Tag Archives: gaming handheld

Gaming, News

Acer Enters the Handheld Gaming PC Arena with the Nitro Blaze 7

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Here comes a new challenger! The handheld gaming market is gaining even more steam with Acer throwing its hat into the ring with the Nitro Blaze 7. This gaming device aims to offer desktop-grade performance in a portable form factor, catering to gamers seeking powerful gaming experiences on the go.

Acer NITRO Blaze GN771 LS02

The Nitro Blaze 7 is powered by a high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor. This processor is an octa-core processor with a 24MB cache and up to 5.1GHz max boost speeds. It will be running on the Radeon 780M with RDNA 3 architecture. The processor also supports AMD’s Ryzen AI with a total of 39 TOPS in performance.

The screen on the Nitro Blaze 7 is a 7-inch, Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness. It also comes with a 7ms response time and covers 100% of the sRGB gamut. This will give it more accurate colour reproduction. It will also support AMD FreeSync promising better, more fluid graphics performance.

When it comes to storage, the Blaze 7 comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM out of the box. This is complemented by up to 2TB of M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 support. The handheld will be coming with 2 USB Type-C ports with support for USB4 and a micro SD card for expanded storage.

Nitro Blaze GN771 GN771 01

The Blaze 7 comes with 2 1W speakers and supports a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has 2 D-mics. If wired audio isn’t your thing, you’ll be able to take advantage of Bluetooth 5.3 that comes with the Nitro Blaze 7. It also supports WiFi 6E.

It comes as no surprise that it comes with Windows 11 built-in. However, Acer is bringing its own take on the handheld experience with the Acer Game Space. Gamers will be able to get quick access to their installed game library across all available platforms.

Design-wise, the Blaze 7 comes with a lot of the hallmarks of the current generation of handheld PCs. It has a D-Pad on the left with ABXY buttons on the right. It also has analogue sticks on either side. There are also bumpers and triggers on either side. Aside from this, it has a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor for easy login to Windows. But what sets this handheld apart are the design accents that emblazon the face and back of the handheld that align with Acer’s Nitro brand.

Pricing and Availability

Acer has yet to announce the official pricing or release date for the Nitro Blaze 7. However, given its powerful specifications and the competitive nature of the handheld gaming market, it is likely to be priced competitively.

Gaming, News

Lenovo Announces New Monitors and Accessories for the Legion Ecosystem

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Lenovo‘s Legion ecosystem is growing with the introduction of two new gaming monitors and a range of accessories designed to enhance the experience of the company’s first gaming handheld – the Legion Go.

Lenovo Legion Accessories Announcement 2024

Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 Monitors: Immersive Gaming Displays

The Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 monitors offer gamers an immersive visual experience. These curved displays feature a 1500R curvature, providing a more enveloping viewing angle. The 27-inch R27qc-30 boasts a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, while the 31.5-inch R32qc-30 offers a higher resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160). Both monitors support a fast refresh rate of 180Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive visuals, even during intense gaming sessions.  

12 Legion R32qc 30 Side Ports
09 Legion R32qc 30 Left Facing Left Normal Position
11 Legion R32qc 30 Right Side Normal Position
13 Legion R32qc 30 Side Ports
14 Legion R32qc 30 Bottom Ports
Legion Go Case 2
07 Legion R32qc 30 Front Facing Right Normal Position
08 Legion R32qc 30 Rear Facing Right Normal Position
10 Legion R32qc 30 Left Side Normal Position
04 Legion R32qc 30 Front Normal Position
05 Legion R32qc 30 Rear Normal Position
06 Legion R32qc 30 Front Facing Left Normal Position

The Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 feature a VA panel, known for its high contrast ratio and deep blacks. The R27qc-30 covers 120% of the sRGB colour gamut, while the R32qc-30 covers 112% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, delivering accurate and vibrant colours. Both monitors offer wide viewing angles, allowing you to enjoy the visuals from various positions.

12 Legion R27qc 30 Side Ports
02 Legion R32qc 30 Rear Facing Right Highest Position
03 Legion R32qc 30 Rear Facing Left Highest Position
14 Legion R27qc 30 Bottom Ports
07 Legion R27qc 30 Front Facing Right Normal Position
08 Legion R27qc 30 Rear Facing Right Normal Position
10 Legion R27qc 30 Left Side Normal Position
11 Legion R27qc 30 Right Side Normal Position
02 Legion R27qc 30 Rear Facing Right Highest Position
05 Legion R27qc 30 Rear Normal Position
03 Legion R27qc 30 Rear Facing Left Highest Position
04 Legion R27qc 30 Front Normal Position
06 Legion R27qc 30 Front Facing Left Normal Position

Legion Go Accessories: Enhancing Your Gaming Experience

To complement the Legion Go, Lenovo has introduced a range of accessories designed to enhance your gaming experience. The Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock provides essential connectivity options, including USB-C Power, RJ45, USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.0. This allows you to connect various peripherals and expand your gaming setup.  

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The Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector offers a convenient way to charge both detachable TrueStrike controllers simultaneously. This eliminates the hassle of charging each controller individually, ensuring you’re always ready to game.

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The Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case provides protection for your Legion Go while on the go. Its hard shell design safeguards the device, and the internal zip pocket allows you to store additional accessories.  

Legion Go Joystick Pro (24)

Lastly, Lenovo is also introducing a mini Bluetooth Keyboard that complements the Legion Go experience. The keyboard has a 75% layout and weighs in at a super light 180g with a thickness of only 5.6mm. It has multidevice connectivity supporting smart switching between up to three devices with multi-device and supports Microsoft Windows, Android, and iPadOS.

Legion Ultimate Support: Elevate Your Gaming Experience

For gamers seeking the ultimate support, Lenovo offers Legion Ultimate Support. This premium service provides 24/7/365 access to expert gaming technicians who can assist with troubleshooting, optimizations, and other technical needs.  

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability details announced are listed below.

  • Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 Monitor: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €259 (approximately RM1,285).
  • Lenovo Legion R32qc-30 Monitor: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €349 (approximately RM1,730).
  • Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock: Expected to be available starting in June 2024 for an estimated price of €64.99 (approximately RM322).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €59.99 (approximately RM297).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case: Expected to be available starting in January 2025 for an estimated price of €29.99 (approximately RM148).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Joystick and Joystick Caps: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €9.99 (approximately RM49).
  • Lenovo Multi-Device Bluetooth Mini Keyboard: Expected to be available starting in November 2024 for an estimated price of €39.99 (approximately RM198).

More details regarding the local Malaysian pricing and availability of the Lenovo Legion R27qc-30, R32qc-30 monitors, and accessories will be announced at a later date.

Gaming, News

ASUS ROG Ally X Up for Pre-order in Malaysia, Priced at RM4,299.

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Get ready to level up your handheld gaming experience! ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) Malaysia has just announced pre-orders for the ROG Ally X, the successor to their popular ROG Ally handheld console. This latest iteration goes beyond a simple refresh, boasting significant upgrades to internal components, improved ergonomics, and a fresh design – all while retaining the core functionality of seamless Windows 11 gaming on the go.

ROG Ally X

The ROG Ally X takes the feedback of its predecessor to heart, packing a serious punch under the hood. Gone is the 512 GB storage; the Ally X boasts a whopping 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, ensuring you have ample space for your entire game library. This upgrade is further complemented by a redesigned motherboard that allows for easy future storage upgrades if needed.

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The ROG Ally X was announced earlier this year in June at Computex in Taipei. We’ve got all the details in our coverage of that announcement.

Pricing & Availability

The ROG Ally X is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM4,299. But hurry! Pre-orders placed between July 17th and July 31st, 2024, come with a bonus bundle worth RM658, including a ROG Ally Premium Hard Case, ROG Gaming Charger Dock, and a Screen Protector. Pre-orders are exclusively available online at [link removed].

Gaming, News

The Analogue Pocket’s Aluminium Limited Edition is an Expensive Hit of Gameboy Nostalgia

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Many millennial gamers would recall having their own Nintendo Gameboy handheld. In recent years, a number of companies have made a name for themselves creating handheld gaming devices that come with a heavy serving of nostalgia. One of these companies is Analogue. The company has become renowned for its nostalgia-fueled Pocket handheld console.

Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Edition 1
Source: Analogue

The company has recently unveiled a limited-edition series that oozes sophistication – the Aluminum Limited Editions. Ditching the standard plastic shell, these new Pockets boast a sleek and sturdy precision-machined aluminium chassis, transforming the device into a premium collector’s item.

The Aluminum Limited Editions of the Analogue Pocket go beyond aesthetics. Crafted from high-grade, solid billet 6061 aluminium, these Pockets exude a sense of quality and durability. Imagine the classic Game Boy design, but sculpted from a luxurious, cool-to-the-touch metal – a far cry from the original’s utilitarian plastic. This build quality should ensure your cherished retro games are enjoyed for years to come.

Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Edition 2
Source: Analogue

The Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Editions are also beautifully designed. Analogue offers the Pocket in four distinct anodized finishes: Natural, Noir (dark grey), Black, and Indigo. The Natural option stays true to the raw aluminium look, while the other colours provide a touch of understated elegance. The Indigo hue, in particular, evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the Atomic Purple colour scheme of the beloved Game Boy Color.

Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Edition 5
Source: Analogue
Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Edition 3
Source: Analogue
Analogue Pocket Aluminium Limited Edition 4
Source: Analogue

Despite the luxurious makeover, the core functionality of the Pocket remains unchanged. It retains its ability to play a wide range of retro cartridges from various consoles with the help of additional adapters (sold separately). The powerful internals ensure smooth gameplay and flawless emulation, making it a joy to revisit classic titles.

Pricing & Availability

Here’s the not-so-retro part: the Aluminum Limited Editions come at a premium price tag. Each unit retails for a hefty $499.99 (approximately RM2,220). Considering the standard Pocket starts at $220 (approximately RM970), the aluminium upgrade comes at a significant cost.

Computers, Gaming, News

ROG Ally X Announced: Upgraded Power and Performance for Handheld Windows Gaming

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ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has unveiled the ROG Ally X, the successor to its popular ROG Ally handheld console. Designed for Windows 11 gaming on the go, the ROG Ally X retains the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but boasts significant upgrades in storage, memory, battery life, and ergonomics.

ROG Ally X

The ROG Ally X takes user feedback to heart with several key internal upgrades. First, storage capacity doubles to a whopping 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, providing ample space for your gaming library. The redesigned motherboard now features an M.2 2280 slot, allowing for future storage upgrades beyond the original capacity.

Next, the ROG Ally X moves to a generous 24 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM. This is particularly beneficial for modern games that utilize higher resolutions and complex textures. With more system memory, users can allocate more resources for both the system and the integrated GPU, potentially enhancing performance in demanding titles.

01 front view of ROG Ally X
Source: ASUS
03 front right view of ROG Ally X
Source: ASUS
02 back view of ROG Ally X
Source: ASUS

Battery life gets a significant boost as well. The ROG Ally X features an 80 Wh battery, doubling the capacity of the previous model. This translates to longer gaming sessions away from an outlet. Impressively, despite the larger battery, the weight increase is minimal, and the weight distribution is optimized for comfortable handheld gaming.

The ROG Ally X sports a redesigned chassis in a sleek black colourway. The handles are slightly deeper, and the overall shape is more rounded for improved comfort without adding significant bulk. The button and joystick layout has been tweaked for better ergonomics, with a slight slant to the triggers for easier activation. Macro buttons on the back are now smaller to reduce accidental presses while remaining accessible.

Gamers will appreciate the upgraded joysticks. These new modules boast a 5-million-cycle lifespan and stiffer springs, offering a more familiar and responsive feel for seasoned controller users. The D-Pad has also been improved, delivering precise eight-direction inputs for fighting and retro games.

Ally x 1 pager
Source: ASUS
Ally X comparison
Source: ASUS

In response to user feedback, the original XG Mobile port has been replaced with two USB-C® ports on the ROG Ally X. One of these ports is Thunderbolt™ compatible, offering broader interoperability with third-party docks and external GPUs.

To accommodate the larger battery, the ROG Ally X utilizes new fans that are 23% smaller but employ 50% thinner blades for improved airflow. Two redesigned tunnels within the fan housing direct air upwards and out through a new third exhaust vent on the top of the device. This 24% increase in airflow volume cools not only internal components but also the touchscreen, keeping it up to 6°C cooler for more comfortable extended gaming sessions.

Pricing & Availability

The ROG Ally X is expected to be available soon. No specific pricing details have been announced at the time of writing.

Gaming

Retro is Making a Comeback with the New AYANEO Pocket DMG & More

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Retro is in vogue again thanks to AYANEO. The company has just unveiled its latest lineup, the aptly named AYANEO Remake, a collection of devices designed to reignite your passion for classic gaming experiences. This new series goes beyond simply offering powerful hardware; it celebrates the aesthetics and spirit of retro gaming with deep integration of retro design elements.

AYANEO Remake

Retro Handhelds Reimagined for Today

The AYANEO Remake series boasts a variety of form factors to cater to different preferences. The AYANEO Pocket DMG pays homage to the legendary vertical handhelds of the past like the GameBoy with its globally-inspired retro design language. Despite its vertical form, the Pocket DMG is meticulously crafted for comfortable gameplay, featuring a chamfered body frame, rounded corners, and a curved grip area – all coated with a high-end UV coating for a premium feel.

AYANEO DMG

If you prefer a horizontal handheld experience, the AYANEO Pocket MICRO offers a more traditional layout. This device prioritizes portability without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

For those who crave a larger screen and the versatility of a mini PC, the AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01S is the perfect choice. This compact PC delivers desktop-grade performance while retaining a retro-inspired design.

AYANEO Pocket Micro KSP
AYANEO Pocket DMG KSP

While the AYANEO Remake series celebrates the past, it doesn’t compromise on performance. All devices are equipped with powerful processors that can effortlessly handle classic and even some modern games. Specific details haven’t been revealed yet, but AYANEO promises a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

The AYANEO Remake series doesn’t just cater to retro enthusiasts. All devices come pre-installed with the latest Windows operating system, allowing you to enjoy modern games and applications alongside your favourite classics.

AYANEO Pocket Micro 2

AYANEO has also teased upcoming additions to the Remake lineup, including the AYANEO FLIP DS, a dual-screen handheld reminiscent of the Nintendo DS, and the FLIP KB, a full keyboard-equipped handheld for those who prefer a more traditional console-like experience.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing details for the AYANEO Remake series haven’t been announced yet. However, AYANEO devices are known for their premium quality and tend to fall in the high-end price range. The available colour options and official release date will likely be revealed closer to retail availability.

Gaming, News

ROG Ally Officially Available in Malaysia

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Update 8:45pm – The ROG Ally First sales have sold out in record time!

Handheld gaming is going more mainstream than ever with the ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) throwing their hat in the ring. The recently announced ROG Ally is making its debut in countries across the world. The latest country to get the handheld gaming device? Malaysia of course!

ROG Ally Launch Event Product photo 01

The handheld runs on AMD’s Z1 Extreme processor. It runs on the latest Zen4 architecture and promises enough power to run most games and power efficiency for a respectable gaming session. The Malaysian version of the ROG Ally will come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal SSD storage.

It comes with a 7-inch, IPS-level display with an FHD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness.

The ROG Ally will officially be priced at MYR3,299. At the time of writing, ASUS has only announced a single variant of the ROG Ally for the Malaysian market. It will be available in retail on July 1, 2023, at the ROG Roadshow happening in Plaza Low Yat and at ROG Ally authorized dealers nationwide.

ROG Ally Travel Case 10
ROG Ally Travel Case 05
ROG Ally Travel Case 07
ROG Ally Travel Case 08
ROG Ally Travel Case 04

Together with the gaming handheld, ASUS is offering a slew of accessories including the ROG Ally Travel Case priced at MYR199 and the ROG Gaming Charger Dock which comes with HDMI 2.0 support at MYR299.

