In July 2021, Valve revealed the Steam Deck, a Switch-like handheld device packed with features including a huge variety of control options, a 7-inch touchscreen, the ability to connect to external displays, and a quick suspend / resume feature. The device began shipping in February 2022, starting at $399.
With an unprecedented degree of support from Valve and the help of the gaming community, it progressed from being a “glorious mess” in our initial review to becoming one of The Verge’s favorite gadgets of 2022 and something other companies couldn’t really match. More than two years after the Steam Deck launched, the landscape is very different now that new competition has arrived in the form of Windows-powered handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go, and Ayaneo’s assorted decks.
Now Valve’s new revision of the Steam Deck adds an OLED screen along with tons of other improvements that Sean Hollister says make it “everything the original should have been.”
We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Steam Deck and rivals, and you can read all of our coverage here.
Jun 27
Sean Hollister
The Ayaneo Flip DS’s second screen is getting more useful.
The Nintendo DS-like’s lower screen will soon double as a virtual keyboard, triple as a virtual touchpad, and quadruple as a dual-screen task switcher with the company’s Ayaspace v2.5 software update. Those could all make it a bit easier to navigate Windows handheld!
Jun 27
Sean Hollister
Finally, a budget eGPU for people who’ve already got graphics cards and power supplies.
The Minisforum DEG1 is just $99, it’s already on sale, and your existing desktop PC parts (GPU, PSU) can make it work.
It connects with Oculink, not USB4, so it won’t work with most laptops — mostly boutique handhelds. But it could be more powerful than existing Oculink eGPUs with a desktop card at its disposal!
Image: Minisforum
Jun 26
Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Steam is getting an official controller, but Valve isn’t making it
Image: Hori
Nearly five years after Valve discontinued its experimental Steam Controller, a new officially licensed gamepad for Steam is on the way. The new controller is made by Hori, and it’s only coming to Japan (at least for now).
Dubbed the Wireless Horipad for Steam, the PC-centric controller matches the Steam Deck’s menu buttons and has similar touch sensors atop its sticks to activate gyro controls. It also supports Bluetooth wireless and USB-C wired connections as well as a whole bunch of custom programmability using Hori’s software. But while it shares a lot with the Steam Deck, it’s not a Steam Controller 2 — it lacks rumble, a matching set of four back buttons, and the handheld’s signature trackpads.
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Jun 8
Sean Hollister
MSI Claw after more updates: nope, it’s still a dud
Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge
When I called the MSI Claw an embarrassment in my May 18th review, one commenter pointed out they’d gotten higher benchmark scores than me. Sure enough: MSI had pushed out new graphics drivers and BIOS updates between the time I benchmarked and the time we published.
I’ve now tested those updates. In some of my tests, they’re better. In others, I actually found them worse! Overall, they don’t change my conclusion one bit: the MSI Claw is the worst pick from today’s crop of consumer handheld gaming PCs, and you should steer clear.
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Jun 7
Emma Roth
This handheld gaming PC is made to be modded
Image: Adata
Adata has become the latest company to join the hype surrounding PC gaming handhelds — but the XPG Nia prototype it revealed during Computex 2024 is completely different from what we’ve seen so far. The handheld is the first to come with LPCAMM2 memory, making it far easier to swap out and upgrade RAM.
As reported by Liliputing, you’ll be able to access the device’s storage beneath the kickstand on the back of the device. You can also remove and replace the device’s M.2 2230 SSD. These aren’t the only things you’ll be able to mod, either.
Read Article >
- See AlsoNews - Steam Deck HQSteam Deck : prix, jeux, test, dispo… tout ce qu’il faut savoir - CNET FranceSteam Deck en test : la console portable la plus puissante du monde ?Test du Steam Deck OLED : la référence des PC-consoles s’améliore, toujours au top
Jun 6
Sean Hollister
The OnePlayer X1 Mini is now on presale starting at $799 early bird / $1,099 retail.
It’s the most gadgety handheld gaming PC yet, with a Surface-like detachable keyboard too. It’s not cheap — but unlike a Microsoft Surface, it actually comes with the keyboard and other accessories. It’s $200-$300 off for the first small batch of buyers.
We haven’t so much as touched one yet, mind! Could be iffy!
Jun 5
Sean Hollister
The Zotac Zone is a big boi — bigger than Lenovo’s Legion Go.
Zotac just confirmed the dimensions of its new PC gaming handheld to me — plus a few other specs — and wow is it large. The 7-inch handheld is wider, taller, and almost as thick as the 8-inch Lenovo Legion Go, and notably bigger than Steam Deck.
(Deck is technically thicker than both, but a lot of that’s down to taller joysticks.)
