Group 1 - Omdia forecasts that global sales of handheld PCs, including Steam Deck, will reach 2.3 million units in 2025, a 32% increase from 1.7 million units in 2024 [1] - By 2029, annual sales of handheld PCs are expected to reach 4.7 million units [1] - Current challenges for PC manufacturers include Windows 11 not being fully optimized for handheld gaming and a lack of generational performance leap compared to leading products like Steam Deck [1] Group 2 - The upcoming new gaming mode in Windows 11 is expected to significantly enhance the user experience for handheld PCs by 2025 [1] - The first Xbox-branded handheld is set to launch at the end of 2025, potentially attracting a broader user base beyond just hardcore gamers [1] - Microsoft is collaborating with AMD to provide semi-custom APU solutions for PC manufacturers, which will help achieve a generational performance leap for handheld devices [1] Group 3 - The handheld PC market coexists with desktop and laptop gaming products, with similar trends observed in Sony's PlayStation Portal [4] - By the end of 2024, PlayStation Portal is projected to achieve over 3% attach rate with PS5 [4] - The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 is expected to initiate a new console cycle in the handheld market, with combined sales of Switch 2 and Switch projected to exceed 20 million units [4] Group 4 - Nintendo continues to leverage traditional console strategies for Switch 2, focusing on exclusive content and synchronized marketing to drive sales [4] - However, it is unlikely that Switch 2 will replicate the initial success of the original Switch, as the unique selling point of high-quality mobile gaming has become widespread [4] - The upgrade cycle of Switch 2 presents opportunities for other platform manufacturers and hardware suppliers to attract Switch users to their handheld products [4]

Core Viewpoint - The ROG Xbox Ally series, launched by Microsoft in collaboration with ASUS, is not a traditional Xbox handheld but rather a Windows 11 PC disguised as an Xbox device, limiting its compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries [1][2]. Group 1: Product Overview - The ROG Xbox Ally series is marketed as part of the Xbox ecosystem but fundamentally operates as a Windows 11 device, which can only run Xbox games that support the Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) service [1][2]. - The device's operating system, referred to as "Xbox UI," is essentially a customized version of Windows 11, optimized for gaming but not a true Xbox handheld [2][3]. Group 2: Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) Service - The XPA service, launched in 2016, allows players to switch seamlessly between Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, but its popularity has declined significantly since the pandemic, with only 7% of games supporting it as of 2024 [3][4]. - The decline in XPA support is attributed to developers' reluctance to optimize games for both Xbox and PC platforms, leading to a limited library of only around 1,400 games over eight years [4][5]. Group 3: Market Positioning and Challenges - Microsoft appears to be targeting Xbox players with the Ally series, avoiding direct competition in the crowded Windows handheld market by using ambiguous marketing language [2][3]. - The Xbox platform's smaller active device base compared to competitors like PlayStation results in lower prioritization from developers, making it challenging for Xbox Ally to gain traction similar to devices like the Steam Deck [5].

It’s like the Switch and the Steam Deck had a baby 🎮 The Lenovo Legion Go 2 was first shown off at CES 2025 as a prototype but is now officially coming to market in October starting at $1,049. It features detachable Legion TrueStrike controllers, an 8.8” OLED display, 3 user-programmable buttons and more. What do you think this new gaming handheld? Should Nintendo or Valve be worried?👀 #lenovolegion #lenovo #gaming #lenovolegiongo2 #handheldgameconsole ...

Product Comparison - The industry notes the Steam Deck and Switch 2 cater to different gaming preferences, with the Switch 2 focusing on Nintendo exclusives and the Steam Deck offering a vast library of indie and exploratory games [2][3] - The Switch 2 features detachable controllers, a dock, and a kickstand for versatile multiplayer experiences, while the Steam Deck's controllers are not detachable and lacks a kickstand, making it less suitable for multiplayer [3] - The Steam Deck offers a potentially better battery life compared to the Switch 2 [5] - The Steam Deck has sturdier feeling controls, while the Switch 2's Joy-Cons are modular but could benefit from improved sturdiness [4] Pricing and Portability - The industry observes that the Steam Deck and Switch 2 are similarly priced, depending on the Steam Deck configuration [5] - The Switch 2 is more portable than the chunkier Steam Deck, despite having a similar weight [4] Display and User Experience - The Steam Deck's fancier model features an OLED display with vividness and a faster refresh rate [4] - The Steam Deck is primarily designed for handheld mode, which may not appeal to all users [3][4]