ROG Gaming Charger Dock Scenario photo 01

Of course, being an ROG device, the Ally is also compatible with ROG’s XG Mobile platform which provides even more power for the device when you hook it up. They give access to top-of-the-line GPUs for mobile devices which include the ROG Flow Z13 laptops. There are currently three versions available in Malaysia, the XG MOBILE RTX4090 which retails for MYR 999, the XG MOBILE RTX3080 which retails for MYR7999 and the XG MOBILE RX 6850M XT which retails at MYR6999.

ROG ALLY Authorized Dealer Promo

The first sales which are happening now will be bundled with the ROG CETRA True Wireless earbuds, the ROG Ally Travel Case, the ROG Gaming Charger Dock, a screen protector and 9-month access to XBOX PC GamePass. The bundle is worth MYR1,299.

Computers, Gaming, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

ROG’s Gaming Handheld Officially Announced, the ROG Ally is Live!

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Handheld gaming is a thing, an inevitable thing. Nintendo has always championed the concept and is a huge pioneer in the handheld gaming industry. The Nintendo Gameboy, for example, is one of the first and one of the most popular gaming handheld devices ever produced. It was iconic too, the namesake stayed on for a couple of generations and made way for a couple of new ideas in the handheld gaming space. It gave birth to the Nintendo Switch, partly.

The Nintendo Switch gave way and inspired many other new gaming devices that flooded the market. All that accumulates to Valve’s very own Steam Deck handheld gaming device. While not the first of its kind to play games on the Steam library while on battery, it is sort of the best solution and culmination of that concept. Then there is this new device, the new ROG Ally.

If you have scoped around the internet; YouTube especially, the ROG Ally should not be foreign to you by now. It is an ASUS manufactured handheld gaming device that mimics the concept of the Steam Deck. Unlike the Steam Deck though, it does not run its own version of Linux. It runs Windows, like a lot of the Chinese made gaming handheld that fancies itself the “Switch” of the PC gaming industry. More Specifically it runs Windows 11, making not just Steam library games available to users. You can theoretically play games from Ubisoft, Amazon Games, Epic Games, or even Origin Games.

  • ROG Announces Its First Windows Gaming Handheld – The ROG Ally 8
    Source: ASUS
  • ROG Announces Its First Windows Gaming Handheld – The ROG Ally 7
    Source: ASUS
  • ROG Announces Its First Windows Gaming Handheld – The ROG Ally 5
    Source: ASUS
  • ROG Announces Its First Windows Gaming Handheld – The ROG Ally 6
    Source: ASUS
  • ROG Announces Its First Windows Gaming Handheld – The ROG Ally 4
    Source: ASUS

The internal that keeps you happy gaming as long as the battery allows you is an integrated AMD APU. It is an AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor, not the same one you find on the latest gaming consoles for your couch. The Ryzen Z1 processor you find in the ROG Ally comes with AMD’s latest RDNA 3 architecture making it the most efficient and powerful APU of its kind found in a gaming handheld. You do need to keep it rather cool to get the best out of it though. In the restricted space that is the ROG Ally’s body is their new Zero Gravity thermal solution that keeps the internals happy with two fans pulling temperature away from ultrathin heatsink fines and high-friction heat pipes out the top of the device.

The powerful APU and cooling system projects Windows 11 and all your games on a high-resolution 7-inch display. It offers Full HD 1080p resolution, twice as much as the Steam Deck, and it is possible thanks to the powerful APU. It also offers 120Hz in refresh rate with FreeSync Premium, meaning your AAA games play smoothly and tear-free. If you wish to play in the great outdoors; because your mother has been telling you to play outside, it offers 500 nits in maximum brightness. It is also a touch sensitive display for easy Windows 11 and the Special Edition Armoury Crate navigation.

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All of this is packed in a hardware that weighs only 608g. Unlike a Switch, the control panels are not detachable. But that means that the lightweight device is a solid build that you can just chuck in your bag without taking up too much space and adding too much weight in your backpack. The device is also shaped ergonomically for maximum comfort for its users with unique textures to improve grip on the device.

The ROG Ally will be launching globally on the 11th of May 2023. You can be part of that launch too on their event website. For now, that is the only information we have on ASUS’ ROG Ally. More information on the ROG Ally can be found on their website.