This week, Nintendo is back to its litigous ways, Backbone has a new controller, the Anbernic RG34XXSP is real, and not one but two ASUS Rog Ally 2s leak in FCC filings.

Also available on YouTube here.

Links and Show Notes

• Brendon spots an NPC parking lot.

The Latest Portable Gaming News

• Nintendo
• Nintendo began working on Switch 2 shortly after the release of Switch 1, new Genki lawsuit papers reveal
• Covers lawsuit and Genki’s response
• Nintendo expects the Switch 2 to be just as successful as the original
• Seems like this is low-balled
• The Louvre will stop renting out Nintendo 3DS audio guides in September
• Anbernic RG34XXSP Announced https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg34xxsp-announced/
• Anbernic RG34XXSP Video
• iOS Gaming
• Backbone Pro adds Bluetooth and battery, turning the top iPhone gamepad into a universal controller
• The new Backbone Pro could be the one controller for all your gaming
• ASUS ROG Ally 2 Leaks
• ASUS ROG Ally 2 gaming handhelds leaked up to AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

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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

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Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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This week on NPC, Federico, Brendon, and John chart which handheld makers are still shipping to the U.S. in the wake of steep tariffs, then explore how speedrunners are stress‑testing Breath of the Wild at Nintendo’s Switch 2 hands‑on events. Plus, they update listeners on Nintendo’s release of version 20 of the original Switch’s firmware, how a contempt order against Apple could unlock new business models for developers, the surprising arrival of JIT on the App Store, Nothing’s launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and how Anbernic and Ayaneo are defying economic uncertainty by releasing new handhelds.

Also available on YouTube here.

Links and Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

• Tariffs: Good News and Bad
• Retroid Updates Shipping Policy for U.S. Customers
• Powkiddy stopping U.S. shipments
• 8BitDo suspends US shipments from Chinese warehouse due to tariffs
• Switch 2 News
• Speedrunner Beats The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild Switch 2 Edition At Preview Event
• Switch update 20.0.0 adds Virtual Game Cards, GameShare, Switch 2 transfer
• iOS Gaming
• StikDebug brings JIT to the iPhone
• JIT enabler lands on App Store, likely unlocking Wii and Switch emulation on iOS
• An ‘official’ Flappy Bird game is back, but it has nothing to do with the original creator.
• Handhelds
• Anbernic RG34XX SP May Drop Next Month
• AYANEO Pocket ACE hits Indiegogo (retro handheld with a 4.5 inch display and Snapdragon G3x Gen 2)
• Other hardware
• Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro is an affordable phone with a unique modular ecosystem

Topics

• A Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Update

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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

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This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, John explains what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk.

Links and Show Notes

Follow Up

• Playdate, Season 2
• Preorders

The Latest Portable Gaming News

• Tariff Update
• Handhelds Tariff Roundup: What to Expect
• Odin 2 Maker Ayn To Join Anbernic In Pausing US Shipments
• Game Boy clone maker Anbernic suspends all shipments to US
• DHL halts international deliveries to US consumers worth over $800
• Switch 2
• Switch 2 Demand Outstrips Supply
• Switch 2 demand will far outstrip supply in Japan, Nintendo warns
• Nintendo Switch 2 preorders were a total mess — at first
• Paul Rudd ad
• Nintendo shares a vintage SNES commercial starring Paul Rudd as he reprises the role for Switch 2
• John on what the pre-order process was like in the U.S.
• Restoring a Vintage Game Boy Kiosk
• I Restored an Abandoned GameBoy Kiosk via The Verge

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.

Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole

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Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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This week, John and Federico hold down the fort without Brendon, discussing U.S. Switch 2 pre-orders, Super Mario Kart World, upcoming hardware from Epilogue, Playdate’s Season 2, Razer Remote Play, and more.

Links and Show Notes

• Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders in the U.S.
• Switch 2 Breath of the Wild will add weapon repairs through Zelda Notes
• Super Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct
• Federico’s new ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K OLED PG27UCDM display
• Discussed on MacStories Unwind
• Epilogue SN Operator news
• Playdate Season 2 Announced
• How to Watch Live TV On Retro Handhelds With IPTV and muOS
• Razer PC Remote Play Officially Launches

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.

Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole

Credits

Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, John, and Brendon dissects new details that have emerged about the upcoming console, debate Nintendo’s game pricing, ponder what console exclusivity means in 2025, and share their excitement for the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

Links and Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

Topics

• Central Perk
• Brooklyn Perk Coffee
• Frame Rates
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Nintendo Switch 2 games Games
• Switch 2
• U.S. pre-order’s postponed due to tariffs.
• Nintendo boss on Switch 2 and tariffs: ‘we are actively assessing what the impact may be’
• Nintendo diverts Switch 2 shipping from China to Vietnam for US buyers
• Accessories
• Switch 2 GameCube Controller
• Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
• More Switch 2 Details
• Our Big Nintendo Switch 2 Interview with Nintendo of America’s Bill Trinen
• Switch 2’s full reveal analysed how powerful is Nintendo’s new hardware and is DLSS being used
• More Thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 Joy-Con Don’t Have Drift Resistant Hall Effect Sticks
• Deltarune Will Have Exclusive ‘Mouse Mode’ Content On Switch 2
• What is a Console Exclusive Anymore?
• Hades II will launch first for consoles on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
• Game Key Cards
• Switch 2 game-key cards won’t be account- or console-locked
• 📹 Has Nintendo Earned This Level of Confidence
• Retroid Flip 2 First Looks
• Retroid Pocket Flip 2 First Look, Powerful Clamshell AMOLED Handheld!
• Retroid Pocket Flip 2 FIRST LOOK
• Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Console-Like

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.

Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole

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Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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This week, Federico, John, and Brendon Bigley dive into Nintendo’s reveal of the Switch 2, analyzing the technical specifications, Mouse Control, the camera accessory, the new Pro Controller, Game Share, Nintendo’s strategy shift, and more.

Programming Note: We’re releasing this episode early while the Switch 2 news is still fresh. Therefore, there will be no episode on April 8th. Instead, we’ll be back on April 15th.

Rogue Amoeba: Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps.

Links and Show Notes

Nintendo Switch 2

• Nintendo Switch 2 – Technical Specs
• Switch 2 is powered by a “custom processor made by Nvidia.”
• Game Key Cards
• New Pro controller
• The Pro Controller grips are based on the GameCube controller
• Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5 at $449.99, Bringing New Forms of Game Communication to Life
• Nintendo’s Switch 2 preorder process has strict requirements to thwart scalpers The Verge
• Nintendo Switch 2 camera available at launch, or you can use your own Polygon
• Nintendo Switch 2 – How to Buy – Official Site

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.

Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole

Credits

Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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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

• EmuDeck 2.4 launches, with support for new emulators, improved BIOS checkers and more
• Update AYANEO AM01S mini PC has a retro design, a 4 inch flip-up display, and AMD Strix Point inside
• Huawei Pura X
• Huawei Pura X launched, a foldable phone with 1610 widescreen
• Huawei’s new flip phone is weirdly wide
• Nintendo’s Switch 2 Launch Plans
• Insider Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 expected June 2025, launch to have 3-phase plan
• Nintendo’s “3-Phase Launch Plan” for Switch 2 - Wavelengths
• Also, Best Buy says preorders for Switch 2 open on April 2nd
• Nintendo’s March 27, 2025 Direct

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 Music: Will LaPorte

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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

• Federico attempted Portal mod
• Brendon’s Portal First Impressions
• Controller typing - signs of life for Windows handhelds

The Latest Portable Gaming News

• Switch 2: analysts predict $400+ price and biggest console launch ever in June
• Xenoblade Chronicles X hints at Switch 2 performance improvements
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Steam Deck verified
• Qualcomm launches Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, G2 Gen 2, and G1 Gen 2 chips for gaming handhelds
• Snapdragon Announcements
• Next Generation Snapdragon G Series Portfolio Uplevels Handheld Gaming Experiences
• Retroid Confirms Pocket Classic SoC and Teases a New Handheld
• OneXSugar
• The OneXSugar asks what if Nintendo Switch could transform into Nintendo DS
• The Dual-Screen ONEXSUGAR Debuts at GDC 2025
• 3DS Emulator Azahar’s First Release Candidate Now Available
• AYANEO
• AYANEO Gaming Pad is an 8.3 inch gaming tablet with Snapdragon G3 Gen 3
• AYANEO Reveals Pocket S2 and Gaming Pad - Retro Handhelds

Topics

• Decky Framegen - Game compatibility list!

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

• Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3

Retroid Follow-Up

• Joey’s Retro Handhelds - the whole story
• NPC and the Retroid Controversy
• Retroid reportedly backtracks Pocket Mini return limits
• Screen teardown here

The Latest Portable Gaming News

• SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview
• In better Retroid news
• Retroid Pocket Classic specs
• What is going on with AYANEO?
• AYANEO Pocket Ace
• AYANEO Pocket S2 announced soon
• Is Anbernic About to Shake Up the Retro Handheld Space - Retro Handhelds
• Photo
• An ‘Xbox’ handheld in 2025?:
• Xbox’s new hardware plans begin with a gaming handheld in 2025
• Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Credits

Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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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
• The Nintendo Switch 2 will have NFC and Wi-Fi 6, FCC filings show The Verge
• Retroid’s mystery background device revealed
• Retroid Pocket Classic Unveiled A Return to Form - Retro Handhelds
• Six button version
• There’s a Six Button Retroid Pocket Classic - Retro Handhelds
• Retroid Mini Screen Issue
• It’s Official Retroid Pocket Mini Shader Issue Cannot Be Fixed - Retro Handhelds
• MagicX Targets DS Emulation with Zero 40 Specs Reveal - Retro Handhelds
• RPCS3 for Android Shares First Alpha Build - Retro Handhelds
• Samsung unveiled a prototype foldable handheld
• AYANEO Deletes Sticks & Reveals New $179 Pocket Micro Classic

Topics

• MinUI Next
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2 First Impressions
• From 8BitDo
• From Amazon

Credits

Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte

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