Brendon and John dive into the world of portable gaming with a focus on new devices like the Powkiddy V10 and the Ayn Odin2 Mini. They candidly discuss the struggles of AAA games on iPhone, specifically the poor sales of Resident Evil 7. The pair also critiques the expensive aluminum Analogue Pocket, questioning its market viability. With a blend of humor and nostalgia, they share their setups with devices like the Miyoo Mini A30, while pondering the potential of modding handhelds and the evolving landscape of gaming technology.
The speakers discuss the challenges gamers face in managing their growing collections of handheld devices amidst evolving technology.
The lackluster sales of AAA games on iPhone highlights a disconnect between mobile gaming expectations and actual player interest.
Customization and modding of gaming devices foster a unique user experience, allowing enthusiasts to blend nostalgia with personal expression.
Deep dives
The Growth of Gaming Devices
The conversation centers on the speakers' growing collections of handheld gaming devices, illustrating a common struggle among gaming enthusiasts. Brendan highlights his current limit of five devices, expressing a need to pause before acquiring more, showcasing the challenge of keeping up with the evolving market. John's excitement over his recent purchase of the Powkiddy V10 exemplifies the allure of new technology in the gaming landscape, especially for GBA enthusiasts. Both speakers recognize the joy these devices bring, yet they also acknowledge the clutter and distraction that comes with amassing too many gadgets.
Challenges Facing AAA Games on Mobile
The discussion highlights the recent lackluster performance of AAA games on the iPhone, specifically referencing Resident Evil 7's poor sales. The speakers question the implications of this trend, suggesting that the expectations for mobile gaming may not align with the realities of player interest and spending habits. Despite Apple's attempts to attract developers like Capcom and Ubisoft, the recurring theme underscores the disconnect between AAA titles and mobile platforms. The speakers ponder Apple's strategies moving forward, especially when faced with disappointing revenue outcomes from these high-profile ports.
The Promise and Pitfalls of the Gaming Market
The conversation delves into the balance between innovation and user satisfaction in the current gaming landscape. Brendan highlights the uncertainty around whether AAA developers will remain committed to mobile platforms given the recent sales data. The speakers reflect on the potential shift toward indie game development as smaller studios might find more lucrative opportunities with lower expectations. This notable pivot raises crucial questions about the future of mobile gaming and how developers can adapt to serve a changing audience.
The Appeal of Customizable Devices
The speakers discuss the excitement surrounding customizable gaming devices, highlighting a recent modded 2DS XL that creatively fuses aesthetics and functionality. They express admiration for user-driven projects that blend old hardware into new configurations, which fans navigate for nostalgia and personal expression. The mention of how such devices often draw from previous generations resonates with both speakers, underlining a shared desire for uniqueness in a console market that often lacks such flexibility. The conversation suggests that these modding trends elevate the gaming experience, allowing users to engage more deeply with their hardware.
The Impact of Operating Systems in Handheld Gaming
The speakers dive into their experiences with various operating systems for handheld gaming devices, noting the differences between default OS offerings and custom firmware solutions. Brendan references Spruce and MinUI as options that cater to different user needs, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly designs. They discuss how poorly optimized stock operating systems can limit users' enjoyment, pushing enthusiasts toward custom solutions. This topic reveals the broader implications of user control over gaming experiences, advocating for better support and development within the handheld gaming community.
In the latest episode, Brendon and John go it alone without Federico with Powkiddy V10 follow-up, a report on Brendon’s first week with the Nothing CMF Phone 1 and a first look at the Ayn Odin2 Mini. Along the way, they also consider the less-than-stellar sales of AAA games on the iPhone, Analogue’s spendy aluminum Pocket, and the Xreal Beam Pro, before veering into a philosophical discussion of gaming on phones versus dedicated devices, comparing notes on their Miyoo Mini A30 setup experiences, and mulling over whether to start modding handhelds.