around with settings and even crank resolutions up to 1200p here, and that’s novel if you’re currently using something like the Steam Deck. At the same time, 800p is going to scale nicely on a screen at this resolution, and that’ll mean hitting even higher frame rates

In my go-to test games, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ sits behind the Zotac Zone, but there’s not too💙 wide a gap between the two handhelds. It’s certainly not as big𒊎 a difference as with the first Claw, as that seemed to stand in the same ring as the Steam Deck. Although at 1080p, the Zone’s Ryzen 7 8840U APU still sits a bit ahead of the Ultra 7 258V, so Intel hasn’t quite managed to beat AMD.

It's also worth noting that while the Zone packs a slightly harder punch thanks to the Ryzen 7 8840U, it's not really available to buy in the US. It's easy enough to find in the UK, but the fact that the Claw 8 AI+ is readily available works in its favor, especially when your other opt🃏ion is the Asus ROG Ally X.

I find that with handheld PCs, even marginal frame boosts can make all the difference. Getting big new releases to feel smooth on portable devices takes a lot of sacrifice, and when you’re paying next to a grand for a premium machine, there’s an expectation that there will be fewer trade-ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚoffs. That’s exactly what I was looking for in the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and i🐓t thankfully (and perhaps surprisingly) rises to the challenge in even new shooters like DOOM: The Dark Ages.

The Doomslayer’s third outing makes 🤡for quite a nice test scenario, and I had a lovely time smashing through hordes of hell using the Claw 8 AI+. In terms of feel, the handheld provides a nice set of controls that are easy on the palms o𓂃ver longer sessions and aren’t cumbersome despite framing an 8-inch screen. The triggers handle as nicely as a regular gamepad, and the travel is just right for preventing weird off-balance presses.

Running The Dark Ages on a handheld is ambitious, no matter what you’re using. That is to say you won’t be hitting near 60fps most of the time. What you will get, though, is a perfectly playable 30fps experience with some dips here and th🥀ere. XeSS in performance mode helps the Intel chip 🦄keep frame rates relatively stable without damaging the visual experience too much, as does FSR, and you’re ultimately getting a portable that can run a 2025 shooter with heavy-duty visual effects built in.

Of course, pushing a handheld 🅰in this manner🌃 is going to give battery life a kicking. Under load, the 80Wh battery was able to keep ticking for over two hours, which is largely in line with devices like the ROG Ally X. Of course, if you play something a little less demanding, or just scoot around Windows 11 in between sessions, you’ll run for much longer.

Should you buy the MSI Claw 8 AI+?

The Claw 8 AI+ is a high-spec handheld second wind for MSI, and the 8-inch portable is one of the best premium handhelds out there right n🍎ow. The portable’s new Intel chip packs the sort of punch I’m looking for in 2025 compared to existing Ryzen Z1 Extreme options, and while it could end up being outpaced by proper next-gen contenders when they eventually arrive, nice extras like an 8-inch 1200p screen, hall effect joysticks, and🍌 beefier specs make this a fierce alternative to the Asus ROG Ally X.

That said, $9💧00 / £899 is a pretty big ask, especially since the Nintendo Switch 2 is inbound with Nvid﷽ia DLSS tricks that make playing Cyberpunk 2077 possible. Naturally, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is for players who care more about proper native performance and elevated visual settings, but it does hammer home the fact that portable PCs can be an expensive niche that aren’t priced to take on mainstream handheld consoles or offer up better value.

I also want to stress that if the Zotac Zone were available in the US, I'd be tempted to recommend it to premium players instead. That AMD Ryzen 7 8840U chipset goes the extra mile in terms of raw frame rates, and extras like the adjustable triggers and an OLED display make it a nice pick for near $1,000. But alas, it's only seemingly available in Europe and the UK, so unless you reside there, I'd look to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ for the same k🍨ind of cash.

How I tested the MSI Claw 8 AI+

For two weeks, I put the MSI Claw 8 AI+ through its paces in several test scenarios involving games like Cyber🍨punk 2077, Hitman 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Doom: The Dark Ages. Throughout testing, I also assessed the controller's features like integrated controls and connectivity, as well as took note of aspects like battery life and average frame rates to compare performance to similar portableꦰs.

For more information on how we test gaming handhelds, take a peek at our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

I'm of the belief that anything is better so long as it glows in the dark, but I did grow up in the 90s, where having a glowing solar system stuck on your ceiling was the epitome of cool. But, one of the most annoying issues of anything glow-in-the-dark was ensuring it charged up properly.

Dbrand has thought of that, and every Glowbot order comes with a free UV light. So you can charge it up without having to hold up your pricey tech to the light in your living room like I had to back in the day.

This "HD remaster" of the original skin collection, as Dbrand puts it, is available but only for a limited time. So if you're desperate to make your gaming setup look like it crawled out of Fallout 4, you need to be quick. You have until May 23 at 12:01 AM EST to grab one for your PS5, smartphone, laptop, iPad, Steam Deck, or Nintendo Switch, and they're only available through the official Dbrand storefront.

The good news is that this release ties into a Dbrand sale, and you can already secure 11% 🧔off whatever Glowbot skin you have your heart set on. There's a lot range of discounts available in what they're calling "The Big Short Sale," which includes 50% off its iconic Darkplate PS5 covers, 40% off Killswitch cases, and more.

If you don't want to cover up your precious console, picking up one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 controllers, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox Series X controllers, or the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Nintendo Switch controllers can help give it a well-needed boost.

Highlighted by , the 𒉰Xbox handheld ima🗹ges and details come courtesy of an FCC listing linked to Indonesian device certification. The images reveal two different colorways and partial specs for the portables, with the black version sporting a new Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and a chonky 64GB RAM setup.

In keeping with the Xbox Series X and S, the white version appears to feature dialled-back specs. It will allegedly wield a custom AMD Ryzen Aerith Plus APU (a successor to the one within the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED), meaning it'll likely enter the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld ring as a budget contender ().

I'm not entirely surprised by the above specs, especially since they use the same two-tier approach as Microsoft's current console range. What I am more curious about (and admittedly worried) is the Xbox handheld's form factor, as both flavors feel closer in design to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PlayStation Portal.

Earlier this year, Asus shared a teaser for its next portable PC, and it heavily hinted at a collaboration with Microsoft. The clip shows a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Raikiri Pro controller being fused with an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally to make what coul🍷d be interpreted as an Xbox handheld, and theꦬ leaked photos appear to have taken that literally.

Rather than just using elements of the Raikiri Pro like buttons an🍸d sticks, the leaked Xbox handheld also features prominent grips at the back, just like the PlayStation Portal. That makes the devices look more like an elongated controller with a screen in the middle, but since we're talking about a full-blown portable PC, there's naturally more bulk at the back.

Other than a dedicated Xbox button on the left-hand side that's obscured in the photos, and some appropriately colorful buttons on the white version, the ROG handhelds feel very much like Ally variants. The leak doesn't provide a glimpse of the devices switched on, so we'll need to wait to see if they'll boast a custom operating system or a handheld-friendly version of Windows. That could make all the difference, especially if Microsoft wants to sway console fans eyeing up 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for a selection of portable powerhouses.

I grew up during a time when “portable” TVs were all the rage, and that was really just shorthand for a heavy CRT with a handle. So, even though 24.5 inches feels absurd, I’m going to argue the Umax 24 is still a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best portable monitor contender. No, it’s not going to slide into the laptop compartment of your tech bag, and it uses its own carry case, 🐠but it’s still a 1440p 165ꦍHz display that is way easier to take with you than a desktop model.

The catch? Well, slimming down a QHD display like this isn’t cheap, as the Umax ♐24 will set you back $459.99 / £462 at full price direct (also available ). At first, that MSRP did give me the ic♐k, but now that I’ve spent some good quality time beaming its visual into my eyeballs, I’m not entirely offended by the price tag. Still, it’s anything but affordable, and it’s an investment that isn’t going to suit every player universally.

Design

I hope you like big rectangles, cause that’s effectively what the Uperfect Umax 24 is. I guess that’s only a half-joke since when you’re trying to make a 24-5-inch 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming monitor po🌊rtable, it makes sense to forgo anything style elements that will add bulk in the name of aesthetics. Plus, if I’m being real with you, almost every screen to release these days is merely a thin frame around a panel, so most of the fair ends up partying a🃏round the back.

I’ll give Uperfect their due, the Umax 24’s bezel is pretty thin. You’d think a 24.5-inch screen with no real booty would need some thick edges to 🀅accommodate its guts. But nope, the borders are respectably slimline and don’t really distract from the panel. I would have honestly given the display a bit more of a pass if it happened to add som🌳e width to its perimeter, so I’m happy with what has actually been achieved.

Circling back to that aforementioned party, the back consists of a slightly raised bottom that keeps the ports and buttons to the sides. Again, I fully expected Uperfect to need more space for the internals of this screen, but instead it has Tetris’d everything into a 0.63-inch-thick ꧂body. Ultimately, it’s by keeping things this thin that the Umax manages to earn portable monitor status despite being pretty massive.

On the left side, you’ll have access to two USB-C ports, one of 🅘which you’ll use to power things, and a mini HDMI. It’s perhaps down to your own personal preferences whether having cables firing out the side is an ick or🌱 not, but the solution is to use some ring-angled adapters.

The OSD buttons live on the right, and while the metal toggles are sli👍ghtly cheap and rattly, they’re miles better than what I’d had to use with other portable screens. There’s a bit of a trend of cheaper display makers using a pivoting wheel for moving up and down, and my thumbs are still trying to get over the pain of the che❀ap plastic.

By separating each button, Uperfect has at least made it so you don’t have to deal with all-in-one solutions that feel far worse and can lead to frustrating mispresses. My biggest gripe here is that there’s no ൲visible labling on them to actively tell you what you’re pressing, and while I get that printing symbols🐼 would look garish, I’d have taken even some embossed hints.

Rather than having to figure out how to prop this massive screen up or ma🍰ke use of its VESA mount on the back, you’ll be ab♚le to use its built-in kickstand. It’s pretty simple since it consists of a rectangular metal frame on a hinge, but it feels solid enough to get the job done. I’ve moved it back and forth to try and get a sense of whether it’ll slacken off over time, something that could cause absolute havoc, but it feels like it’d take a lot to make it loose.

Features

In 2025, QHD moni🌄tors aren’t remotely unique, and with the likes of the Sony Inzone M10S hitting up to 480Hz, lower refresh rates don’t impress me much. Okay, I’ll quit it with the Shania Twain while I’m ahead, but my point is that while I wouldn’t normally consider a 1440p 165Hz screen to be impressive, it becomes something special once you squeeze it into a lightweight package. In case it wasn♎’t clear, that’s exactly what the Uperfect Umax 24 is doing.

At smaller sizes, I’d argue you don’t really need 1440p to have a good time. But, since the Umax 24 dares to push the portable bar to 24.5 inches, I can see why Uperfect decided to go with a QHD panel. It would have still looked dense enough at a sensible distance even at 1080p, but if you do envision yourself sitting quite close to it in the future, playing something like Metroid Prime 4 on the Switch 2, it’ll look pretty crisp.

The Umax 24 comes armed with a USB-C with Alt DisplayPort functionality, so it’ll be perfect for handhelds and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming laptops. You’re sadly, but perhaps understandably for weight reasons, not getting a built-in battery here, but the very nature of the setup means you’ll be able to either power the screen usജing your chosen device, its power adapter, or even a power bank.

More 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handhelds than ever are starting to include more than one 🌃USB-C port for chargingꦚ, including the Switch 2, and that will allow you to make something of an interlinked setup. Rather than having separate chargers going into the screen and your device, you can instead feed the latter with an adapter, then use the secondary port to connect to the screen. Provided you’re using an adapter with a beefy enough wattage, that will allow you to keep everything powered to minimise wires, and some power banks could even keep you running without an outlet (albeit for an hour or two at most).

Since mini HDMI is also an option, this screen can also technically serve as a PS5 monitor. You’ll be capped at 144Hz since it’s 2.0, b𝔉ut that’s more than enough to enjoy console shooters at 120fps. Naturally, using Sony’s system or a Xbox Series X is going to hamper the portable side of this display, but if you’re the type of player who’s tempted to grab a PlayStation Portal just so you can play while someone else uses the T🍨V, perhaps a slimline 24-inch monitor is a better living room solution.

If you’re really looking for somཧething that keeps the need for additional wires and extras at bay, you’ll be thrilled to hear the Umax 24 has built-in speakers. They’re not remotely punchy, and the 1W set might ꦡstruggle to cut through noisy environments. That said, they’re perfectly serviceable if you just need to hear what’s going on or you’re pitched up somewhere without hussle and bustle. Let’s face it, no one at your local coffee shop wants to hear characters shouting nonsense in Mario Kart anyway.

Performance

I’ve spent a couple of weeks using the Umax 24 with handhelds and consoles, and while I was originally sceptical about its size, it’s safe to say this massive portable monitor is useful. This is a screen that’s designed to ♐help you feel like you’re using an ordinary display while away fro🐼m your desk, and while there are drawbacks tied to its portability, they’re outweighed by the panel’s pure versatility.

I’ll get some of the cons out of the way first since they’re pretty straightforward. The first drawback I noticed upon firing up the panel settings need a lot of manual tweaking out of th🐓e box. In Cyberpunk 2077, default contrast levels really didn’t get along with the neon-soaked gloom of Night City, but I was able to make things a little easier on the eyes by cranking up contrast, playing around with black levels and saturation, and ensuring that HDR is firmly off.

Technically, this screen has an HDR mode, you’ll want to leave it off in most scenarios. The Umax 24 doesn’t have the brightness to back up its supposed High Dynamic Range abilities, and using them risks undesirable contrast levels. Don’t get me wrong, the feature might prove useful depending on the game, as the Switch 2 might have good optimisation for lower HDR brightness since Mario Kart World will take full advantage of it in handheld mode, but that remains to be seen♚.

My other reservation is that balancing settings on the Umax 24 in general can be tricky. To help the panel look its best in all scenarios, you might have to use different levels each time, and the built-in presets don’t set things exactly how I’d prefer them. You’re more likely to notice this when jumping from a darker environment to somewhere more vibrant, as if you’ve been messing withౠ the contrast dial, things might look a little oversaturated.

Alright, let’s talk positives, as the Umax 24 has a lot to offer players looking for portability. First off, this is a pretty crispy QHD screen, and 1440p looks nice and sharp across 24 inches. If you’re using a handheld like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, demanding RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 aren’t going to look fantastic since FSR and lowered settings will make things look grainy. But, the second you switch to something♉ lighter like Tomb Raider Trilogy or an indie that can run at native resolution without compromise, you’re cooking.

I’m actually already excited about using the Umax 24 with the Switch 2 since it feels like such a good match for the OG version. I’ve spent some time playing Marioꦬ Kart 8 and other Ninty outings on this panel, and I’m pretty surprised at how well it scales to 1440p. Colors are all respectable, although of course a little muted compared to OLED screens, but there’s nothing that screams “I’m just a wee portable monitor with limited abilities” going on. Simply put, I’d just assume this was an ordinary desktop display if it were mounted to a ped꧋estal stand.

Please don’t roll your eyes when I say 👍this, but I’m a big sucker for the whole “cosy gaming” aethstetic. You know, the thing that’s purely vibes based that is a phenomenon on Tiktok and Instagram? I’m fully invested in that. The Umax 24 seems to be too since it’s practically serving as a proper gaming screen you can pitch up anywhere, including on your bed with cute blankets and cups of tea. Yes, I’ve been spending a lot of time t🐈ackling my Steam backlog doing just that, playing everything from the Runescape-inspired, bug-themed RPG FlyKnight to Disco Elysium and Stardew Valley.

At the same time, I wouldn’t remotely grumble if I had to use the Umax 24 as my main display. It hits many of the same notes as other IPS QHD panels, and slimming things down doesn’t notably impact vibrancy. Brightness is the only pitfall that really stands out, but the gap between this portable monitor and a 1440p conte♋nder like the Lenovo Legion R27qe isn’t massive enough for me to care.

I’m also a big fan of the Umax 24’s 165Hz abilities, even if I wouldn’t use this portable monitor for proper competitive gaming. It’s going to feel slick enough in ordinary adventures, and I’d happily play a few rounds of Overwatch 2 on this screen. However, response times sit around 10ms, 🍸which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for super reactive results when they matter most.

Let’s be fair, though – if you need that level of competitive performance, you’ll likely be using a gaming laptop with a display tailored to those needs. Portable monitors, especially models that dare to hit 24 inches, are better suited to both general use and secondary play. The fact you can hit 1440p 165Hz on this panel is impressive enough, and while there are more responsive options out there, like the Asus ROG Strix, you’ll be paying the same price for a 17-iꦓnch screen and still only get 3ms as a result. For context, the fastest OLED panels tend to hit 0.03ms, so the tradeoff isn’t quite getting you to an esports sweet s🅺pot.

Should you buy the Uperfect Umax 24?

The idea of a 24.5-inch portable monitor may sound daft, but the Uperfect Umax 24 uses its large stature to serve as a versatile gaming screen. While it’s not small enough to slot neatly into the laptop compartment in your bag, bringing this display with you in its carry case isn’t going to weigh you down, and its USB-C c𓃲apabilities mean you can get away with using a single power adapter or power bank.

Naturally, the Umax makes some compromises to achieve a slim body, but it’s all in the name of being both low powered while still providing impressive QHD 165Hz visuals. What I will say is that since it costs $459.99 / £462, you’l꧒l want to think carefully about whether you need a screen this size for taking on the go or if a much cheaper alternative with basic specs will do the trick.

Will other smaller portable monitors pull off the same moves as a multiplayer Mario Kart screen over the summer? I’m not convinced, but if you’ve not got any big plans for a lightweight screen, keeping costs down mak🌳es sense.

How I tested the Uperfect Umax 24

Over the course of two weekꦜs, I used the Uperfect Umax 24 to play games using the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and a desktop gaming PC. During that time, I spent time using everything from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to Cyberpunk 2077 and lighter indie games to test the panels 1440p 165Hz capabilities while assessing the screen’s fidelity, colors, responsiveness, and brightness. I also spent considerable time testing the portable monitor in realistic scenarios🃏 so as to check its usability and built quality.

For more information on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we test gaming monitors, swing by our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Ironically, by proclaiming that almost every internet-connected device is part of its ecosystem, Microsoft still has me asking, "What actually is an Xbox?" Yes, it's a console like the Series X or S that can run Microsoft's games natively, but at the same 🌃time, even if we ignore the idea of running the system's library using cloud shenanigans, I can install and run every 𓆏new Xbox game on a handheld or a PC.

Prior to Microsoft's price increases, I merely put the decision to launch games simultaneously on console and PC for the greater good of versatility. However, now that the cheapest MS box, the Series S, costs $380, it now feels like a direct reason to pick up something like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED instead. Simply put, if everything is an Xbox, then you're arguably better off buying anything other than the box.

Portable PCs are becoming better Valve Xbox alternatives

Before I pitch the idea of buying a handheld exclusively for Xbox games, I want to clarify that the Series S is still relevant. As much as Microsoft wants to boldly claim that everything is part of its ecosystem, that's not strictly true unless you're exclusively talking about Game P✤ass. By sticking with an actual console, you're getting a level of backwards compatibility and optimization for new games that just isn't the same when taking💜 a DIY approach on PC, even the company's app does have provisions for bridging the gap.

That said, if you boil down the core point of an Xbox in 2025 to being able to play new games on day one, gaming handhelds boast a better value proposition. Yes, the Series S still has a better chance at running any recent releases at a better frame rate and resolution, but with some tweaks, the Steam Deck will provide playable results and provide portable freedom for $10 less than Microsoft's system.

Frankly, I think it's bananas that a handheld can remotely keep up with a current-gen system. That's before we even start to explore the slightly more expensive Asus ROG Ally and future handhelds that will raise the portable performance bar even further. If you're big into performance metrics and squeez🥃ing the best frame rates out of your hardware, there is still room to argue in fav🐲or of a Series S, but to everyday players, the gap might not even be that significant.

This actually became crystal clear to me a few weeks ago, when my partner and I decided to start playing Split Fiction. As an experiment, I actually decided to install the game on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo mini PC AM02 - a tiny rig I 🌃keep in my living room that's armꦗed with the same AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS chipset as many handhelds.

