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NPC: Next Portable Console

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Jun 30, 2025 • 37min

You’re Holding It Wrong: Dbrand and the Joy-Con Gap

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 made a Game Boy Camera-style app for your iPhone The Verge (Not Boring) Camera BitCam Dbrand admits it had a ‘spectacularly terrible response’ to Killswitch Joy-Con grip detachment complaints MagicX Targets DS Emulation with Zero 40 Specs Reveal The Legion Go S Z1E (SteamOS) is Excellent Brendon’s Mario Kart World review Mario Kart World Review ALMOST the Best Mario Kart - Wavelengths 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 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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Jun 24, 2025 • 36min

What's That Smell? The RG Slide

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 flopping for so many reasons Crowdsourced Emulation Compatibility Tracker EmuReady.com Launches pretty sparse site so far but promising AYANEO AG01 Starship Graphics Dock Review TrimUI Brick Hammer ✨ Metal Reimagined The TrimUI Brick Now in a Full-Metal Shell! Mechdiy TrimUI Levels Up the Brick with the All-Metal Brick Hammer  AYANEO Releases the Pocket S2 and Announces a Surprise 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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Jun 16, 2025 • 43min

From Italy to Japan: Brendon Goes Hands‑On With the Switch 2

Brendon shares his hands-on impressions of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting its record-breaking sales in just four days. The hosts plunge into the latest in handheld news, featuring exciting innovations like the dual-screen Ioneo Flip 1S and the sleek Anbernic RG Slide. They discuss anticipated game releases, including 'Pokemon Legends ZA', while also contemplating the future of Nintendo's offerings. Plus, the conversation veers into emerging USB-C display technology that could revolutionize gaming experiences.
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17 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 36min

Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions

The hosts share their thrilling first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, from unboxing excitement to gameplay highlights. They dive into the console's compact design, improved graphics in Mario Kart, and enhancements for Pokémon Scarlet. Listeners hear personal stories about acquisition challenges and the helpfulness of family during the chaotic launch. They also discuss the new Pro Controller, unique features like dual USB-C ports, and an easier eShop experience, all while reflecting on the streamlined data transfer process.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 32min

The Year of Weird Handhelds: RG Slide Edition

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+ Mechanism Case Nintendo App Updates on iOS and iPadOS Nintendo Switch App Nintendo Music Nintendo Today! Steam Deck Gets NVIDIA GeForce NOW App RTX on Deck: The GeForce NOW Native App for Steam Deck Is Here Tested: Nvidia’s GeForce Now just breathed new life into my Steam Deck Weird and Wonderful Handhelds Anbernic Meet ANBERNIC 2025 Classic Masterpiece-RG Slide Anbernic Announces a PSP Go-Like - Wavelengths Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Is This the Start of the 2GB Refresh The Slide Zero 40 Drops June 17: MagicX’s Most Anticipated Handheld Yet REDMAGIC 10S Pro gaming phone supports PC games (thanks to emulation and an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite processor) More News Microsoft’s Xbox handheld reportedly “sidelined” as it focuses on third-party portable devices Microsoft starts testing Xbox Copilot on iOS and Android Retro Gaming on the Apple TV 4K (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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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6 snips
May 26, 2025 • 33min

A Very Ticci Surprise

A gaming surprise awaits as the hosts dive into the exciting news about Samsung producing chips for the upcoming Switch 2. They discuss the evolution of Mario Kart World, reflecting on its exclusive nature for the new console. A light-hearted review of the Anbernic RG34X SP handheld device highlights design quirks and community debates. The journey of the MSI Claw 8 gaming device showcases its transformation and user reactions. Finally, gaming technology innovations like Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs and powerful custom-built PCs are explored, enhancing the gaming experience.
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May 20, 2025 • 32min

Flip, Slide, and Brick: Handheld Rumors and Nintendo Surprises

This week, Federico and John round up the many new Switch 2 details that have emerged as launch day draws near. Plus, they share two new and interesting handheld rumors from Anbernic and Miyoo and more. Also available on YouTube here. This episode is sponsored by: Inoreader – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo News Nintendo warns it may brick Switch systems whose users “bypass, modify, decrypt, defeat, tamper with” their games and services The Switch 2 has a handy battery preservation mode Most Best Buys will have extra Switch 2 stock on launch day New Switch 2 specs show large performance dip in undocked mode Nintendo Switch Games with Free Nintendo Switch 2 Updates Hori Switch 2 Accessories Include The Console’s First Third-Party Pro Controller Nintendo Apologises For Error With Mention Of Switch 2 VRR TV Support Steam Deck Valve will soon let you know if a game is compatible with your SteamOS device Handheld Rumors Miyoo ‘Mini’ Flip Miyoo Mini Flip Blurry Spy Shots of an Anbernic RG Slide Could Anbernic Really Be Working on a Modern PSP Go Computex is Coming 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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May 10, 2025 • 33min

Nintendo Sues Genki, ROG Ally 2 Leaks, and Backbone Pro Debuts

This week, Nintendo is back to its litigous ways, Backbone has a new controller, the Anbernic RG34XXSP is real, and not one but two ASUS Rog Ally 2s leak in FCC filings. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Brendon spots an NPC parking lot. The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Nintendo began working on Switch 2 shortly after the release of Switch 1, new Genki lawsuit papers reveal Covers lawsuit and Genki’s response Nintendo expects the Switch 2 to be just as successful as the original Seems like this is low-balled The Louvre will stop renting out Nintendo 3DS audio guides in September Anbernic RG34XXSP Announced https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg34xxsp-announced/ Anbernic RG34XXSP Video iOS Gaming Backbone Pro adds Bluetooth and battery, turning the top iPhone gamepad into a universal controller The new Backbone Pro could be the one controller for all your gaming ASUS ROG Ally 2 Leaks ASUS ROG Ally 2 gaming handhelds leaked up to AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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May 5, 2025 • 41min

Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS

This week on NPC, Federico, Brendon, and John chart which handheld makers are still shipping to the U.S. in the wake of steep tariffs, then explore how speedrunners are stress‑testing Breath of the Wild at Nintendo’s Switch 2 hands‑on events. Plus, they update listeners on Nintendo’s release of version 20 of the original Switch’s firmware, how a contempt order against Apple could unlock new business models for developers, the surprising arrival of JIT on the App Store, Nothing’s launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and how Anbernic and Ayaneo are defying economic uncertainty by releasing new handhelds. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Tariffs: Good News and Bad Retroid Updates Shipping Policy for U.S. Customers Powkiddy stopping U.S. shipments 8BitDo suspends US shipments from Chinese warehouse due to tariffs Switch 2 News Speedrunner Beats The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild Switch 2 Edition At Preview Event Switch update 20.0.0 adds Virtual Game Cards, GameShare, Switch 2 transfer iOS Gaming StikDebug brings JIT to the iPhone JIT enabler lands on App Store, likely unlocking Wii and Switch emulation on iOS An ‘official’ Flappy Bird game is back, but it has nothing to do with the original creator. Handhelds Anbernic RG34XX SP May Drop Next Month AYANEO Pocket ACE hits Indiegogo (retro handheld with a 4.5 inch display and Snapdragon G3x Gen 2) Other hardware Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro is an affordable phone with a unique modular ecosystem Topics A Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Update 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
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18 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 32min

Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply

This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, John explains what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk. Links and Show Notes Follow Up Playdate, Season 2 Preorders The Latest Portable Gaming News Tariff Update Handhelds Tariff Roundup: What to Expect Odin 2 Maker Ayn To Join Anbernic In Pausing US Shipments Game Boy clone maker Anbernic suspends all shipments to US DHL halts international deliveries to US consumers worth over $800 Switch 2 Switch 2 Demand Outstrips Supply Switch 2 demand will far outstrip supply in Japan, Nintendo warns Nintendo Switch 2 preorders were a total mess — at first Paul Rudd ad Nintendo shares a vintage SNES commercial starring Paul Rudd as he reprises the role for Switch 2 John on what the pre-order process was like in the U.S. Restoring a Vintage Game Boy Kiosk I Restored an Abandoned GameBoy Kiosk via The Verge 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: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/

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