Tag Archives: handheld

Handheld gaming console concept offers lifestyle features that go beyond gaming

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Thanks to devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion GO, handheld PCs are becoming more common and more acceptable in the public’s eyes. That horizontal orientation, while more gaming-oriented, isn’t the only possible design, nor is it even the best option. There are other styles, particularly the laptop-like clamshell design, that offer a user experience that is slightly different but also a bit more flexible in its features. Of course, just because it looks like a mini laptop doesn’t mean it has to behave like one, and this particular handheld console concept stretches that design a bit further to transform a gaming device into a lifestyle product.

Designer: Viet Doan Duc

ORBIS, the name for this design concept, wouldn’t be the market’s first clamshell gaming handheld. Chinese brand GPD has been making such devices for years, and recently rival AYANEO even put out two designs for such a portable gaming machine, including one that tries to recreate the experience of the Nintendo DS. What ORBIS does differently, however, is how it gives as much attention on features that let users personalize the device’s appearance as on the specs that drive the use of the gaming computer.

One simple yet significant example is how the removable ABS cover on the lid lets you customize the appearance of the device while also opening the doors to branded accessories. While you can also just slap on stickers like you would on a laptop, this system is more flexible, allowing users to swap out covers depending on their mood or style, just like how you could easily switch cases on smartphones. There is also RGB lighting encircling the analog sticks, delivering not only a gamer aesthetic but also increased visibility in the dark.

The ORBIS handheld takes a bit of inspiration from the Nintendo DS with its second screen right below the gamepad controls, but it also goes beyond what Nintendo’s popular handheld could accomplish. Because it is a gaming PC more than a closed console system, that touch screen can be used for different purposes, including a virtual keyboard. The typing experience will be awkward and difficult, yes, but it’s significantly better than what’s offered on the likes of the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Admittedly, some parts of the ORBIS concept are a bit too idealistic, like the use of an ARM-based CPU (versus Intel or AMD) together with a high-end NVIDIA RTX graphics processor. Having two 5,200mAh batteries inside such a small and compact device is also unrealistic, without even considering things like thermal management and charging speeds. Of course, as a concept, it’s not wrong to sometimes shoot for the sky, and thankfully, some of the ideas here can actually be easily implemented, especially the parts that can significantly improve the user experience by simply allowing owners to customize their device to their hearts’ content.

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Playtron SuiPlay 0x1 gaming handheld unifies multiple game stores into an open platform

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The handheld gaming market is currently dominated by the likes of Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Playtron wants to shake up this marketplace with its unique take on a gaming handheld device that unifies different game studios under one umbrella. Developed in collaboration with Mytsen Labs (one of Playtron’s seed investors), the Web3 capable gaming handheld dubbed SuiPlay 0x1 will be available in 2025 for a rumored $500.

The gaming titles compatible with the handheld will be available for purchase via the blockchain and tie some titles to Mysten’s Sui cryptocurrency. Mysten is also promising crypto-incentives and rewards as long as you keep playing and buying more games.

Designer: Playtron and Mysten

For now, the handheld renders look too sleek to be true. The D-pad is even flatter than the one on the Game Boy Advance SP, which was super-flat by necessity due to the console’s clamshell design. The startup is aspiring to create an Android of PC gaming, something that Steam Deck did. If the Web3 games on the PlaytronOS won’t do well, then the Steam and Epic Games Store availability on the platform will come to the rescue.

All said and done, the company is still to reveal any specs details. All they leaked was the promise of the handheld to be based on Advanced Micro Devices technology and currently, there are system-on-chip vendors interested in this unique offering. According to Playtrom CEO, Kirt McMaster, they are looking for manufacturing partners and a follow-up announcement will come in three months. You can look forward to the pre-order window once the specs are cleared up.

The open gaming handheld will offer multiple game stores, right from Sui Web3 games to the popular Epic Games Store. Every single game available will appear in a single launcher and work with a single operating system. The good news for developers is that the Playtron software will integrate stores with a program called Playtrom Select, so that small publishers can also launch their games directly on the launcher.