To my complete amusement, I was able to run the chaotic sci-fi co-op caper at 1080p 60fps without any major visual drawbacks, and my other half figured I was using an Xbox since I was using the console's wireless controllers. The tiny machine boasts roughly the same performance levels as a ROG Ally, so you're talking about a setup that could match the experience as the Series S for not that much more if you pair it with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck dock.

Before running to your keyboard to shout at me, I know this isn't going to apply to every ga✤me. Optimisation is still a huge issue with any PC based machine, and the limited specs of handhelds and mini PCs can be a massive drawback. Still, all it might take is a new generation of devices kitted out with new Ryzen chips with FSR 4 AI upscaling abilities to clear the hurdle, and at that point, there will be fewer reasons than ever to buy a Series S.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is creeping in

It's easy to forget that Microsoft wants players to start playing Xbox games via the cloud. You could say that's why it's pointing at everything from Fire TV sticks to lightweight handhelds and saying, "this is an Xbox," since not having to buy an expensive system increases its chances of🌃 gett𝔍ing you to subscribe.

I'm still not convinced that tactic will entice players to completely switch to cloud gaming, and I really still view it as a secondary experimental way to access your library. But, if people end up pric♏ed out of buying a new console, it's easy to see why they'd tu🎃rn to using cheaper devices to stream new releases as a last resort, broadband reliability be damned.

Hilariously, that means handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Logitech G Cloud, a system I honestly used to think was a hard sell, is actually quite attractive compared to the Series S. Right now, you can grab the streaming device for , and if you're🥂 planning on just playing using that side of Game Pass anyway, i♚t'll mean getting it for $105 less than a Series S.

Look, I'm not saying the G Cloud is going to provide a better experience than the Series S. I'd still rather use Microsoft's cheapest Xbox to install games and ꧙dabble with streaming if it takes my fancy. However, that doesn't change the fact that cheaper systems like this that are built for cloud gaming are hovering above the price-hiked system like versatile vultures primed to pinch players.

Will your next Xbox be a handheld? Probably

It might sound like I'm saying Microsoft is going to lose Xbox fans to handheld makers due to the price hike. And, in reality, they are, but they're also herding players towards the same waters it'🌌s about to jump into.

Microsoft has all but confirmed that it's making a handheld of some kind. At the moment, it looks like it'll be a collaborative effort between MS and Asus oꦦn something that looks like a ROG Ally but smells like an Xbox, and the main reason for that team-up is to gain Game Pass subscribers.

Simply put, if you buy a ROG Ally now instead of waiting for the "Xbox handheld," Microsoft still has a chance of getting you on Game Pass. I mean, we're liv🔯ing in a time where you can now buy exclusives like Forza on PS5, so the idea that the primary focus is services rather than specific hardware makes sense.

However, if it did have a preference for your device of choice, especially if you'd have previously bought a Series S, it'd𒆙 probably be a Windows handheld. Keep in mind that the Nintendo Switch 2 is about to enter the scene with a bang, and its portable play becomes more desirable than ever, the last thing Microsoft will want is to be tethered to a living room setup.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for useful add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for alternative mobile rigs.

In case you weren't aware, Amazon is holding a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Gaming Week sale, and while it feels like the retailer is holding a discount event every other week, it has chopped the Syntech 6-in-1 'Mini Dock' for Prime members. Not only is it one of my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock picks, but it'll norꦜmall🧜y set you back $41.99, so the 29% saving is worth jumping on.

It might be one of the cheapest docks right now, but 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Syntech's 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock still packs everything you'll need for that "✅we have a Switch 2 at home" experience. Practically, all you really need is an HDMI output and a few USB ports to replicate Nintendo's hybrid functionality, and while you won't be getting the same slidey cradle connectivit🦩y since Valve's design requires a cable up top, the setup is going to feel very similar.

The Syntech 6-in-1 is specifically armed with three USB 3.0 ports, that aforementioned HDMI 2.0 port, and gigabit ethernet. That's actually better connectivity than you're getting with the Switch 2, which makes sense given it's worth pairing handheld PCs with a mouse, keyboard, and controller. I'd argue if you stick with the Steam Deck, you'll only need a gamepad, but adding more peripherals will make things m💙ore flexible.

That said, I want to clarify a few things before you start gloating to your friends who grabbed a Switch 2 pre-order over a Valve's handheld and a dock. For starters, Nintendo's handheld is designed to hit 4K 60fps in games using Nvidia DLSS. If you use something like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, that's going to b༒e near impossible in most new releases or something, and Cyberpunk 2077 is a struggle at 1080p.

The good news is that Syntech's dock is going to work with most of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds out there. Depending on the portable PC you choose, you could actually better match the abilities of the Switch 2 and create something that can run games at 4K. That's probably going to be more likely once options packing newer AMD APUs and FSR 4 abilities drop, but you'll still get some nice results out of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw 8.

At the same time, Valve's SteamOS is a big draw if you're looking for a console feel. Windows 11 is somewhat of a nightmare when it comes to handheld navigation, and it's not much better when paired with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:PC controller. I tend to use Steam Big Picture whenever using port🌄ables with the operating system, but even then, it only takes onܫe desktop intrusion to break through and require mouse and keyboard intervention.

I've tested dozens of Steam Deck docks at this point, and the Syntech 6-in-1 feels like the best fit for TV setups. The puck-shaped body means you won't have to reach round back for quick USB access, and it's low profile enough to not upset others who aren't into living room gadgets. If you're looking for my favorite docking station overall, though, you'll want to go straight for the Baseus 6-in-1. That hub has an adjust๊able cradle and fantastic 🐈build quality, and it'll even fold flat for when you're travelling.

My personal preferences aside, the Syntech 6-in-1 is a great place to start with consolizing y𒉰our Steam Deck for under $30. Are you still going to get Switch FOMO? Probably. Will you be able to play tons of games using a controller, some of which will be on Ninty's new system? Absolutely.

Looking for more handheld gadgets? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories. You might also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles if you crave something specifically for classic gaming.

At Amazon, you can still grab the Super Pocket , and the newer Technos flavor is actually going . That's remarkably cheap for a best gaming handheld contender that has access to over 500 Evercade games, and the fact that you'll be paying more than that for a copy of Mario Kart World with your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 pre-order really puts the value into context.

The bad news is that while US players seeking a pint-size way to revisit retro consoles can current grab the Super Pocket for under $60, that could soon change. A few Amazon listings claim to only have 17 left in stock, and with other retailers 🧜like Funstock pausing Evercade orders in response to evolving US tariffs, and the company itself highlighting that cart prices are going up, replenished handheld stock is at risk of costing more.

Blaze is a UK company, so that theoretically means the 10% tariff on goods coming into the US will apply. Therefore, if sellers import the Super Pocket that way, it could mean the handheld will cost around $66. That's admittedly a really basic way to look at꧂ it, since the charges have wide spanning implications across the board, and I'd use that figure more as the minimum things could jump 🎀up to.

It's worth noting that the US tariffs are affecting more than just potentially the Super Pocket. Anbernic, the minds behind affordable handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:RG35XX Plus and RG28XX recently shared that it'd be suspending all shipments from China to the US. Effectively, every company has usually relies on importing stock now has to figure out how the situation will affect pricing, and new MSRPs could completely change the landsca🌱pe.

Pricing aside, the Super Pocket really packs a remarkable experience into a fantastically small shell. Unlike the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Evercade EXP, Blaze's budget handheld is a console with Game Boy vibes, so it's best suited to running arcade outings and console capers that require just a D-pad and a few buttons. That's not to say it can't do more, though, as thanks to new Giga carts, you're now able to play the likes of Tomb Raiderဣ and The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.

I want to stress that while the Super Pocket is a budget handheld, Blaze hasn't skimped on specs and build quality. Granted, a few of my friends have raised an eyebrow a🌳t the slightly "Fisher-Price" feel of the console's plastic. But, I actually think that adds to the charm since each colorway is visually bold, and the shell used is solid.

You're also getting modern connivences blended in with the Super Pocket's old school aesthetic. The 2.🐻8-inch IPS screen is appropriately low res, but it's also bright enough to help classics look crisp at 320 x 240. Rather than using AA batteries like an original Game Boy, you're also getting a USB-C charging port that will help you juice things up for around 4 hours gameplay.

That might not sound like much, but I left one of the consoles in my backpack back in January and it's still alive and kicking. Plus, it's far longer than something like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED can run👍, even if handheld PCs aren't quite the same thing.

It'd be weird if there wasn't any caveats with the Super Pocket give its price, and I do have a few. For starters, this is an emulation device, but ಞsince it uses carts rather than ROMs, you won't have access to emulator settings. You also won't be able to use your own backups, which is part of what makes this console wonderfully simple but also a bit of a drawback.

This isn't the first time I've shouted about the Super Pocket on the internet, nor will it be the last. However, now꧅ feels like a good time to point players looking for a cheap retro gaming gadget or a gift for someone who loves old consoles, as I'm not sure if it'll be available for under $60 when current supplies run out.

Already got Valve's portable? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for something with more oomph.

Before you get the wrong idea, this isn’t a call to drop your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order for a Switch Lite instead. That’d be slightly bananas given there’s a massive performance gap between the two portables, not to mention Ninty’s latest system rivals the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds. The point I’m really itching to make is that the 2019 console is remarkably small for something that will run plenty of the same games as t💞he newcomer.

Granted, you’ll miss out on biggies like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza if you stick with the Switch Lite or any of Ninty’s OG handhelds. It’s also just sensible to pick up a Switch 2 if new outings ar꧙e a priority, since that’s the whole point of buying a new-gen system. However, there are plenty of you out there who are going to be happier playing games on a much cosier console that costs half the price and embraces simplicity at its core.

A pocket portal to Nintendo worlds old and new

If you’ve never held a Switch Lite, you might not be aware of how adorably small it actually is. Not only is it only 8.2 inches wide, but it pretty much occupies the same footprint as the Swi♎tch 2’s 7.9-inch LCD scr🍨een.

Ju𝕴st think about that for a second – we’re talking about a handheld that will actually fit in most larger pockets and can run Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Yes, I’m fully aware that the Switch 2 is going to take performance to a different l🍸evel and add all sorts of fancy new details.

While there are plenty of players who’d take a larger console for benefits like a higher res😼olution and frame rate any day of the week, I have casual players in my life who’d still buy the Switch Lite based on size alone. Not everyone is goin🎐g to care about playing at 60fps or illuminating Hyrule with ray tracing, and it’s easy to see the appeal of a sub-$200 device that will still have access to plenty of adventures while weighing less than a small bag of sugar.

Nintendo has built up one hell of a library since releasing the Switch back in 2017. In many ways, the Switch 2 is going to rely on that sam🍸e roster of incredible outings, and a chunk of the handheld's launch lineup consists of rehashed favorites with enhancements. Even Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is going to be playable on the OG systems, and I can see myself diving into Samus’ latest mission on the Lite console when travelling.

Simply put, you’re not going to miss out on much at launch if you have a Sw♓itch Lite versus the Switch 2. There will be performance differences, and you are going to make peace with Mario Kart World🅘 and Donkey Kong Bananza being next-gen exclusives. Still, you’re going to be paying far less for the smallest member of the Switch crew and still have access to most of the same games people will be playing this June.

No JoyCon-venience

I’m about to anger the internet at large by saying this, but I don’t really like Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers. I’m hoping the Switch 2 helps me get onboard with the detachable controllers since they’re sort of mandatory for handheld play, but I much prefer integrated gamepads. You only need to read my Lenovo Legion Go review to get an idea of where I stand, and while Ninty doesn’t commit that many sins, I feel like the🦩 idea still comes wi൲th compromises.

For example, the OG JoyCon features one of the poorest excuses f🐲or a d-pad I’ve ever used, mainly because they’re actually just face buttons. These are an improvisation of sorts, so that each pad can be used as a separate controller for multiplayer. But it means you’re missing out on one of the company’s greatest controller innovations that makes all the difference in retro classics and platformers.

Aside from the glorious D-pad on the Switch Lite, the rest of the buttons and sticks are the same. That doesn’t mean they feel the same, though, as the f𝓀act that the OG♏ Joy-Cons attach using rails is noticeable in the hands. Depending on how you hold the handheld, there’s always a little bit of give and wiggle since they aren’t solidly joined to the body, and while there’s no real risk of them detaching, I’m always just a bit too wary of the fact that they’re separate entities.

Again, I’m hoping the new Switch 2 makes me fall in love with the idea of Joy-Cons with its larger design and magnetic connectors. That said, I still think the Switch Lite does more to provide a comfortable set of controls with less compromise, and while not being able to detach them, switch them out for third-party alternatives, or 🃏replace them if faults occur is a𒁃 drawback, I still think it’s worth it for the solid feel and lovely D-pad.

The Switch has a Lite future ahead of it

The Switch Lite absolutely has its shortcomings, and it won’t be long before it starts to look like an older handheld. That’s not necessarily a ✨bad thing, but the portable’s adoring fanbase is already hard at work coming up with ways to elevate the device to new heights.

There’s a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to the Switch Lite and modding in that the players most likely to own one might not be into tinkering. I do view the handheld as 💜a causal console that benefits from embracing simplicity, but at the same time, upgrading it with custom parts will help it look impressive even compared to the Switch 2.

You can already dive into a bunch of Switch Lite mods ranging from replacement Hall-effect joysticks to different shells and larger batteries. However, the project I think is going to keep the smaller handheld relevant for years to come is SUPER5 OLED screen mod. Not only will that kit arm the portable with a mor🌞e vibrant display, but𒅌 it’ll even arm it with HDMI output, which resolves my main issue with Nintendo’s base hardware.

I don’t want to feed into any conspiracy theories, but it always felt to me like Ninty nerfed the Lite by ditching video output deliberately. I can only imagine how many players would have picked up the handheld instead of the OG or OLED model if it could actually connect to a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV, and the fact that you can add the better scr♓een and HDMI via modding is a game-changer.

Taki’s kit does come in , but even if you add that cost to the price of a new Switch Lite, it’s still $135 cheaper than the Switch 2. It’s not going to help you hit higher refresh rates or resolutions, so it’s not a silver bullet in that regard. What it will do, though, is arm you with a handheld that can evolve alongside your needs, as even if you start off as more of a casual player cosied up on the couch, modding could help you expand ontꦓo bigger screens with a Pro Controller to hand.

Just to be clear, I am getting a Switch 2, so my homage to the Lite model isn’t supposed to be a pitch to pick it up instead. The main takeaway is that some of you might be better off grabbing the cheaper handheld while it’s still around and unde🅺r $200, as it could be both a great place to start before investing in Ninty’s more lavish system or even just everything you need to play eight years of excellent adventures.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock. It's also worth checking out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops if you need something with a portable punch.

I've been testing Jsuax accessories with various 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handhelds over the last few years, so I reached out to see if it was cooking up any Switch 2 docks. I also specifically asked if it had any plans to add a fan to its docking station since the official cradle, and th🦋e gadget maker confirmed options with integrated cooling are🐠 in the works.

Jsaux isn't quite ready to unveil its Switch 2 dock range yet, but it's encouraging to hear it has cooling solutions covered. It's the one element of Nintendo's docking station I'm slightly nervous about, as adding active cooling always comes with a risk of noise. Keep in mind I regularly push handhelds and mini PCs to their limits a🍌nd ensure upsetting jet plane impressions as a result, and I'm unsure if Ninty will let that just be a thing to hit 4K performance.

I'd be surprised if Switch 2 thermals aren't talk of ꦍthe town once the handheld settles into the scene. The fact Nintendo has added a pressure chamber style cooling setup to its docking station suggests it will get toasty when in docked mode. Not only is Jsaux working on adding something to match the official blower fan to its docks, but ꧒it says it will also releases a "Universal Air-Cooled Radiator" that could go the extra mile to keep things pleasantly cool.

Naturally, there's no way of telling how any of that will impact Switch 2 performance until I get my hands on the console. Recently, accessory maker Dbrand chimed in to the dock fan conversation under a by saying the fan is there to "cool the dock’s internal components - not the console itself." That might be the case, but it doesn't mean that shifting heat from around the console isn't going to be vital when pushing performance, even with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AI upscaling and other tricks involved.

As for the aforementioned "feature-rich" Switch 2 dock elements, Jsuax isn't quite ready to delve into that yet. However, if my time testing the company's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock contenders tell෴s me anything, it's that the accessory company will have something bananas up🐼 its sleeves.

I fully expect some options to be slightly modified versions of existing 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED compatible hubs like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Jsaux RGB docking station and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:USB-C 6-in-1. I also spotted the brand's travel-friendly Multifunctional Docking Station sitting among other Switch 2 ac♔cessories when browsing its website, so෴ that could serve as fanless mobile option. That said, I'd be a bit disappointed if we didn't at least get models that can charge the Nintendo's new JoyCon magnetically, and we could even be treated to one with a Camera built in since third-party compatibility has been confirmed.

The TLDR is that Jsaux is about to🍬 use its Steam Deck sensibilities to cook up a bunch of𓆉 Switch 2 docking stations and accessories. You can already browse the latter over at its site, and some of my favorites so far include a version of the ModCase and an "EnergyFlow" JoyCon charging dock with pretty RGB on the front.

If like me you've already secured a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, thoughts about accessories might be living in your head rent free too. I'm sure there are probably more productive things I could be pondering, but I am itching to see if Jsaux's docking stations will impact the handheld's performance at all or provide game changing functionality𒉰. I'll be looking to test the add-ons ASAP, and I'll be sure to fill you in with what they'll bring to Ninty's new console.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories for excellent add-ons. You'll also want to check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck vs Switch 2 if you're trying to decide between the two portables.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a type of display tech that provides better definition between light and dark visuals, in turn enhancing colors and contrast. The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 will leverage the feature to serve up more realistic lighting effects ꦯand illumination, which will ultimately help add depth and make your fꦜavorite Nintendo worlds pop.

Nintendo says Switch 2 HDR will be available in handheld and docked mode, but not everyone will get to experience the same quality of High Dynamic Range. Simply put, the feature is actually s💯lightly complicated, and while you'll be able to enjoy a glorious sunset in Mario Kart World on the right display, it's worth catching up on how t🧸he tech works to avoid disappointment. Moreover, now that we've had some hands-on time with the console, we can tell you a bit more about how HDR impacts its overall experience.

HDR certifications, and what they mean for Switch 2

When it comes to screen specs, thereꦑ are two ways you might see HDR support listed. The first references proper certification granted by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), the organization that sets standards for display tech across the industry. If a panel meets the body's specification and quality requirements, it will be granted a "VESA Certified DisplayHDR" rating, alongside a number representing the display's peak brightness capabilities.

If you see a panel that uses a simple phrase like "HDR-400," it means it lacks certification to back up its abilities. It doesn't exclusively mean the screen in question can't pull off High Dynamic Range, bu✤t it can be a sign that the display in question lacks the brightness or contrast required to provide proper support that meets VESA standards.

The i🥀ssue with Switch 2 HDR is that while it will use the right protocol, the handheld's display seemingly lacks VESA certification. Nintendo lists "HDR10 support" alongside other specs for its 7.9-inch LCD display, but the term simply describes the screen's compatibility rather than any spe🌼cific specifications or abilities.

Switch 2 HDR10 support merely means Nintendo is using an industry-standard format. That's just one of VESA's requirements for🍷 earning certification, as factors like brightness, contrast ratio, color gamut, color depth, and local dimming also play a role. Nintendo does list "wide colour gamut" as a screen feature, but is keeping other elements close to its chest.

True Switch 2 HDR support might still be on the table, and I'll be able to properly assess its capabilities after I've had more hands-on time with it. It's worth noting that Valve's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED alsoജ lacks VESA certification but delivers excellent High Dynamic Range thanks to its high contrast display and 1,000 nit brightness capabilities.

Switch 2 HDR in handheld mode

I test the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs for a living, as well as handhelds and various other gadgets with bright displays. So, when Nintendo revealed that Switch 2 HDR would be a thing, my interest was firmly piqued. High Dynamic😼 Range is actually pretty tricky to pull off properly, and, as I've just explained, there are plenty of different variations of HDR depending on whether you're buying a TV, monitor, or a smaller gadget that doesn't have the power of the sun beaming right into your eyes.

Before we get into the practicalities of the Switch 2's HDR features, we've now had some hands-on time🃏 with the console. A few people may be slightly perturbed that it doesn't have an OLED screen straight out of the gate, especially if they're upgrading from a Switch OLED model. In a lot of ways, HDR features seem to be a way to offset this upset. The LCD display, from our experience of using it, is really bright and vivid, and although blacks won't be as true as they would be on an OLED, HDR does help to enhance things. Don't forget, the screen is also larger, and therefore, you're going to notice these details across the panel more.