Core Insights - Valve's Steam Deck has achieved significant success, selling over 4 million units globally by August 2025, despite initial skepticism from the market [1] - Valve is reportedly developing a new gaming device, codenamed Fremont, which features a custom AMD Hawk Point 2 processor and advanced GPU capabilities [3][5] - The Fremont device aims to target the PC and console gaming market, contrasting with the previous Steam Machine's failure due to lack of game support [6][9] Group 1: Product Performance - The Fremont device is equipped with a 6-core, 12-thread CPU based on the ZEN 4 architecture, with a base frequency of 3.2GHz and a maximum boost frequency of 4.8GHz [3] - It features a GPU based on the RDNA 3 architecture, potentially a variant of the Radeon RX 7600, with 28-32 compute units and at least 8GB of dedicated video memory [5] - The performance of the Fremont device is positioned to be superior to that of the Steam Deck, which has a less powerful 4-core, 8-thread CPU and integrated graphics [3][5] Group 2: Market Context - Valve's initial foray into hardware with Steam Machines was unsuccessful, primarily due to competition from Microsoft's Windows ecosystem and a lack of game support on Steam OS [7][9] - The gaming landscape has evolved, with 2K resolution becoming increasingly important for PC and console gaming, posing a challenge for the Fremont device to meet performance expectations [11][12] - The success of the Fremont device is uncertain, as it may face similar pitfalls as the Steam Machine, particularly regarding its ability to deliver high-quality gaming experiences [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The ROG Xbox Ally, set to release on October 16, is positioned as a significant competitor in the handheld gaming market, particularly against the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck, due to its optimized Windows system for gaming [1][21]. Group 1: Product Overview - The ROG Xbox Ally features high-end specifications, including AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB ROM, while the ROG Xbox Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB RAM, and 1TB ROM [26]. - Pricing rumors suggest the mid-range ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at approximately €599 (around ¥4986.68) and the high-end ROG Xbox Ally X at €899 (around ¥7486.73) [1]. Group 2: System and Interface - The device runs a customized version of Windows optimized for handheld use, allowing users to bypass the traditional Windows interface and directly access a new Xbox interface [2][4]. - This new interface conserves system resources by not loading unnecessary Windows components, saving about 2GB of RAM for gaming [4]. Group 3: Compatibility and Features - The Xbox interface integrates features for managing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections and allows compatibility with other gaming platforms like Steam, enabling users to access their Steam library without switching to the Windows interface [5]. - A new "handheld compatibility program" has been announced, which tests and certifies thousands of games for compatibility with the handheld device [5][7]. Group 4: Performance Insights - Early tests show that the ROG Xbox Ally X can run games like "Doom Eternal" at an average frame rate of 83 FPS at 1080P with medium settings, while "Gears of War: Ultimate Edition" maintains a stable 60 FPS [14][15]. - The lower-spec ROG Xbox Ally is better suited for indie games, achieving 40-45 FPS on "Forza Horizon 5" at low settings [18]. Group 5: Market Position and Future Considerations - The ROG Xbox Ally is seen as a strong contender in the handheld market, leveraging Microsoft's optimization of Windows to potentially surpass SteamOS in performance [21][23]. - The success of the ROG Xbox Ally will depend on maintaining a high-quality user experience across future devices, as the brand expands [24].

Group 1 - The ROG Xbox Ally, set to launch on October 16, is considered the second most important handheld gaming device of the year, following the Nintendo Switch 2 [1] - This device features a high-end PC handheld configuration, but its significance lies in the optimized Xbox version of Windows it runs [2][3] - The pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally has not been officially announced, but leaks suggest a mid-range price of €599 (approximately ¥4986.68) and a high-end version at €899 (approximately ¥7486.73) [4][5] Group 2 - Upon startup, the ROG Xbox Ally presents a Windows login interface, but quickly transitions to a new Xbox interface designed for controller interaction, effectively hiding the traditional Windows desktop [6][8] - This new interface addresses long-standing issues with Windows handhelds, such as high resource consumption and low performance, by saving approximately 2GB of RAM for gaming [11][12] - The Xbox interface includes features to connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, manage devices, and integrate with other gaming platforms like Steam, enhancing user experience [13][14][15] Group 3 - Microsoft has introduced a "handheld compatibility program" to test and optimize thousands of games for the ROG Xbox Ally, allowing users to easily check game compatibility [17] - A new feature has been developed to cache shader compilation, reducing load times when starting games [19] - Initial reviews highlight the device's performance, with the ROG Xbox Ally X achieving stable frame rates in various games, indicating strong gaming capabilities [30][32] Group 4 - The ROG Xbox Ally aims to compete with the Steam Deck in the handheld gaming market, leveraging Microsoft's optimized Windows to potentially surpass SteamOS [33][36] - The device's design draws inspiration from Xbox controllers, enhancing comfort during gameplay [26] - The overall reception of the new Xbox interface and lightweight Windows has been positive, suggesting a solid step towards integrating Xbox and Windows for handheld gaming [40]

Product Innovation - Mechanism has released a new kickstand for handheld devices, improving upon the previous version by changing the direction in which it pops off [2] - A minimalist Nintendo Switch 2 grip is now available for purchase or printing, compatible with the official dock and other adapters [2] - A $12 strap mount is introduced, suitable for various applications beyond gaming, such as battery mount, cord management, and camera filming [3] Product Features - The strap mount features a detachable watch strap and magnetic panel for easy orientation changes [4] - The strap mount is considered the best mount for the company's sling bag [4]

Here I am playing 33 Immortals on my Steam Deck, a game exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC. I'm going to show you how to install this other storefront and play that library of games on the go. The Epic Game Store is a great storefront to add to your deck since they offer multiple free games every week and even get some games that Steam doesn't.Let's begin. I'm here in game mode on my Steam Deck, but you'll need to switch over to desktop mode. To do that, go into the Steam menu, down to power, then sele ...

Core Insights - The domestic AAA game "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" has reached the second position on the Steam global sales chart, excluding free games and Steam Deck, ranking only behind the independent game "PEAK" [1] Group 1: Game Performance - "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" is currently available for pre-order at HK$ 298.00 [2] - The game has seen an increase in sales, with a notable rise of 88 positions in the rankings [2] Group 2: Market Context - The current top-selling games on Steam include "Counter-Strike 2" (free to play), "Steam Deck," and "Warframe" (free to play), indicating a competitive market landscape [2] - "PEAK," the only game above "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu," is priced at HK$ 48.00 and has experienced a decrease in its ranking by 2 positions [2]