Explore every episode of the podcast NPC: Next Portable Console
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Dogs Are My Gaming Pillow | 27 Aug 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
Dual Booting Windows and SteamOS on the ASUS Ally X
A Retro Handheld Check-In Games Mentioned
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| GameCube To Go | 13 Aug 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
Ticci's Surprises
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| A Pizza and a Vita | 30 Jul 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 gaming on phones versus dedicated devices, comparing notes on their Miyoo Mini A30 setup experiences, and mulling over whether to start modding handhelds. Links and Show Notes Follow-Up
The Latest Portable Gaming News
New Gear
Modding
Games Mentioned Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| I Found This Cable Via a Google Ad | 16 Jul 2024 | 01:33:48 | |
It was a busy news week in the world of portable gaming hardware, plus Federico's quest for cable perfection continues, a return of the Steam Deck, and a look at mobile phone gaming, controllers, and more. Links and Show Notes News
Federico Dips Back into the Steam Deck Mobile Phone Gaming
Games Mentioned
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| The Google Play Store Around Your Neck | 01 Jul 2024 | 01:09:09 | |
For episode 3 of NPC, we cover the latest news about the Ayn Odin2 Mini, ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini, Asus ROG Ally X, the Anbernic RG Cube, and more, John finally received his transparent blue Anbernic RG35XXSP, Brendon got a surprise in the mail, and Federico shares his first impressions of the Powkiddy RGB30. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News
Anbernic RG35XXSP Follow-Up
Brendon's First Impressions of the Lenovo Legion Go
Federico's Powkiddy RGB30 Purchase Games Mentioned
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| A Lovable Guy From Las Vegas | 17 Jun 2024 | 01:02:55 | |
This week, Federico takes us on his journey to build the world's best eGPU, and we take a first look at the Anbernic RG35XXSP, a foldable retro handheld that two out of the three of us have received. Links and Show Notes Building the World's Best eGPU
The Anbernic RG35XX SP: First Look
Games Mentioned Odds and Ends
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| We Are All Vita People | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:54:51 | |
This week Federico, John, and Brendon introduce NPC, compare handheld gaming origin stories, and share their current setups before Federico springs a surprise on the others. Links and Show Notes About the Hosts Federico Viticci
John Voorhees
Brendon Bigley Our Portable Gaming Histories Brendon
John
Federico Current Setups John Brendon
Federico
Games Mentioned
Other Links Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley | |||
| Welcome to NPC | 31 May 2024 | 00:04:05 | |
NPC, or Next Portable Console, is a podcast about the games we take with us. Every other week, Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, and Brendon Bigley will cover portable gaming news and share their experiences with everything from the simplest retro gaming handhelds to cutting-edge portable PCs. | |||
| Pillow Talk | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:57:00 | |
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
Gaming Pillows
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| Switch 2 Ways | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:54:09 | |
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 The Latest Portable Gaming News
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| A Little SSD Cage | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:59:45 | |
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
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Topics
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| Still Kickin' at the Videogame Store | 22 Oct 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 and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News
Credits
Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| A Handheld in Paris | 19 Nov 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 York? The Latest Portable Gaming News
A Travel Handheld
Games Mentioned
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky: Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| Dream Devices | 05 Nov 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
New Handhelds
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| Putting the 'P' in Portable | 03 Dec 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 Retroid Pocket 5. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming News
Topics
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram | |||
| The 2024 Handhelds of the Year Awards | 31 Dec 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
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Worst Cable, Favorite Handheld | 17 Dec 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:
Links and Show Notes The MacStories DS Skins for Delta
Follow-Up
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Topics
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Unpacking CES 2025 | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:58:04 | |
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:
Links and Show Notes Unpacking CES 2025
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web
Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Nintendo Switch 2: Reactions and First Theories | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:26:55 | |
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
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Peas, a Rubber Band, and an iPad | 28 Jan 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
Ayn Odin2 Portal Miyoo Flip Federico's 3DS Journey
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| SteamOS on Windows with Bazzite | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:44:51 | |
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
Running Bazzite on the ASUS ROG Ally X
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Brick Gang | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:53:17 | |
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 The Latest Portable Gaming News
8BitDo Micro Clip
Federico's First Impressions of the Ayn Odin2 Portal TrimUI Brick Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| AYANEO Cancels Then Resurrects the Flip | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:46:07 | |
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
Follow-Up
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Topics
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Holey Controller Batman: Samsung's Prototype Handheld | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:47:39 | |
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 Portable Gaming News
Topics
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Bridging to Switch 2: Rumors, Virtual Game Card Questions, and Nintendo's Today App | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:39:33 | |