 

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Handheld gaming console only plays pinball, comes with a retro analog twist

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Gaming handhelds are quite the hot item in tech these days, with the likes of the Nintendo Switch still selling strong and handheld PCs becoming more common. Of course, gaming devices you can hold in your hands are nothing new, even discounting how smartphones or even old “dumb” phones have been offering such an experience for years now. During the age of the “Game & Watch,” each handheld offered a single game and only a single game, making each one a collectible item as well as a toy. That might sound wasteful and impractical today, but such a dedicated device can spark a bit of nostalgia, especially if it’s a classic game that everyone knows and perhaps loves. Even better if it plays almost exactly like the original pinball, complete with a physical lever.

Designer: Giacomo Carlini

Almost everyone is familiar with pinball, even if only in concept or through movies. Just like arcades, the game is like a relic of the past, which makes it even better suited for a retro makeover. FlipOnGo is a concept that capitalizes on the nostalgia potential of the game but puts in a design that mixes the old and the new in interesting and unconventional ways. Yes, it’s a digital gaming handheld, and yes, you still need to pull that lever to start playing.

The device, which is only a little larger than a deck of cards, offers a classic game of pinball with the bells and whistles of a digital version. There are no real balls involved, and no mechanical paddles to flip. It has a large display, which shows a playing field and digital versions of flippers and bumpers. It also has a smaller display that shows the score, how many balls you have left, and the remaining battery.

To play the game, however, you will have to really give your fingers and hand an exercise. There’s a real lever hanging down the bottom of the console, and you have to pull the spring-loaded mechanism to “launch” the ball into play. Buttons near the top on each side of the device act as your paddle controls, though it’s uncertain how comfortable it will be to play the game this way.

The design of FlipOnGo is definitely intriguing, though it won’t be able to shake off doubts about the feasibility of such a device, especially with a lever that could become a source of mechanical failure after some time. It does, however, bring back a little of that joy and excitement when playing a classic pinball game, complete with that iconic lever, just miniaturized for portability.

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What is a Handheld Gaming PC? The Design and Importance of Ultra-Portable Computing

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If you’ve been keeping tabs on the tech industry in the past year or so, you’re bound to come across a new and probably alien breed of computers making rounds over the Internet. Whether or not you’re a gamer, it’s almost impossible not to at least see a glimpse of the likes of the hulking Steam Deck or the shapeshifting Lenovo Legion GO. These portable computers that are larger than smartphones but significantly smaller than laptops are popping up in places you least expect, and sometimes in designs you never imagined. They might sound like a passing fad, especially given how few there are from the major PC manufacturers, but these handheld gaming PCs actually play a crucial role in promoting a healthy and exciting future for an ailing PC market.

Designer: Lenovo

Small WINs, Picking Up Steam

Designer: GPD

It might come as a surprise to some, but Valve’s Steam Deck is, technically speaking, not the first handheld gaming computer to launch in modern times. Even before Nintendo launched its monumental Switch console, a small manufacturer from China was already testing the waters of this very niche market. Game Pocket Devices or GPD started out with Android gaming handhelds but it took a big gamble with its first Windows product, the GPD WIN, in 2015. The clamshell design and mediocre specs of the literally pocketable computer made it feel more like a toy than an actual gaming device, but it laid the groundwork for that brand’s future foray into this nascent space.

Designer: Nintendo

And then the Nintendo Switch was born, rekindling the dreams of many gamers to be able to play anywhere they want and, more importantly, in any mode they desire. Unlike the Nintendo DS or the PlayStation Vita, the Switch supported multiple ways of playing thanks to its detachable Joy-Cons and docked mode, virtually combining handheld and home consoles in a single device. That said, the appeal only worked if you had Nintendo-exclusive titles you actually wanted to play, and so the desire to bring that same design and experience to other gaming platforms, particularly PCs, was born.