Of course, this is a handheld device with a battery life, so it's important to note that when usingไ HDR and the slick 120Hz mode, you are going to face a trade♏-off with time spent playing.

Switch 2 HDR in docked mode

To properly pull off Switch 2 HDR visualꦆs in docked mode, it'll be up to you to ensure you have a compatible screen to play it on. Nintendo's handheld will happily tap into the tech where available using its HDMI 2.1 output, and whether you'll be able to play with High Dynamic Range enabled will depend on your specific display and its specifications.

The golden rule to remember is that not all HDR is created equal, and VESA's certification system is designed to tell you exactly what a gaming monitor or TV will provide. For example, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion R27qe, is a gaming monitor that features "DisplayHDR 400" capabilities. That tier is theꦦ minimum rating available, and it means the $200 screens' lighting abilities aren't as punchy as higher spec models.

Lower DisplayHDR certification translates to less of a difference between HD๊R and SDR results. Using Lenovo's display as an example, the screen only adds a pinch of extra depth and contrast, but still handles Higཧh Dynamic Range content properly. Screens that claim to support the format but lack the specs can sometimes end up producing HDR visuals that look washed out or unbalanced, which is why certification is vital.

At the opposite end of the scale, high-spec monitors and TVs can provide a far superior HDR experience compared to cheaper screens. I'm not saying you should rush out and buy an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:LG OLED G4 for your Switch 2, as that'll be overkill for most players and a bit like letting your nana take an Audi R8 🅠for her weekly grocery shopping trip. But, the panel would grab the handheld's HDR output by the horns and produce phenomenally bright and vibrant results, and it'll help you justify paying for💮 Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced Edition when you've already for the original.

Personally, I'd aim for a TV or monitor that can hit elevated brightness to ensure Switch HDR punches through the way it should. Sticking with VESA-certified options or panels with Dolby Vision will ensure everything pops just right, and you don't have to spend a fortune on a screen that fits the brief. The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Hisense U7N is a good example of a display that boasts the latter and can provide some nifty High Dynamic Range enhanced visuals, all while coming in w🐻ell under $1,000.

TV models are slightly tricky since manufacturers don't normally submit their moᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚdels for cer🤪tification. Therefore, you'll be stuck with regular descriptors that refer to brightness levels, but Dolby Vision support somewhat backs up the idea of true High Dynamic Range support on some displays. Plus, it's typically easier to hit all the brightness and contrast checkboxes on larger panels, so it's not quite as tricky compared to monitors and integrated screens.

Speaking of which, if you're after a smaller screen, or something you can use at a desk to play Metroid Prime 4 in mouse mode, I'd aim for a panel with at least DisplayHDR 600 certification. By aiming for that level of quality and brightness, you'll actively notice a difference with HDR on and off, which in turn will help justi♌fy using the feature.

Those of you with a wider budget may want to go all out and invest in something like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B since it'll offer up superior DisplayHDR True Black 400 abilities via its OLED panel. I'm also excited to see what my go-to mini LED monitor, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX will do for switch visuals with its DisplayHDR 1000 capabilities. But, if you want to keep costs down, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U makes for a cheaper alternative with neat HDR abilities, and th🦄ere are plenty of budget-friendly panels out there that will pull thr꧋ough.

Switch 2 HDR compatible games

Once you've nailed the hardware side of Switch 2 HDR compatibility, you'll then be faced with specif♋ic software support. Nintendo has confirmed that HDR is "only available in supported games," which could mean even brand-new releases will only support SDR. This makes sense given that there are plenty of PS5, Xbox, and PC adventures that𝔍 stick with standard range, but it could end up meaning you'll use the feature less.

There isn't an official Switch 2 HDR compatible game list as of yet, but Nintendo has already touched on some outings that will use the feature, like Mario Kart World, Zelda: Breath of the Wild Enhanced Edition, and Tears of the Kingdom Enhance🍒d Edition. Third-party releases like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk will likely also boast support since it already does so on other platforms, but it'll be a case of checking each adventure as and when they arrive.

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Even if Nintendo manages to also mess up mouse controls, it's not going to stop me hunting for 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 pre-orders. Yes, Ninty's next 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender 𒈔is a bit too pricey for my liking, but there's a difference between adding a gimmick I won't use to a $450 compare to squeezing it in to the Lenovo Legion Go and asking for $749.99 at launch.

My main beef with Legion Go's approach to mouse gamepad shenanigans is that it just doesn't feel nice to use. Prior to getting my hands on the portable PC, I was hyped at the idea of playing speedy FPS games and even making a cozy real-time strategy battle station at my coffee table. I ultimately came to the conclusion that if I was ever going to try such a setup again, I'd be better off 𝓡using my own reliable rodent, so I can only hope Nintendo can change my mind with the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 is already beating the Legion Go on mouse controls merely by using its tried and tested JoyCon formula. It has changed the way they'll stick on the new handheld, swapping out the rails for a magnetic system, but I trust Ninty to provide a slick mechanism that's worthy of the iconic, pl𝔉easing sound effect used in trailers. The same can't be said for Lenovo's approach, which felt like playing with cheap Lego Duplo bricks and almost led to me sending the portable flying when trying to remove one side during use.

The annoying thing is that it almost feels like Lenovo had the same idea as Nintendo for mouse controls. Each "TrueStrike" gamepad uses a butt🥀on to ensure it stays secured to the handheld, just like the Switch 2. In the Legion Go's case, however, the extra step just makes the experience feel even more clunky since it relies on friction to keep the pads in place. If magnets had been used, it may have had more satisfying transformative abilities.

It's also worth stressing that while both the Switch 2 and Legion Go gamepads use optical sensors, Lenovo decided to add them to the bottom rather than the flat side. As a result, you have to use an additional puck so you can slide it around. It's a bit like one of those gimmicky 80s joysticꦗks that are shaped like a gun, only not remotely charming and surprisingly more awkward to use.

Nintendo has thankfully added the sensor where I'd instinctively put it - on the flattest edge of the JoyCon. This naturally means you won't need any plastic adapters and can hold it a bit more like a gaming mouse, even if the 'clickers' are still in a weird place. Even just something as simple as using a more sensible orientation gives me hope that blasting Space Pirates as Samus is going to feel relatively nice, but there are still some huge question marks over the practicaliti🥃es of this setup.

Even in promotional images and clips,ꦏ Nintendo is mis꧅sing some of the same tricks as Lenovo. For starters, both handheld makers imply you'll be using mouse controls on a table without a mouse pad, and doing that with the Legion Go is pretty horrifying. The puck does have pads to help it glide, but it's still upsettingly scratchy.

The Switch JoyCon controllers don't come with any specific pads at the bottom for mouse mode, so it feels like it's going to end up in the same surface-use situation. I get that even giving players a pad for free will convolute the setup by requiring multiple components, but I find it hard to believe playe🧜rs will be happy sliding plastic accessories around bare surfaces (your mom will go bananas if you scratch up the coffee table.) Nintendo has suggested you could "control the mouse on your pants," but that applies to any peripheral with an optical sensor. In my eyes, that's a pretty tongue in cheek solution, andཧ one that is only going to be helpful with smaller movements.

I'm also not convinced that Switch 2 mouse mode is going to be viable for longer sessions. I tried conducting most of my Lenovo Legion Go testing at a small table and ended up retreating to a gaming desk to save my back. I began a playthrough of Robocop: Rogue City not realizing I was hunching over sitting on my couch, and while I'm not trying to be a stiff by ranting about ergonomics, there's a reason why PC players usually go for one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming chairs with lumbar support for posture.

I am feeling slightly optimistic that Nintendo will pull off Switch 2 mouse controls better than the Legion Go. If it manages to do so, it will hopefully teach Leꦇnovo and other gaming handheld makers some best practices and help transform the gimmick into a more usable feature. At the same time, I'm wary that Ninty hasn't addressed all my concerns with the overall idea, and that could lead to me wishing they'd skipped on the perk altogether to bring the portable'♋s price down.

Still making your mind up about handhelds? Check out this 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck run down for a side-by-side comparison. Alternatively, take a peek at 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games for incoming releases and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 backwards compatibility for a list of compatible adventures.

The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 is the company's first 4K console, and while it will be taking to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld stage with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:1080p 120Hz display built in, you'll be able to hit UHD resolutions in docked mode. As someone who regularly uses these hubs, the idea of a much thinner devic꧟e achieving that boggles my mind, and Ninty's secret weapon could end up being the new integrated fan.

Thermals are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to gaming handheld performance. If you're looking for a system that's going to hit 4K at lofty frame rates without breaking a sweat, I wouldn't immediately point you towards Nintendo Switch 2. That said, the fact that the console maker has designed its dock with temperature considerations at its forefront tells me it's serious about offering up a high-spec experience, and it could end up making my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED look a little silly.

One of the biggest blights to portable performance is thermal throttling, a cursed term that describes when a CPU runs slower due to toasty temperatures. It's something 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming laptops and handhelds can suffer from, and the solution is usually adding more elaborate cooling solutions that make for chonkier designs. It's the reason the likes of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally are much heftier than the Switch 2 and its 2017 sibling, but a necessary evil since it helps push fram♐e rates higher.

I think I can speak for many players when I say a Switch 2 the same size as a handheld PC would have been a bummer. One of the delights of being a Switch player is being able to dive into some games without needing to bench-press a heavy portable, but it does mean Ninty's sy🥂stem is somewhat nerfed in docked mode.

Yet, by moving a powerful fan to the dock rather than𒆙 squeezing it into the Switch 2 itself, Nintendo may have achieved a better balance than Valve. Sure, you can pick up Steam Deck docks with active cooling included, but they rarely lower thermals in a way that translates to a meaningful performance boosꦑt. Neither the Deck's own innards or those third-party cradles can help the portable actually hit anywhere near 4K outside of some lighter indie titles and classic capers.

Keep in mind the Switch 2 is still only 13.9mm thick, just like the 2017 model, so adding a blower style fan to the dock, where it's arguably required most, makes it lightweight in the streets and a bruiser on your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV bench. Nintendo says performance will be fixed to 4K 60Hz and, since console sensibilities mean it's up to developers to ensure games run at those specs, it feels like the console wil🌌l be able to reliably maintain those visuals using the extra cooling.

Effectively, the Switch 2 dock will help the handheld feel that bit more like traditional console in docked mode compared to its processor and portable PCs. In theory, the system 🅘will draw more power and keep everything nice and co🗹ol while you mess around with daft creations in Tears of the Kingdom remastered, enjoy a road trip in Mario Kart World, or even play bigger third-party games at 4K.

The latter is what might end up putting more pressure on the Steam Deck 2 and the long rumored Xbox handheld that's seemingly in the works. Nintendo is typically viewed as a low-spec underdog compared to Sony and Microsoft, and this new system won't remotely be in the same ring as the PS5. What it might do, however, is set a new docked modဣe approach yet again that makes all the difference compared to existing portables, and this new hybrid solution has been a long time coming.

Simply put, it's going to be a lot harder to justify using a Steam Deck dock to play games at 1080p with pretty low frame rates with a 4K Switch 2 around, and that should be enough to spark change within the handheld scene. Just keep in mind that澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: AI upscaling might also be lurk𝔉ing beneath the surface, meaning the console꧑ could be one of the first to leverage DLSS.

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Confirmed during today's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live event, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender will come armed with an 1080p 120Hz display built in. While using the console in docked mode will allow you to ramp things up to suit your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV at 4K, the integrated 7.9-inch LCD display beats the likes of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED in terms of resolution. It will also serve up visuals at 120Hz so as to provide an even faster portable experience alongside HDR abilities that will ensure e⛦verything🔜 is super vibrant.

So, how does the new 7.9-inch Switch 2 display compare to the original's 6.2-inch panel? Well, the 2017 handheld runs at 720p 60Hz natively, which does result in softer visuals compared to newer portables like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally. The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch OLED did stretch things to 7-inch and provide richer colors, but still effectively targets the same specs. The jump to 1080p 120Hz should be enough on its own to have players jumping on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch pre-orders, but th🧸ere are a few other tricks going on that make the visual upgrade even more worthwhile.

I've been using the OG Switch in handheld mode since day one back in 2017, and the screen is starting to look a 🤪little soft. Don't get me wrong, I still think the apocalyptic plains of Hyrule look pretty fantastic even on a smaller 720p display, but outings like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are going to look noticeably sharper on the Switch 2. That's before we even get to enhancements like AI upscaling, and while I would have loved to also gain delicious OLED vibrancy, the newer LCD should still serve up nice colors and contrast.

Refresh rates above 60Hz are becoming commonplace within the realm of gaming. So, it only makes sense that Nintendo has opted for an 120Hz display since the Switch 2 should be able to hit a matching frame rate in many games. If it can't, that's where VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) could potentially in to save the day by dynamically adjusting things so that there's no jitters. Keepin𝄹g things synced up is going to matter when the new handheld can't maintain steady fps, which is something I personally experienced while journeying through Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Nintendo hasn't cofirmed whether VRR will be a thing, but I'𒐪ve got my fingers and toes crossed.

On the fidelity side of things, you'll have HDR (High Dynamic Range) chiming in to enhance colors and lighting. Nintendo uses a specific shot of Mario Kart World to illustrate how the feature can add extra realism to lig🌄hting and illumination, with everyone's favorite plumber looking out onto a horizon. I can only imagine what driving through an HDR-enhanced world, racing against pals, and enjoying the sights of the mushroom kingdom is going to feel like in handheld mode, and it's also going to be killer if paired with a gaming monitor with greater brightness capabilities.

Better still, Nintendo is cooking up Switch 2 editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom that will make full use of HDR and feed the 120Hz screen with higher frame rates. The original isn't too scrappy feeling at 60H💝z, but your quest through Hyrule is going to feel so much🅠 slicker in handheld mode than before.

Nintendo has convinced me that it understands the modern handheld assignment with the Switch 2. Matching some of the top portable gaming PCs around in terms of screen specs is going to push the bar ꦬever higher across the board. Since even Ninty is now pulling off 1080p 120Hz, the Steam Deck 2 and rumored Xbox handheld are really going to have to step up their game to do one better, and I'm hyped for a standoff.

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The latest Xbox handheld nod and wink takes the form of a featuring OMNI - Asus' adorable mascot. In the clip, the little red hoodie wearing robot uses a machine to supposedly upgrade themselves with "marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look." But, a little mishap leads to a ROG Ally and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Raikiri Pro controller joining them in a fusion pod, resulting in some so𒅌rt of mysterious hybrid.

I appreciate this weird little homage to The Fly, but there isn't much in the trailer that solidly points toward an Xbox-flavored Asus ROG Ally. Even the Raikiri Pro controller is missing its central home button in a move that could be a deliberate easter egg. The only real reason I know think this 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender could be console-themed is thanks to Xbox itself with a 𒁏side-eye monkey meme.

Is an Xbox handheld worth getting excited about?

I figured I'd be more hyped for an Xbox handheld after watching what is likely a teaser trailer for the device. Yet, I'm not even more convinced that we'll end up with effectively a successor to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X with subtle splashes of console functionality. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see another portable PC powerhouse enter the fold, but I am slightly worried that Microsoft's involve♐ment will be somewhat limited.

There's something about including a slightly modified Raikiri Pro gamepad in the teaser that doeꦬsn't sit quite right with me. Again, the Asus controller was missing its middle home button, but removing it was likely to prevent any on-the-nose references to an Xbox handheld. The thing is that if the new device does simply fuse that accessory with a ROG Ally, it'll feel more just like a premium portable with pro controller elements than something with specific Microsoft console DNA. After all, the pad does use its own third-party aesthetic, so the teaser hints don't really point toward anything with Series X/S vibes.

That's not a bad thing, far from it, but it's not what many fans would expect the first Xbox handheld to look like. Ultimately, it'll be down to Microsoft to come up with a software solution that helps the system feel like a console, and that could mean substantial Windows 11 updates are also in the pipeline. New devices like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S hammer home the fact that handheld optimization 🔯is sorely needed on the operating system, and I'd argue it's more importa🦂nt than any Xbox-flavored physical features.

What I'm saying is that Microsoft and Asus could team up to make an Xbox handheld that's virtually identical to an OG ROG Al✅ly and still pull it off via software. Ideally, we'll end up with a portable with a custom hub that provides controller-friendly access to Game Pass while still retaining access to other storefronts through Windows 11. It doesn't feel like a big ask, but at this stage, I feel like I've been 🍎begging for a solution for years.

I'm still holding out for a fierce 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED rival that's made for Xbox games, but I'm not entirely🥃 sure if Microsoft is on the same page.

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You'll need to be quick, but the Super Pocket Technos Edition is current down . At full price, it's already pretty affordable, but the Big Spring Deal has knocked one of the newest flavors down to a record-low pric🍷e. If blue and white isn't your jam, or you prefer games like Bubble Bobble, you can also grab the Taito Edition , which isn't too🐓 far off its lowest price last year.

Even at full price, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Super Pocket is far cheaper than many new Switch games. That admittedly wouldn't be as impressive if this 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contender wasn't a fully fledged console with its own library of games, and that🌟's exactlyꦑ what you're getting with Blaze's multi-platform Game Boy homage.

Each system comes with a bunch of gam🌜es built in, based on the publisher you pick. As I already🐟 spoiled, the black and green Taito flavored model has Bubble Bobble, Space Invaders, Rastan, and 14 other oldies, while the Technos version offers up 15 romps that include Double Dragon, River City Ransome, and Renegade.

None of those ringing any bells? There is also a blue and yellow Capcom Edition thꦿat boasts Street Fighter 2, Mega Man, Strider, Ghouls 'n Ghosts, and more for , but it's not currently discounted. Plus, since 🍎every variant is compatible with Blaze's Evercade cartridges, you won't be stuck with the outings pre-loaded on each.

The Taito Super Pocket is my favorite, purely because its colorway gives 2000s cybergoth vibes. Blaze's choice of mint green feels distant enough from classic Game Boy aesthetics to feel pretty fresh, making for a great shelf piece or even an accessory if you're into matching your tech up with outfits. Its vertical layout, disc-shaped d-pad, and face buttons mean it's got all those retro sensibilities, and playing old adventures on it feels right.

There are some shoulder buttons squeezed in around back, and while they're not exactly ergonomic, they're handy for when a game requires them. You'll mostly be playing 2D classics and games wit♍h simpler button layouts for now, but since the Super Pocket is compatible with Blaze's new "Giga Carts", it will happily run PS1-era epics like Tomb Raider. I'm personally looking forward to grabbing a copy of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and escaping to the north of Scotland over the summer to enjoy the Shakespearean vampire adventure in solitude, but I'm sure many of you will also want to bring it on more sociable family holidays.

There are a few smaller drawbacks tied to a physical cartridge-based nature of the Super Pocket compared to alternatiꦦve devices. While Blaze's console does use emulation to run retro games, everything is baked into each cart, so you won't be able to run your own collection of ROMs or mess around with as many settings. That in turn means you'll need to bring any collections you fancy playing with you on your trav🐼els, but if you grew up with handhelds like the Game Boy, that might play into the nostalgic appeal.

The Super Pocket is 🐽deliberately antiquated, but it does provide modern provisions in the areas that matter most. For example, you're getting a built-in battery and USB charging, so you won't have to fumble around for AA cells in between sessions. The 3,000mAh battery packs enough juice for around four hours of solid arcade gaming, and mine still has a half charge even thoꦇugh I last plugged it in before Christmas.

If you love buying physical games, need a way to play retro classics, and love collecting handhelds, the Super Pocket is a no-brainer. It's even more worth buying if you♚ already own one of Blaze's consoles like the Evercade VS or the newer Evercade Alpha arcade machine since you'll be able to use the same carts for both. That said, I think this handheld might bring the most joy to players out there who are aiming for a minimalist way to play some fun games that doesn't involve DLC, digital purchases, or any of the tomfoolery that has creeped its way into the modern console experience.

I take a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED with me everywhere and still bring this little bub along for the𝄹 ride as a backup, so don't let the fact you have a handheld already stop you.

Got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for must have add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best portable monitors for screens that you can take with you on the go.

I’m not thrilled about the Razer Handheld dock’s $79.99 MSRP. It’s not a monstrously expensive澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: Steam Deck accessory; options like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:BenQ GR10🌊 will set you back just under $100. But that specific docking station at least invests in HDMI 2.1 and faster USB ports, whereas with the new Chroma-clad add-on, you’re getting largely the same 𓄧specs as the Baseus 6-in-1 and an uncanny adjustable cradle to boot.

Of course, copying homework in this instance is a good thing, and it helps Razer’s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock entry get a lot right. Incorporating adjustability is pretty wise seeing as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED isn’t the only handhel✤d on the block these days. Plus, the accessory maker has actually avoided some elements that annoy me with popular docking stations by Jsaux and other brands, even if I’m slightly underwhelmed by the add-on overall.

Design

Out of 𒁃the box, the Razer Handheld Dock looks like an unassuming black box. I could easily mix it up with an old portable HDD, and you’ll have to squint to make out the embossed snake logo and brand name on the front plastic. That’s actually pretty in keeping with other gadgets by the accessory maker, as everything else aesthetically takes a back seat to help the integrated RGB lighting stand out.

The aforementioned RGB is hidden within a tiny trench at the bottom and underneath a diffusing strip. The approach means you’re not going to see any bare LEDs and the illumination is desi💟gned to coat the surface of your gaming desk with color rather than assault your eyeballs. It’s not the only dock that featuꦦres those sensibilities, as the Jsaux RGB Docking Station uses the same approach, but the transparent version I have doesn’t look quite as elegant since you can see diodes within.

Unlike most of Jsaux’s docking stations, the Razer Handheld Dock keeps all its ports around the back, including Ethernet. That frees up the sides so that you don’t have cables flanking the hub and cramping your tidy desk setup, but it does mean you won’t have easy side access to USB for wired controllers and other ad-hoc accessories. Most of you will likely be using Bluetooth gamepads with your handheld anyway, and nothi꧅ng is stopping you from leaving a cable for that purpose plug👍ged in.

You’ll als🦩o find the angled USB-C cable around the rear, molded into the center of the plastic shell. Razer has somewhat missed a trick by not including somewhere to rest the wire when it’s not in use, as it’ll sort of just hang around like a tail. You can just feed it through the side opening and tuck it away, but this isn’t quite as nice as the dummy port provided with the Baseus model and BenQ’s dedicated channel for easy storage.

As for overall build quality, the Razer Handheld Dock is solid. It largely uses plastic to house its h𝓰ub innards, but the adjustable cradle is aluminum covered in a surface-wide rubber pad. I’m thankful that there’s no exposed metal with🍰 this docking station, as you’d be surprised how many options have sharp edges that almost make contact with your device’s screen.

That said, Razer’s choice of textured matte plastic marks pretty easily. Despite being fairly careful with the dock during use, I can see rub marks on the front of the accessory already, and I can imagine i♔t’ll start to look a little rougher if you ꦐthrow it into a backpack consistently. Not ideal, but it shouldn’t be a huge issue if it primarily lives on your desk.

Features

It’s safe to say the whole point of picking up the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is for its RGB abilities, and they’re definitely a cut above the competition. Just like other accessories by the brand, the gadget can pair up with Synapse, meaning you can sync all your accessories together in perfect harmony. That does only apply if you’re using it with a Windows 11 handheld like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S, though, so keep t🀅hat in mind if you’ve got a St🌼eam Deck.

If you are firmly on team Valve you’ll be able to cycle through color options using the right-hand button. That’ll let you pick from various patterns and pallets, but you’llꦕ have to go through them individually rather than having an on-screen way🍃 to browse. If you want the full Chroma customization experience, you’ll want to use a Windows 11 gaming handheld, as you’ll get the full shebang on there.

In fact, you’re actually getting more than just Synapse and Chroma with the Handheld Dock, as the peripheral maker is boldly trying to tackle easily launching games on Microsoft’s OS. The software suite is similar to what’s included in the Android 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Edge, and it’s more or less a launcher that doesn’t need the docking station exclusively to provide a console-like UI🐠.

On the more physical side of things, you’ve got the Handheld Dock’s adjustable cradle. The large hinged panel can pivot to accommodate practically any portable PC you can think of. That includes unconventional devices like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS, although that 3DS-inspired machine does push the docking station to its limits. The thickest gadge𝓀t most players are going to be perching on this hub is someth🔜ing like the OG Lenovo Legion Go, but at least there’s plenty of wiggle room for newcomers in the future.

Performance

There are a few fundamentals when testing accessories like the Razer Handheld Dock, the first being whether it can reliable and consistently provide instant connectivity. I’m pleased, but not exactly surprised, to confirm that it will beam video output to your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming monitor and connect to your peripherals at full speed without a hitch, all while keeping your handheld of choice changed with 100W Power Delivery. It’s a low bar, but you’d be surprised how🗹 many cheapie Steam Deck docks out there trip up when plugged in.

It’s worth reaffirming that the Razer Handheld Dock sticks with HDMI 2.1, so it sadly won’t help you hit 4K 120Hz. Instead, you’ll be locked to the same 60Hz refresh rate that most other Steam Deck docking stations provide, as the BenQ GR10 is still one of the only options out there that’ll do that. If you venture into laptop hub territory, or pick up something with DisplayPort 1.4, you’ll be able to ramp things up, but that’s not going to be so handy when connecting to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TV contenders that support upwards of 144Hz.

Admittedly, if you own a Steam Deck o🐈r the new Lenovo Legion Go S specifically, you might not have much use for 4K 120Hz anyway. The Razer Handheld Dock is naturally only going to output what your portable is capable of, and even lightweight outings like my indie favorite of the year, FlyKnight, are taxing. The latter is actually weirdly running at 20fps since it looks like Runescape-inspired 2000s Soulsborne vapourware, but it demonstrates why HDMI 2.1 is really only beneficial when ♊you have a beefier device.

A game that really helps all Steam Deck docks shine is Tomb Raider Trilogy Remastered, as it🧔’ll easily run at 4K 60Hz. The Razer Handheld Dock isn’t doing anything above and beyond when 💞handling Lara’s revamped romp, but it’ll still serve as a way to play lighter outings like this like you would on a console. Plus, you’re getting some fabulous RGB lighting to boot, which helps the pairing feel more like a spectacle than other hubs out there.

What I am sort of disappointed with is Razer’s Cortex integration. I actually think the management suite has a lot of potential since it’s far better than Legion Space. But, I couldn’t get the overlay to auto-launch when plugged into the 🍃Handheld Dock, and that feels like something that’d make all the difference. Being able to just pop a Windows handheld on the cradle, pick up a controller, and easily browse my installed games through the app is what would have sold me on this setup, and I’m hoping updates will provide the console convenience I’m craving in the future.

Should you buy the Razer Handheld Dock?

It’s one of the nicest looking docking stations out there for Steam Deck, but the Razer Handheld Doc𒐪k isn’t a game changer. It’s largely singing from the same sheet as some of my other go-to USB-Cജ solutions out there, and while it gets quite a lot right by doing that, I am slightly underwhelmed by what this $80 accessory has to offer.

If Razer can better integrate Cortex functionality betwee💧n Windows 11 handhelds and its Handheld Dock, I do think the peripheral maker could be onto🍸 something. Otherwise, it risks only really catering to RGB fans with this add-on rather than Steam Deck and portable PC players looking for premium functionality and an enhanced experience.

How I tested the Razer Handheld Dock

For two weeks, I used the Razer Handheld Dock as my main way to hook up the Steam Deck and other handhelds to external screens and peripherals. During that time, I used Valve’s device alongside the Lenovo Legion Go S to test SteamOS and Windows 11 compatibility while running games like Tomb Raider Trilogy Remastered, FlyKnight, and Signals. I also assessed the dock’s RGB abilities compared to rivals by Jsaux𒀰 while exploring how the accessory maker’s Synapse and Cortex further benefit the experience.

For more in🔴formation on how we test Steam Deck dock⛦s and other accessories, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Set to arrive May 25, there are two versions of the Lenovo Legion Go S Steam OS edition listed right now. The first comes in at and features the same Z2 GO APU as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Legion Go S Windows 11 version paired with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. The alternative is a beefier Z1 Extreme version that should rival the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds out there like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally, all while wielding 32GB memory and 1TB storage.

It still feels like Lenovo's specs and price combos are a little muddled, as it feels like pairing the $549 version with the same specs as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:OG Legion Go would make more sense. Naturally, the handheld boasts other elements that are driving up the pr🌸ice, like adjustable triggers, hall-effect joysticks, and questionable extras like a microphone. Still, my time with the Windows 11 edition tells me that even the cheapest option will make for a nice Ste🌠am Deck rival, even if making the Z1E more affordable would have made more of an impact.

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition?

It's not the cheap 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED rival I've been waiting for, bu꧙t the Legion Go S could challenge Valve with premium perks. I've already covered the physical side of this handheld in my Lenovo♔ Legion Go S Windows 11 review, and I firmly believe the tech giant has mostly nailed things on the design front.

Compare🏅d to the OG Legion Go, the new S model feels more solid in the hands, comfortable to hold, and benefits from tighter controls now that they're built in. Some of you may dig the idea of detachable TrueStrike gamepads, but the sequel portable makes the d-pad and buttons of the OG feel like a prototype.

I'm also pretty down with the Legion Go S's adjustable triggers, as they'll help you tweak things to feel either like a proper gamepad or like a Switch-style setup. In my case, it's dependant on the game, and I like to have full action in some genres and more tactile presses in others. You're also getting hall-effect joysticks with this model, and that will save you ever having t🐻o worry about stick drift if you hold onto the handheld for the long haul.

Most of my issues with the Legion Go S right now tie to Windows 11, as the operating system simply isn't built for handheld play. Some device makers, likeও Ayaneo, have worked hard to make the experience as pain free as possible on the likes🐈 of the Flip DS using management apps with joystick mouse simulation and other workarounds. But, Lenovo's latest gadget sort of exemplifies everything that doesn't quite work with the OS on the go.

That's where the Lenovo Legion Go Steam OS edition comes in, as it will effectively mimic the Steam Deck using Valve's Linux-based software. You'll still have access ꦏto a desktop mode, but the default is a console-like environment that makes instantly jumping into games and tweaking settings a breeze. The only downside is that workarounds for other storefronts are needed to access the likes of Xbox Game Pass and the Epic Game Store, and there will be some games with compatibility issues out there.

If most of your games exist outside Steam, you should probably grab the Windows 11 version. But, since the only model available in the US is the $729 SKU with a Z2 Go APU, it's hard to point anyone towards Lenovo's contender. What's worse is that for the same🦩 money, you can get the SteamOS edition with a Z1 Extreme inside that's going to help you boost fps much further, and you could actually just i🦋nstall Microsoft's OS on it yourself and gain better specs.

I'm personally struggling to make sense of Lenovo's spec and price choices for the Legion Go S. However, my advice would be to stick with the $549 SteamOS version if you want a Steam Deck rival with a premium punch, or invest in the $729 alternative if you want Asus ROG Ally X specs and love Valve's take🌺 on handheld software.

I'll be providing my full verdict on the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition ahead of the May 25 release date, so wꦰatch this space for more on how the next version fares in benchmarks and tests.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. You'll also want to check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles for portable consoles made for running the classics.

Set to debut this year, the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 will arm some of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld options with an 8-core Kyro CPU and Adriano A34 CPU. The SoC (System on a Chip) aims to provide a hღigh-spec experience on Android devices using one Prime Core alongside five Performance a🍬nd two efficiency cores, which should help more players push things up to 144Hz at QHD resolutions with ray tracing enabled.

As I've already spoiled, one of the devices set to s🃏port a Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 looks pretty much like a 3DS. Dubbed the OneXPlayer OneXSugar1, the handheld features a clamshell design that's also detachable, meaning you can using it as a normal single-screen portable if you feel the need. The side controls are also on hinges, so y🧸ou can mess around with physical orientation and tweak things to your liking, a bit like moving screen windows around in emulators like DraStic.

Since we're talking about a handheld using mobile innards, it should be a chunk lighter than the wonderful Ayaneo Flip DS, which could make it a more practical option for bo𓃲th revisiting your 3DS/NDS favorites while still having access to new romps via the Play Store.

Speaking of Ayaneo, the G3 Gen 3 will also make its way to a new "gaming pad" that honestly looks like more like a tablet than a handheld. It's set to feature anไ 8.3-inch 2K 120Hz screen, an "eSports grade" cooling system, and a full metal CNC frame. It'll supposedly also come armed with a high-capacit♛y battery, so it could potentially outpace handheld gaming PCs significantly using the Snapdragon SoC and less power hungry innards.

If all that feels a little too elaborate, you'll perhaps want to keep an eye out for Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 and G1 Gen 2 handhelds instead. Qualcomm's middle child SoC feels like it'll cater to those of you looking to emulate all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles since it still boasts a Prime core in addition to four Performance and Three efficiency Cores. That chipꦯ is actually making its way to the next Retroid Pocket, an🗹d while all we've got to go on is a teaser silhouette for now, it should make for a nice way to emulate harder to run systems like Dreamcast and PS2.

The base G1 Gen 2 chip might be the lowest spec of the bunch, but that's going to be perfect for cheaper handhelds for pocket-sized emulation. The poster child for that specific chip is the 🌊upcoming Retroid Pocket PR Classic, which offers up Game Boy vibes paired with a rather snazzy 6-button setup and white Sega Saturn vibes.

The SoC should end up powering a bunch of other streaming devices and portables too that are designed to provide full HD 120Hz visuals, not unlike the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Logitech G Cloud. But, I'm more excited for what it'll bring to the cheaper emulation station side of things, especi𝄹ally if it helps more console makers innovate at a cheaper price point.

The rise of Android handhelds

In a scene where handheld gaming PCs like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED seem to get most of the attention, it's easy to forget that Android devices can pack a punch. By that, I mean more and more bespoke devices are arriving that boast console sensibilities, meaning having to stick with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming phone to get into Android as a platfor🌸m is firmly a thing of the past.

Of course, there are some misconceptions aroun🥀d mobile gaming as whole. During a press briefing, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Product Lead Micah Knapp challenged the idea that Android gaming is not popular while highlighting how the platform ties into the handheld space.

Knapp says that Android devices armed with differentღ Snapdragon options provide an "opportunity to address different price points." The Snapdragon lead also touched on whether players are specifically looking for more niche devices like the Onexsugar1, proclaiming "once you build these things, your customers will start coming." I'm a sucker for handhelds with 🔯unique hardware twists, and while there's always a risk of unique features feeling like lazy gimmicks, It feels like Qualcomm is helping device makers properly experience with specs and formfactor.

In the portable PC space, I often find that chips like the Ryzen Z2 Go featured in the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S feel a bit purposeless, or at least when used in the wrong device at the wrong price. The same could happen with next-gen Snapdragon chips if manufacturers don't put them to good use, but Qualcomm appears to have a clear vision for its G3, G2, and G1 SKUs, and I'm looking forward to seeing what smallerꦡ console makers can whip up using the SoCs and Snapdragon sensibilities.

The docking station in question is the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Baseus 6-in-1, and it is firmly one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock options I've tested. It's up against some fierce competitors, including Valve's own docking station that's purpose-built for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld. However, I'd argue ♐that Basesus' option strikes boasts more thoughtful design elements paired with a nice balance between price and specs, which helps it come out top.

I totally get if you're wondering why I'm getting so nerdy about a dock. Out of all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories out there, they're perhaps not the most riveting, but I believe having a docking station to hand for your portable PC is essential. Without one, yo𒆙u're going to have a harder time turning your device into a hybrid PC that can serve as a makeshift Steam Machine, and ♋that's pretty invaluable.

As for what makes the Basesus 6-in-1 so special out of all the Steam Deck docks I've reviewed? A large part is simply its build quality. Rather than going down the easy route and going with aluminum, this accessory maker has instead opted for sturdy plastics that feel solid and feature an excellent finish. You won't find any sharp corners or elements that make the add-on🅘 feel like one that costs under $40,♏ and that's not something I can say about other models out there.

Build quality aside, the Baseus 6-in-1's star feature is its adjustable cradle. It was one of the first docking stations to feature a deck-chair-like design that can be adjusted to suit most handhelds, and it has set something of a trend within the space. I've used some of the chonkiest devices out there with this dock, including the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S, and it can even accommodate more out there gadgets like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS.

Baseus isn't the only docking station maker offering up an adjustable cradle these days, as the new Razer Handheld Dock Chroma effectively mimics the feature while adding RGB flair. I even got hands-on with one while testing the Zotac Zone that used a similar approach while packing an M.2 S🌞SD slot into its base, so it's safe to say that brands agree with me when I say it's a handy feature.

Even if 🔯you won't be buying a new device until the Steam Deck 2 rolls into town, I'd argue it'☂s wiser to invest in a device that next-gen options can still likely perch on rather than something custom-molded to Valve's current contender.

In everyday use, the Baseus 6-in-1 is certainly one of the most reliable options. Third-party docks like this do miss out on the same firmware updates afforded to Valve's official Steam Deck docking station, but I've yet to encounter any glitches or bugs with this add-on specifically. I've actually had more glitches using built-in USB-C hubs within the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors, which is one of the reasons I end up going back to this faithf🦄ul add-on.

The one drawback of going with cheaper docks like the Baseus 6-in-1 is its port selection. Just like many other options out there, you'll have to make do with HDMI 2.0, which will cap your refresh rates to 4K 60Hz. That's not going to matter to the majority of players, but if you've got a handheld that can boost fps further, you'll potentially want to check out a premium option like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock for an extra HDMI 2.1 kick. Not completely necessary, but lighter romꦗps like the Tomb Raider Trilogy and indies lik🌄e Signalis feel swish at 120Hz.

Looking for something beefier? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming PC and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptop for high-spec rig options. Alternatively, take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles if you want to run the classics.

By freeing the Lenovo Legion Go S from the gimmicky removable controllers and needlessly large screen, the company has created the device I wanted back in 2023. Had I ended up testing the SteamOS version first, I’d likely be about to dive into one of the next 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld options. Instead, I’m looking at a device that has unbalanced specs, plenty of Windows 11 caveats, and a dreadful $729 price tag. That inflated MSRP is actually tied to a weird specific US decision to only sell the 32GB / 1TB version, as those of you in the UK can pick up the 16GB / 512GB model ꧒for £549. Hmm.

Even the base model is more than what I’d want to pay now that I’ve tested the Lenovo Legion Go S. In a nutshell, its new AMD Ryzen Z2 GO chip shares more similarities with the custom chip in the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme within the OG 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Legion Go and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally🐠. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with that, but if I’m being real, you can’t slap a premium price tag on a handheld wrestling within the sub $400 ring.

Design

Let me make one thing clear – the Lenovo Legion Go S gets almost full marks for design. It almost feels like someone listened to me moan about the original’s laptop vibes, as this model packs an 8-inch IPS display into a much sleeker package. Gone are the removable TrueStrike controllers, aggressive angl♚es, and smooth plastics of the OG portable. Instead, we have plenty of ergonomic curves, pleasing grippy texturized sides, and far nicer buttons than last time around.

It’d be weird if the ‘S’ Legion Go didn’t weigh less, but I’m pleased to report it’s 740g (1.63lbs). That’s a noticeable difference compared to the 854g (1.88lbs) weighing down the original, even if it’s still a chonker compared to the 580g Asus ROG Ally. Shifting 🌼the heat naturally helps the handheld feel nicer to hold, especially when paired w🐼ith a slimmer back and more pronounced grips.

The main thing that gave me the ick with the original Legion Go was how hollow the back felt. It’s a design choice that’s often the result of cooling techniques, and while the S model al𓄧so has big vent grills at the back, there’s far less space between the innards and shell. Perhaps I’m being picky, but I like handhelds to feel pretty compacted, and this new version feels just as solid as the ROG Ally in that regarꦓd.

I’d argue that the biggest improvement to be found with the Legion Go S is on the gamepad side of things. Lenovo has gone back to the drawing board with all of its buttons, resulting in more tactile thumbsticks, a drastically improved circular d-pad, a thoughtfully placed set of back toggles, and decent shoulder buttons. The only elementꦛ that’s still not quite to my liking is the shallower-than-average face buttons, but even those are pretty serviceable and not what I’d call a deal breaker.

You’ll perhaps have noticed that I said the Legion Go S almost gets the design right. That’s largely because I’m a little miffed at the tiny touchpad that’s included for mouse inputs. The sensation of using this thing is a bit like the little keyboard nipple included with classic IBM Thinkpads, and that’s sor♕t of amusing since Lenovo now owns that brand. Simply put, the pad is so small that moving the han🅷dheld’s cursor around Windows 11 is more frustrating than convenient, and I’d rather just use the joysticks to click around the OS when needed.

