Latest news with #handheldconsole
Geek Girl Authority
2 days ago
- Geek Girl Authority
5 Benefits of Buying a Case for Your Portable Gaming Console
Portable game consoles have introduced a level of freedom to the gaming world. Rather than being tethered to a specific room, you can use a portable unit when commuting to the office, walking down the street, or just rolling out of bed. These game consoles provide you with the gaming experience without you being glued to a desk or TV. Portability comes with some risks, however — like scratches, drops, and spills. That's one reason you should invest in a premium case for your handheld gaming console. If you own a Switch 2, for instance, you'll want to buy a Switch 2 case . It's a relatively modest investment that will ensure your console holds up over the long haul. Some gamers might be reluctant to shell out extra money for accessories like a case, but a good case is worth the money. It'll protect your investment and enhance your gaming experience. Consider these five good reasons to purchase a case for your handheld console . Shields Your Console from Physical Damage Buying a case will safeguard your console from accidental damage. Handheld consoles aren't played while resting on a table or desk. They're supported by your hands — and that means they can be dropped on the floor, table, or — horror of horrors — in the toilet . An effective case offers shock protection that can shield against cracks, dents, and interior damage caused by bumps or drops. You'll also get scratch protection, storage compartments, and more. It may cost hundreds of dollars — or more — to replace a console. It's cheaper to spend a relatively low amount to buy a protective case. Stores Accessories Conveniently and Accessibly Another reason to buy a case is that it can store game cartridges, memory cards, cables, earbuds, and even an external battery or controller. Without a proper case to securely store these accessories, they can easily be lost, tangled, or damaged. Streamlines Travel and Security If you normally bring your console with you on long road trips, holidays, or even work or school, a case is a necessity. It makes your console more portable and easier to use. A travel-friendly case includes things like shoulder straps or handles that allow it to be easily carried, thin profiles that can fit in backpacks or carry-on bags, water-resistant or waterproof material that prevents liquids and water from damaging the console, and reinforced zippers and seams that stand up to wear and tear. Instead of just tossing your console into a bag where it can be crushed or scratched, you can put it in a case so that the unit gets to and from safely. Extends the Lifespan and Resale Value of Your Device Gaming consoles aren't cheap. Spending hundreds or more on a portable console can be a waste of money if you don't get a case. A case avoids unnecessary wear and tear on your device so that it doesn't fail you prematurely. Enhances Everyday Use and Game Experience Aside from the protection aspect, a good case will also make a huge difference in your everyday use of your console. If it makes you more relaxed while gaming, that's reason enough to invest in a quality case. There are even cases with docks or stands so you can put your console on a tray table or a desk to play games or watch videos without the need for hands. Those additions augment the gaming experience even more, especially when on the go. A carrying case for your handheld gaming console offers more benefits than you might think. From protecting against damage and keeping accessories organized to making travel simpler and adding resale value, a case offers functionality and peace of mind. If you're committed to gaming and want a portable console, add a case to your must-have list. 15 Co-Op Game Announcements From June 2025 RELATED: Wholesome Games Direct 2025: 9 Games Release Today
GSM Arena
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GSM Arena
Nintendo sold over 3.5 million Switch 2 units globally in under a week
The Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale globally last Thursday, and in the first four days of its release, Nintendo sold more than 3.5 million units of its latest handheld console worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo game system ever. You can buy the Nintendo Switch 2's standard package, which only includes the gaming console, or you can buy the package that comes bundled with a digital edition of the Mario Kart World, which launched alongside the Switch 2. The standard package is priced at $449.99 in the US, while the bundle costs $50 more. You'll have to shell out extra money for accessories. Original pricing Current pricing Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 $449.99 Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 $499.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller $79.99 $84.99 (+$5) Left and Right Joy-Con 2 $89.99 $94.99 (+$5) Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip $34.99 $39.99 (+$5) Joy-Con 2 Strap $12.99 $13.99 (+$1) Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of two) $19.99 $24.99 (+$5) Nintendo Switch 2 Camera $49.99 $54.99 (+$5) Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set $109.99 $119.99 (+$10) Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector $34.99 $39.99 (+$5) Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case $79.99 $84.99 (+$5) Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter $29.99 $34.99 (+$5) Mario Kart World $79.99 $79.99 Donkey Kong Bananza $69.99 $69.99 The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9" 1080p LCD with HDR10 support and VRR up to 120Hz. The Switch 2 is powered by a custom NVIDIA chip and has 256GB of storage onboard, which is expandable by up to 2TB via a microSD Express card. Keeping the Nintendo Switch 2 up and running is a 5,220 mAh battery, advertised with a battery life of 2-6.5 hours. You can read our Nintendo Switch 2's announcement coverage to learn more about it.