Designer: Valve

Although smaller manufacturers like GPD, AYANEO, and ONE Netbook, just to name a few, quickly jumped on the Nintendo Switch fever, it wouldn’t be until Valve joined the fray that people would start to take the idea of a handheld gaming PC more seriously. For gamers, especially PC gamers, the promise of being able to sit down (or stay standing up) anywhere and launch their favorite title was almost too good to be true. Truth be told, the Steam Deck’s success and popularity was almost like a miracle. The hardware was almost too mediocre, the design was large and chunky, and the Linux-based Steam OS was unfamiliar to the majority of Windows PC gamers. And yet two years later, the Steam Deck is still a household name that has many fans clamoring for a 2nd-gen upgrade.

Now we have a handful of handheld gaming PCs from different brands and different designs, with more coming in the months ahead. Their compact forms and relatively lightweight designs definitely endear them to gamers, but these users aren’t the only ones who benefit from this budding device category. In fact, the entire PC industry could stand to benefit from this wave, presuming other key players join the game long enough to make it matter.

Pushing the Boundaries

The most immediate impact that these handheld computers had on the rest of the PC industry was an increased focus on mobile processors, that is, the processors used for laptops. Of course, gaming laptops have existed for years now, but these portable yet bulky computers have always had the advantage of better and equally large cooling systems. Gaming handhelds, however, don’t have that luxury, so both silicon manufacturers and hardware designers have had to come up with ways to optimize performance while keeping thermals low. And what’s good for handhelds is naturally good for laptops that need to be slim and petite. The result: extra thin gaming laptops that almost don’t look like they’re gaming laptops.

Designer: ASUS

A bit indirectly, it is also pushing competitors to further outdo each other. The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD processor which placed the chipmaker on the map, making it the preferred brand for all these gaming handhelds. It is only with the announcement of the MSI Claw A1M that Intel’s name even popped up, daring to enter a field where it has generally lagged behind without the help of graphics chips from AMD or NVIDIA. Early reviews don’t seem to favor Intel’s first attempt, but the pressure will help rouse the giant to pick up the slack and push its Arc graphics to the limits.

Designer: MSI

Whatever the brand or even the hardware, handheld gaming PCs are really challenging the status quo when it comes to balancing performance, power consumption, and heat generation. The compact form factor imposes many limitations while also focusing on the essentials. Any innovation born from this space will also help drive the development of larger computers like laptops and tablets, paving the way for slim, light, and efficient computers in the future.

Design Exploration

Handheld PCs also redefine the image of what a computer looks like. Most people can only imagine desktop towers, laptops, or even tablets, taking for granted that the term “computer” actually refers to a very wide range of devices and designs. In this particular case, it is introducing the idea of a computer that you can hold in your hand and use even without sitting down, pretty much like the pocketable computers we call “smartphones.”

Designer: Lenovo

But even within the handheld gaming PC market, we’re also seeing a variety of designs being explored as companies try to search for the perfect answer if one does exist. The design sported by the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally is, of course, the most known, but the Switch-inspired Lenovo Legion GO and OneXPlayer X1 are also pushing the envelope of that form factor. And then there’s AYANEO’s numerous designs that are seemingly throwing everything at the wall to see which one sticks. It’s definitely an exciting time for designers to envision different ways to deliver a compact and portable computer, and hopefully, that train won’t be stopping anytime soon.

Designer: AYANEO

Niche Market, New Targets

Of course, handheld gaming PCs are being made with gamers in mind, but they aren’t the only ones that can benefit from this form factor, at least not in the long run. Just like with gaming laptops, they have enough power to support almost any other computing need, from office work to system administration to even content creation. There is even a subclass of these handheld computers that are specifically designed to quickly connect to servers and other computers via ports that may seem archaic by today’s consumer standards.

Designer: GPD

Designer: ONE Netbook

Yes, you will probably need to connect some peripherals if you need to get some serious work done, but there are already people doing that anyway with their tablets and even their phones. These handheld PCs offer almost the same flexibility as laptops but with the added advantage of being able to use them in cramped spaces, including while standing up (if the design includes a more or less convenient keyboard). There’s definitely a lot of room and opportunity for innovation in this space to address more use cases beyond gaming, and handheld gaming PCs could very well be the start of a new design revolution in the PC industry.

Missed Opportunities

All that potential will be for naught if this handheld gaming PC trend fizzles out quickly. Although they’re still making a big splash, it’s not yet a stable market, much less a profitable one. PC manufacturers are also extremely cautious about jumping into the fray. It took two years after the Steam Deck before the first major PC brand jumped on board, and even then we’re still missing the likes of the Acer Predator, Dell Alienware, and Razer. Admittedly, it’s a risky business proposition and not as easy as, say, producing a smartphone, but without the presence of these big brands, the young market will die out sooner rather than later. That would definitely be a tragedy given how these handheld PCs have the potential to reinvigorate a PC market that has long been regarded to be dwindling, especially as desktops become almost as niche as these portable gaming computers.

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Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner brings precision and innovation to your projects

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Have you ever wished to put your knickknacks and small treasured mementos in your personal Metaverse room? Or maybe you need a replacement part for a toy or machine that has long gone out of production. You can try modeling these real-world objects using sophisticated 3D software, but not only is it a painstaking process, the end result might not be as accurate and precise as the real thing. What you need is a simple yet powerful tool to digitize physical objects, and that’s what Revopoint’s upgraded MINI 2 handheld 3D scanner offers, providing designers, makers, and all kinds of creatives the power they need to scan small objects not only with speed but, more importantly, with accuracy and precision as well.

Designer: Revopoint

Click Here to Buy Now: $821 $912 ($91 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

3D scanning was once confined to large machines inside professional studios, but thanks to advancements in technology, you can now hold such a scanner in your hand that offers a high level of accuracy and an accessible price tag. You might think that a handheld, portable device would have to sacrifice features just for the sake of size, but the Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner breaks from the mold and surpasses expectations. With its blue light-powered single-frame precision of up to 0.02 mm and an accuracy reaching up to 0.05 mm, it makes short work of any small object you throw at it, quickly turning real-world three-dimensional objects into their virtual 3D counterparts.

Single Capture Range @ Nearest Distance 52 x 64 @ 120 mm

Single Capture Range @ Furthest Distance 168 x 132 @ 250 mm

An insect scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV

The Revopoint MINI 2 presents a significant upgrade from its predecessor across the board. Its single-frame scanning range now reaches 168 mm x 132 mm at a distance of 250 mm, and the scanning speed is now faster at 16 fps. The RGB camera doubles its pixel count and even comes with a larger aperture that lets more light in, allowing it to capture more intricate color details than before. And with a new flash LED system that removes shadows from the object, you can get more uniform colors as well.

Up to 16 fps Scanning Speeds – Create ready-to-use models in seconds.

A 50-cent coin scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV.

A ring scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV

The MINI 2 isn’t just a leap in power, it is also easier to use as well. A 9-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) makes sure you still get properly aligned frames, even with shaky hands or fast movement. Revopoint also added tactile buttons directly on the device to make it easier to start or pause the scan and adjust the depth camera’s exposure right then and there, saving you from having to fumble for the right buttons to tap on a phone or a computer. And to make sure the scanned data is also transmitted quickly, the new MINI 2 gets a new USB-C port and support for Wi-Fi 6 for wired and wireless connectivity options.

Up to 2 Megapixels Depth/RGB Cameras Resolution

With more powerful features in a compact and portable package, the Revopoint MINI 2 creates a world of possibilities when scanning small objects quickly and accurately. Scan a part of a toy or a machine to 3D print a replacement when parts are no longer available. Scan pieces of art or historical artifacts to preserve mankind’s legacy for future generations. Or scan designs, prototypes, and other physical items to integrate these objects into your creative workflow. Whether you’re 3D printing gears for replacements, scanning body parts for non-invasive medical analysis, or designing for realistic virtual worlds, the Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner delivers the precision and power you need to get the job done right at a shockingly cost-effective price point.

Click Here to Buy Now: $821 $912 ($91 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

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Revopoint RANGE 2 3D scanner makes short work of scanning large objects

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3D scanning has traditionally been the domain of big production studios and companies because of the size of the equipment and their prohibitive costs. With the arrival of handheld scanners, however, the doors were thrown wide open for anyone in any field to make their own 3D models from real-world objects, whether it’s for fun, art, health, or profit.

Typical handheld 3D scanners work great when working with small objects that are no larger than the device itself. Of course, real-world objects like car parts, whole vehicles, and even human bodies are quite big and push these smaller scanners to the limit. Enter the new Revopont RANGE 2, the latest in a line of lightweight but powerful 3D scanners designed to handle large objects without breaking a sweat, making sure that your creativity and productivity aren’t limited by the size of your model.

Designer: Revopoint Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $656.10 $729 (10% off, use coupon code “YKD10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Revopoint RANGE 2 is a portable handheld dual depth camera structured infrared light 3D scanner designed for capturing large objects like furniture, people, and vehicles.

Because handheld 3D scanners work by guiding the depth cameras across and around the target, the devices need to be able to capture a great amount of detail with great depth quickly and steadily with accuracy and precision. That’s a rather tall order for a small device, especially one that is made to be accessible to both amateurs and pros alike, but Revopoint’s expertise really shines through with the upgrades that its RANGE 2 3D scanner packs in a compact and portable form. For example, thanks to new depth cameras that have double the sensor size, the Revopoint RANGE 2 can work on a distance ranging from 400 mm to 1,300 mm, a 60% increase that makes it even faster to capture large objects compared to the previous generation, and can scan an area up to 860 x 1380 mm in size.

Scan of the body by Revopoint RANGE 2. Image credit: PUTV

Range isn’t the only thing that’s bigger and better on the RANGE 2, of course. Four flash LEDs banish shadows for a more uniform color capture, while an improved RGB camera with a bigger aperture is able to capture more color information, ensuring clear color capture with higher levels of detail for more accurate textures and realistic-looking 3D models. An upgraded tracking system utilizes the device’s built-in 9-axis IMU (Inertial Measuring Unit) to keep the scan steady even if your hands aren’t. Four Infrared LED fill lights also make it easier to recognize markers, resulting in more accurate frame stitching in marker mode.

Angel Candelabra scanned with Revopoint RANGE 2. Image credit: dfodaro

Thanks to these powerful features, the Revopoint RANGE 2 is even more versatile and as flexible as before. With Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C connections, you can be assured that transmitting critical data will be fast and stable. As before, the scanner is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, functioning in handheld mode or set on a stand in front of a turntable. And with the Revo Scan 5 software, the scanning process couldn’t be easier, especially with post-processing features, such as frame editing, hole filling, overlap detection, etc, to enhance your workflow.

With the Revopoint RANGE 2 3D scanner, you have a whole new world of large objects you will be able to scan. You can easily scan car or mechanical parts, offering a cost-effective and high-performance way to study them through reverse engineering or produce replacements. Archaeologists, scientists, and museum creators can now also digitize artifacts to preserve them for posterity or turn them into XR experiences. And, of course, artists and creators now have a portable yet powerful tool to bring their ideas to life. Scanning big objects for your big projects will no longer be a problem with the new and improved Revopoint RANGE 2!

Click Here to Buy Now: $656.10 $729 (10% off, use coupon code “YKD10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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AYANEO Flip DS handheld PC takes inspiration from a different Nintendo star

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The Nintendo Switch is hailed as the design that brought the handheld gaming market back to life, but it’s hardly the only notable product from the gaming giant. Almost two decades ago, Nintendo launched the evolution of its Game Boy line, the Nintendo DS with its odd yet interesting second screen. It’s still debatable whether that feature was a success or just a gimmick, but there’s little argument that it became an iconic design that few have been able to emulate successfully. One of the rising names in the handheld PC segment, however, is taking a stab at bringing that uniqueness to this fledgling market, with a micro laptop design that includes not a keyboard but a small second screen, a feature that could be even more quirky and gimmicky than it was on the Nintendo DS.

Designer: AYANEO

It’s hard not to see the Nintendo DS as a bit gimmicky. Almost all the controls you need to play handheld games are mostly covered by buttons and joysticks, so you actually need to craft specific games to take advantage of that second screen. Because of the custom design, those games won’t work on any other console without heavy changes or some special emulation. That said, a second screen might actually have more utility on a different platform like Windows, where a different display could be used for displaying information or custom controls.

That seems to be what AYANEO is aiming for with the Flip DS launching on Indiegogo next month. The handheld laptop design is nothing new and AYANEO, in fact, has a variant with that design, the AYANEO Flip KB. That squeezes a basic QWERTY keyboard in between split gamepad controls, allowing for quick text input in games or Web browsing. The AYANEO Flip DS, however, switches out the keyboard for a 3.5-inch touch screen, providing a second display that could augment the gaming experience, at least in theory.

In practice, that touch display can be used to show anything as long as the operating system or games support it. At the most basic level, it can give quick access to the most used settings, like toggling Wi-Fi, muting the mic, or even shutting down the PC. It can also display the system’s current operating conditions, for gamers who are concerned about frame rates, power draw, and temperatures. Given the more open Windows gaming ecosystem, it’s conceivable that this screen can also be used for additional in-game controls that are just a thumb tap or swipe away. It could even be used as an on-screen virtual keyboard!

That said, additional features could also mean additional burdens on the system as well as the buyer’s wallet. These are features that are not exactly critical to enjoying games on the go, as proven by the half-dozen handheld gaming PCs now on the market. It’s still an interesting exercise in design that looks to another Nintendo product for guidance, because as popular and innovative as it may be, the Switch isn’t the be-all and end-all of handheld gaming.

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Lenovo Legion Go Review: Big Steps for Handheld PC Gaming

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PROS:


  • Beautiful and spacious 8.8-inch 1600p 144Hz screen

  • Detachable controllers with innovative FPS (vertical mouse) mode

  • Great overall performance

CONS:


  • Large and heavy

  • Bottom USB-C port is unusable when using the kickstand

  • Short battery life

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Lenovo Legion Go pushes the envelope of what handheld PCs are capable of, paving the road for future innovation in this space.
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Although it was hardly the first portable gaming console, the success of the Nintendo Switch really inspired a new class of gaming devices. It pushed the boundaries of what you can accomplish with a handheld, offering a gaming experience that you can enjoy anywhere, including while sitting on a couch in front of a TV or table. Of course, Nintendo’s selection of titles is just a small part of the larger gaming world, and there have been many brands that have tried to bring the magic of the Switch to PCs. The Steam Deck proved that such a product would be popular, but it just stopped there. Lenovo, on the other hand, went all out with what is possibly the closest to a “Switch PC” to date. But is the Lenovo Legion Go just a Switch clone or is it offering a completely new gaming experience? We take this innovative gaming handheld for a few good spins to find out.

Designer: Lenovo

Aesthetics

Right off the bat, the first thing you’ll notice about the Lenovo Legion Go is that it’s huge, bigger even than the Steam Deck that’s already considered a giant. It’s slightly thinner than the Deck but only in the middle because the removable controllers almost add an inch to that thickness. It is definitely the larger and heavier of the three major handheld PCs, something that has repercussions for comfort and ergonomics, as we’ll see later.

Fortunately, you might forget the Legion Go’s size the moment your eyes settle on its large 8.8-inch screen, also the largest in this niche market. With a high pixel resolution and bright colors, it easily outclasses the competition, at least in terms of sharpness and visual impact. It doesn’t come without cost, though, but if you value a large, sharp, and fast gaming screen above other specs, this is the one to beat.

The Legion Go definitely carries itself well compared to its peers in terms of aesthetics. Unlike the more rectangular shapes of the Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally, the Legion Go’s controllers taper a bit, creating a more interesting shape from the front. The back of the device is mostly flat save for the contoured handles of the controllers on each side. That back also features a full-width kickstand that lets you easily prop up the Legion Go on any flat surface for playing games or even for watching videos. The top edge has buttons and ports for controlling the device while the bottom has a lone USB-C Gen 4 port for both charging and data.

All in all, the Lenovo Legion Go presents a solid and distinctive design that doesn’t stray too far from the convention but has enough tweaks to make it stand out from the crowd. Its large screen plays in its favor, though the resulting large size is a bit of a double-edged sword. This niche market is still in its infancy and we’ll surely see more interesting designs in the future, but at least for now, Lenovo has pulled enough tricks to give the Legion Go a memorable character.

Ergonomics

There’s really no going around the fact that the Legion Go is a bulky and heavy device, bigger and heftier than its two closest rivals. For a device that’s primarily meant to be held in your hands, that can be a huge drawback. Even if its battery life lasts for hours (or if you’re playing it while charging), your hands and arms will undoubtedly tire after the first 30 minutes or an hour at most. It might be an artificial way to limit your gaming time, but the great thing about this kind of device is you don’t actually need to hold it up to play. Just like the Switch, you can simply set it down on a table or connect it to a large screen. Either way, you can just continue playing, at least as long as you have enough battery for it.

As mentioned earlier, this is as close as we’ve come to a Switch-like PC, and that’s primarily thanks to the detachable controllers. You can slide them off, though downward in the opposite direction compared to the Switch, and use them as normal Bluetooth controllers except split in two. There is, however, a special Lenovo-only mode that changes the narrative a bit. It’s called FPS mode and you stick the right controller into a base that makes it look like a joystick, except it’s a mouse that you drag across the table, not unlike those ergonomic vertical mice. As the name suggests, it’s meant to offer a more precise method of aiming with the right hand in FPS games and more fluid movement with the left controller. It’s definitely an innovative design but one that requires heavy muscle memory training to really get used to.

The Legion Go isn’t just a gaming device, however. It’s a gaming PC that runs a regular version of Windows 11, which means the user experience isn’t optimized for anything but a keyboard and mouse or, at the very least, a touch screen. This makes operating the non-gaming parts of the operating system a bit more tedious, though Lenovo thankfully included a small touchpad on the right-hand controller exactly for this purpose. There’s also a tiny scroll wheel on the back side of the same controller, but its location makes it difficult to reach. Along with the idiosyncrasies of Windows itself, this makes operating the device in handheld mode cumbersome and awkward.

Performance

Lenovo definitely pulled out the stops when it came to the Legion Go’s silicon muscles. Running inside is an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with RDNA Graphics paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. It’s not desktop-level hardware, not even a gaming laptop, but at this size, it’s currently the best that’s available for handheld computers. It can definitely handle most PC games at medium settings, and maybe a few at high settings. Of course, cranking up those options will drain the battery quicker, and there’s not a lot in the first place.

The real star of the show, however, is the impressive 8.8-inch 2560×1600 IPS LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Not only is it the largest among handheld computers, it also has the highest resolution. It’s bright, vibrant, colorful, and sharp. And it’s also quite the battery drain. On paper, a high resolution such as this would be a huge boon for gaming, but only if you have lots of battery and power to spare. At full resolution, the only way you’ll get above 60fps in Fortnite is by setting the setting to medium (67fps) or low (79fps). Then again, 47fps with high settings isn’t so bad either. Dropping the resolution to 1200p made the gameplay experience much better during our test.

The real problem is the battery life, though the Legion Go isn’t alone in this regard. At medium settings, playing Fortnite (with voice chat on) drained the battery in around 79 minutes and at 1200p resolution only. Again, the sharpness of the screen is a huge advantage over the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally, but the price it entails is just too high. Sure, you can set a lower resolution by default, but then you’ll be paying for hardware you’re not able to fully utilize.

