NPC: Next Portable Console

From Gaming Handheld to Pocket Companion Jun 9, 2026 31:48 This week on Next Portable Console, Brendon and Federico have spent more time with the Anbernic RG Rotate and along with John have more thoughts about it and the handheld news coming out of Computex. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes More RG Rotate Experiments Anbernic RG Rotate Apps We're Using Apple Music Musicolet Moon+ Reader Pro Amazon Kindle YouTube VLC Niagara Laun

The RG Rotate Is the Real Deal Jun 2, 2026 44:18 This week on NPC, we update listeners on the SN Operator and consider what the Steam Deck price hike means for the handheld gaming industry before sharing our first impressions of Anbernic's RG Rotate. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Epilogue SN Operator Wulff Den on YouTube Steam Deck OLED Price Increases The Golden Age of Handheld Gamin

Pictonico! Is WarioWare in Disguise May 26, 2026 33:49 This week on Next Portable Console, RG Rotate anticipation, a newish Powkiddy handheld, Pictonico and an MCON beta app, plus surprising Lenovo news. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Taskmaster Anbernic RG Rotate Anbernic RG Rotate Powkiddy Royabilla Powkiddy Royabilla (P36S) Pictonico! Website Trailer Also mentioned: Face Raiders Super M

The Steam Controller's Comfort and Compromises May 19, 2026 41:53 This week on NPC: Next Portable Console, Federico has hands-on first impressions of the Steam Controller, follow up on our RG Rotate purchases, Dusklight, CrankBoy, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Valve Steam Controller Steam Controller SteamOS Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2 Bazzite Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode

Is the Steam Machine Just Around the Corner? May 12, 2026 35:42 This week on NPC: Next Portable Console, mysterious Valve shipments are heading to the U.S., GameHub hits 6.0, one of us got multiple Steam Controllers, and plastic versus aluminum. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Steam Controller Pre-Orders Steam Controller Steam Deck Steam Deck Docking Station Valve Hardware Speculation Valve Imported 50 Tons of Game Consoles (The Verge

The Weirdly Wonderful RG Rotate May 5, 2026 31:56 This week on Next Portable Console, we finally have RG Rotate specs and prices, get excited for the Steam Controller, update listeners on the latest grips available for the Switch 2, and cover the GameHub for Mac beta. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Anbernic teases the RG Rotate with gameplay demo showing PSP, 3DS, GameCube, and PS2 running

Triggers, Tico, and the Thor Tax Apr 28, 2026 31:12 This week on Next Portable Console, OnePlus makes a phone controller with only triggers, Tico 0.7.0 brings GameCube and Wii emulation to the Switch, Ayn raises prices, and Steam comes to Android via ROCKNIX. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News OnePlus reveals Marksman Gaming Controller alongside Ace 6 Ultra smartphone Tico 0.7.0 brings experiment

Forty Thousand Steam Controllers Apr 21, 2026 31:01 This week on Next Portable Console, TrimUI's slow drip of details on the Brick Pro continues, shipping manifests suggest the Steam Controller may beat the Steam Machine to market, and OnePlus makes a strong bid for weirdest handheld announcement of 2026. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The TrimUI Brick Pro nears official release with packagin

The RG Rotate Gets Real Apr 14, 2026 41:27 This week on Next Portable Console, the SN Operator is delayed, an Ayn Odin non-drama, a new contender for weirdest handheld of 2026, even more on the RG Rotate, and how we find retro game shops. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News GAMEMT E5 ModX is a modular handheld that converts between controller, horizontal, and vertical form factors AYN Od

PAX, the Pocket Taco, and a $900 PlayStation Apr 7, 2026 41:24 PAX, the Pocket Taco, and a $900 PlayStation This week on Next Portable Console, Brendon reports back on the hardware he saw at PAX East, John gives the Pocket Taco a try, and with Federico, they cover the latest handheld news. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News More videos of the Anbernic "RG Flic" AYANEO Pauses More Handhelds More PlayStatio

Strix Halo Stalls, the Legion Go Returns Mar 31, 2026 30:18 This week on Next Portable Console, a PlayStation Portable update, Honda and Sony call off car-based gaming, Epilogue shows of the SN Operator and makes and app, the fate of Windows handhelds, Federico's Legion Go makes a comeback, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News PlayStation Portal has added a higher quality 1080p option Sony and H

The Switch 2 Software Update Nintendo Should Have Hyped Mar 24, 2026 30:26 This week on Next Portable Console, Nintendo dropped a big Switch 2 software surprise, Anbernic got back to being weird, Federico went large with his PC streaming setup, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Switch 2 Software Update System Update Information for Nintendo Switch 2 Anbernic News [UPDATE] Anbernic RG Vita and RG Vita Pr

Third-Party Switch 2 Controllers Check-In Mar 17, 2026 30:47 This week, the confusing state of Switch 2 Joy-Con replacements, more on emulating PC games on Android, and we place our bets on the future of Valve's Steam Machine. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Switching Back to Windows for Marathon Marathon Bazzite SteamOS Switch 2 Third-Party Joy-Con Controllers Mobapad M12 HD / M12S Switch 2 Joy-Con NYXI Hyperion 3 Switch 2 JoyPad

Sony's Grand PC Experiment Ends Mar 10, 2026 25:44 This week, more bad memory and storage news, followed by a conversation about Bloomberg's report that Sony is withdrawing from the PC gaming market and a wild Lenovo handheld. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Users Face Storage Shortage as Memory Crisis Bites Sony Pulls Back From PlayStation Games on PC Anbernic RG Vita Pro

Game Hub Is Coming to the Mac Mar 3, 2026 31:40 This week, John, Federico, and Brendon cover the news that GameSir is bringing GameHub to the Mac and chat about the ASUS's special edition ROG Flow Z13. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes GameSir to Bring GameHub to the Mac GameSir's GameHub is bringing Steam (PC) games to Mac Game Porting Toolkit - Games Emuready The ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP ROG Flow Z13-KJP | Kojima 2 in 1 G

Running Out of Chips and Into Cocoon Feb 24, 2026 31:00 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John tackle the RAM shortage and its effect on the handheld industry before digging into Cocoon 2.0, an excellent Android front-end for your emulators. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes AYN Odin 3 Ultra Available Again for Pre-Order AYN Odin 3 Ultra RAM Shortage & Industry Impact The out-of-stock Steam Deck is the latest victim of the RAM &

Folding, Flipping, and a Handheld Heavyweight Feb 17, 2026 30:55 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John cover a raft of new budget handhelds a new OLED tablet from Lenovo, TrimUI leaks, and more Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News News Recap MagicX Two Dream Teased In New Images Anbernic RG Vita is an Android handheld game console with a familiar design Lenovo's next gaming tablet is coming soon (in China) AY

The RG Vita Is a PSP (and Other Handheld Truths) Feb 10, 2026 30:33 This week, a quick tour of Nintendo's latest Direct, more details emerge about the Virtual Boy Switch 2 accessory, the Steam Machine and other hardware is delayed, Anbernic goes out on a limb, AYANEO steps on a rake, and the Odin 2 rides off into the sunset. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Follow Up Nintendo actually showed me the Virtual Boy Nintendo's new Virtual Boy is

Living in the Past: Wii Pizza and the Return of the Virtual Boy Feb 3, 2026 24:07 This week, the guys tackle a load of weird news from playing Game Boy games on e-readers and ordering pizza from a Wii in 2026, the upcoming Virtual Boy Switch 2 accessory. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News This is The New Worst Game Boy Setup Someone Just Ordered Domino's on a Wii in 2026 Virtual Boy Classics On Switch Are Bringing Back Two L

A Bigger Brick and AYANEO Overload Jan 27, 2026 27:31 This week, Federico and John go it alone without Brendon to cover Game Pass on ARM, an avalanche of AYANEO announcements, and why the TrimUI Brick Pro has shot up their most-anticipated handheld list for 2026. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Xbox app is now available on ARM-based Windows 11 PCs AYANEO Pocket S Mini is a smaller handheld Andr

Foldables, Fex, and a Forgettable CES Jan 20, 2026 30:57 This week on NPC, rumors swirl about the Steam Machine's pricing, AYANEO pauses to collect itself, GameSir's Pocket Taco goes live, the lack of foldable phone controllers, and our first videogames. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Steam Machine pricing may have leaked Meta has closed three VR studios as part of its metaverse-focused layoffs

CES 2026: Foldables, Rollables, and Robot Punches Jan 13, 2026 41:03 This week, a whirlwind tour of the handheld news from CES 2026, Switch 2 grips, AR glasses, new chips from AMD, the OneXSugar Wallet, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Portable Gaming News from CES NOW LIVE: Nintendo just officially revealed the new purple/light green Switch 2 Joy Genki Grips: Made to be Held by Human Things Pocket8 Makes PICO–8 Playable On You

The 2025 Handhelds of the Year Awards Dec 23, 2025 37:51 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John pick their top handheld consoles of 2025. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The 2025 Handhelds of the Year Awards The Contenders: Switch 2 Ayn Thor Miyoo Flip TrimUI Brick 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,

New Phones and Tablets Take Aim at Portable Gaming Dec 16, 2025 27:05 This week, handhelds are shipping for the holidays, AYANEO makes a bold bet on a phone, a new Strix Halo tablet one-ups the ASUS ROG Flow Z13, and John dips a toe in the Bazzite waters. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News The Odin 3 and MCON are starting to ship The Anbernic RG DS got a big software update AYANEO Pocket Play Video Kickstarter

Monster Handhelds and Valve's Big Bet on ARM Dec 9, 2025 31:13 This week, AYANEO goes big, very, very big, and we read the tea leaves from Sean Hollister's interview of Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ANBERNIC Officially Reveals RG477V Retro Handheld Ayaneo Announces a Monster of a New Gaming Handheld iiSU Alpha Sean Hollister of The Verge interviews Valve's Pierre-Loup Gr

Anbernic Stumbles and SteamOS Dreams Dec 2, 2025 34:07 This week, the Retroid G2 and Anbernic DS look like duds, the Xbox full-screen experience for PCs is out to more users, and John flirts with the idea of a mini PC for SteamOS. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Retroid Pocket G2 - Who's it for? Anbernic DS Performance Issues Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors for W

Living on the Emulation Edge with the Odin 3 Nov 25, 2025 32:15 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John catch up on a grab bag of news before diving deeper into the Ayn Odin 3's emulation and streaming potential, the possibility that the rumored TrimUI Smart Pro S could become the default budget recommendation for horizontal handhelds, and the 11" 3D Abxylute 3D One. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Follow Up GameHub and GameHub Lite Anber

SteamOS Goes Wide: From a Cube to the Frame Nov 13, 2025 38:31 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 Machi

Can RedMagic Shake Up Mobile Gaming with a Liquid-Cooled Phone? Nov 11, 2025 39:32 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 handh

Retroid Design Controversy and More on Thor Nov 4, 2025 43:10 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% O

Hands-On with the Ayn Thor Oct 28, 2025 30:53 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 o

Budget Android Handhelds Rise as the Xbox Ally X Stumbles Oct 21, 2025 35:18 This week, Steam Deck, Switch 2, and Vision Pro accessory follow up, Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs, Android handhelds break into the budget category, and the ROG Xbox Ally X is a bust. On NPC XL, Apple's M5 chip promise gaming advances on the iPad, but can it deliver? NPC is also available on YouTube here. Subscribe to NPC XL on Patreon here. Links and Show Notes Follow Up Steam Deck Folios are now availa

Does the AYN Thor Have Handheld of the Year Potential? Oct 14, 2025 45:15 The Latest Portable Gaming News Federico weighs in on the Xiaomi Pad Mini GameHub Lenovo Legion Go 2 Retro Game Corps review AYN Thor reviews and first impressions Joey's Retro Handhelds review Retro Game Corps impressions video Using the Epilogue GB Operator with the Steam Deck Digital Foundry tests iPhone 17 Pro gaming Mini PCs leap forward GMKtec EVO-X2 Running Bazzite Digital Foun

Anbernic DS and Nose-Bleed Windows Handheld Prices Oct 7, 2025 45:24 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

Budget or Power Play: AYANEO and GPD Move in Opposite Directions Sep 30, 2025 36:54 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 f

Virtual Boy's Cardboard Comeback Sep 23, 2025 52:23 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 Portabl

Steam Emulation on Android Gets Real Sep 16, 2025 41:38 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 Game

New Handhelds, Old Problems: Legion Go 2 and Odin 3 Arrive Sep 9, 2025 49:29 This week, Brendon and John examine the latest handheld announcements Lenovo and AYN that both come with impressive specs and some age-old frustrations. Plus, a new chip is coming to Anbernic's lineup, and Brendon shares his first impressions of Dbrand's Nintendo Switch 2 killswitch case. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Legion Go 2 Early Lea

Microsoft's Stepping Stone: Xbox Comes to the Ally X Sep 2, 2025 48:13 Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS's Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2's strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild new handhelds from Abxylute. Also available on Yo

Nintendo Faces Tariffs, But Keeps Switch 2 Pricing Steady Aug 12, 2025 34:11 This week, Brendon and John mind the show while Federico is on vacation, covering Nintendo's pricing changes, the latest on Retroid's second screen accessory, the TrinketOS Android front end, Manic EMU for iOS, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Wavelengths 2.0 A Podcast and a Patreon Switch and Switch 2: Tariff's and Pricing Nintend

Brendon's Bad Fur Day Aug 5, 2025 29:39 This week, Brendon KONKRs AYANEO's two-day announcement-fest and is joined by John and Federico for diversions into 3DS repairs, the GPD Win 5, Gamescom, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News US Tariff Exemptions are Ending All of your international packages are about to get more expensive The Verge GPD Win 5 GPD WIN 5, the world's fi

The Multitool of Handhelds Jul 29, 2025 43:47 This week, Brendon and John cover the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 dual-screen handheld, Sony's power-saving and controller updates, and the latest ES-DE update for Android. Then John reports back on the MagicX Zero 40 homework that Brendon gave him last week. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 goes up for preorder OneXSugar Playing with

Hello from 1998: Revisiting Past Handhelds Jul 22, 2025 45:33 This week, John kicks off NPC with a return to 1998, before the crew digs into 8BitDo's new Pro 3 controller, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU enclosures and docks, TrimUI's ponderous Smart Pro Mini, and Federico and John's first impressions of the MagicX Zero 40. Then, Brendon, John, and Federico bring a handheld they haven't used in a while back to the show, and as you might expect, Federico's choice was a bi

Joy-Lock™: Dbrand Trademarks Its Do-Over Jul 14, 2025 44:55 This week on NPC, lots of follow up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses and the dbrand Killswitch, plus Retroid's second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Follow Up Follow up on microSD Express cards 1TB microSD Express from Lexar briefly showed up on Amazon for

Switch 2 Dock Mysteries Jul 5, 2025 45:09 This week, Federico, John, and Brendon cover REDMAGIC's Android tablet, rumors of an Ayn Odin 3, and other news before digging into the mysteries surrounding Nintendo's Switch 2 dock. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Here's a 1TB MicroSD Express card for Switch 2 REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet has a 165 Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and u

You're Holding It Wrong: Dbrand and the Joy-Con Gap Jun 30, 2025 37:00 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

What's That Smell? The RG Slide Jun 24, 2025 36:27 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 m

From Italy to Japan: Brendon Goes Hands‑On With the Switch 2 Jun 16, 2025 42:54 This week on NPC, Brendon shares his first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 after UPS Japan comes knocking, and all three hosts cover a chaotic week of handheld news—from the RG Slide to a surprise ASUS/Xbox handheld. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review News Release Jun. 11, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Sells

Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions Jun 5, 2025 36:17 This week, Federico and John walk listeners through their first impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, including the hardware, the setup process, Super Mario Kart World, the Zelda upgrades, the new Pro Controller, and more. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Our Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions Nintendo Switch 2 Beginners Guide Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories John's Tomtoc Sli

The Year of Weird Handhelds: RG Slide Edition Jun 3, 2025 31:39 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 fol

A Very Ticci Surprise May 26, 2025 33:04 This week, Federico drops a big gaming surprise on John after the two of them cover the latest Switch 2, MSI, and Anbernic handheld news. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Nintendo Samsung making its chips at potentially higher volumes than expected Nintendo Turns to Samsung to Make Chips, Ramp Up Switch 2 Production Mario Kart World original

Flip, Slide, and Brick: Handheld Rumors and Nintendo Surprises May 20, 2025 32:09 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

Nintendo Sues Genki, ROG Ally 2 Leaks, and Backbone Pro Debuts May 10, 2025 32:30 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 pape

Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS May 5, 2025 40:38 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 busine

Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply Apr 29, 2025 32:10 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 O

Handheld Gaming's Bright Summer: Mario Kart World, Playdate Season 2, and More Apr 21, 2025 34:05 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 A

The Switch 2: New Discoveries and Marketing Stumbles Apr 15, 2025 41:35 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

Nintendo Switch 2: Unpacking the Direct Apr 4, 2025 46:50 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 b

Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo's Today App Apr 1, 2025 39:33 This week, Brendon, John, and Federico analyze the latest Nintendo Direct and what it reveals about the Switch 2's rumored June launch. Then the trio dissects the many questions that Nintendo's upcoming Virtual Game Cards system raises, explores the features of the Nintendo Today app, and debate the reported three-phase launch strategy for the next console. In the latest handheld news, they also c

A Portal Surprise, ONEXSUGAR Chaos, and A Steam Deck Miracle Mar 24, 2025 49:46 This week, Brendon shares his surprising early impressions of the Ayn Odin Portal. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dive into Nintendo Switch 2 pricing rumors, explore the performance issues of Assassin's Creed Shadows on M4 Macs despite being Steam Deck verified, and break down Qualcomm's confusing new G-series chips powering upcoming handhelds. Then, the treo reacts to OneXPlayer's chaotic ONEXS

Retroid's Rocky Road and Microsoft's Portable Plans Mar 18, 2025 54:01 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid's troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week's news, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO's confusing new

Holey Controller Batman: Samsung's Prototype Handheld Mar 11, 2025 47:39 John, Brendon, and Federico are back for another week of handheld news, including a tiny bit of Switch 2 news, an up and down week for Retroid, DS handhelds inch forward, Samsung wonders if thumbholes are the perfect complement to thumbsticks, and AYANEO decides thumbsticks aren't worth the trouble. Plus, Brendon shares NextUI and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller. Links and Show Notes The Latest P

AYANEO Cancels Then Resurrects the Flip Mar 4, 2025 46:07 This week, Retroid Pocket Flip 2 specs are out, the Legion Go S disappoints, and we try to decipher what AYANEO is doing before reminiscing over a PictoChat clone on the iPhone and discussing the benefits of having a personal videogame shopper in Japan, and Brendon's experience with the black Miyoo Flip. Links and Show Notes Introducing NPC XL - More NPC, Every Week NPC: Next Portable Console is

Brick Gang Feb 25, 2025 53:17 On the latest NPC, ASUS gaming phones, Retroid's big surprise, and more Nintendo emulation drama, plus 8BitDo tries to solve the iPhone vertical controller problem, Federico weighs in on the Any Odin2 Portal, and the whole gang has nothing but love for the TrimUI Brick. Links and Show Notes Follow-Up Bazzite Potential Effect of Tariffs on Retro Handheld Collectors The Latest Portable Gaming New

SteamOS on Windows with Bazzite Feb 11, 2025 44:51 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John consider how the Switch 2 will impact the wider handheld market, recap the specs and benchmarks for the Legion Go S and 2, and cover new devices coming from Anbernic and AYANEO. Then, Brendon shares his experience running Bazzite on the ASUS ROG Ally X. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News What handheld PCs should do to fight the Nintendo Sw

Peas, a Rubber Band, and an iPad Jan 28, 2025 01:21:27 It's a packed episode with a post Switch 2 reveal vibe check and more on iPhone game controller innovation, plus John's early impressions of the Ayn Odin2 Portal, Brendon's review of the Miyoo Flip, and Federico's long 2DS/3DS emulation journey. Links and Show Notes iPhone Controller Innovation MCON's Kickstarter Campaign 8BitDo's Micro Controller Clip GamSir's Unnamed Combo Controller and Batte

Nintendo Switch 2: Reactions and First Theories Jan 16, 2025 26:55 On this special edition of NPC, Federico, John, and Brendon react to Nintendo's video announcement about the Switch 2, dig through every detail of the video for clues, and consider how things are likely to play out in the coming months. Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Reactions Nintendo Switch 2 – First Look Trailer Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been announced, releas

Unpacking CES 2025 Jan 14, 2025 58:04 In the first NPC episode of 2025, Brendon and John recap their CES experience with Federico, highlighting AMD's new Z2 chips, the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S, and more. Together, they explore the technologies and trends poised to define the next generation of portable consoles. Sponsored By: Pika – Sign up today to start telling your story and use code NPC20 for 20% off your first year of Pika Pr

The 2024 Handhelds of the Year Awards Dec 31, 2024 01:06:19 To close out 2024, Federico, John, and Brendon present the first-ever HOTYs: the 2024 Handhelds of the Year awards, celebrating the best handheld gaming devices, custom firmware, and, of course, the Handheld of the Year. Links and Show Notes The 2024 Handhelds of the Year Awards Best Handheld under 4" Winner: Anbernic RG35XXSP Runners-Up: Anbernic RG Cube AYANEO Pocket Micro TrimUI Brick Also