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 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
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. Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| A Portal Surprise, ONEXSUGAR Chaos, and A Steam Deck Miracle | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:49:46 | |
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 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 gameplay into a sharp, high-settings experience. Links and Show Notes Follow Up
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Topics | |||
| Retroid's Rocky Road and Microsoft's Portable Plans | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:54:01 | |
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 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 Follow-Up
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Nintendo Switch 2: Unpacking the Direct | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:46:50 | |
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 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
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 Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| The Switch 2: New Discoveries and Marketing Stumbles | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:41:35 | |
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
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 Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Handheld Gaming's Bright Summer: Mario Kart World, Playdate Season 2, and More | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:34:05 | |
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
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 Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Midnight Chaos: Switch 2 Pre-Order Demand Outstrips Supply | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:32:10 | |
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 The Latest Portable Gaming 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Anbernic and Ayaneo Keep Launching and a JIT Twist on iOS | 05 May 2025 | 00:40:38 | |
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 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
Topics
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Nintendo Sues Genki, ROG Ally 2 Leaks, and Backbone Pro Debuts | 10 May 2025 | 00:32:30 | |
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
The Latest Portable Gaming 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| A Very Ticci Surprise | 26 May 2025 | 00:33:04 | |
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
SteamOS
Handhelds
Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs
- [Gigabyte presents AORUS AI BOX, GeForce RTX 5090 desktop GPU with Thunderbolt 5](https://videocardz.com/newz/gigabyte-presents-aorus-ai-box-geforce-rtx-5090-desktop-gpu-with-thunderbolt-5) A Very Ticci 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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/
| |||
| Flip, Slide, and Brick: Handheld Rumors and Nintendo Surprises | 20 May 2025 | 00:32:09 | |
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:
Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Nintendo Switch 2 First Impressions | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:36:17 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| The Year of Weird Handhelds: RG Slide Edition | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:31:39 | |
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
Steam Deck Gets NVIDIA GeForce NOW App
Weird and Wonderful Handhelds
More 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| From Italy to Japan: Brendon Goes Hands‑On With the Switch 2 | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:42:54 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| What's That Smell? The RG Slide | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:36:27 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| You're Holding It Wrong: Dbrand and the Joy-Con Gap | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:37:00 | |
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
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 Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ | |||
| Switch 2 Dock Mysteries | 05 Jul 2025 | 00:45:09 | |
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
Nintendo's Mysterious Switch 2 Dock
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Joy-Lock™: Dbrand Trademarks Its Do-Over | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:44:55 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Hello from 1998: Revisiting Past Handhelds | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:45:33 | |
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 bit of a surprise. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes John's Game Boy Streaming Setup
Follow-Up The Latest Portable Gaming News
- [TrimUI Smart Pro Mini Patent Leaks Could This Be the Next Big Thing - Retro Handhelds](https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-smart-pro-mini-patent-leaks-could-this-be-the-next-big-thing/) Revisiting Past Handhelds
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| The Multitool of Handhelds | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:43:47 | |
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
The MagicX Zero 40 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. This week, Brendon and John revisit a two handhelds from the past year. Brendon explains why he loves the Ayn Odin 2 Mini even more than ever and John rediscovers the AYANEO Pocket Micro in all of its overpowered glory. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky
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| Brendon's Bad Fur Day | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:29:39 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Nintendo Faces Tariffs, But Keeps Switch 2 Pricing Steady | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:34:11 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Microsoft's Stepping Stone: Xbox Comes to the Ally X | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:48:13 | |
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 YouTube here. Links and Show Notes The Latest Portable Gaming 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| New Handhelds, Old Problems: Legion Go 2 and Odin 3 Arrive | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:49:29 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Steam Emulation on Android Gets Real | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:41:38 | |
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
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 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||
| Virtual Boy's Cardboard Comeback | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:52:23 | |
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 Portable Gaming 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 episodes. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole Leave Feedback for John, Federico, and Brendon Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Follow Us Online On the Web Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky | |||