NPC: Next Portable Console

NPC: Next Portable Console

NPC is a podcast about one of the hottest corners of the gaming world: portable hardware. Every other week, Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, and Brendon Bigley cover portable gaming news and share their experiences with everything from the simplest retro gaming handhelds to cutting-edge handheld PCs.

  1. 19 NOV

    A Handheld in Paris

    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? Cronut The Latest Portable Gaming News Hori’s officially licensed Steam controller is coming to the US Imagine if Valve made a Steam Deck controller tomtoc Carrying Case for Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Compact The story of the Nintendo Switch in 15 slides VentureBeat The story of the Nintendo Switch in 15 slides VentureBeat AYANEO 3 handheld gaming PC will be available with RDNA 3.5 graphics and OLED display options - Liliputing The Anbernic RG406H Looks Like a Stretched RG Cube Nvidia’s new app replacement for GeForce Experience is now out of beta - The Verge Microsoft’s Gaming Chief Is Still Open to Acquisitions After Activision Deal - Bloomberg Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White - Launching Worldwide Next Week The Miyoo Flip Has Appeared Again Also mentioned: Federico got a Sony PS5 Pro Hori Splitpad Pro Compact Beelink SER8 A Travel Handheld AYN Odin2 Mini Any Odin handheld could be your only handheld console Waterfield CitySlicker for Steam Deck GPD Win4 2024 Retroid Pocket 5 vs AYN Odin 2 Mini: is $129 too much more? from Adin Walls Beelink GPU Docking Station Games Mentioned Dragon Age: The Veilguard Cool Bird! (feat. Dragon Age: The Veilguard Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Mario & Luigi Brothership Dragon Quest III HD–2D Remake Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Bluesky: NPC MacStories Federico Viticci Brendon Bigley John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    1h 5m
  2. 5 NOV

    Dream Devices

    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 turned into a handheld Xbox handheld Other Handheld News: Anbernic RG ARC XX rumors Ayn Odin Portal Indiegogo campaign launched Ayaneo EVO and Pocket DMG delayed by a few weeks but the Pocket Micro shipped. Next-Gen Windows Handhelds: AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chips could bring Strix Point graphics to handhelds in 2025 (Updated) OneXFly F1 Pro Unveiled with 144Hz OLED, Ryzen Power, and ‘Zero Drift’ Sticks Smartphone gaming Asus ROG Phone 9 is coming on November 19 (gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Elite) - Liliputing Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor featuring Oryon CPU cores and next-gen Adreno graphics 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller Apple rumored to be working on new App Store-like app dedicated to games Netflix is laying off gaming staff New Handhelds John covers the Ayaneo Pocket Micro  Brendon has a new matte black Nintendo DSi and modded Sony PSP DSi Guide to modding the DSi Also mentioned: Kit & Krysta YouTube channel PXPlay app Other games mentioned: Soma Bringer Brave Story: New Traveler Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    1h 13m
  3. 24 SEPT

    Switch 2 Ways

    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 Gaming News Switch 2 Rumors The Switch 2 may have leaked already Nintendo Switch 2: Everything we know about the coming release Rumor: Chinese Leak Reveals Alleged Nintendo Switch 2 Production Photos and Detailed Specs Also mentioned: Hori Split-Pad Compact Switch Controller Mobapad M6 HD Joycons Nintendo Switch Controller Pro Sony 30th Anniversary PS5 Connected, Episode 519 ‘I Got the RGB Going On’ Celebrating 30 years of PlayStation with a nostalgic look Also mentioned: Who is the PS5 Pro Actually For? FREKVENS speaker Retroid Pocket 5 and Mini Update AMD confirms Z2 Extreme chip, aims to boost PC gaming handheld battery life by over 300% HTC announces the Vive Focus Vision with color passthrough and an eye on gaming Who killed TouchArcade? Also mentioned: Blink PlayStation Portal Astro Bot Also mentioned: PlayStation Remote Play app gets renamed to chiaki-ng (chiaki-next-generation) Chiaki-ng Nintendo Wii Mini PlayStation TV was a baffling idea and I deeply love mine Anbernic RG40XXV Retro Game Corps. Review On Amazon Mobapad M6 HD Joycons Nintendo Switch Controller Pro Games Mentioned Final Fantasy: Rebirth Astro Bot UFO 50 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    54 min
  4. 10 SEPT

    Pillow Talk

    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 Handheld Revealed With All New Style & Ergonomics Pre-Order Dates & Pricing For Retroid Pocket 5 & Mini Finally Announced Editor’s Note: Pricing details were released after NPC was recorded MSI Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake to feature 80Wh battery and two Thunderbolt 4 ports Acer’s first handheld gaming PC is the Nitro Blaze Acer’s Project DualPlay concept laptop has a pop-out controller and speakers The Legion Ecosystem Expands with New Monitors and a Host of Lenovo Legion Go Accessories Nintendo can’t repair your New 3DS because it ran out of parts Bitmo Lab Opens Pre-Orders for a Delta Emulator-Friendly iPhone Case More Weird iPhone Controllers, Please Let’s turn Nothing’s $200 phone into a 3D-printed marvel CMF by Nothing Phone 1/MakerWorld Contest Also mentioned AmbiOdin PortMaster PortMaster Starter Guide Gaming Pillows AboveTEK Tablet Pillow Stand Mechanism Gaming Pillow Also mentioned: Viture Pro Mobile Dock Acrylic Magic Keyboard and Trackpad Support Stand Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    57 min
  5. 27 AUG

    My Dogs Are My Gaming Pillow

    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 Also: Adin Walls, The Future of Retro Gaming ANBERNIC Secretly Reveals New RG40XX V With “Ultra-Narrow Bezel” Also: Anbernic RG40XXV In-Depth Review, Retro Game Corps Valve confirms it’ll support the ROG Ally with its Steam Deck operating system Also: Notepad newsletter by Tom Warren of The Verge Compact Mode is now in Game Bar for Xbox Insiders Let this tiny bean bag chair for your lap hold your heavy handhelds Gaming Pillow Also: Viture Pro Mobile Dock Playdate Pizza Cover Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp to close as Nintendo’s slow retreat from mobile continues Also: Miitomo Dual Booting Windows and SteamOS on the ASUS Ally X SteamOS on Handheld PCs! Bazzite Setup Guide Bazzite SteamOS on Handheld PCs! Bazzite Setup Guide Playnite A Retro Handheld Check-In Ayan Odin2 Mini Powkiddy V10 Anbernic RG28XXH Miyoo Mini A30 Games Mentioned Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door Emberward Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Super Mario Run Dragalia Lost Dragon Quest XI Starfield Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth The Binding of Isaac Spelunky Nuclear Throne Rogue Legacy Lufftrausers Rogue Legacy 2 Spelunky 2 Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    1h 16m
  6. 13 AUG

    GameCube To Go

    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 fragrance This $60 chip fixes a longstanding Super Nintendo flaw AYANEO is at it again Pocket S: Snapdragon G3x Gen2 New Android Handheld Pocket DMG: Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Vertical Handheld | Indiegogo Pocket MICRO: Tribute to Classic Pocket Handhelds | Indiegogo Ticci’s Surprises Into the Aether VII: The Nintendo GameCube Hacking the Wii Wii Hacks subreddit SCART Connector Wii to HDMI Cable Elgato Capture Card Orion CleanRIP GingerOfMods The Louii RV Loader Nintendont GC2WiiMote - Mariokartwii.com The Emulation Angle RG Cube Ayn Odin 2 Managing Saves Dolphin for Desktop DS Emulation DraStic DS MelonDS Ashida Wii Best Built Twelve South AirFly Pro for Bluetooth headphones Games Mentioned Super Smash Bros. Melee Mario Kart: Double Dash Luigi’s Mansion The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door Chibi-Robo! Custom Robo Somabringer Credits Show Art: Brendon Bigley Music: Will LaPorte Follow Us Online On the Web MacStories.net Wavelengths.online Follow us on Mastodon NPC Federico John Brendon Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico John Brendon Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico John Brendon

    1h 6m

About

NPC is a podcast about one of the hottest corners of the gaming world: portable hardware. Every other week, Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, and Brendon Bigley cover portable gaming news and share their experiences with everything from the simplest retro gaming handhelds to cutting-edge handheld PCs.

More From MacStories

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada