Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS
NPC: Next Portable Console
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...
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Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 The Latest Portable Gaming News Tariff Update Switch 2 Switch 2 Demand Outstrips Supply Paul Rudd ad John on what the pre-order process was like in the U.S. Restoring a Vintage Game Boy Kiosk via Subscribe to NPC XL NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content,...
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Handheld Gaming's Bright Summer: Mario Kart World, Playdate Season 2, and More
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 Federico’s new Discussed on news 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...
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The Switch 2: New Discoveries and Marketing Stumbles
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 Frame Rates Switch 2 U.S. pre-order’s postponed due to tariffs. Accessories More Switch 2 Details What is a Console Exclusive Anymore? Game Key Cards ...
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Nintendo Switch 2: Unpacking the Direct
NPC: Next Portable Console
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. : 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...
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Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo's Today App
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 cover the latest EmuDeck update, AYA NEO’s confounding mini PC, and an intriguing foldable from Huawei that’s perfect for DS emulation. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News ...
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A Portal Surprise, ONEXSUGAR Chaos, and A Steam Deck Miracle
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 ONEXSUGAR handheld and AYANEO’s new devices. Plus, Federico has exciting news about a DLSS plugin for Steam Deck that improves performance on games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, turning blurry...
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Retroid's Rocky Road and Microsoft's Portable Plans
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld. Links and Show Notes Listener Question Retroid...
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Holey Controller Batman: Samsung's Prototype Handheld
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 Portable Gaming News Switch 2 info from the FCC Retroid’s mystery background device revealed Six button version Retroid Mini Screen Issue Samsung unveiled Topics 8BitDo Ultimate...
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AYANEO Cancels Then Resurrects the Flip
NPC: Next Portable Console
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 now weekly for everyone. Enjoy a new episode packed with handheld gaming news and other topics every Tuesday. We’re introducing , a brand-new, members-only version of NPC with extra content,...
info_outlineOn 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
The Latest Portable Gaming News
- Chris Plante of Polygon reviews the AYANEO 3
- Asus ROG Phone 9 FE launches as a (somewhat) cheaper gaming phone
- Asus ROG Phone 9 FE launches as a (somewhat) cheaper gaming phone
- Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Officially Teased
- Powkiddy taking pre-orders on V20
- The Nintendo DS Drastic emulator is gone from Google Play
8BitDo Micro Clip
- 8BitDo Micro controller
- Link to Clip
Federico’s First Impressions of the Ayn Odin2 Portal
TrimUI Brick
Credits
Show Art: Brendon Bigley
Music: Will LaPorte
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