NPC: Next Portable Console

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, Valve's ambitious new game console Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam Valve rejoins the VR hardware wars with standalone Steam Frame Steam Deck minus the screen Valve announces new Steam Machine, Controller hardware Cary Colomb on X 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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 Redmagic's Liquid-Cooled Phone Redmagic's liquid-cooled gaming phone starts at $749 Nintendo is Killing It Nintendo is raising its Switch 2 sales expectations Nintendo is getting the Switch ready for retirement In Other News Valve will finally turn off the Steam Deck's screen while it's downloading games Samsung has a new line of microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 Miyoo Mini Flip The Miyoo Mini Flip might be what everyone has been asking for all along Miyoo Mini Flip Review: STILL GOT IT Topics 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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 Portable Gaming News Retroid Pocket 6 Handheld Retroid Pocket G2 Handheld The $229 Retroid Pocket 6 handheld has a 120 Hz AMOLED display & Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Retroid Crowdsources Pocket 6 Design After Community Pushback JSAUX - Sponsor Accessories Covered: EnergyFlow | Joy-Con Charging Dock for Switch 2 JoyVerse | Dual Joy-Con Grip for Switch 2 RGB Docking Station The Return of Thor Ayn Thor Dual Screen Handheld Starter Guide 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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-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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy YouTube Timestamps

The hosts dive into the rise of budget Android handhelds, highlighting the MagicX One35's quirky design and affordability. They also discuss the Mangmi Air X, a sub-$100 device boasting impressive specs. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X faces harsh reviews for its performance and reliability issues. Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs are priced steeply, yet fall short on gaming performance. With talks on the future of handheld tech, the conversation pivots to how low-cost options might redefine gaming experiences.

The hosts dive into the latest portable gaming news, comparing the Xiaomi Pad Mini with the Legion Tab and discussing privacy concerns surrounding Gamehub. They explore the Legion Go 2's value and review the AYN Thor's impressive dual AMOLED screens and emulation capabilities. Excitement brews over combining the Thor with the MCon for enhanced gaming. They also recap the iPhone 17 Pro's gaming advancements, mini PC deals, and Brendon's Wi-Fi woes with Bazite. The debate on balancing tinkering versus having fun with games keeps things lively!

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. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Anbernic RG DS is "Almost Ready" for Prime time Xiaomi Turns Camera Bump into Retro Handheld The Xiaomi Pad Mini is the best Android tablet you can't buy - here are my hands-on thoughts Qualcomm's ultrathin Snapdragon X2 mini PC prototypes feature AirJet solid state cooling OneXfly Apex handheld gaming PC with AMD Strix Halo is on the way ASUS' ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Are Coming Soon: Here's What You'll Pay The Most Powerful Handheld in the World Lego Nintendo Game Boy review: a brick masterpiece just shy of perfection Behold: The Lego Game Boy has already been modded to play games for real 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here. Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon: NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon: NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky: NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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-Gen Laptop Chips Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Introducing Pulse Elevate – Sony Interactive Entertainment's first wireless speakers for desktop gaming GDP Win 5 Follow-Up The Most Powerful Handheld Is Here! GPD Win 5 First Look - YouTube The Most Powerful Handheld - GPD Win 5 - Quick Look - YouTube Topics 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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 adds DualSense multi-device pairing rolls out soon Anbernic RG476H Price Announced, Save $15 For The First 3 Days AYN Thor demo videos AYN Thor: Game Demo AYN Thor：Game and Software Demo visionOS 26: The MacStories Review Steam Deck Folio Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics Announced for Switch 1 and 2 at Nintendo Direct 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy

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 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 released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon NPC Feedback Form Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky NPC MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Brendon Bigley Affiliate Linking Policy