On the aesthetic front, the Legion Go S is rocking a new white shell with 🅷contrasting black buttons. The accents prevent it from looking too clinical, but you can bet this handheld will 𝔍end up pretty grubby and prone to marks. That’s less a criticism of Lenovo’s newfound tastes and more a fact of owning lighter colored devices, and it could be another reason to wait for the “Nebula Violet” SteamOS version.

Features

Gaming handhelds and flamboyant features go hand in hand, and while the Legion Go S cuts back on gimmicks, it comes with a few new tricks. Some of its evolved elements feel a little lacklustre, like th💙at comically small touchpad, but the new all-in-one design has allowed for an adjustable trigger system that adds a nice hint of versatility.

Lenovo isn’t first out the door with adjustable handheld triggers, that accolade goes to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Zotac Zone,but it’s a feature that will help make the system more comfortable for a bunch of players, including myself. Sometimes, clicky hair trigger presses are a much better fit and can save larger handhelds from feeling unbalanced in theඣ hands, whereas I’ve got friends who can’t stand not having full action when playing shooters. I’d personally rather click shots in Cyberpunk 2077 and save full presses for racing ga𒈔mes or scenarios that need sustained input, but everyone will have different tastes when it comes to portable play.

On the connectivity front, the Legion Go S is armed with two USB-C ports, which is slowly becoming a standard at this point. The idea here is that you’ll be able to charge up that chonky 55.5Whr battery while hooking up a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming monitor using DisplayPort 1.4 output. I’m in two minds over whether this is actually useful, as you’re still going to want one of the best Steam Deck docks if you’re aiming for full integration with your desktop accessories, but it will mean you don’t need any add-ons out of the box for quickly hooking up to a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming TV.

I can take an extra USB-C port, but I’ll absolutely leave features like a dual array built-in mic. Maybe I’m a grump who just has no friends to talk to, or maybe I’m just struggling to see why you’d use something like that over a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming headset on a haꦡndheld. Either way, squeezing audio capture into a device like this feels like it’d impact🦋 the end cost, and I’d skip on it even if it only cut Lenovo’s MSRP down by a few dollars. Simply put, don’t stick needless extras in your handheld if it’s already sitting at a risky price point.

Technically, Windows 11 is also a “feature”, even if it’s one I think sours the experience. Perhaps that’s a bit harsh since we’re talking about an OS that’ll allow you to run practically any game your PC can, but it’s still nowhere near being handheld friendly, even with Lenovo’s LegionSpace a♑pp attempting to bridge gaps.

It doesn’t help that the version of Microsoft’s operating system installed feels immensely bloated and has some irritating tweaks enabled, like a taskbar that’ll auto-hide no matter what you tell it. Plus, vital elements like sleep mode are janky at best and unusable at worst, with the Legion Go S outright refusing to properly nap when plugged in. These flaws aren’t even just an inherent part of the Windows 11 handheld experience, as rivals like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS and other similar devices come with far less f🐠rustration before laun🔥ching into games.

That’s not to say Lenovo isn’t trying to enhance its Windows 11 experience, and LegionSpace🃏 has co🎶me a long way since 2023. It still doesn’t do enough to stop me immediately launching into Steam Big Picture mode, and the side quick settings menu is unsettlingly temperamental and laggy. I’m also not a fan of Lenovo thrusting its digital game store in your face rather than providing a clearer hub. But, it’s pleasant enough to navigate when the itch to change RGB thumbstick colors or play with in-depth power settings arises.

Performance

Price and performance go hand in hand, and oh boy, the Legion Go S doesn’t punch like a $729 handheld. Frankly, launching into a new generation with the Ryzen Z2 Go was pretty foolish of Lenovo, as I knew it wouldn’t come close to matching the Z1 Extreme based on its specs. Now that I’ve taken the handheld for a proper spin, I can confidently say that it should💙 be trading blows with the Steam Deck in the sub-$500 ring, as its benchmarks get bludgeoned to a pulp in the premium pit.

I kicked things off by running a few test games at 800p on the Legion Go S to see how it directly compares to the Steam Dꦅeck. The handheld managed at 45fps average while running Cyberpunk 2077 with low settings enabled, which isn’t atrocious at a glance. My issue is that it’s not a huge uplift compared to Valve’s handheld, as the Deck reaches 43🌄fps in the same test scenario. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t smell like a $729 boost.

Hitman 3 still stresses out entry-le🥃vel PCs to this day, so I always install it on new handhelds. The Legion Go S managed to nudge playable results by sticking to around 41fps at 800p. The Deck isn’t far behind with a 36fps average and, while it’s still a win for Lenovo,𝓀 it’s not what I’d call a graceful victory.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider manages to fare well on thᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚe Legion Go S with a 70fps average – a nice lead compared to 53fps on the Deck. A nicer result, but one that’s worth paying over $300 more for? I don’t even have to say it. Keep in mind that these benchmarks are designed to squeeze the highest frame rates possible out of the handheld, and unplugg♌ing the system and using it at lower wattage naturally produces far lower results.

Stepping away from the𝓀 Steam Deck fight and focusing on the Lenovo Legion Go S vs the original is even more harrowing. If my figures reaffirm anything, it’s that the new handheld is very much a light version of the OG, despite technically using a next-gen Ryzen APU. You’re looking at 25fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1200p versus 38fps on the 2023 model, and Hitman 3 widens the gap further with respectiveཧ 34fps and 51fps results.

Not to pile on Lenovo’s device, but there is another huge issu🍸e with this handheld – it wields next-gen hardware without solving our current battery dilemma. I could look past Steam Deck-level frame rates if I could grab the Legion Go S for $400, but the closer I get to the $1,000 mark, the more I’m going to expect an fps boost with runtime to match. Not only are you not getting the same frame rates as the original Legion Go, but you’re only going to be cutting the cord for the same length of time as Valve’s portable.

In proper gameplay sessions, and with brightness sitting half way, the Legion Go S lasted around 1.5 hours. That was my average when exclusively adventuring around in new releases like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Avowed, but I managed to keep the portable running for around 3 hours when wrestling with Windows 11. You’ll realistically be looking at that latte𓂃r figure if you set “Thermal Mode” to Balanced and mix up playing games with general us𝓡e activities, which is similar to my experience with the Steam Deck OLED.

At this point, I feel like I’m bullying the Legion Go S, so I’ll touch on another con followed up with some praise. The first is that Lenovo’s handheld likes to get noisy, and its fans are noticeably louder than the Steam Deck OLED or the ROG Ally. It’s not as intrusive if you keep your wattage down low, but that’s not going to do th𒈔e Ryzen Z2 GO APU any favors.

On the other hand, that promised praise relates to the 1200p 120Hz I🍎PS display and its accompanying speakers. The screen’s nice contrast levels, decent brightness, and respectable colors cheered me up during testing, while the surprisingly punchy front-firing speakers helped mask fan noise without remotely sounding tinny.

I found myself pretty absorbed in the Souls-like indie caper FlyKnight while testing the Lenovo 𒉰Legion Go S, and it's a good example of a scenario where performance, refresh🌠 rate, and resolution all feel like a good fit, even if running a game that takes visual queues from old Runescape isn't exactly a feat.

If the device was even just a bit more powerful than the OG Legion Go, I could see myself using it over an OLED handheld even if it meant compromising on vibrancy. I do rank Lenovo's choice of display among the best within the portable PC scene right now, and while not convinced we need to be pairing lower spec🐼 Ryzen chips with anything over 1080p, playing lighter romps at 1200p does produce crisp visual🌺s.

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Go S?

No, you shouldn’t buy the Lenovo Legion Go S right now. Trust me when I say it pains me to say that, as I fully believe that the cheaper SteamOS version will make for a great Steam Deck when it eventually arrives. I actually think the Windows 11 model could have ranked among the top premium handhelds if it wasn’t rocking that underwhelming Ryzen Z2 GO chip. But alas, this specific device isn’t worth $729, and there are countless options you could pick up for a chu💙nk less that pack a more appropriate frame rate punch.

Ultimately, the Lenovo Legion Go S is a contradiction. Its name suggests it’s a light version of the first model, but its price and additional specs point towards it being a successor.🎐 My heart aches for this mixed up handheld and, since I truly believe the company is onto a winner with this formfactor, I hope its blueprint helps the eventual SteamOS model thrive soon.

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Go S

I used the Lenovo Legion Go S as my everyday handhel🅺d to assess its performance, battery life, visuals, and audio in general use for two weeks. In addition, I also used Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider as benchmark games to compare performance to the Steam Deck OLED and Windows 11 alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally and ori⭕ginal Legion Go.

For more information on how we test handhelds and other portable gaming devices, swing by our full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Looking for add-ons for Valve's handheld? Take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles for a portable system that'll run the classics.

The latest Xbox handheld round of rumors comes from Windows Central, as a new claims a new device dubbed codename "Keenan" is set to arrive in 2025. Rather than entering the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld race as an entirely new system, it instead looks to be a collaborative effort with an OEM, meaning it'll likely closer resemble an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally with themed buttons rather 🐭than something entirely new.

Microsoft has allegedly stated that project Keenan will look "unmistakably Xbox" and will seemingly feature elements like a guide button and similar "design sensibilities." Simply put, if you picture a portable in your head with those familiar colored face buttons, you probably won't be far off, bu𒐪t I'm more interested in the fact it'll apparently "almost certainly" run Windows.

Let's be real, Microsoft is dragging its feet when it comes to Windows 11 handheld optimization. It did drop some changes to the Game Bar last year that makes the UI feel a bit friendlier, but systems like the new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S really fall short due to the operating system. That's where the new Xbox handheld comes in, as the current rumors are m♐aking me think that a big update could arrive alongside the portable PC.

For starters, the ball will be in Microsoft's court when it comes to software bloat. I'd like to think the PC giant would whip up a bloat-free Windows 11 handheld edition at the very least. I m🌟ean, I highly doubt anyone is going to use tools like OneDrive on a device like this, so seeing some of the packaged apps streamlined would be a start.

The other biggie is finding a way to make Windows 11 easier to navigate without relying on a third-party middle-man app. I've yet to use a management program that isn't flawed in some sort of a way, and while Valve's Big Picture mode makes for a nice way to pretend every device is a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, I'm wilไling to bet Microsoft is cooking up somethi⭕ng that doesn't require overlays.

Alternate modes aren't something Microsoft has played around with much since the dark days of Windows 8 live tiles. But, the core idea of havin🌃g a touch-friendly mode that's designed to work with specific devices makes sense in the context of handhelds. You're still retaining full PC compatibility, but having a restructured view of the OS that isn't going to randomly freak out and abandon you on a desktop that's near impossible to touch-navigate without fumbled presses would make a huge difference.

It'd also make for a sensible place to better integrate the Game Pass and store features, in turn⛎ feeling into that "everything is an Xbox" sentiment. Rather than feeling like a secondary place you need to go to download your subscription games, the handheld could instead make it your primary home for PC downloads, whiꦗch is naturally going to help the brand's presence in the ruthless world of portable rigs.

I'd still take any Xbox handheld rumors making the rounds right now with a big old grain of salt. Microsoft's involvement in the portable gaming scene right now feels pretty experimental by nature, and even if we do get a branded device by a well known manufacturer, it might not to anything spectacularly different com🦩pared to current contenders.

What I am hoping is that Windows starts evolving to become more handheld-friendly as a result of project Keenan. It's probably a good time to note that it's widely b🦋elieved Windows 12 could show up at the end of the year or early 2026, so it could be that t⛦he new portable PC is set to arrive at the same time as Microsoft's latest operating system.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best retro consoles if you need something that'll run the classics.

It was last February when that the end was near for repairs of the New 3DS, New 3DS LL (the Japanese XL model), and the 2DS, with the company set to stop offering to fix the handhelds in Japan once it ran out of parts. By August, its stock of regular New 3DS parts had been depleted, and now, it's been that it's all out of the necessary bits 𝓀to repair the XL version and the wedge-✤shaped 2DS.

With that, the only 3DS family console that the company is still seemingly offering repairs for ♌in Japan is the Nꦦew Nintendo 2DS LL, the infinitely more stylish 2DS model that has a far more complicated name than I initially remembered. Even so, this support won't last forever, as last September that repairs will stop once it's out of parts for them.

Regardless, owners of any other 3DS or 2DS models are out of luck, as are any remaining Wii U fans, as Nintendo confirmed that it was out of parts for the home console and its peripherals – like the GamePad controller – last July. The latter is particularly problema🙈tic as the home console is massively reliant on its unique controller for a number of games, as well as to access its system settings, if you ca🥂n believe it.

Nintendo's support of the Wii U and 3DS family has now ended in pretty much every conceivable way – the company also shut down the consoles' online servers last April, preventing fans from playing online in the likes of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokemon X and Y, and the first Splatoon game. Some dedicated players managed to stay online for way longer than intended, though, with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:the longest-standing survivor finally disconnecting 210 days after the shutdown after his 3DS crashed.

While you're here, be sure to check out our roundup of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best 3DS games of all time.

The Miyoo Mini Plus is an advocate for being one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds as despite it being marginally smaller than my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, it's able to run games from the original Game Boy, Genesis, SNES, and even the original PlayStation, without issue. This is thanks in part to its onboard Linux OS, which comes pre-loaded on the 64GB microSD alongside a case, screen protector, charging cable, and a card reader for loading your collꦕection onto the system.

If you had told me as a kid in the 90s that I could get all my favorite Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, SEGA Master System, Genesis, and PlayStation games all on the one tiny handheld, I'd of lost it. Even as an adult, I'm still blown away by what the Miyoo Mini Plus is capable of and just how good the games of my childhood look on its compact screen.

I'm well aware my Samsung S24, iPad, or my Steam Deck for that matter, can emulate all those systems and more, and I've put that to the test. But with the Miyoo Mini Plus, you're not only getting a ton of games you can take on the go, but it still manages to capture that feeling of staying up late playing Pokemon Blue at 3 am with Ninty's Game Boy - just this time there's a backlit screen involved.

If you pick up the white, gray, or black versions of the handheld part of this limited time deal, you won't have to spend time racking your brain over downloading any software. The device comes with a 64 microSD that's pre-loaded with a custom version of Linux, so all the emulators it can run are available from the get-go and ripe for trying. The second I got my 'Atomic Purple' version I ran straight to the PlayStation section to see▨ if the tiny thing could actually run games like Tekken 2, or Final Fantasy VII, or if it was too 🐼good to be true. To my elation, the games I spent years of my life on growing up looked stellar on the 3.5-inch IPS HD retina display, and there was no lag in sight, even during the pre-rendered cut scenes.

Switching between games is easy too - as you can just press the menu button, and load in whatever you want. Or alternatively, load up a save slot. Which, I'm well aware is seen as p♍retty blasphemous among older gaming fanatics, but has become a lifesaver for me when I just want to take out the handheld when waiting at the dentist, or on the bus going into town.

What made me truly become obsessed with the device is down to how good it feels to play. The buttons are partially smaller than that of the Game Boy Color, but they're comfortable and highly responsive, and its smaller size never became a pain in the wrists. Not only that, the Miyoo Mini Plus has a large community of people sharing alternative operating systems, which includes cute themes and additional software, all of which are free to download. There's even a ton of fans making alternative mods, from button sets to cute stickers, you can buy to truly make the handheld your own.

I will admit though, that the Miyoo Mini Plus doesn't sound the best. However, for something of its 🐼pr♍ice and size, I wasn't expecting much on that front. Even with headphones plugged into its 3.5mm jack, things can sound a little tinny - so don't go in expecting the booming OST as if you were playing the same games on your big TV. Unlike retro handhelds like the Anbernic RG ARC-D, it also cannot be hooked up to a monitor to become an all-out emulating station.

This is purely a device for those who want something that fits right into their pocket so 🐈you can replay the games of your childhood when you have time to spare, rather than wasting time on a gaꦆcha-riddled mobile game. Or, the Miyoo Mini Plus makes for a nice handheld to cozy up with on the sofa when you're in the mood to play the SNES but don't have the energy, or the space, to set up the real thing.

Prefer to play retro games on your Steam Deck? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck headsets, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories, and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck docks to unlock the full potential of your portable pixel-pushing handheld.

Right now, you can grab the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme , as the retailer has kicked its usual $200 discount back into gear. That's not too shabby for what remains one of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld options to enter the race, and it does frequently like to jump back to $650 outside of sale seasons. Basically, you're gett♛ing the Windows handheld gaming PC at its Black Friday ✃price if you pick it up now, which is pretty nifty seeing as it's only February.

The part that really tickles me is that this Asus ROG Ally deal undercuts the Lenovo Legion Go S massively. Sure, that's a given seeing as that rival is armed with a new Ryzen Z2 Go APU, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. But, those specs are going to set you back a whopping , and while the handheld may impress me during benchmarking, I'm not so sure it'll convin🍌ce me to spend almost $300 more.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Ally Z1E?

Out of all the Windows handhelds I've tested, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally remains the portable rig I'd recommend to most people. My hardware reviewing friend Tabitha🌱 Baker ag🃏reed, dubbing the device as "one of the best ways to play" PC games on the go. It also happens to be one of the cheapest when it does drop to its lowest price, and that's exactly when I'd strike if you're after a portable pal.

On the specs side of things, the ROG Ally covers a lot of ground. Yes, there's now an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally X that ramps things up with 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a larger battery, but you'll be boosting frame rates to the same degree since both wield a Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. That magical AMD chip is the one thing that could convince me to put down the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED 🉐and its magical consℱole-like experience, but it does mean potentially wrestling with an operating system with no builds for handheld play.

Windows 11 is absolutely the ROG Ally's Achilles heel. Microsoft's OS simply lacks the optimized chops to either challenge Valve's SteamOS or help it take on the streamlined nature of handheld consoles like the Switch. The drawbacks do come paired with the ability to access practically any PC storefront you like from the get go, including the Steam, the Epic Game Store, and Xbox Game Pass. However, you are at the mercy of using a platform designed primarily for desktꦜops and gaming laptops, and you'll certainly feel that when the random quirks arise.

That's not to say Microsoft won't eventually jump on the handheld bandwagon. I'm sure sure the tech giant will eventually bake portable-friendly elements into its operating system and potently even transform devices like th🍌e ROG Ally into makeshift Xbox handhelds. The problem is that by the time that happens, a new wave of models with new innards will have likely arrived, meaning Asus' take on the Steam Deck could be superseded.

Of course, that's all future talk, and if you pick up the ROG Ally today, it's still going to boost fps beyond the Steam Deck's abilities and even take on newer Windows handheld like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Zotac Zone and the Legion Go S. In fact, the latter might not keep up with Asus' contender since its APU is lo♒wer spec on paper. I'll get back to you with some solid stats once I road-test the handheld for review, but the Ally🏅 probably won't come under seige until new Ryzen Z2 Extreme soldiers hit the ground.

All that to sa𒉰y that if you want a punchy portable PC, the Asus ROG Ally is a solid option, one that's still putting up a good handheld fight in 2025.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, take a peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops for a beefier mobile rig.

The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of better visual fidelity than the previous Switch, and thank goodness. Playing a 1080p upscaled game on a 4K TV up until now has been dicey, depending on how much you care about those jaggy lines. But the sequel makes much better use of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs. Switch 2 is 4K capable, has HDR support, and even a 120H꧃z mode for those of us who prefer🐟 a higher-refresh rate gaming experience.

Technically speaking, you don't need a TV at all to play Switch 2. Sure, the handheld comes with a dock that boasts HDMI output, but you could simply treat it like a portable console and avoid external screens altogether. That said, if you're planning some big Mario Kart nights in the future or just want to kick b♒ack on the couch and enjoy the next Zelda game in 4K, you'll want to start thinking about𝓀 whether your trusty old television is up to the task.

Do you need a 4K TV for Switch 2?

It might be 2025, but you don't need a 4K TV to play Switch 2. Using a UHD display with new co🎉nsoles naturally comes with benefits, but if you're still rocking an old HD display or a Quad HD gaming monitor, you'll be able to use Nintendo🌄's latest console with those screens just fine. Simply put, you won't be forced to use handheld mode upon freeing Ninty's new gadget from its cardboard prison, as even TVs from two decades ago should technically work just fine.

Will the Switch 2 look good on a 1080p TV? Well, it all depends on the size of your display. Smaller screens can get away with using higher resolutions since the pixels will be less visible at a distance, and even the PS5 Pro looks fairly nice on full HD 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming monitors if you stick to under 27 inches.

However, for those of you looking for an excuse to upgrade your screen, a 4K gaming TV is naturally where this console is going to be most at home. Kicking back on the couch while staring into a generously-sized 4K TV is the natural habitat of console gamers, after all. A gaming monitor at a desk would work equally as well though, with 120💫Hz refresh rates and the Joy-Con 2 mouse features satiating the PC gaming market.

Don't forget that 4K TVs are now the standard, and they're getting so much cheaper. A standard 55-inch, LED, 60Hz, 4K TV would cost you around $500 / £500 back in 2020, when the PS5 launched. For the same specs now, you could spend less than $300. The market does admittedly go way higher than that if you want a higher refresh rate, a bigger size, or you want to invest in OLED tech. If the Switch 2 is adding just another reason for you to upgrade your TV, maybe it's your time to start looking for a deal. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who planꦡs to use their TV for more than just the Switch 2.

Will Switch 2 work with 120Hz TVs?

Now that consoles are able to boost fps to new heights, 120Hz gaming TVs are becoming all the rage. That's not to say support extends to every release, but shooters like Overwatch 2 can run at 4K 120fps on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. In theory, the Nintendo Switch 2 can also tꦿake advantage of high refresh rates, but I'm not convinced you should buy a 120Hz specif🐻ically for it. Even on a PS5, 120Hz modes within games really do a detriment to the visual fidelity you'll see. It's a sacrifice for the faster refresh rate, and the bigger the screen, the more noticeable that drop in quality will be.

The Switch 2's 120Hz mode will only work in docked mode at 1080p, so you're hardly going to get the best bang for yoไur buck out of a 4K 144Hz panel like the LG OLED C4. At 4K, you're only going to be able to output up to 60fps, so spending big ✱on a 120Hz may not be worth it for you.

Luckily, the HDR support will ensure colors are nice and🐼 rich if you have a compatible display. In our opinion, this might be the feature to invest in if you're specifically upgrading your display for S♐witch 2. Especially since VRR isn't actually supported in docked mode.

Should you use an OLED TV with Switch 2?

I'm a huge fan of OLED gaming TVs, and the panel-type would feature in my dream Switch 2 setup. Since most of Ninty's own adventures are cartoon capers with vibrant fantastic worlds to explore, aiming for elevated contrast and colors makes a lot of sense. The only problem is that some of the best options out there, like the澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: LG OLED G4, will run you well over $2,000 for a 55-inch model, and even the cheapest panels come in at around♊ the grand mark.

If you've been using an older LED TV up till now, I'd argue that you could upgrade to mini LED and still give Switch 2 visuals a glow-up. Features like local dimming will help improve contrast tenfold, not to mention colors will look notably nicer compared to yesteryear's LCD setups. I had a blast playing Mario Kart 8 on the OG Switch using the 65-inch 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Hisense U7N, and I can only imagine the Switch 2 would look even more strikin𒊎g on the affordable display.

Of course, if you've been rocking a Switch OLED ꦓall this time, you might be used to exploring Nintendo's wonderful worlds on a screen with elevated vibrancy. That could lead you to thinking things look a bit meh in handheld mode, and using an external screen with the same panel capabilities could make up for the console's integrated display shortcomings. That's not to say the Switch 2's screen will be inherently bad, but you might miss those inky blacks and richer color pallets.

Do you really need to upgrade your TV for the Switch 2?

As I've already touched on, you don't need to upgrade your TV if you pick up a Switch 2. There are various reasons why you might want a ಌnew display, especially if you've yet to invest in a 4K display. But, as long as you've got a screen with an HDMI input, Nintendo's new console should work just fine.

If you do decide to grab a new gaming TV for your Switch 2, I'd start off by looking at mini LED screens with an affordable price tag. Chances are that you're currently using an aging LCD model if you've🌠 not upgraded your panel in a few years, and even the shorter leap to QLED will provide you with an evenly lit screen, improved colors♒, and better sharpness overall.

Opting f♕or an OLED display will ultimately take your Switch 2 visuals to the next level, effectively helping the new hardware look its best with tremendous col♛ors, contrast, and even tricks like micro lens array (MLA) tech if you go for a premium LG model. It's a bit too early to tell if the inherent faster refresh rates of expensive displays will come in handy too, but picking up a 120Hz or even 144Hz screen will futureproof your setup overall.

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I'd alrea🥃dy assumed that gaming handhelds and other excellent bits of tech would end up in the US import tariff crossfire. However, the rather excellent portable gadget YouTuber has done the legwork in terms of maths, and the resulting hypothetical figures are concerning.

The handheld guru explains that while the De Minimis exception (a rule that allows for tax breaks when retailers ship straight to consumers) previously kept 25% tariffs at bay, a suspension of the policy com🌟bined with a new 10% charge means you could pay 35% more for devices by Anbernic, Mi💦yoo, and various other companies that make Game Boy-style consoles.

Let's pluck a few familiar handheld from Retro Game Corp's spreadsheet like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RG35XX Plus. The handheld has p𝐆reviously dipped to just over $32 at its lowest price, and without coupons applied at sites like Aliexpress, it averages out at around $43. With Tr♉ump's 35% tariff applied, that price increases to just under $59.

One of my favorite handhelds from last year, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RG Cube, is also at risk of a big price increase, an🌞d if tariffs kick in as proposed, we're looking at over $200 for the square-screen portable. Considering you can currently grab one at Aliexpress , that's a difference that could stop someone picking one up.

It's worth hammering home that nothing is set in stone yet, and economic plans are chopping and changing e🤪very second. If you do𒐪 have your eye on a handheld right now, it might be best to pick it up sooner than later. I'm hoping the whole thing fizzles out, but I'll be keeping my eye on the situation regardless.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops if you're looking for powerful mobile rig.

That said, if you pick up the BenQ GR10 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck dock for $109 / £99, you’ll technically get something that offers better performance than most options. Sure, you won’t really need 4K 120Hz output when running newer games on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED since it struggles to hit 60fps at 1080p. But, I’ve certainly got use for those sorts of speeds when it comes to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds, as plenty of PC releases will happily use those🎶 specs and deliver elevated visuals on ex🐎ternal screens.

No matter how you spin it, BenQ's Steam Deck dock is expensive. The majority of you out there will be choking at the idea of spending above $20, but there certainly is a place in the scene for ღa HDMI 2.1 docking station. Would I personally wait for a cheeky discount before trying to pick it up? Absolutely. Is its MSRP slightly less offensive compared to certain other options that opt for RGB lighting over improving video output? I think you already know the answer.

Design

Measuring 5.12 inches long and just 2.15 inches wide, the Steam Deck dock is impressively compact. The space-saving qualities can be in part attributed to some really smart design choices by BenQ, but the monitor maker has also simply managed to squeeze a tremendous amo🍌unt into something the same size as an NES controller.

Yes, it is around the same size as other options like the Jsaux 5-in-1. What you’ll want to keep in mind is that this hub has six ports, including Power Delivery, two full-size USB, Ethernet, and a side USB-C port for good measure. But it’s not just the space-saver el﷽ements that are impressive here - BenQ has also opted for an integrated cable and folding🐓 cradle that help it travel extremely well.

The cable that connects to the top of your handheld extends out from the right-hand side while tucking in underneath when not in use. There’s even an extra angled adapter on the wire, just in case you want to use it with a laptop or position your device differently. That marries with the flip-down cradle to create something that’s almost a hybrid between a dongle-style hub and the widely adopted Steam Deck dock format, adding a nice𓆏 sense of versatility that’ll no doubt benefit further generations of gadgets.

As for build quality, this is a solid bit of kit, BenQ’s blend of metal, plastic, and rubber comes together to create something that feels like a nice, weighty accessory. The grey and black two-tone finish feels like the perfect aesthetic to universally appease different desktop setups, as it’ll have no trouble blending in. I am in two minds about the ridge-cut effect used on the front of th꧂e cradle - it adds nice visual texture but the grooves are begging to get bits of dust and grime trapped between them. Did someone say toothpicks?

One of my biggest concerns with Steam Deck dock designs is tied to the protective rubber on the cradle. Not every accessory maker has learned from the sins of the OG Nintendo Switch dock, and I’ve used a couple that have a bit too much sharp metal going on near my handheld’s screen. Ben𝄹Q has tackled this by sticking with plastic for the cradle specifically and adding rubber pads that cover the entirety of the surface. Nice.

Features

Every Steam Deck dock is charged with the noble cause of hooking your handheld up to an external screen and accessories. BenQ’s docking station shares that same quest, but its shiny HDMI 2.1 abilities help put it ahead of the rest. With this hub, you’ll have enough bandwidth to hit 4K 120Hz, and while that doesꦐn’t mean you’ll be magically running everything atꦐ 120fps, it’s still pretty neat.

In regards to current generation handhelds, you’ll mostly be looking to run older releases, smaller indie games, and lightweight romps at 4K 120Hz. Even some smaller adventures will give the Deck a hard time as soon as you crank things beyond 1080p, but trust me when I say there are plenty of games that’ll make sure of the o♏utput. I can’t tell how many times I’ve been disappointed at seeing refresh rates cap out at 60Hz while testing Steam Deck docks, but this BenQ model will let me fool around more with the best gaming monitors and their speedy panels.

It’s worth highlighting that the BenQ Steam Deck dock 🗹wields faster Gen 2 USB ports too, with both the full-size connectors and USB-C running at 10Gbps. That’s not going to matter much for standard accessories like gaming keyboards or your P🀅C controller, but it will let you put your external SSDs to full use. Naturally, the benefits will hinge on whether you’re using a drive that needs extra bandwidth, so you’ll want to check what you need before buying this docking station specifically for faster ports.

Performance

At this stage, I’d fully expect any accessory that dubs itself a Steam Deck dock to provide video output and peripheral connectivity without a h🤪itch. BenQ’s dock certainly passes that mark, but it has the added burden of pulling off HDMI 2.1 abilities bestowed upon it. That means no flunking on implied 4K 120Hz abilities or providing even higher refresh rates when dealing with 1080p.

The weird thing about BenQ’s Steam Deck dock is that it feels better suited to other handhelds. At least that’s what I learned after testing it for a week, as those HDMI 2.1 abilities really came in handy on premium portables. Therefore, if you’ve got an Asus ROG Ally or something even fancier like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS, you’ve more to gain from using this accessory.

That’s not to say it doesn’t work nicely with the Steam Deck. I’ve visited a bunch of my usual PC library haunts and was able to make use of the dock’s HDMI 2.1 output. I even managed to play the N64 homage Cavern of Dreams at 4K 120Hz, which felt ironically wonderful since Ninty’s original conso♏le largely capped out at 30fps.

My main issue with using BenQ’s dock with the Steam Deck sꦜpecifically is that finding a game that’ll run at 4K 120fps is a rarity. I’m not exactly surprised by this, but even older releases either outright don’t support 120Hz or have archaic frame rate caps that hamper any benefits. So, to properly continue testing, I cracked out the Ayaneo Flip DS mentioned above to better test the d🐓ocking station’s elevated output.

Thankfully, Ayaneoಌ’s 3DS tribute ac🍒t had a far better time feeding the BenQ dock with appropriate performance. Tomb Raider Trilogy automatically started running at 4K 120Hz as soon as Lara’s feet hit the ground, and I think I might start playing the cavern-caper using this handheld setup. Sure, I could use the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and a full-blow PC, but now that my handheld can match it on refresh rate, using it instead feels more satisfying.

Another lighter indie game that really punched hard on the BenQ dock is Signalis, The PS1-style horror easily matched fed the 4K 120Hz output with a matching frame rate, hammering home the docking station’s low-spec gaming benefits. I do want to stress that even if you’re armed with an Asus ROG Ally X, your scope for making the most of HDMI 2.1 will be limited right now, which ma♛kes this docking station feel like an early-bird accessory.

Outside of resolution testing, I also made sure to put the dock’s 100W Power Delivery capabilities to the test. The last thing you want is your Steam Deck or one of its rivals complaining about power draw after putting together a setup, and while it’s up to you to provide a suitably beefy charger, I can confirm it avoided any power𝓰 pitfalls. I will admit that helping your Deck connect to accessories while keeping the battery topped up and providing output should be a given, but it’s always worth checking i🥀n case something is awry.

Should you buy the BenQ Steam Deck dock?

Boasting a versatile design and ahead-of-the-curve HDMI 2.1 abilities, the BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock is an excellent premium option for handheld enthusiasts. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend splashing out $100 on it if you’re a casual player, especially when HDMI 2.0 options like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Baseus 6-in-1 exist for far leಞss, but its 4K 120Hz output will benefit those of you who’ve alrea🌸dy splashed out on a premium handheld.

I’ve said this before, but the fact the scene universally refers to most handheld docking stations as “Steam Deck docks” is amusing. I’d honestly say this feels like more of a Steam Deck 2 dock than anything, but since we’re about to get a wave of next-gen portable PCs🐼 like the Lenovo Legion Go S, the dock’s timing is arguably impeccable. So long as you keep in mind that 4K 120Hz is a big stretch for Valve’s handheld, I can see BenQ’s accessory serving as a futureproof investment for anyone who doesn’t want to buy twice.

How I tested the BenQ Steam Deck dock

For a month, I used the BenQ GR10 Steam Deck dock as my main handheld docking station. During that time, I used both Valve’s device and the Ayaneo Flip DS to test video output and general connectivity while assessing the accessory’s functiꦅonality and design. To ensure that the add-on HDMI 2.1 abilities work as intended, I used games like Cavern of Dreams, Tomb Raider Trilogy, and Signals in a bit to hit a matching 4K 120fps frame rate while also looking out for any connection-based glitches or caveats.

For more information on how we test docking stations and other accessories, swing by our full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, allow me to fill you in. Balenciaga has created a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:retro console to celebrate Lunar New Year. Showcased by Demnagra𒅌m, the portable device looks vaguely like an old Game Boy, and it's sole mission is to run an homage to the classic mobile game Snake. Its screen features a light ꦑblue backlight that's reminiscent of the earliest Game Boy Pocket mods out there. It also comes armed with four long directional face buttons, which serve as the bitter cherry on top of this disappointing handheld cake.

Some may call me a grump for dunking on the Balenciaga handheld. After all, it's set to be a gift for the brands "very important customers" rather than something you'll buy. However, as someone who loves the craft of portable consoles and the 🧜their unique design, this is a pretty poor attempt at paying homage to a segment of portable gaming history.

Now, I will admit that the morbid collector in me wants the Balenciaga handheld for my horde. I mean, we're talking about the same hardware editor that owns a Tiger Gamecom and a cursed Game Boy knockoff dubbed the "Game Child." That said, I'd never in a million years tell you try and become a "VIC" to get hold of this console, as you🍎 can already play its game for free online or spend your time tracking down an original Nokia cell phone.

Perhaps the fact t🐟hat baffles me most about Belenciaga's gadget is that it doesn't look particularly fashionable. Not that I know anything about accessorizing or drip, but this thing looks like a cross between a Cybertruck and garage door remote. Put it this way, my head is more likely to turn for someone playing a Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally on the train than this oddball console. Or, if like me you still have your original Nokia 3410, start flaunting that in public instead.

So, what's the takeaway here? Well, I guess the only novelty consoles I have time for are food-shaped cheapies like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:McDonalds Mcnugget handheld. Really, the main issue here is that Balenciaga has created something that doesn't quite understand the assignment, playing into ༺the idea of high fashion video gaming over creating a handheld homage.

But hey, if Balenciaga wants to send me the han⛎dheld for a proper review, perhaꦉps they can win me over (probably not, but willing to be proven wrong).

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Before you reach for your trust pitchfork, I hear ya - comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 to the Wii U sounds like an insult. Ninty's oddball Wii-successor marks a dark period in the console giant's history, whereas the new Switch could be one of the澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: best gaming handhelds yet. That said, there are specific features the portable could steal from the 2012 system that'll eleva🐷te it to true backwards compatibility greatness.

By that, I mean that the Switch 2 could fix one of my biggest issues with the OG console - a lack of dual-screen functionality. Even if NDS, 3DS, and Wii U games did end up on some sort of Virtual Console, revisiting those favorites would only really work in handheld mode since you'🌳d need a touchscreen. However, I am convinced that the USB-C port on top of the sequel device is intende𒅌d for more than just basic accessories, and it could transform it into a multi-display menace.

Wii (U) have the technology

I feel like I've been ranting about 3DS and Wii U games on the Switch 2 for years now, but Nintendo has finally given me a glimmer of hope. There is still a tiny portable gaming pessimist in me that says the new top USB-C port is merely for charging and standard accessories. However, the connector has come a long way since 2017, and its modern video ℱoutput capabilities could help the system function as a Wii U gamepad.

My hardware hypothesis is this - players will be able to plug the Nintendo Switch 2 into its docking station using a USB-C cable. In turn, that will allow you to use the entire handheld as a controller while the main game screen is displayed on your TV. This will free up the console's built-in touchscreen for secondary elements like mini-maps and inventory shenanigans. Sounds familiar?🍒 That's exactly what the Wii U was all about.

Since USB-C has the bandwidth to deal with multi-monitor video output, and Power Delivery can sort out the cha🧜rging side of things, using the Switch 2 in this manner is entirely possible. By placing the connector on the top of the system, Nintendo is signaling th♓at there is some sort of intent behind the decision, and I'm not convinced it's just to make charging easier or facilitate earphones (the included headphone jack quashes the latter.)

The part that has me really excited is that being able to use the Switch 2's built-in screen and your TV at the same time isn't just for backwards compatibility. Yes, it will bridge that irritating hardware gap that makes playing Wii U and 3DS games impossible. But, it also means we could end up with the former console's functionality injected into new releases. I don't know about you, but I can see it being a really neat optional way to play the next Zelda game, especially if it let🧜s you mess around with Hyrule maps and your inventory.

Nintendo Switch 2 Online 3DS foreshadowing?

Okay, perhaps the idea of Nintendo making the Switch 2🏅 even slightly like a Wii U is a stretch. Instead, let's imagine that the company is planning to finally bring DS and 3DS games to its Online service. In that instance, it's entirely possible we'll end up with an attachable screen that harnesses the video output power of USB-C, once again creating a hardware solution to Ninty's backwards compatibility woes.

I'm already on record saying that the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 should be more lik𒅌e the 3DS, but the teaser smashed those dreams into bits. At the same time, I'm highly suspicious of the fact the trailer simply showed us the same device featured in leaks ov﷽er the past few years, ☂so I'm now wondering if it's only showing us half a console of sorts.

The basic idea is that a secondary screen could fit onto the top of the Switch 2 and connect via USB-C. That would allow the system to work pretty much like a 3DS, displaying gamep🍒lay on the top while 🐈reserving the bottom panel for touch features required for those original games. This would absolutely beat squeezing both windows onto just the handheld's display, and as someone who uses that layout via emulation on other handhelds, I've had quite enough of that.

It's an idea I've been holding onto since my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS review since it demonstrated what a modern dual-screen device could achieve. Only rather than forcing a clamshell design upon players inꦗ 2025, Nintendo could instead implement something more modular using the top USB-C port. There's nothing stopping it enacting my makeshift Wii U gamepad desires too for when hooked up to a TV, but actually making an accessory resolves the handheld side of things.

Honestly, I'd rather Nintendo brought back the Virtual Console for Switch 2 rather than continuing its Online library service. Sadly, I think it'll be the latter that ends up happening, and its new launches will likely be supported controllers that belonged to its retro consoles. Of course, rather than giving us a 3DS related gamepad, it may instead offer up that aꦗforementioned screen attachment, potentially as a subscriber exclusive.

Switch 2 backwards combability possibilities

It's needless to say I'll be disappointed if Nintendo doesn't do something fancy with its top USB-C port. Perhaps it's got more quirky 🙈accessories on its mind, or maybe it's simply being a grownup and trying to embrace charging versatility. What I will say is that I consider not being able to play previous console games on the OG Switch as its biggest pitfall, and🐓 the connector could easily remedy the issue.

Maybe I'm asking too much of the "new" Nintendo that has seemingly found a formula worth repeating twice. It'd have to be confident in its hybrid handheld format still being desirable, otherwise it risks repeating its attempts to keep the Wii brand momentum going. What I will say is that I don't think Ninty ꦅhas forgotten its dual-screen golden years, and it's high𒀰 time it started feeding into the nostalgia of aging gamers from the 3DS era.

