NPC: Next Portable Console

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.

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

This week, John and Federico hold down the fort without Brendon, discussing U.S. Switch 2 pre-orders, Super Mario Kart World, upcoming hardware from Epilogue, Playdate’s Season 2, Razer Remote Play, and more. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders in the U.S. Switch 2 Breath of the Wild will add weapon repairs through Zelda Notes Super Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct Federico’s new ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K OLED PG27UCDM display Discussed on MacStories Unwind Epilogue SN Operator news Playdate Season 2 Announced How to Watch Live TV On Retro Handhelds With IPTV and muOS Razer PC Remote Play Officially Launches 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/

This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dissects new details that have emerged about the upcoming console, debate Nintendo’s game pricing, ponder what console exclusivity means in 2025, and share their excitement for the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Topics Central Perk Brooklyn Perk Coffee Frame Rates Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Nintendo Switch 2 games Games Switch 2 U.S. pre-order’s postponed due to tariffs. Nintendo boss on Switch 2 and tariffs: ‘we are actively assessing what the impact may be’ Nintendo diverts Switch 2 shipping from China to Vietnam for US buyers Accessories Switch 2 GameCube Controller Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 More Switch 2 Details Our Big Nintendo Switch 2 Interview with Nintendo of America’s Bill Trinen Switch 2’s full reveal analysed how powerful is Nintendo’s new hardware and is DLSS being used More Thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2 Switch 2 Joy-Con Don’t Have Drift Resistant Hall Effect Sticks Deltarune Will Have Exclusive ‘Mouse Mode’ Content On Switch 2 What is a Console Exclusive Anymore? Hades II will launch first for consoles on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Game Key Cards Switch 2 game-key cards won’t be account- or console-locked 📹 Has Nintendo Earned This Level of Confidence Retroid Flip 2 First Looks Retroid Pocket Flip 2 First Look, Powerful Clamshell AMOLED Handheld! Retroid Pocket Flip 2 FIRST LOOK Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Console-Like 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/

This week, Federico, John, and Brendon Bigley dive into Nintendo’s reveal of the Switch 2, analyzing the technical specifications, Mouse Control, the camera accessory, the new Pro Controller, Game Share, Nintendo’s strategy shift, and more. Programming Note: We’re releasing this episode early while the Switch 2 news is still fresh. Therefore, there will be no episode on April 8th. Instead, we’ll be back on April 15th. Rogue Amoeba: Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 – Technical Specs Switch 2 is powered by a “custom processor made by Nvidia.” Game Key Cards New Pro controller The Pro Controller grips are based on the GameCube controller Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5 at $449.99, Bringing New Forms of Game Communication to Life Nintendo’s Switch 2 preorder process has strict requirements to thwart scalpers The Verge Nintendo Switch 2 camera available at launch, or you can use your own Polygon Nintendo Switch 2 – How to Buy – Official Site 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/