This week on NPC, rumors swirl about the Steam Machine's pricing, AYANEO pauses to collect itself, GameSir's Pocket Taco goes live, the lack of foldable phone controllers, and our first videogames. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Steam Machine pricing may have leaked Meta has closed three VR studios as part of its metaverse-focused layoffs GameSir Pocket Taco phone controller Kickstarter is now live AYANEO Pocket PLAY delayed AYN Thor gets ma...
Jan 20, 2026•31 min
This week, a whirlwind tour of the handheld news from CES 2026, Switch 2 grips, AR glasses, new chips from AMD, the OneXSugar Wallet, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Portable Gaming News from CES NOW LIVE: Nintendo just officially revealed the new purple/light green Switch 2 Joy Genki Grips: Made to be Held by Human Things Pocket8 Makes PICO–8 Playable On Your iPhone touchHLE homepage The Xreal 1S glasses get a spec bump and 3D conversion The OneXSugar Wallet ...
Jan 13, 2026•41 min
This week, Brendon, Federico, and John pick their top handheld consoles of 2025. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The 2025 Handhelds of the Year Awards The Contenders: Switch 2 Ayn Thor Miyoo Flip TrimUI Brick Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is re...
Dec 23, 2025•38 min
This week, handhelds are shipping for the holidays, AYANEO makes a bold bet on a phone, a new Strix Halo tablet one-ups the ASUS ROG Flow Z13, and John dips a toe in the Bazzite waters. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Odin 3 and MCON are starting to ship The Anbernic RG DS got a big software update AYANEO Pocket Play Video Kickstarter Pocket Codex for iPhone and iPad Another Strix Halo Tablet - OneXplayer Super X John installs Bazzite on ...
Dec 16, 2025•27 min
This week, AYANEO goes big, very, very big, and we read the tea leaves from Sean Hollister's interview of Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ANBERNIC Officially Reveals RG477V Retro Handheld Ayaneo Announces a Monster of a New Gaming Handheld iiSU Alpha Sean Hollister of The Verge interviews Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais Retro Game Corps Reviews the Ayn Odin 3 Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-only versi...
Dec 09, 2025•31 min
This week, the Retroid G2 and Anbernic DS look like duds, the Xbox full-screen experience for PCs is out to more users, and John flirts with the idea of a mini PC for SteamOS. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Retroid Pocket G2 - Who's it for? Anbernic DS Performance Issues Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors for Windows Insiders Topics Building a Strix Halo Mini PC for SteamOS mini PCs GMKtec AI Mini PC Ryzen Al M...
Dec 02, 2025•34 min
This week, Brendon, Federico, and John catch up on a grab bag of news before diving deeper into the Ayn Odin 3's emulation and streaming potential, the possibility that the rumored TrimUI Smart Pro S could become the default budget recommendation for horizontal handhelds, and the 11" 3D Abxylute 3D One. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Follow Up GameHub and GameHub Lite Anbernic RG DS The Latest Portable Gaming News Red Magic 11 Pro Plus PC GAMING TEST on r/EmulationOnAndroi...
Nov 25, 2025•32 min
This week in a special early release of NPC, the guys dig into Valve's announcement of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Stream Controller, a trio of SteamOS devices poised to make a big splash in 2026. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Valve's Announcements Valve's Announcement of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller More on the New Hardware The Steam Machine is the Future | Wavelengths Valve enters the console wars Our first look at the Steam Machine, Valv...
Nov 13, 2025•39 min
This week on NPC, Brendon, Federico, and John explore where mobile phone gaming is heading and reflect on what Nintendo's latest earnings report means for the Switch 2, before Brendon shares his first impressions of the Miyoo Mini Flip Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News OneXFly Apex and AYANEO Pocket Vert Follow-Up OneXFly Apex Strix Halo handheld gaming PC to sell for $1399 and up during crowdfunding AYANEO Releases Details on the Pocket VERT R...
Nov 11, 2025•40 min
This week on NPC: Next Portable Console, the big story is Retroid's dual announcement of the Pocket 6 alongside the Pocket G2 and the ensuing drama. Then guys return to the Ayn Thor for Brendon and Federico's first impressions. Also available on YouTube here . --- Sponsored By: JSAUX – Your destination for Switch 2 and other handheld gaming accessories. Don't miss JSAUX's big Halloween sale: 10% OFF – 2 items 15% OFF – 3 items 20% OFF – 4 or more items --- Links and Show Notes The Latest Portabl...
Nov 04, 2025•43 min
This week, a Retroid tease, the Miyoo Mini Flip goes on sale, and John is the first of the gang to get the Ayn Thor. On NPC XL, the crew shares their experiences using GameHub Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Retroid Teases New Handheld Reveal for October 27 Miyoo Mini Flip first impressions Anbernic shows off 3DS and other games running on the RG DS Ayn Odin Thor First Impressoins A Quick Peek Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-on...
Oct 28, 2025•31 min
This week, Steam Deck, Switch 2, and Vision Pro accessory follow up, Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs, Android handhelds break into the budget category, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is a bust. On NPC XL, Apple's M5 chip promise gaming advances on the iPad, but can it deliver? NPC is also available on YouTube here . Subscribe to NPC XL on Patreon here . Links and Show Notes Follow Up Steam Deck Folios are now available for anyone to buy for $40 Apple Vision Pro PSVR 2 controllers are $250 Mechanism Switch 2 Baseca...
Oct 21, 2025•35 min
The Latest Portable Gaming News Federico weighs in on the Xiaomi Pad Mini GameHub Lenovo Legion Go 2 Retro Game Corps review AYN Thor reviews and first impressions Joey's Retro Handhelds review Retro Game Corps impressions video Using the Epilogue GB Operator with the Steam Deck Digital Foundry tests iPhone 17 Pro gaming Mini PCs leap forward GMKtec EVO-X2 Running Bazzite Digital Foundry review Minisforum MS-S1 MAX Beelink GTR9 Pro Brendon Bails on Bazzite Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly ...
Oct 14, 2025•45 min
This week, John and Brendon get excited about the rumors of an Anbernic DS clone, dig into weird and interesting news from Xiaomi, debate the merits of computer coasters, and update listeners on more pricey Windows handhelds and Lego's Game Boy set. On NPC XL, John shares his first impressions of GeForce Now's NVIDIA 5080 performance and he and Brendon wonder what Microsoft is thinking with recent changes to Game Pass. NPC is also available on YouTube here . Subscribe to NPC XL on Patreon here ....
Oct 07, 2025•45 min
This week, AYANEO introduces it's most affordable handheld yet, but it's not part of its budget line of devices. Plus, Qualcomm's new chips pack a punch and the GDP Win 5 pack a punch, while Sony expands its Pulse line with desktop speakers. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News AYANEO Pocket Air Mini is an entry-level Android handheld that sells for under $100 Qualcomm's New Chips Qualcomm Debuts Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, Its Next-...
Sep 30, 2025•37 min
This week, gamers bring Xbox mode to the MSI Claw and other Windows handhelds, the DualSense controller gets multi-pairing, AYN shows off the Thor in action, and Nintendo gets even weirder with a Virtual Boy comeback, plus John reviews the Steam Deck Folio cover and the crew discusses the gaming updates to Apple's Vision Pro. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Microsoft's new Xbox mode on Windows has leaked for any handheld The PS5 update that a...
Sep 23, 2025•52 min
This week, Brendon emerges from a Silksong fog, Genki settles a lawsuit and sends Federico accessories for the Switch, and Federico and John try emulating Windows on Android handhelds. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Genki Lawsuit Settlement Genki Attack Vector Genki Energy Pack Emulating Windows on Android Game Native Gamehub 5.0 Also, Gamehub 5.0 Launches With Steam Cloud Saves Winlator Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a week...
Sep 16, 2025•42 min
This week, Brendon and John examine the latest handheld announcements Lenovo and AYN that both come with impressive specs and some age-old frustrations. Plus, a new chip is coming to Anbernic's lineup, and Brendon shares his first impressions of Dbrand's Nintendo Switch 2 killswitch case. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Legion Go 2 Early Leaks Reveal Lenovo Legion Go 2 Improvements Legion Go 2 official: Lenovo's new flagship handheld costs $1...
Sep 09, 2025•49 min
Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS's Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2's strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild new handhelds from Abxylute. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News IS This an Xbox? All Your Question...
Sep 02, 2025•48 min
This week, Brendon and John mind the show while Federico is on vacation, covering Nintendo's pricing changes, the latest on Retroid's second screen accessory, the TrinketOS Android front end, Manic EMU for iOS, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Wavelengths 2.0 A Podcast and a Patreon Switch and Switch 2: Tariff's and Pricing Nintendo's Switch 2 doubles first-month sales of the original The Verge "Yesterday, the White House announced t...
Aug 12, 2025•34 min
This week, Brendon KONKRs AYANEO's two-day announcement-fest and is joined by John and Federico for diversions into 3DS repairs, the GPD Win 5, Gamescom, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News US Tariff Exemptions are Ending All of your international packages are about to get more expensive The Verge GPD Win 5 GPD WIN 5, the world's first Ryzen AI MAX 395+ Strix Halo handheld, to debut on August 1 GPD's monster Strix Halo handheld requires...
Aug 05, 2025•30 min
This week, Brendon and John cover the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 dual-screen handheld, Sony's power-saving and controller updates, and the latest ES-DE update for Android. Then John reports back on the MagicX Zero 40 homework that Brendon gave him last week. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 goes up for preorder OneXSugar Playing with the first dual-screen transforming handheld ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 handheld game console hits Indiegogo for...
Jul 29, 2025•44 min
This week, John kicks off NPC with a return to 1998, before the crew digs into 8BitDo's new Pro 3 controller, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU enclosures and docks, TrimUI's ponderous Smart Pro Mini, and Federico and John's first impressions of the MagicX Zero 40. Then, Brendon, John, and Federico bring a handheld they haven't used in a while back to the show, and as you might expect, Federico's choice was a bit of a surprise. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes John's Game Boy Streaming Set...
Jul 22, 2025•46 min
This week on NPC, lots of follow up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses and the dbrand Killswitch, plus Retroid's second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Follow Up Follow up on microSD Express cards 1TB microSD Express from Lexar briefly showed up on Amazon for $184 but sold out now - much less than we expected. Meanwhile SanDisk's 512GB card is showing August sh...
Jul 14, 2025•45 min
This week, Federico, John, and Brendon cover REDMAGIC's Android tablet, rumors of an Ayn Odin 3, and other news before digging into the mysteries surrounding Nintendo's Switch 2 dock. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Here's a 1TB MicroSD Express card for Switch 2 REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet has a 165 Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and up to 24GB RAM Also, This Tablet is Secretly a Powerful Gaming Console! AYN Odin 2 Goes Out of Stock; I...
Jul 05, 2025•45 min
This week on NPC, John and Brendon cover Hori webcam woes, a creative new Game Boy Camera app for iOS, and dbrand's Killswitch case troubles for the Switch 2. They also dig into the ambitious but flawed MagicX DS-style handheld, Brendon's ongoing Tokyo Pro Controller hunt, and more. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Nintendo Switch 2 webcam compatibility mystery is solved and updates are on the way Using the Game Boy Camera as a Switch 2 webcam The Delta emulator creator m...
Jun 30, 2025•37 min
This week, we have RG Slide pricing and penguins, along with new AYANEO news, and a cool aluminum TrimUI Brick. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Switch 2 Pro Controller issues? dbrand Killswitch for the Nintendo Switch 2 RG Slide First Impressions, Pricing, and Penguins Anbernic RG Slide First Impressions: Go Bold Anbernic RG Slide First I mpressions: Go Bold MIG Flash Triggers Nintendo Banwave on Switch 2 Switch 2's non-Nintendo games are flo...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min
This week on NPC, Brendon shares his first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after UPS Japan comes knocking, and all three hosts cover a chaotic week of handheld news—from the RG Slide to a surprise ASUS/Xbox handheld. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review News Release Jun. 11, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Sells Over 3.5 Million Units Worldwide in First Four Days AYANEO Flip 1S DS is a dual-screen handheld gamin...
Jun 16, 2025•43 min
This week, Federico and John walk listeners through their first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, including the hardware, the setup process, Super Mario Kart World, the Zelda upgrades, the new Pro Controller, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes Our Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions Nintendo Switch 2 Beginners Guide Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories John's Tomtoc Slim Switch 2 Carrying Case Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra...
Jun 05, 2025•36 min
This week, with the Switch 2 launch just around the corner, Federico and John round up the latest Switch 2 news, get excited for a bunch of weird and wonderful upcoming handhelds, and more. Also available on YouTube here . Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Ninetendo Switch 2 N64 Games Are Getting An Upgrade Thanks To The Nintendo Switch 2 Looks like the Switch 2 is in some folks hands already The Nintendo Switch 2 will finally back up screenshots to the cloud Switch 2 Basegrip...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min