The Guardian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Inconceivable even three years ago': hands-on with Xbox's flashy new handheld console
Just a few days after Nintendo finally released its follow-up to the Switch, Microsoft has announced its own long-rumoured handheld console: the Xbox Ally. This is a very big deal, not just because it marks the first time Xbox has co-branded a console (with high-end PC specialists Republic of Gamers), but because it's packing top-of-the-line hardware under its hood. I played the Xbox Ally X, one of two models coming before Christmas, a few hours after they were revealed during 8 June's Xbox Showcase, and can easily see it becoming a serious competitor for both the Switch 2 and Valve's Steam Deck. The Xbox Ally springs from the coupling of four different tech firms: Windows, Xbox, AMD and Asus, and it's definitely their golden child. Both the Xbox Ally and Ally X models have 7-inch 1080p touchscreens, with 16GB of RAM in the Ally and 24GB of RAM in the Ally X, and 512GB SSD storage and 1TB, respectively. Each has Ryzen Z2 chips, though Xbox Ally X has the AI Z2 chip, which integrates an AI processor directly into the silicon. As for what that actually means for players, Microsoft's head of gaming devices, Roanne Sones, said during a presentation that players will be able to 'take advantage of AI experiences without having to compromise anything on the GPU'. The devices both run Windows, but the team has modified it for optimal gaming. 'We're not loading up the Windows desktop,' Xbox Experiences VP Jason Beaumont said. 'We're not loading up the icons and the task bar and components that really aren't about playing video games … we can save a bunch of resources and then give those to the game, so that they can perform better.' You can access your collection of games with a library button on the device (there's also a new Xbox button that functions similarly to the one on a console controller). This library includes your PC games from Xbox and other stores, and will let you stream games from your existing Xbox console, if you own one. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, hundreds of games are available to play on the Allies straight away. During Microsoft's presentation in LA, I'm handed an Xbox Ally X over my right shoulder. I have rather small hands, and this thing is big (and heavier than the Switch 2), but it doesn't feel overwhelming. As a gamer who prefers the ergonomics of an Xbox controller to a PlayStation DualSense, I appreciate the asymmetrical joysticks and how the outer curvature mimics the Xbox pad. The Xbox Ally X boots up immediately into a homepage that shows your most recently played Xbox games, styled much like the console homepage. We're told to navigate to Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the 2006 classic that's launching on 26 August. As a huge Gears fan, the effect of loading a beautifully remastered version of a game I haven't played in nearly 20 years on a console held between my palms is pretty wild. Muscle memory immediately kicks in: press A to magnet Marcus to a chest-high wall, reload your gun faster by timing a press of the R1 button – except I'm holding this game that shaped my teen years in my lap. I don't get more than 10 minutes with Gears of War: Reloaded before the Xbox Ally X is somewhat unceremoniously plucked from my hands, and we're shown a quick summary video with talking heads from Microsoft, Windows, ASUS and AMD. One of them says that the power and capabilities of the Xbox Ally X were 'inconceivable even three years ago'. There's no price point yet, perhaps because the uncertainty of President Trump's tariffs has Microsoft hesitant to name one at the moment. However, the look, feel, and function of the ROG Xbox Ally will make it a great option for those looking to access both Xbox and third-party games on a portable console, while the Xbox Ally X seems tailor-made for performance perfectionists. Sign up to Pushing Buttons Keza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gaming after newsletter promotion The price will be a huge factor: even the cheaper Ally console is likely to be more expensive than Nintendo's new Switch 2. But as someone who doesn't really play Nintendo games, and who only briefly had a Steam Deck before giving it to a friend, the ROG Xbox Ally is the first handheld I can see myself picking up and regularly playing.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Xbox finally reveals handheld console after decade of speculation
Microsoft has finally revealed its highly-anticipated handheld console, years after it was first ROG Xbox Ally will let gamers access their Game Pass subscription library on-the-go, in effect meaning members will start off with hundreds of is being made in partnership with Asus, which has been making handheld gaming devices since 2023, and will be released at the end of 2025 - though it is unknown what it will over Microsoft making a handheld Xbox has been widespread for more than a decade, with the company starting and scrapping various efforts over the announcement comes just three days after the launch of the Switch 2. Much like its predecessor, the Switch 2 is a hybrid gaming device - meaning it can be both played on-the-go and connect to a success likely led to the design of Valve's Steam Deck, a handheld PC which gives gamers access to the entire library of titles they've bought through game distribution service Steam - though not all the games work on the means Microsoft may be accused of being slightly late to the game when rivals already exist in the space, but the benefit of native support for Game Pass will likely address a lot of concerns for its 34 million subscribers. Two versions Microsoft's new handheld will comes in two flavours, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X."Whether you're at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you," said Xbox head of gaming devices Roanne Sones."Both handhelds allow players to play natively, via the cloud, or remotely with their Xbox console in another room."The two versions both share a 7 inch screen with 1080p base version comes with 16GB memory and 512GB storage, while the "X" version has 24GB memory and double the more powerful version of the handheld also has a bigger battery and a more powerful both cases, Xbox will be hoping to convince players that it offers something out of the box that its rivals don't - Microsoft's operating system. "Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to games you can't get elsewhere, so you can enjoy the full freedom and versatility of PC gaming," said Ms other words, gamers can leave the Xbox app and launch other gaming platforms - such as Steam and EA Play - through the all that capability comes at a cost when it comes to 670g and 715g respectively, the base and X versions of the Xbox Ally may be heavier than handheld gamers are used to - with Nintendo's new Switch 2 weighing a fair bit less at 534g. Games revealed Part of the success of Game Pass is many highly-anticipated new releases appear on the service on launch day, meaning gamers can save money by subscribing - though you lose access to a game if you cancel your its showcase event where it unveiled the new handheld, Microsoft announced several new games - including a reveal that 17 new titles will come to Game Pass PC & Ultimate on day of these are highly-anticipated games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Ninja Gaiden 4 and Outer Worlds also includes the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 when that releases - likely later this new game will be a sequel to the critically-acclaimed Black Ops 2, which first released in while the game was confirmed for several consoles, there was no mention of the Switch 2 at the event - despite Nintendo previously signing a 10-year deal to bring the series to its consoles in there's something else which many gaming fans will have been excited to finally see much-anticipated Persona 4 remake, subtitled Revival, is set to be remade 17 years after it was first released on PlayStation 2. The original, which sees a group of friends investigate a series of murders in the Japanese countryside, is considered a gaming fans of the series will have to wait, as Sega and Atlus did not share a release date for the remake. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Telegraph
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Nintendo Switch 2 review: is it worth it?
Score: 9/10 Price: From £395.99 We like: Massive screen Improved design Powerful gaming performance and graphics We don't like: You might struggle to buy one Only one new Nintendo game at launch What is the Nintendo Switch 2? The long-awaited sequel to Nintendo's highly successful handheld games console, the Nintendo Switch, is finally here. Queues formed at midnight shop openings up and down the country and stock has already sold out. The Switch 2 is the hottest tech launch of the past few years. Indeed, on the day of the Switch 2's launch, there were more Google searches for 'Nintendo' than there were for 'Trump'. Either this means that global interest in US politics is declining, or Nintendo really does have a scene-stealer on its hands. Either way, I've been thoroughly testing Nintendo's latest handheld games console to figure out whether it's worth all the fanfare, or if this is yet another over-hyped and over-priced piece of tech. Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch 2? While there's no guarantee of stock being available, these UK retailers are selling the Switch 2: OnBuy, EE, Amazon, Game, Very, Currys, John Lewis, Smyths, My Nintendo Store and Argos. JUMP TO: How we test games consoles I've been testing and reviewing games consoles for over ten years and have written about every Nintendo console since the launch of the Wii U in 2012. When it comes time to test handheld gaming consoles, I assess five key metrics: design and features, display, games and software, performance and graphics, and battery life. I use the console as my main gaming device, comparing the ergonomics, controls and buttons during long play sessions versus the previous model, as well as against any competitors. In this case, that's the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally portables. The quality of a handheld console's display is by far the most important metric. Performance is also crucial. Games such as the new Mario Kart World should run flawlessly without any noticeable lag or stutter. If I spot any performance hiccups, I remove points from the overall score. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Design and features Score: 9/10 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. That seems to be Nintendo's motto with the launch of the Switch 2, with an overall design that, at first glance, is broadly the same as the original model. Its premise remains the same: it's still a rectangular screen, with two removable controllers attached either side for gaming on the go. You can still drop it into the 'dock' when you get home to play it on your living room TV. It's effectively two consoles in one, which is the main reason why the original device was so popular. It's an experience that still works incredibly well, and it means you can spend pretty much all your waking hours gaming. I'm sure many people do. No longer is it catering to the younger audience with bright colours, however. The Switch 2 is clad almost entirely in black, with just a glimpse of orange and blue peeking through. This is perhaps an indication that it's here to fight back against much more powerful living room gaming machines like the Xbox Series X and Playstation 5. It's also much bigger, about the same size as the Steam Deck. This is due to the increase in the size of the screen, which now measures 7.9in (up from 6.2in). You will also notice the difference in weight during long handheld gaming sessions, at 535g versus 422g. The other notable change is the way in which the two 'Joy-Con' controllers attach to either side of the screen. Rather than awkwardly sliding them into a track, they're now held securely in place by a pair of strong magnets and they feel much more secure than the previous model. The Switch 2's built-in speakers have turned out to be the unsung heroes of this new console. The virtualised surround system simulates audio coming from behind you, which I found especially useful in games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to help minimise enemies out of view from getting the jump on you. The microphone did a great job at picking up my chatter, even when sitting far away from the console in docked mode. Background noise was eliminated effectively. It's worth mentioning the suite of accessories Nintendo have released alongside the new console. First is the £49.99 Nintendo Switch 2 camera, which is essentially a small webcam that you plug into the console via USB when it's docked to the TV. This allows you to broadcast your face to your friends while playing games. There's also the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, which is a traditional game pad, with all the usual buttons you might expect from something like an Xbox or Playstation. This costs £74.99 and is designed to be used when your Switch 2 is connected to the TV. In testing, the buttons and sticks felt pleasingly tactile and were instantly responsive. Display Score: 9/10 The Nintendo Switch 2's screen is larger than the original model (7.9in vs 6.2in) and has a higher resolution (Full HD vs 720p). What this means for the Nintendo gamer is that not only is there extra screen real estate available for your favourite games, but they also look much better than ever before, with a huge increase in visual fidelity. Even if you aren't an avid gamer, if I showed you both versions side by side, you will notice the difference. Every game I tested had a remarkable amount of crisp, intricate detail, with some of the new Mario Kart World tracks, in particular, looking incredibly vibrant with loads of colour. Sadly, all this detail is let down slightly by the screen brightness, still could be improved. At maximum, it gets about as bright as the Switch OLED model, which is to say that it's vivid enough while you're playing indoors, but take it outside in the bright summer sun and you might have to squint to see what your character is up to. Games and software Score: 8/10 With Nintendo, you can always rely on there being some truly exceptional gaming experiences on offer. At launch, however, there aren't that many new titles to play on the Switch 2. The only new major Nintendo game at launch is Mario Kart World. Destruction-centric platformer Donkey Kong Bananza is coming in July and you'll have to wait even longer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Not that I think that's too much of a problem, since Mario Kart World is very good. I've already sunk many hours into the game, whizzing through all of the brand-new courses and tracks, trying out the expanded roster of characters and karts and getting a proper beating in the online Knockout Tour mode against 23 other racers around the world. This is a proper system-seller, no doubt about it. There's also a game called Welcome Tour. This costs £10 and showcases what the system is capable of, via a series of fun minigames. This isn't the sort of game you keep coming back to but it's an enjoyable distraction for an hour or two nonetheless. Some older Nintendo games have also been updated for the Switch 2 with improved graphics and in some cases, additional features. 'Upgrade packs' cost £7.99 or £16.99, depending on the game. At launch, the four games with paid-for upgrades are Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and both Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. I spent some time playing the latter during my testing period, and it completely transformed the experience. The game looked and played significantly better than it did on the original Switch, with a vastly improved frame rate and graphical fidelity. No doubt about it, this is the way these games are meant to be played. Performance and graphics Score: 9/10 In graphical fidelity and performance, the Switch 2 really shines. Everything is just so much faster, from responsive menu scrolling, game load times (playable now in the blink of an eye) and flashier graphics. Mario Kart World is simply dazzling. It's practically a barrage of the senses, in many ways, with visually striking scenery such as robotic apes, trains and flames whizzing past as you speed across the course at a fluid, rock-steady frame rate with no noticeable stuttering. The same can't be said about the original Switch these days – it was already beginning to show its age, but the chasm in performance and fidelity is now even wider that the Switch 2 exists. It's a shame that there isn't a wide selection of games to truly show off this newfound power, but what we do have to pay around with on launch day is something truly special. Another upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it has four times the storage as the original Switch. With 256GB of space and the option to expand this further with a microSD card, you can download and install more games than ever. Games typically take up between 4GB and 15GB of storage, so there's loads of space to play around with this time around. Battery life Score: 7/10 It's still early days with testing the Switch 2's battery life. Over the last 48 hours I've been spending as much time as possible putting the console through its paces, and I have a rough impression of how long the Switch 2 can last between charges. I hope things improve in time, because at the time of writing this review, battery life could be better. The Switch 2's battery size is 5,500mAh, which is 27% larger than the cell inside the original Switch, so you would think that the battery life is longer. However, the size of the screen (the most power-hungry piece of hardware) is also 27% larger over the previous model. And what I've seen so far is that the battery life is largely comparable across the board. After playing 30 minutes of Mario Kart World at maximum screen brightness, the Switch 2 went from 100% charge to 73%. That suggests a full battery would give roughly two hours of gameplay. Personally, I would always recommend dropping the brightness of the screen to try and squeeze as much juice out of the battery. I will update this section of my review after further testing. Technical specifications With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, it makes the most sense to compare its specifications against the previous model. As you can see, a lot has changed over the last eight years. Should you buy the Nintendo Switch 2? The Switch 2 is all I could have wanted from an on-the-go games console. It doesn't reinvent the formula, but Nintendo has managed to keep the excitement of the original while thrusting the Switch 2 into the modern gaming era. It's undeniably the best way to play games on the move and it's a fantastic living room console as well. It's a shame, then, that buying one isn't going to be easy. If you want one, you'll have to fight your way through the crowds, at least for the next few months as stock levels stabilise. However, if you are lucky enough to buy one, either via pre-orders, keeping tabs of stock on a daily basis, or simply waiting it out, then there's no doubt in my mind that this is the best portable games console you can buy right now. Nintendo Switch 2 FAQs When is the Nintendo Switch 2 being officially released? The Nintendo Switch 2 released at midnight on the 5th of June. If you weren't lucky enough to secure a pre-order ahead of the official release, then you might struggle to buy one, with limited stock at the time of writing this review. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible with original Nintendo Switch games and accessories? The Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the majority of original Nintendo Switch games, both digital downloads and physical cartridges. The full list can be found on Nintendo's website. You won't be able to play Switch 2 exclusive games on the previous Switch. Original Nintendo Switch controllers can also be used on the Switch 2, with a full list of compatible devices on Nintendo's website. What are the features and specs for the Nintendo Switch 2? The Nintendo Switch 2 might look similar to the original, but it's much larger with a 7.9in Full HD screen (versus 5.5in) and when plugged into the TV it can output at up to 4K resolution at a frame rate of 60fps or Full HD resolution at 120fps. It comes with more storage for games (256GB vs 64GB) and it has a new as-yet-unnamed Nvidia processor for faster performance. How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost in the UK? The Nintendo Switch 2 costs £395.99 in the UK. At the time of publishing this review, you can purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle (which comes with the console and the game) for £429.99. The Switch 2 Pro controller costs £74.99, and both the left and right Joy-Con controllers are individually priced at £41.99. Will there be a new Mario or Zelda game with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2? Racing game Mario Kart World is the only new Nintendo game at launch. If you're after a new side-scrolling Mario game, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, then you're going to have to wait a little while longer. There's no new Zelda game at launch, either, but the previous two games – Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom – have both received next-generation updates, with improved performance, graphics and new gameplay features.