Worst Cable, Favorite Handheld Dec 17, 2024 01:09:44 As the year comes to a close, handheld makers haven't slowed down. We have new devices in hand and on the horizon, plus Legion Go S and Switch 2 rumors, Brendon's first impressions of the TrimUI Brick, Federico's latest NDI streaming experiments, new AR glasses and more. Sponsored By: Pika – Sign up today to start telling your story and use code NPC20 for 20% off your first year of Pika Pro. Lin

Putting the 'P' in Portable Dec 3, 2024 01:08:14 Tencent and Intel announce a huge handheld, Sony is taking its time, reviewers share early hands-on testing of the Ayn Odin Portal, the Miyoo Mini Flip is spotted across the Internet, Samsung files an intriguing portable gaming patent, and a new eGPU is on the way. Plus, Brendon revisits the Anbernic RG35XXSP, Federico has a mini-surprise, and John and Federico share their first impressions of the

A Handheld in Paris Nov 19, 2024 01:04:48 For the latest episode, Brendon explains the cronut, the AYANEO 3 Windows handheld has been announced, we consider Anbernic burnout, Federico shares his PS5 Pro first impressions, we speculate about Microsoft's handheld future, and on the heels of Brendon's trip to France, we have thoughts on traveling with handhelds and downsizing our handheld setups. Links and Show Notes Is the Cronut from New Y

Dream Devices Nov 5, 2024 01:13:01 This week, we have lots of smartphone gaming news, console mods, a first peek at the future of Windows handheld gaming, and more. Plus, John shares his first impressions of the Ayaneo Pocket Micro, while Brendon digs into OG hardware with the Nintendo DSi and Sony PSP. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News iOS Gaming News: Pokémon TCG Pocket Nintendo Music Console Mods: PS4 tur

Still Kickin' at the Videogame Store Oct 22, 2024 01:06:02 This week, Federico and John carry on without Brendon and profess their love of all things OLED. Plus, Federico shares a shopping confession, Anbernic is back to its bi-weekly ways, we explore inventive controllers and answer a listener question about the Ayn Odin 2, before Federico tells the origin story of his Wii, which he modded to offload his game library to his collection of handhelds. Links

A Little SSD Cage Oct 8, 2024 59:45 This week, Federico, Brendon, and John cover the latest in Nintendo emulation, a mysterious Nintendo device appears at the FCC, John has a Switch surprise, Microsoft reveals its best-looking controller yet, and Federico mods his Legion Go. Links and Show Notes Intro Federico's new white microphone arm: TONOR Microphone Boom Arm G-STORY 15.6" Inch IPS 4k 60Hz Portable Monitor Gaming Display Integ

Switch 2 Ways Sep 24, 2024 54:09 This week, our thoughts on Nintendo Switch 2 rumors, Sony's PS5 nostalgia-fest, and more handheld news. Plus, Federico explains how Astro Bot makes sense of the PS Portal, a look at the Anbernic RG40XXV retro handled, and we reach peak Joy-Con with Mobapad's M6 HD. Links and Show Notes Federico's Espresso Machine DeLonghi EC9355M La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine The Latest Portable Gami

Pillow Talk Sep 10, 2024 57:00 This week, Anbernic comes through with another retro handheld, PC makers announce new Windows handhelds, an iPhone case built for the Delta emulator, and Federico declares his love for a gaming pillow. The Latest Portable Gaming News Anbernic 406V Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K The new Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K amps up the immersive entertainment experience Retroid Pocket 5 Handh

My Dogs Are My Gaming Pillow Aug 27, 2024 01:16:00 This week, Brendon, Federico, and John cover newly announced handhelds, a gaming pillow, and other news before covering how Federico is dual booting Windows and SteamOS on his ASUS ROG Ally X and an update on retro handhelds from Brendon and John. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Zotac Zone Also: Hands-on with the ZOTAC ZONE at Gamescom Retroid Pocket Mini teaser trailer A

GameCube To Go Aug 13, 2024 01:06:24 This week, Federico returns to join John and Brendon to recap the latest portable gaming news before Federico drops a massive GameCube surprise on his co-hosts. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News Genki SavePoint SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta for Steam Deck curiously mentions the ASUS ROG Ally Where is the Xbox mobile store? ASUS launches Adol Book 14, world's first laptop with built-in

A Pizza and a Vita Jul 30, 2024 01:14:27 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 g

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