Looking to bag Ninty's new handheld day one? Swing by 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders and prep for its arrival. Alternatively, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Switch 2 vs Steam Deck rundown if you're trying to decide between the two.

In many ways, the Switch 2 is a souped-up version of Nintendo's 2017 console. Next-gen enhancements will narrow the gap between the new handheld and portable PCs like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, but there's more to this fight than raw performance punches. In fact, the new custom Nvidia chip that sits within the Switch 2 uses the same tricks as modern graphics cards to achieve higher resolutions and better performance, not to mention Ninty's newcomer boa𓃲sts a 1080p 120Hz screen that beats Valve's panel.

With that in mind, let's see how the Switch ♊2 vs Steam Deck fight starts to unfold. Both will no doubt continue to swing punches throughout 2025, but I can already talk you through how multiple rounds will play out.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Price

Nintendo sadly hasn't revealed a price for the Switch 2 yet,ဣ but there's a strong chance it'll cost under $400. While you'll want to avoid making any final spending plans until that MSRP is finally revealed, having a look at pricing history and trends from past generations can help provide a ballpark figure.

To get a feel for Nintendo's pricing, let's venture way back to the Wii. The seventh-generation console launched for $249.99 / £179.99, making it one of the cheapest consoles from that generation. The Wii U eventually took to the stage with a $299.99 / £249.99 price tag in 2013, again, undercutting the lik♑es of the PS4 and Xbox One. Ninty ended up retaining this same MSRP for the 2017 Switch, while the newer OLED model ramped things up to $349.99.

With those figures in mind, I'd predict that the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost at least ♍$350 / £350. The company likes to retain previous-gen pricing where possible, but external factors like inflation and increased manufacturing costs mean it may aim for a higher MSRP. Still, the biggest price leap that has happened over the past decade between consoles is aro✨und $50, and it makes more sense to target the same pricing as the OLED model than position itself higher in the market.

The one factor that could impact the Switch 2 price is whether Nintendo plans to keep the OG Switch and OLED model alive. If it does that, we could be looking at a handheld family tier system with different models catering to specific player types. I'm leaning towards that not being a thing since the enhanced capabilities and new games mean we are talking about an entirely new generation, unlike the 3DS iterative cycle. Nevertheless, it's still a possibility, one that would lead to higher-than-⛎ever console pricing from Nintendo.

Of course, there are also rumors surfacing that the Nintendo Switch 2 could cost $449. That's according to Xbox Era co-founder , who claims an insider cited the MSRP alongside a Mario Kart bundle price of $499. In that scenario, the new handheld would end up more expensive than the Steam Deck LCD, but $50 cheaper than the OL⭕ED model. Is that a win for Ninty? Perhaps it will be by the time the Steam Deck 2 rolls into town, but it does mean the OG portable PC could be technically more affordable.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Games

Comparing Nintendo Switch 2𓃲 games to the Steam Deck library is tricky on multiple levels. Not least because Valve's handheld has access to a wealth of PC releases while the new S﷽witch is backwards compatible with eight years' worth of console favorites (albeit with a few limitations and paid next-gen ports).

Nintendo is the last remaining guard in the console exclusives space. There is one place, and one place only, that you can experience the latest adventure😼s of Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, and whichever other Nintendo mascot you can think of. Nintendo is going to win this battle for a lot of people who mainly want to buy a Switch 2 to play Nintendo's games. So third-party support is♔ going to be a big deciding factor for you here.

How often do you play games made by other companies? Are they likely to be on the Switch 2? Because they're almost certainly going to hit Steam, which means they'll be playable in some form on a Steam Deck. By the buzz surrounding Switch 2, it's likely that we'll see third-party support for a wide sel🧜ection of games, especially indie♑s. This was certainly the case on the first Switch, but as the console aged, and its already out-of-date hardware started to make things difficult for developers, support from the biggest, most demanding games stopped. This could very well happen to the Switch 2 as well, so you can see where the toss-up is going to be.

If you're only buying a platform to play Nintendo games, you're going to buy the Switch 2. If you tend to play a bit of everything, but want to keep up with those nostalgic Nintendo franchises, a Switch 2 might be worth it for you, but probably not immediately. If you're quite content with your Steam backlog and you can do without those occasional Switch games calling to 🌞you from your chi🌄ldhood memories, it's likely that you'll love the Steam Deck and not feel as though you're missing out on the Switch 2 much at all.

There's also the economy of these games to consider. Steam sales are infamously excellent for consumers, bringing games down to genuinely affordable prices in big seasonal sales. On Switch 2, not only do you need to fork out $80 for an exclusive title, but if you want to play the OG Switch's games with the full power of the Switch 2's hardware, you'll probably need to pay an additional fee to get access to the Switch 2 Edition. You can check out a full list of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Switch 2 games we've 💜thrown ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚtogether to weigh up whether the investment will be worth it for you.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Display

Nintendo has revealed that the Switch 2 will come armed with a 1080p 120Hz d♛isplay with HDR abilities, which beats out even the Steam Deck OLED with its 800p 90Hz screenඣ. It'll run at double the refresh rate of Valve's LCD model, meaning you'll get slicker visuals that take advantage of higher frame rates.

The new Switch 2 screen matches premium handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally and new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go S, and while the Steam Deck OLED and even the Nintendo Switch OLED will have an edge in terms of colors and contrast, Ninty's new console will feel more fluid than both. Plus, HDR should help thi🍃ngs pop a bit more in handheld mode than its predecessor and help it pack a punch even compared to its more vibrant competitors.

There's still no word on whether the Switch 2 will leverage VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), but it could lend the 120Hz screen a helping hand. If the system can dynamically match up display speeds wit𒊎h game refresh rates, it will prevent jittery visuals🌳 that are a result of mismatched fps.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Controllers

The Switch 2 feels very much like a sequel handheld rather than something new, meaning it'll rival systems like the Steam Deck with a familiar hybrid setup. For those of you unacquainted, the format includes removable Joy-Con controllers and a docking station for gaming TV play, playing into the whole idea of being able to switch from portable to big-screen play.

As you'd expect, Nintendo has revamped its Joy-Con tech for the Switch 2, replacing its old rail system with magnetic connectivity and adding a mysterious new IR sensor on the side. That will no doubt play into some ℱnew console features, but we'll have to wait for Ninty to delve into that next month. Other perks I'm expecting to remain are the gyroscope and the ability to use each Joy-Con as a separate gamepad.

The big difference between the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck here is that Valve's gamepad isn't removable. For that sort of portable PC functionality, you'd have to look towards the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go instead, but it does offer up a solid set of controls with plenty of unique features. Those include a trackpad for enhanced desktop model usability, gyro functions that can be activated via thumbstick touch sensors, and haptic feedback.𓃲 Nintendo's new handheld will no doubt feature a new version of its "HD rumble," so both devices are offering elevated vibrations compared to traditional controller⛄s.

That said, there are also external controllers to consider here as well. The Steam Deck is essentially a handheld gaming PC, so any of the best PC controllers should work with it, so long as you connect them in the right way. That opens up a slew of possibilities when it comes to what gamepad you use, and if you're docking up to play on a TV or monitor, you'v𝔍e got so many✱ options at your disposal.

The Switch 2 has an official Pro Controller, and we already know that PowerA is worki🥀ng on the first officially licensed Pro Controller for Switch 2 from a third-party. That'll be followed by plenty of alternatives, there's no doubt. But we still don't know for sure if third-party Switch 1 controllers will work on Switch 2, and that limits things a little.

You could say Ninty's Joy-Con setup wins out against the Deck's traditional take on controls t❀hanks to the versatility of its Joy-Cons, but if you like full-sized thumbsticks and larger face buttons, you'll prefer the latter. Moreov💮er, if you want options when it comes to secondary or external gamepads to connect to either console, the Steam Deck does have wider compatibility.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Comfort

This ꦓone will likely come down to personal preference, depending on what you prefer the feel of. In handheld mode, which of the two devices is more comfortable to hold for long periods at a ti🌟me?

Well, the Switch 2 is the same thickness as the original Switch, and even if it's a little bit larger than before, that doesn't add much in the way of girth꧂. Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally offer a bit more to hold onto, which not only provides room for back buttons to greatly enhance the comfort on the front of the device, but also makes it more secure ꦿin the hands. Collectively, we here prefer that, so the Steam Deck takes the comfort prize for us.

The Switch 2 isn't uncomfortable, by any means, and its larger size does help matters since you can spread your hands a bit wider and you don't have to rely so much on one or two points of pressure to support its w꧟eight. Th💟ere are definite improvements with the Switch 2 thanks to its matte surface as well. It may be more slippery, but you can still maintain your grip while feeling as though you're holding a more premium device than before.

Still, the Steam Deck has a more three-dimensional shape to it that makes gripping it easier. For us, that wins out. There's a reason the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:CRKD Nitro Deck was so popular, after all.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Battery Life

This one might depend on how you us💜e it, but all-in-all, the Stea♑m Deck tends to have a better battery life.

The Switch 2 has a larger screen, it's a 1080p display, has HDR credentials and a higher refresh rate, so as you can imagine, powering it takes a bit more oomph. The 5,220mAh battery inside it can only really sustain it for between 2-6 hours, with earliest suggestions pointing at the lower-end of that scale being more common. Luckily, there is a hand𝄹y battery preservation feature.

The Steam De🤪ck's battery life is a bit harder to nail down, but the mos👍t optimistic usage reports show that it can last up to 9 hours.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Docking

Valve's handheld rises to the hybrid challenge with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck dock compatibility. Rather than sliding the han🅠dheld into a cradle like the Switch 2, you'll instead place it down on a hub and attach a USB-C cable on top. The process is slightl𝓡y less snazzy, but arguably more versatile since you'll have options in terms of dock design. At the same time, we'll no doubt see third-party Switch docking stations enter the fold once the system lands, so both should boast the same level of versatility.

I'm at risk of using the whole "apples and oranges" idiom when talking about Switch 2 and Steam Deck features. But, both handhelds do take an approach that suits their specific libraries, with Valve's system focusing on PC compatibility while Nintendo continues to innovate within the console space. There are arguments to be made for both types of docking station, too, so until we learn if🦄 the new Switch has more up its sleeve, it's a draw between the two devices.

The Switch 2 will be able to provide 4K output in docked mode, something the Steam Deck can do by default. The difference is that Nintendo's h𒈔andheld will have games designed with UHD performance in mind, complete with tailored settings and optimizations. Since Valve's device is essentially a PC, it's up to players to tweak things to hit higher resolutions at a playable performance, and the Deck does struggle to run newer releases at anything above 1080p on external displays. Steam Deck Docks have wider possibilities for adding external GPUs and even going above 4K60, though, and the Switch 2 caps out at 4K 60fps in docked mode. With no VRR support, third-party Steam Deck docks might just take the cake here.

Make sure to check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch for comparisons between the old and new console. Alternatively, swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories if you're sticking with Valve's handheld for now. We're also getting you prepped for all of this year's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

Greg Miller asks, "Where did we go wrong with PlayStation Vita?" and Yoshida replies, "Well, there are multiple reasons why Vita didn't work. It worked in a way. People lo🅘ved playing games, 🌳especially indie games, on PS Vita."

But, just loving its games wasn't enough, unfortunately. "Several technical choices we as a company made weren't good ones," Yoshida continues. "One of which was the dedicated memory card." I remember people being upset about how expe🉐nsive Sony's proprietary memory cards were for the Vita, something Yoshida admits was a "mistake."

There's more, though. "Back touch was not necessary," Yoshida says. This was a touchpad on the rear of the device that most games didn't even utilize. "S♓ometimes the team made amazing prototypes that felt so good, but the back touch added additional cost to the hardware."

There were more cost issues, too. "I think OLED was okay, such a beautiful screen, but the cost w💯as higher," he adds. There was even initially a video out port on the dev kit that allowed the Vita to display games on a TV or monitor, which would have made it a very early prꦬecursor to the Switch, but this was removed "just to save a few cents." Oh what could have been.

However, "the biജggest reason" the Vita failed is because "we had to split all our resources into two different platforms and we didn't have that resource," Yoshida explains. 

The Vita came out in 2011, at the tail end of the PS3's lifecycle and just before the PS4 debuted in 2013,⛎ so it seems Sony had to make a call on what to proritize and it opted for the home console. "We had to stop many projects from Vita because we didn't have teams to make PS4 games otherwise," he adds.

Yoshida goes on to note that Nintendo performed better with handheld consoles and eventually stopped working on home consoles altogether, instead going all-in on the hybrid Wii U and later Switch. Sticking to one console saved the company money, but for PlayStation, home consoles had always been the money-maker, so it dropped handhelds 💯instead.

Well, now 🐠we♉ know why the Vita never got the life it truly deserved.

While you're here, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 live blog to keep up to date with all the news about the officially announced console.

The Midnight Black PlayStation Portal comes in at $199.99 / £199.99, the same price as the standard model. While the handheld boasts all the same PlayStation 5 remote play features as the original 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld, it will look pretty snazzy next🌃 to your dark and brooding Midnight Black PS5 setup, whether you pick up an entirely new console or dress up your system with some face plates.

• US:
• UK:

My mission specifically is to help you grab a Midni🧸ght ൩Black PlayStation Portal as easily as possible. To do just that, I've whipped up a bunch of retailers I'd hit first once pre-orders go live. Think of it as a sort of cheat sheet for reaching pre-order listings before anyone else, in turn increasing your chances of actually getting the new Portal.

Where to pre-order PlayStation Port❀al Midni🐟ght Black in the US

Where to pre-order PlayStati🍒on Portal 𒈔Midnight Black in the UK

PlayStation Portal pre-orders FAQ

🦩Should you buy the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black?

With the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black set to release next month, now could be the perfect time to pick up Sony's Remote Player. Not only has it gained newfound cloud str🔯eaming abilities since its initial release, but the new color variant is perfect for players who aren't into white handhelds. While I'm not in that particular camp, the black version will almost certainly look nicer after a long day of portable play, as the white casing can start to look grubby.

Of course, it's worth stressing that the Midnight Black isn't a new PlayStation Portal under the hood. It'll feature the same built-in DualSense features and low-powered chipset as the original, making it perfect for linking up to your existing PS5 or accessing games via PS Plus cloud streaming. Simply put, you're going to magically be able to run games natively on this handheld, and you'll need to wait for a successor to the PS Vita or even consider the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED if that's more your jam.

Since the Midnight Black Portal coꦰmes in at the same price as the white version, opting for the latter won't necessarily save you pennies. However, you may find that the new colorway ends up going for more on the second-hand market, so keep that in mind if you prefer to shop for pre-loved gear.

Looking for more PlayStation goodies? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PS5 headsets. If it's more handheld bits you seek, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for great add-ons.

In a recent CES 2025 press briefing, delves into Alienware gaming handheld comments made by General Manager Matt McGowan. Rather than diving straight into portable PCs, the Dell GM first conceded that the Switch has a "clear advantage" within the scene. He then praises the console for featuring a lightweight design and providing a "seamless experience" in terms of games and software - two reasons why it's still my 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld pick overall even in 2025.

As for McGowan's take on handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED, he believes that portable PCs don't "quite meet all those factors." He then serves uജp a sort of backhanded comment by stating they "do an okay job," before proclaiming he isn't satisfied with that.

Ultimately, the Dell GM shoots down any notion of an Alienware handheld using the current format. He recognizes that "people are willing to accept those deficiencies," in systems like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but affirms that it's "not a step we are willing to take yet." McGowan rounds off the comment with a bit of a quip, suggesting the company do🌱esn't want to say "Hey, consumer, this is good enough, right?" while presenting a portable PC on par with current options.

Will Dell release an Alienware handheld gaming PC?

Dell hasn't outright dismissed the idea of an Alienware gaming handheld, but the company appears hesitant to enter the space. It's clear to me that the PC brand has thought long and hard about the format in general, and all signs point towards it not w🔥anting to come third to the Switch and 𝄹Steam Deck.

That's not to say we won't see an Alienware handheld gaming PC eventually. It's more that Dell wi🧸ll want to offer a balanced device without glaring caveats. I love devices like the Steam Deck, but trade-offs like battery life give the hardware genre💝 an experimental vibe.

Do I think it's possible to build a portable PC with no pitfalls? The short answer is no, and I don't think aiming for suc🍎h heights is productive. Rather than using the notion that the Switch performꦏance "meets expectations for the Nintendo ecosystem," as a reason not to compete with the Steam Deck, I'd prefer to see Alienware innovate within the handheld space by serving the growing player base an elevated experience.

Why can't D🃏ell be the company to better balance runtime and portable PC performance? Perhaps it feels like current APU and battery life tech isn't quite up to scratch yet. I'll be asking myself that very question as I get hands-on with new AMD Ryzen Z2 devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, especially since the launch marks a new generation of handheld ga🍰ming PCs.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Alienware gaming PC if you want an out of this world rig.

Scheduled to arrive January 30, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma will provide your Steam Deck with three USB inputs, 100W Power Delivery via USB-C, Gigabit ethernet, and an HDMI 2.0 port. Those specs are pretty much identical to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Baseus 6-in-1, which I happen to use daily with handhelds on a variety of screens, and it even mimics its deck-chair adjustable cradle tricks I've been raving about since🌠 2023.

So, what's my big problem here? Well, I feel like it's high time we got some HDMI 2.1 docking stations for handhelds. Yes, Razer's Chroma shenanigans is going to bring a nice level of pizazz to your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming desk, especially if you've got plenty of other accessories by the peripheral pioneers. But, seeing a dock emerge in 2025 that doesn't offer higher refresh rates at 4K feels like a missed opportunity for some futureproofin꧂g.

A throne fit for the Steam Deck 2

I've been hard at work reviewing the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck docks from the very beginning, and not a lot has changed in a few years. Sure, there was once a time where the only hub I'd recommend was the Jsaux 6-in-1 since it beat even the Valve's official docking station to market, and I'm glad we have an abundance of options with wide handheld compatibility. However, I'm craving more from premium add-ons like the Razer Chrom𒁏a Dock in 2025, and I firmly believe it starts with HDMI 2.1.

Yes, I'm aware that getting new releases to run at 4K 60fps on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally is a struggle never mind hitting 120fps. However, 🍌there are plenty of adventures that'll run at higher refresh rates just fine on current handhelds, and the limitations of HDMI 2.0 reared their head when playing the Tomb Raider Remastered Trilogy recently.

Lara's revamped romp is fairly li꧙ghtweight, which makes sense given its using a lot of OG Tomb Raidไer bits under the hood. On a regular PC, hitting 4K 144Hz is extremely easy, and since the game has no adjustable settings, it'll automatically pull off the resolution/refresh rate combo. That all changes on most Steam Deck docks today, though, as HDMI 2.0 caps out at just 60Hz.

Until now, I've been willing to make peace with these refresh rate caveats, but now that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:a bunch of "next-gen" handhelds are on the way, I feel like more players are going to notice the drawbacks. I'm not saying devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S will boost fps that much further using a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AMD Ryzen Z2, but there will certa🍃inly be a chunk of your Steam library that'll staไrt to benefit from 4K 120Hz and beyond.

Luckily, HDMI 2.1 Steam Deck docks are starting to show up, and I've actually got one by BenQ on my test bench that could b♒e a game-changer. That's not to say it'll necessaily beat Razer's Chroma dock on other fronts, however, as the accessory maker has a knack for creating add-ons with great build quality.

Plus, the company's docking station benefits from its Cortex handheld launcher, which provides a more controller-friendly way to launch games on Windows. It's pretty much the same software included with the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Edge, and while plenty of you will still likely use Steam Big Picture mode, at least it🐓s think♐ing about portable play.

I'll be looking to test Razer's take on h🅷andheld connectivity once it arrives, so watch this space for a full rundown. I suspect its build quality and high-quality RGB lighting will help justify its $80 price tag, but I'm already grumpy about the lack of an extra power adapter.

Looking for more add-ons? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories for more options. You'll also want to peek at the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming TVs and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors if you need a new screen for your devices.

In an interview with at CES 2025, Microsoft's vice president of "next generation" Jason Ronald ꩲsays the team is working on ways to use their knowledge of gaming consoles and their PC expertise to improve the gaming experience on Windows PCs and hand𒁏helds.

"I would say it's bringing the best of Xbox and Windows together, because we have spe𓆏nt the last 20 years building a world-class operating system, but it's really l🐭ocked to the console," says Ronald. "We're really focused on how we bring those experiences for both players and developers to the broader Windows ecosystem."

