Nesting Dolls of Emulation

This week on Next Portable Console, SteamOS on Mac is another sign of how AI is eating the emulation world, plus news from Ayn, AYANEO, and more.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesFX Steam LauncherModders bring full SteamOS to Apple Silicon Macs, Windows games already playableModders bring Steam Frame build of SteamOS and all of its translation layer goodness to MacHypervisor frameworkProtonFEXDXVKVKD3D-ProtonMoltenVKMesaMetalXbox Games on AndroidDroidDeckDroidDeck 0.6.0 release notesDroidDeck 0.6.0 adds experimental Xbox and PC Game Pass integration and faster game loadingXbox Game Pass games are running on Android without cloud streamingAI, Decomps, and JailbreaksClaude's new rules against game cloning won't stop the AI copying boomOne of the biggest game decompilation sites is closing because AI has 'broken the community aspect'PC ports of old console games are the new AI vibe coding battlegroundNintendoNintendo's Switch 2 console sales just dropped significantlyHandheld and Phone NewsOdin 3 Portal handheld gets charging rate downgrade as AYN admits to a mistake in the official specs listAYN Odin 3 Portal Starts Shipping Right on ScheduleRedmagic 12 Pro adds RGB lights to its liquid-cooled gaming phone, starting at $949AYASpace 2AYANEO Announces AYASpace 2, Turning Your Handheld Into a 'Pocket Museum'Ayaneo's Game Boy-style Konkr Pocket Block finally launches at under $100Subscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleChapters(00:00) - Switch 2 Sales (02:26) - AI Is Eating Software (21:09) - Charging the Odin 3 (21:45) - The RedMagic 12 Pro Is Out (23:12) - AYASPACE 2 (24:27) - Konkr Pocket Block Early Impressions Leave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia GattaMusic: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, John is joined by relay.fm's Myke Hurley to talk iPhone Duo gaming and cover the latest handheld gaming news.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesiPhone Duo GamingGameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game ControllerUltrapoolToastie: Grilled Cheese GameThe best iPhone Duo apps and games — turn your phone into a toaster, Mac computer, or Nintendo DS consoleBalatroPianoFoldMarbles UnhingedCreasefireShut the DuoEmulationDeltaDelta Emulator Gets Huge 2.0 Update And iPhone Duo SupportRetroAchievementsGame Boy Color on My Conference BadgeAnbernic and AzaharAnbernic urgently withdraws its controversial updateAzahar restores support for .3ds filesESA Notorious Markets filing against AnbernicSwitch 2 Controllers and GripsCRKD announces the Nitro Deck 2, compatible with Switch and Switch 2CRKD Nitro Deck 2 reviewdbrand Killswitch Switch 2 Joy-Con Gripsdbrand reveals Joy-Lock replacements following Killswitch Joy-Con controversyNyxi Joy-Con replacementsMOBAPAD Switch 2 grip controllerHandheldsAYN Odin 3 Portal pre-orders are live, new 1TB model added to the range, prices start at $399Myke's New PodcastDesigned in CaliforniaSubscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia Gatta Music: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on NPC, Ayn reveals more about the Odin 3, AYANEO delays some handhelds, Retroid gets into Linux, and Microsoft makes a cute little controller.Then on NPC XL for Patreon subscribers, Federico and John share their videogame handheld needs and wants.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesAYN Odin 3 PortalAYN reveals Odin 3 Portal specs, including a 9,000mAh battery and larger gripsAYANEO Shipping UpdatesAYANEO updates Pocket Advance and Pocket Block shipping while delaying Pocket Micro 2RetroidRetroid Announces Linux Support for Pocket 6, Nova, and Duo HandheldsDual Screen Handhelds and FrontendsSocket Frontend Finally Gets Dual Screen Handheld SupportCocoon Shell Beta 2.1 Brings Big Upgrades to Dual Screen HandheldsPorts, Decompilations, and PreservationZelda: Tears of the Kingdom Mac port runs at 90 fps, topping Switch 2 and PC rivalControllersXbox announces a $49.99 Nano Controller launching November 4Subscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia Gatta Music: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, Anbernic reveals more RG DDS details and prices leak, Nintendo commits to physical games, Ayn teases the Portal 3, and Anbernic's history of selling handhelds loaded with bootleg games catches up to it.Then on NPC XL, Federico's gaming PC suffer's a mishap and John gives Pyrowave a try on his Apple devices.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesThe Latest Portable Gaming NewsAnbernic RG DDSAnbernic RG DDS pricing leak and gameplay showcaseAnbernic's new dual-screen RG DDS is up for preorder nowAYN Odin 3 PortalAYN Odin 3 Portal Announced, Promises Flagship Power And Precision ControlAyn unveils Odin 3 Portal with a familiar designNintendo and Physical MediaNintendo has no plans to ditch physical gamesESA Complaint Against AnbernicUS government told to flag retro handhelds loaded with pirated games as a 'notorious market'ESA targets Anbernic emulation handhelds as "superfake" piracy enablersAnbernic is reportedly removing bundled microSD cards from its listingsSubscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia Gatta  Music: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, Anbernic reveals the RG DDS clamshell, more handheld news, and Federico's lo-fi surprise.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesAnbernic RG DDSAnbernic RG DS PlusAYN ThorSnapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming PlatformAMD Upscaling on HandheldsFSR 4 special version to boost gaming performance on handhelds coming this yearMiyoo RumorsA New Miyoo Mini Plus and Miyoo Flip Might Soon Be On the HorizonConsole PricingGameStop hikes used PS5 Pro price to $1400 as GTA 6 demand loomsControllersMobapad C2 Lite Controller Review: Budget KingSubscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia Gatta  Music: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, Abxylute takes on OhSnap's MCON, KONKR finds its sweet spot, Lenovo is barking up the wrong tree, and the Recomp and Decomp scene heats up even more.Then on NPC XL, the rapidly evolving world of SteamOS on Android.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesAbxylute M5 and M6Abxylute Reveals Pricing and Launch Date for M5 and M6 Magnetic Mobile ControllersOh Snap, Abxylute Is Going After MCON With Its M5 and M6 ControllersAbxylute M5 Magnetic Mobile Controller Makes First Appearance Alongside Specs of the M6KONKR Pocket BlockAYANEO's Pocket Block Goes Up for Pre-Order, Pricing Starts at $79AYANEO Announces KONKR Pocket Block, Pocket Air Mini IGS, and Teases Pocket PlayLenovo Legion C700 and Streaming HandheldsLenovo's Legion C700 Cloud Gaming Handheld Launches in China This WeekLenovo Launches Legion C700 Cloud Gaming HandheldLogitech Says It Has No Plans for a Second G CloudLenovo Legion Y700 8.8 Inch Android Gaming Tablet Now Available Globally, Sort OfDecomp, Recomp, and Native PortsBlueWakeWind Waker RecompDeveloper Uses AI to Bring a Native Version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to iOSHarkinianPadPlay Super Smash Bros. Melee on Your iPhoneMadeiraDeveloper Shows Off Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA V, Fallout 4 and Other AAA PC Games Running Natively on iPhone 18 ProStikDebugNew PS5 Jailbreak Exploit Works on Systems Running July 2026 FirmwareAlso MentionedAnalogue PocketNintendo's September Directs Set Zelda, Metroid, and RE Release Dates (God Is a Geek)Subscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia Gatta  Music: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, FunnyPlaying's very exclusive edition handheld, Retroid's forgotten middle child, and Anbernic's RG DS Plus gets 2x scaling.Then for Patreon members, Federico and John share their hottest takes about Nintendo's future.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesThe Latest Portable Gaming NewsHandheldsRetroid Pocket NovaFPGB MiniAnbernic RG DS PlusRetroid Pocket DuoRetroid Pocket Duo LiteMangmi Air Y ProNewsFunnyPlaying’s $69 FPGB MINI preorder sells out after just 20 unitsAnbernic RG DS Plus gains 2X DS upscaling with NNDDSS v1.0.2Retroid announces Duo Lite Plus and offers exchanges to existing Duo Lite buyersMangmi Air Y Pro offers strong Snapdragon 865 value starting at $160Software and Games MentionedCocoonKirby's Dream LandKirby's Dream Land 2Subscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia GattaMusic: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees`everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, a new AYN Thor launcher is in the news, Valve beta tests Big Art Mode, spruceOS gets an update, and the guys rank the many Genki Grips for the Switch 2.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesThe Latest Portable Gaming NewsspruceOS 4.4.0 expands hardware support and adds the DSperate Nintendo DS emulatorSteam’s latest client beta adds Big Art Mode and more handheld-friendly refinementsFunnyPlaying’s FPGB MINI user manual suggests a launch may be approachingKonsoru 0.6.0 adds guides and improves save syncing for the AYN Thor launcherOther TopicsA Genki Grips showdownSubscribe 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia GattaMusic: Will LaPorte Follow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees`everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on NPC: Next Portable Console, Nintendo has a sale, shows off games, and updates its firmware, Apple may be working on a controller, Retroid surprises with the Pocket Duo, and Valve reveals the Steam Frame.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesThe Latest Portable Gaming NewsNintendo Of America Announces Customer Appreciation Sale (Nintendo Life)Nintendo Sound Clock AlarmoNintendo Switch 2 System Update 23.0.0 Adds Docked VRR (Nintendo Life)Final Fantasy VII RevelationCrisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – ReunionThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (2026 remake)007 First Light On Switch 2 Delayed Until March 2027 (Nintendo Life)Apple Gaming RumorsApple's Two Rumored Game Controllers Will 'Likely' Come From Beats (MacRumors)HandheldsRetroid Pocket DuoRetroid Pocket Duo LiteRetroid Pocket NovaRetroid Pocket Flip 2AYN ThorSteam FrameSteam FrameHalf-Life: AlyxSubscribe 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia GattaMusic: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees`everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy

This week on Next Portable Console, not one or two, but three Anbernic handhelds, Federico's early Retroid Pocket Nova impressions, and more.Also available on YouTube here.Links and Show NotesThe Latest Portable Gaming NewsAnbernic HandheldsAnbernic RG DS PlusAnbernic RG 35Anbernic RG 55G1Anbernic RG34XXAYANEO KONKR Pocket AdvanceKONKR Pocket Advance First Impressions (Retro Handhelds)Retroid Pocket NovaRetroid Pocket NovaRetroid Pocket 6CocoonRetroArchGuide: Shaders and Overlays on Retro Handhelds — Retro Game CorpsZelda: The Wind Waker 4K Texture Pack — Henriko MagnificoSoftware and FirmwareGammaOSUpcoming HandheldsThis Tiny Game Boy Clone Plays Physical Cartridges (Time Extension)Subscribe to NPC XLNPC 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 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/NextPortableConsoleLeave Feedback for John and FedericoNPC Feedback FormCreditsShow Art: Silvia GattaMusic: Will LaPorteFollow Us OnlineOn the WebMacStories.netFollow us on Social MediaFederico is @viticci everywhereJohn is @johnvoorhees`everywhereAffiliate Linking Policy