Jun 5
Sean Hollister
Intel’s one-minute Battlemage GPU demo is good news for Lunar Lake handhelds.
You can find the whole thing in PCWorld’s YouTube video at the 34-minute mark: with 3DMark Wildlife Extreme locked to 60fps, Lunar Lake (and its integrated memory!) is consuming 10 watts less than Meteor Lake.
As The Phawx points out, Meteor Lake kind of sucked at efficiency, so don’t celebrate yet? At least now Intel has a chance.
Jun 4
Sean Hollister
Zotac Zone official: this handheld has twin trackpads, jog wheels, adjustable triggers, and OLED
Image: Zotac
It’s handheld season, and the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI Plus aren’t the only second-gen Windows gaming handhelds in town — GPU manufacturer Zotac has officially revealed its Zone at Computex, and it does a few things differently than the competition.
Zotac already teased that the Zone would have an OLED screen, something that only the Steam Deck OLED has managed in PC handhelds before — as well as two-stage adjustable triggers like an Xbox Elite gamepad and drift resistant Hall effect joysticks. But did you know it’ll also have symmetrical PlayStation-esque joysticks, programmable dials around each one, twin Steam Deck-like trackpads, a small built-in kickstand, a Windows Hello camera instead of a fingerprint reader, and both top and bottom USB4 ports?
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Jun 4
Sean Hollister
Official: the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus has an Asus-matching 80Wh battery and Intel Lunar Lake
Image: MSI
Just three months after releasing its first gaming handheld PC to damning reviews — here’s mine — MSI is already announcing a likely replacement. The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus swaps its lackluster Intel Meteor Lake chip for the brand-new Lunar Lake ones, while replacing its seven-inch, 1080p 120Hz variable resolution rate screen for a larger eight-inch one. (But there will be a new 7-inch one too, as we learned days after I first wrote this story.)
Perhaps even more importantly, the 8-incher will boast up to an 80 watt-hour battery, MSI tells The Verge — tying it with the recently announced Asus ROG Ally X for biggest battery in a PC gaming handheld. Despite the larger screen, it’ll still offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with VRR, writes MSI marketing specialist Anne Lee.
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Jun 2
Sean Hollister
The Asus ROG Ally X is official — and I took a peek inside
When Valve introduced the Steam Deck OLED, I called it “everything the original should have been.” Asus is trying to do the exact same thing with the new ROG Ally X.
After months of leaks, teases, and exclusive early details from yours truly, it’s official: the ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC is going on preorder today for $799.
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May 29
Sean Hollister
Yes, I can confirm this is the ROG Ally X.
I’m the only one outside Asus to have touched one (don’t ask me why!) and Asus wouldn’t let me publish pics that day... but this new leaked image is exactly the device I touched, minus new texturing. The new leak also corroborates a doubled 80Wh battery — and claims it’ll last 3 hours of heavy gaming.
May 27
Quentyn Kennemer
What will the Lenovo Legion Go Lite look like?
Windows Central reports a Lite version of the modular Steam Deck alternative is in the works, with an AMD Z1-based processor — and almost no information beyond that.
I think there’s more than enough room to shrink the relatively massive 8.8-inch display. Lenovo could also easily sacrifice the removable mouse/controllers, among other low-hanging fruit. We’re taking bets in the comments.
May 23
Sean Hollister
Steam Deck + MagSafe + GoPro fingers = brilliance.
Deckmate was one of the first mounting systems for the Steam Deck, born from the maker community — its creator still lets you print most files for free.
But I will gladly pay $40 for its new Phone Mount, because it’s much more than that. It’s a do-anything mount with a magnet so strong, you can play on your fridge. Switch, Ally, and PlayStation Portal mounts available too.
May 22
Sean Hollister
MSI claims the Claw has up to 30 percent better performance now.
I called the Claw an embarrassment, but there are now two sets of performance-enhancing updates since my tests — MSI now claims “average 26% better performance than competitors in the top 100 most popular Steam games” (albeit with upscaling on).
I gave the Steam Deck and ROG Ally a second chance, so I’ll do the same for the Claw.
May 22
Sean Hollister
The OneXPlayer X1 Mini is the most feature-packed handheld gaming PC yet
Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go a bit too simplistic for you? The OnePlayer X1 Mini is the most gadget-y handheld yet. The upcoming 8.8-inch, 144Hz Windows gaming tablet has:
And, importantly, it’s got a AMD 8840U processor instead of a Intel Core Ultra chip.
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May 18
Sean Hollister
The MSI Claw is an embarrassment
No one should buy an MSI Claw. It’s not technically broken: the first 7-inch Intel Core Ultra handheld gaming PC doesn’t regularly crash or anything like that. But the Claw falls so far short of the competition that it’s effectively dead on arrival.
In almost every way, the $750 MSI Claw feels like an inferior clone of the Asus ROG Ally — except it costs more, not less! You could get a far better experience while saving hundreds of dollars if you choose a Steam Deck OLED instead.
Read Article >
May 18
Sean Hollister
Behold Ayaneo’s sophisticated takes on the Game Boy and Game Boy Micro
Image: Ayaneo
The Analogue Pocket is the most advanced Game Boy to ever take actual carts, but Ayaneo has just unveiled a pair of emulator-centric pocket computers that could give it a run for its cash — including a modern take on the original DMG-01 Nintendo Game Boy that now includes a 419ppi OLED screen.
Unfortunately, we’ve only got renders and a few details today — no prices or full spec sheets — but those renders look pretty neat! I find myself most interested in the Pocket Micro, whose sleek design, twin joysticks and horizontal layout look a bit more practical than the stick placement on the Pocket DMG. Not to mention a bit of a Sony Walkman vibe from certain angles? Take a peek:
Read Article >
May 16
Sean Hollister
It’s a great week to be a retro handheld gamer.
Anbernic’s Game Boy Advance SP homage goes on sale tomorrow for $65, and the just announced $339 Ayn Odin 2 Mini is a dead ringer for PlayStation Vita but with Qualcomm, Wi-Fi 7 and a 1080p mini-LED screen. Then on Saturday, Ayaneo will reveal its takes on the original Game Boy and Game Boy Micro.
Choices, choices!
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May 16
Sean Hollister
I touched a prototype Asus ROG Ally X, and it felt better
Image: Asus
On June 2nd, Asus will formally announce the ROG Ally X, a semi-sequel to its handheld gaming PC with a way bigger battery. We exclusively revealed the broad strokes last Thursday, but I’ve now touched an early engineering sample, too — and I’m pleased to say it’s far more comfortable to hold.
Asus has made a whole bunch of ergonomic changes that make it practically melt into my hands, in the exact way the original did not. While I still prefer the Steam Deck’s beefier grips and symmetrical thumbsticks, the Ally X could easily be my runner-up.
Read Article >
May 11
Wes Davis
Have a look at the official promo for Anbernic’s Game Boy Advance SP.
Get a load of the transparent shells on the upcoming RG35XXSP! It’s still not listed for sale on Anbernic’s site, sadly, but that could change pretty soon.
May 10
Sean Hollister
The Steam Deck’s next big update might make docked TV play more convenient.
The Steam Deck Dock is getting HDMI-CEC to wake your TV from sleep and switch its inputs, and and the Deck OLED will soon be able to decide which Bluetooth devices can wake it from sleep... plus Bluetooth A2DP and BAP audio support, microSD fixes, a new graphics driver, overclocking controls in the Deck LCD’s BIOS, and more in preview!
[Steam]
May 9
Sean Hollister
Asus’ next ROG Ally will be the ROG Ally X
Image: Asus
The Asus ROG Ally was the first true Steam Deck challenger; while I’d argue it fell a little short, it legitimately improved the state of affordable Windows handheld gaming with its plugged-in performance boosts and smooth variable refresh rate screen. Now, Asus is beginning to reveal its successor: the ROG Ally X.
Don’t call it an Ally 2: when it ships in the second half of the year, the Windows-based Ally X will have the same AMD Z1 Extreme chipset and the same 7-inch 48–120Hz VRR screen. It’s not quite like the Steam Deck OLED, where Valve got AMD to revise its chip for better battery life and stability and added a larger, brighter, gorgeous new OLED panel with improved response time and slimmer bezels.
Read Article >
May 8
Sean Hollister
Asus confirms: the next ROG Ally is imminent.
We knew one was coming, but apparently it’s coming soon. Tomorrow at 3PM ET, the company will “get hyped about new impending ROG Ally hardware” on this live YouTube stream. Here are the other teases we’ve recently seen.
May 8
Umar Shakir
Ayaneo plans ornate AG01 “Graphics Starship” eGPU dock.
The gaming handheld and mini-PC maker describes the Zune-brown and RGB dial-clad unit as a “Multifunction Graphics Dock,” but is holding details for a “Sharing Session” on May 18th at 3AM ET, as reported by VideoCardz.
Mobile graphics docks are slowly coming to market, including AMD 7600M XT-powered ones like the GPD G1 and the ONEXGPU (which can both connect with Oculink), and the RTX 4090-powered ROG XG Mobile.
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Image: Ayaneo