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has already confirmed that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox handheld prototypes are in the works, but it seems that Ronald is talking about a different project. Microsoft already has the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox Game Bar which does make gaming on Windows-powered handhelds more convenient, but Ronald says: "We're focused on really simplifying thatꦓ and making it much more like a console experience. Our goal is to put the player and their library at the center of the experience and not all the work that you have to do today."

The reason improvements are needed is because "There's just certain things in Windows that were not designed for if you don't have a keyboard and mouse, like thumbstick support or joypads and stuff like that," explains Ronald. "At the end of the day, our goal is to make Windows great for gaming on any device [...] There'sꦍ fundamental interaction models that we're working on to make sure that regardless of the operating system details it feels very natively like a gaming-centric device and a gaming-centric experience."

While Xbox's handheld is still years away, Ronald says that Microsoft will "have a lot more to share later this yeꦓar" about making Windows work better for gaming devices.

While we wait for the news, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Game Pass games you can play right now.

In a fresh CES 2025 announcement, Lenovo officially introduces us to three new 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handheld contenders. There are three new models in total, with two following the company's new 8-inch 🐟Legion Go S formula and a larger 8.8-inch protype that feels like a successor to the original. The SteamOS model is set to cost just $499.99, while prices for the Windows 11 edition start at $729.99.

Both Legion Go S models come armed with either a Ryzen Z1 Extreme or one of the newly announced Ryzen Z2 Go, while the chonky 8.8-inch "Legion Go 2" will use the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. That chip choice makes more sense seeing as the handheld will come with a 144Hz QHD OLED display. However, the smaller versions are hardly low-spec, as they'll wield a whopping 32GB RAM and feature respectable 120Hz panels not unlike the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally.

I know I've dunked on the original 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go quite a bit over the past year, and I'm admittedly a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED fan girl. Still, I think the exciting part of this announcement is the SteamOS Legion Go S,ℱ as freeing the tech companies🍌 handhelds from tedium of Windows 11 could help them reach more players.

Sure, the operating system isn't flawless, and you'll have to tinker with Linux of you want to play games via the Epic Game Store or other storefronts. Nevertheless, I stand by SteamOS being ideal for portable gamin🎶g, and it's less likely to result in you launching your device out of a Window when Windows acts up.

Should you buy a new Lenovo Legion Go?

One of my main gripes with the first Lenovo Legion Go was that it felt more like an overambitious prototype than a finished handheld. That's perhaps a little harsh, but the device felt too clunky for my liki🐠ng, and its removable TrueStrike controllers failed to win me over. I'm also not convinced that a QHD 144Hz screen pairs well with a Ryzen Z1E system, ♔but perhaps the OLED sequel will have the chops to provide a matching frame rate.

Both the Legion Go S and 8.8-inch OLED model will arrive with new Ryzen chipsets,🎐 but it's the larger handheld that'll provide a next generation edge. That's not to say the Ryzen Z2 Go won't perform admirably, but the Z2 Extreme will boost fps further using 8 cores and 18 threads. The end result is a machine that has more chance of matching 144Hz with a s꧅uitable refresh rate while running for more than half an hour.

I need to put all the new Legion Go models through my own tests to see how they shape up. S🔴ame goes for whether each device feels nice in the hands, as while all models look pretty nice so far, pictures only tell half a story. My hope is that we end up with a device that better delivers on the promise of the 2023 device accompanied by two lighter options that embrace value and comfort.

Ultimately, I'm still more hyped for Lenovo's "Steam Deck" than anything else, especially since it'll cost 𒐪under $500. Ideally, I would have loved to see an extremely competitive price here, but with more and more $800 options emerging on the scene, I'll take what I can get.

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for helpful add-ons. Alternatively, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptop for a more powerful mobile rig.

Outside of its CES 2025 keynote, AMD revealed three chips - the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Go. The first two are set to feature 8 cores and 16 threads, but the Z2E will provide the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds th🍰is year with 16 graphics cores. The non-extreme version sticks with the same CU count as the Ryzen꧋ Z1, whereas the 'Go' scales things back to 4 cores and 16 threads.

As for power, the Z2E features a 15-35W TDP, while the Z2 sticks with 15-30W. Anyone who owns something like a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED or the OG 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus ROG Ally will already be aware of the blight of current handheld battery life, and while specs are similar to current generation chips, the improved efficie😼ncies tied to RDNA 3.5 sho𒅌uld help extend playtime on new portables.

The next generation of handhelds starts now

Technically, Ryzen 8000 APUs have been powering boutique handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Ayaneo Flip DS for a few months now, but the Z2 Extreme and its kin should help usher in a new generation. Rumors have been circulating for months that the new chips will power new Lenovo Legion Go devices, and AMD says th🉐e chip's partners include Asus and Valve.

As I've already mentioned, the Steam Deck 2 will likely use something custom based on the same RDNA 3.5 architecture rather than a standard Z2 Extreme. But that aside, all signs point towards the chipset powering most upcoming handheld PCs. Naturally, rivals like the MSI Claw 8 AI+ will be stick with an Intel Core Ultra 7 pro🐲cessor instead, but I'm willing to bet most newcom🦄ers will be batting for team red.

The proof is always in the performance pudding, and I'll be putting the new Z2 chips through their paces using the latest handhelds throughout 2025. Even without frame rates and data to hand, I can already tell that this year is going to be a big one for portable players, especially since the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nintendo Switch 2 will likely show up with a new Nvidia chipset💟 and enhanced abilities💧.

While I'm not expecting Ninty's console to pose a threat to new handheld PCs in terms of raw power, I am curious to see how the green team responds to AMD's dominance within the space given that it has a stronghold on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:graphics card market.

Of course, if you'd rather sit at a desk than play your Stea📖m games outside, AMD has shiny new Ryzen 9 X3D CPUs on the way too.

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Don't get me wrong, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RX28XX has more than size going for it - it's also a phenomenal emulator. You'd be surprised how well something that's no bigger than an old NES gamepad can hold up against the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming handhelds out there, as this thing can🃏 run everything right up to the PS1 and Dreamcast. Better still, it'll seꦅt you back less than a new PS5 game.

Are there far more capable handhelds out there? You bet there are, especially if you're willing to spend well over $100. The RG28XX isn't for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:retro console enthusiast look♉ing to emulate every single system that's ever existed, especially since PS2 games are off limits here. Bu♎t, it is your tiny ticket to years of classic capers, and it's hard to believe micro consoles like this can do so much.

Should you buy the Anbernic RG28XX?

The Anbernic RG28XX is just one of countless handhelds out there th𓆉at can emulate retro consoles. I'll no doubt talk about a dozen others that will release in the year ahead too, but I can see this tiny Game Boy Micro homage maintaining its position as one of the top options for under $60.

To get the most out of the RG28XX, you'll have to use your own collection of ROMs. That means backing up physical games that you already own so that they can be u♚sed with the handheld's built-in emulators. Those of you who are familiar with that whole process have a lot to gain from the RG28XX, but I also think this cheap device is a great starting poin♈t for those of you looking for more ways to play your classic collection.

I'm personally going to keep the device in my main jacket pocket, as you never know when the need for some retro escapism will arrive. Sure, you could say that's a bit daft seeing as I also carry around a backpack with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED in it most of the time. However, I like the idea of🍃 being able to chip through Pokemon Blue or even play arcade mode in Tekken 3 without having💜 to worry about battery life.

On that note, the RG28XX has ridiculous stamina. Even when pushing it to the limit with some Dreamcast sessions, Anbernic's heroic handheld can last for up to 8 hours. Sticking to Game Boy adventures actual🅺ly enabled to stretch that to over 10 hours, which feels like an eternity compared to neꦛw portable PCs.

One of the only real complains I have about the RG28XX links directly to its compact size. Using the D-pad and tiny buttons is comfortable enough if you stick to older handheld emulation, but its back triggers can strain your hands over time. Don't get me wrong, I was able to drift through Crash Team Racing for far longer than I'd have expec♌ted, but a complete lack of curves on the back is troublesome.

Luckily, there are a few options that perform similar tricks to the RG28XX while offering up a different formfactor. Players who have fond memories of the GBA SP will absolutely want to check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RG35XXSP since it looks identical to Ninty's 2000s console. The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:RG35XX Plus also sticks with a more conventional Game Boy approach, but it will set you back slightly more thanks to b⛎eefier specs.

I've already recommended the RG28XX to a few friends who've already picked one up, and I've yet to hear any moans or groans from anyone. The consensus is that its a surprisingly nice handheld for the price, and its novel size mak𒈔es it 🧜worth owning alongside other devices.

Already got Valve's portable powerhouse? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck accessories and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Steam Deck dock for great add-ons. You'll also want to swing by the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming laptops if you'd prefer a powerful mobile rig.

Highlighted by , the company will hold a "Lenovo Legion x AMD: The Future of Gaming Handhelds" event on January 7 in Las Vegas. The presentation will feature Steam Deck co-designer Pierre-Loup Griffais as a special guest, whichไ I doubt the company would do if it didn't have a collaboration planned.

That said, Valve will also be accompanied by Microsoft gaming device vice president Jason Ronald. I'd avoid getting your hopes up for an Xbox handheld announcement, as while that would make for one hell of a CES show, the VP will likely represent the Windows 11 side of things. This feeds into one of my theories that we'll end up with a portable using that OS rather than a shrunken Series S with a screen, but the lat♛ter could still happen down the road.

Anything can be a Steam Deck if you just believe!

The upcoming AMD CES event feels practically like a stealth confirmation that the next Lenovo Legion Go will feature SteamOS. However, recent leaks by reveal a successor to the Lenovo Legion Go with a dedicated Steam button on the left-hand side. Unlike the current 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Go, t꧒he Val🦩ve-themed model looks to be a slim version that skips on removable "TrueStrike" controllers and touchpads.

Of course, if you like the OG Legion Go's chonky nature, there's reason to believe you'll get a handheld with the works too. Images shared by the same leaker reveal a larger handheld with detachable gamepads and a more ergonomic design, and it might even rival the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED using a larger screen with the same panel tech.

The TLDR here is that multiple flavors of Lenovo Legion Go devices will likely emerge in 2025, and they'll all by powered by AMD chipsets. Aܫt least one of💮 the new handhelds should feature a Ryzen Z2 APU, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Z1 Extreme hangs around to power cheaper variants. I'm completely on board with that, as it could help more portable PCs arrive with a sub $400 price tag.

Naturally, you'll need to wait for an official Steam Deck x Lenovo Legion Go announcement before knowing how much the hypothetical SteamOS will set you back. Release dates are still up in the air too, but if there🔴's one thing that's certain, it's that I'll be testing everything and anything that emerges on the battlefield in 2025.

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Coming in at around $54, the Anbernic RG28XX is easily one of the most affordable 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handhelds I’ve tested this year. It sits proudly at the budget table alongside other favorites like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Super Pocket and its 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RG35XX Plus sibling, offering up a pretty in🧸expensive way to emulate retro consoles and revisit classic capers. Plus, it’s a complete space saver for players looking to carry around a tiny time capsule, particularly if you’re into 16-bit adventures.

Can the Anbernic RG28XX keep up with your expensive gaming phone? Nah, probably not, but pitting two devices like that against each other defeats the point. We’re talking about a budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket, which can’t be said for most modern “portable” devices. As someone who frequently lugs the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED around with a power bank for life support, this cheap device makes f🔜or a nice low-spec break🌃 away from the weight of modern tech.

Design

If you’ve got any memories of the Nintendo Game Boy Micro, you’ll know exactly what Anbernic is aiming for with the RG28XX. It doesn’t mimic that handheld in the same way as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Anbernic RG35XXSP, which honestly feels like an eerie GBA SP doppelganger, but it shares a similar size and horizontal sensibilities to Ninty’s 𓄧last Game Boy.

There are plenty of obvious differences, like the missing cartridge port at the bottom and the presence of four smaller face buttons rather than two. The start and select buttons al🍨so live on the left-hand side and borrow their look from the OG Game Boy. On top, you’ll find two sets of shoulder buttons, with the edge R1 set sitting recessed in the shell and the R2 “triggers” protruding up top. They’re not unusable by any means, but🔴 can feel slightly cramped depending on your game of choice.

The RG28XX buttons are far more tactile than I expected, especially since they produce a noticeable rattle when shaken. That’s normally a red flag for build quality, but the sound seems exclusively tied to that aforementioned R2 shoulder set. I’m going to give the slightly cheap vibes a pass since it🥃 seems to be a symptom of using microswitches feeding into a more h♕ollow cap, which produces a far more satisfying feel than standard membranes.

The RG28XX is satisfyingly clicky even when it comes to its membrane buttons. I’ve used far too many cheap handhelds that end up upsetting my thumbs with mushy inputs, so Anbernic has absolutely made my Christmas card list thanks to it🐲s diligence. Less effort has been placed into the design of the volume rocker, power button, and menu toggle, but I guess keeping them low-profile at the sides and top keeps things streamlined.

The RG28XX has you covered for overall build quality, with serviceable feeling plastics and a healthy weight. The whole handheld is just under 5 inches w𒉰ide, but Anbern𝐆ic seems to have packed enough inside the little guy to help it feel substantial. A lot of that space is taken up by a 2.83-inch IPS display with a laminated front, and the glass contributes to the device’s overall rigidity.

Features

Armed with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 and a custom Linux operating system, the RG28XX was born to emulate. The same applies to most Anbernic handhelds, but this one embodies the idea of providing specific feature𝐆s and specs for running yo🥂ur old ROM collection. The OS has a bunch of emulators baked in, supporting everything from the OG Game Boy to the PS1. You can even stretch to Dreamcast if you fancy, but you’ll have to find something else for your PS2 cravings since we’re talking about an ARM chip.

Anbernic’s custom Linux setup is accommodating when it comes to emulation settings, providing heaps of options from themed borders to more technical dials. Some screens should look pretty familiar since the device uses Retroarch cores under the hood, albeit with a slightly modified UI tailored to t𒈔he RG28XX. I’d argue that you shouldn’t have to do much tinkering, especially when it comes to scaling beyond the handheld’s abilities. But, if you do want to mess around, or fill any le🤡tterboxing with cute overlays, you can easily do so by hitting the top menu button in-game.

As I pre๊viously spoiled, there’s a 2.83-inch IPS screen driving all those wonderful retro visuals to your eyeballs, and it holds up really well despite being 640 x 480. That lower resolution is perfect for a setup like this since it’s small enough to still look sharp and helps cut the dual-core Mali-G31 GPU some slack. Playing in direct sunlight will be a challenge, b💧ut I found its brightness capabilities and viewing angles to be more than adequate in most scenarios.

If you do like to plug your handhelds into a gaming TV or monitor, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a mini HDMI port waiting in the wings. Just keep in mind that the RG28XX will have to work harder if you’re aiming for even 1080p visuals, and I💃’d say 4K is a bit of a no-go for this handheld. Still, it’s nice to have the option to hand, and there will be some games that’ll scale up nicely on larger screens.

Some easy-to-miss extra features include built-in rumble, a front-f𝔍iring “high fidelity” speaker, 2.4G wireless controller compatibility, and OTG support via the top USB-C port. The handheld’s 3,100mAh battery is also worth highlighting since it provides the device with a good supply of juice (Anbernic claims 8 hours of playtime.)

Performance

Typically speaking, you get what you pay for with gaming handhelds. That abs🐲olutely applies to emulators too, but the RG28XX makes it feel like your $60 is stretching further. Is that because its🌼 smaller-than-average screen helps its innards pull off more games at full speed? Quite possibly, and I’d say that’s a testament to Anbernic’s hardware and specs pairings.

At this stage, even the nastiest nuggets from the usual cheap online stores can reliably run 8-bit games. It therefore makes sense that the RG28XX can manage ever🎀ything up to and including the PS1 at largely full speed, but even Dreamcast holds up pretty well. I wasn’t entirely sure whether PS1 emulation would be a bit much for the little fella, yet, I’ve been playing favorites like Crash Team Racing and Tekken 3 throughout testing without a hitch. The former kart racer is actually surprisingly playable using this handh𓂃eld’s cramped-looking controls, and it took around an hour for any strain to set in using the back triggers.

Again, the RG28XX can do Dreamcast, but there’s some minor audio stuttering in the likes of Ikargua. I’m not remotely concerned about that since I was able to blast The Offspring out of its speakers without any nonsense by playing Crazy Taxi. Sega’s arcade racer feels pretty amazing on a console this size, with sub𝄹tle rumble, loud sound, and bright visuals convincing me this is an excellent way to play. Put it this way, I can’t promise I won’t hide this handheld alongside a hipflask for my sister’s wedding next year. Don’t judge me.

As for battery life, putting the RG28XX to work as a tiny Dreamcast resulted in a 7-hour runtime. Similar sessions netted around 8 hours, making good on Anbernic’s promises. However, when sticking to just Game Boy/GBA emulation, I was able to keep things going for around 10 hours, which is slightly bananas. I suspect other older handheld emulators will yield simila🧸r results, meaning this could be a dream Pokemon machine for anyone doing a lot of traveling.

Should you buy the Anbernic RG28XX?

For well unde🦋r $60, it’s hard to think of a reason not to pick up the Anbernic RG28XX if you need a cheap retro gaming device. Small things like its slightly rattly ﷽shoulder buttons and compromised form factor keep it from perfection, but it’s a surprisingly capable handheld that provides lightweight access to a large chunk of classics.

As with all emulation devices, the kicker is that you’ll need your own collection of backed-up ROMs. If you’ve still got a b♓unch of old games that you want to play on a cheap and cheerful handheld, that’s actually a good thing, but if you’re💦 looking for a platform you can actively buy games for, something like the Super Pocket might be a better option.

That aside, the RG28XX is one of the best pocket-sized handhelds I’ve tested to date, especially since it can run far more than just Game Boy adventures. If you haven’t got a dedicatedཧ device for emulation, or you don’t want to use your smartphone as a makeshift conso🐟le, Anbernic’s pocket rocket is well worth a look.

How I tested the Anbernic RG28XX

For a month, I used the Anbernic RG28XX as my main handheld for🧸 retro gaming. During that time, I used a selec🌳tion of test games including Crash Team Racing, Tekken 3, and Crazy Taxi to assess the device’s emulation abilities while taking notes regarding comfort, visual fidelity, and battery life.

For more information on how we test handhelds and other portable gaming devices, check out our full 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Originally starting off as an App and website promotional item, the Tamagotchi-inspired handheld will soon be available in KFܫC stores across Spain. Dubbed the "Eduardochi", the virtual pet comes in at just €3.99, so about $4 for anyone in the US immediately trying to find one online. Since the devices are fresh out the frier after launching December 3, you're unlikely to find one for that cheap yet, but watch this space.

If it's a good look at the arguably cursed KFC Tamagochi you seek, there's a YouTube video that'd put Apple's marketing to shame. By that, I mean it draws influence from the iPhone 16 reveal tra🧸iler a few months back, which makes sense considering we're talking about a life-changing piece of tech. My Spanish is a little rusty, but the clip proudly highlights th𒅌e gadget's four buttons, non-backlit screen, and built-in keychain. I mean seriously, did the KFC marketing folks make this thing to lure me?

Again, I will prioritize getting the KFC Tamagochi in for full benchmarking and performance analysis. That's unless Valve drops a successor to the Steam Deck OLED, then it'll be my second biggest priority. But, ahead of any potential review,♒ I had to find out two things — why the thing is called Eduardo and what its packaging looks like 🐬in the flesh.

It turns out that Eduardo is a meme, one 🍬that KFC cooked up itself. Just like most daft things in life, the gag originates from the fast food chain's Twitter acc🥂ount where it previously posted pictures of fried chicken with random Spanish names underneath.

As for the packaging, I was able to get a look at it through eBay listings. It's not quite as pleasing as the Tetris Mcnugget's faux six-piece box, particularly since it also contain꧃ed stickers. That said, Eduardochi doesn't miss a beat in terms of vibes, hitting all the same notes as the original Japanese Tamagotchi and knock-offs from my childhood.

If you've ever wanted to feed your own sentient chicken drumstick and clean up its poop, then make sure to check back in for a full KFC Eduardochi review. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to grab one for less than a Family bucket right now, but since one of my first "reviews" at GamesRadar+ was the Mcnugget handheld, I feel like I have a duty to✨ test this Tamgotchi.

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