The Lenovo Legion Go has the bare minimum when it comes to hardware connectivity, namely two USB-C 4.0 ports, one at the top and another at the bottom. There’s also a headphone jack for good measure so you can connect your favorite wired headphones for more immersive gaming. Having two USB-C ports is great for connecting peripherals or a hub while still having one port free for charging the device. The catch is that the placement of the bottom port makes it inaccessible when using the built-in kickstand. Sure, you can use the top port for charging, but you still lose the other port for other accessories. To be fair, the Switch has the same problem but is worse by having a single USB port, but you’d hope that designers would have solved this problem by now.

Being able to set the Legion Go down on a table and still play using the controllers is also a Switch-inspired feature, but the actual implementation needs a little bit of work. In addition to the awkward way of pulling out the controllers, you apparently can’t use a different external controller unless you take the pair out and disable them from Windows Device Manager. It might just be a bug or a hidden setting, but the fact that it isn’t as straightforward as on a regular computer (or even the Nintendo Switch) makes it a less favorable experience.

When it comes to performance, the Legion Go spares no expense at using the best possible hardware, but having the most powerful isn’t always the correct solution. Power-hungry specs, especially a hi-res screen, drain the battery faster than it should, and owners are forced to tweak every aspect to squeeze out as much juice as they can from the device. Admittedly, PC gamers are used to tweaking settings left and right, but that’s a little less convenient and less ideal on a handheld form factor.

Sustainability

Impressive as the Legion Go’s design might be, there will definitely be concerns about its long-term viability. First-gen designs in this industry don’t always spark confidence, both in terms of durability as well as customer support down the road. Lenovo is an established brand, of course, so there’s an implicit trust in the products that it makes. This device definitely feels solid, despite its plastic body, so you can be assured that it’s not some flimsy product that will die out on you in the first few months.

Its unique design does bring a few complications, though, particularly with the removable controllers. These can be points for mechanical failure in the feature, or structural weaknesses that could lead to an early death for the device. There are a lot of custom parts used for the Legion Go as well, so repairs will have to be done by authorized Lenovo service providers only. That increases the risk factor in purchasing a device that could meet more accidents in your hands compared to a conventional laptop.

Value

Gaming handhelds are becoming popular again, both from the retro front as well as the PC market. Just looking at the growing number of options outside of major manufacturers shows there’s a sizable market for these devices. Not every PC gamer is a fan, though these would also admit dreaming of being able to play games anywhere, including in situations where they can’t use their bulky gaming laptops. As mentioned, there are plenty of options available now, but the Lenovo Legion Go offers the best-balanced set of benefits and drawbacks in the market today.

It has powerful specs topped by a gorgeous and large display that really makes games pop. The FPS mode might need a bit of getting used to, but the convenience of being able to detach the controllers when needed is a huge boon, though there are some rough edges to smoothen out. Battery life is pretty dismal by default, but that’s on par with other handheld PCs. The biggest clincher is that you’re getting this solid mobile PC gaming experience starting at just $699.99, which means you aren’t cutting corners for that juicy price tag.

Verdict

There was a time when analysts proclaimed the PC market to be dying, but that might only be true for desktops. Laptops flew off the shelves during the pandemic, and now handheld PCs are sparking interest and ushering in a new generation of PC gamers who are living the dream of playing anywhere. There are still only a few players in this market, and Lenovo, the world’s biggest PC maker, is making sure it’s leading here as well.

The Lenovo Legion Go definitely shows the brand’s expertise, combining decades of experience with a bold design and innovative features. It also proves that there is still plenty of room for improvement, whether for refining features or introducing new experiences. At this point, handheld gaming PCs like these are still considered a luxury, but with a tempting $700 price tag, the Legion Go is doing its part to make these devices more approachable and more usable for everyone.

The post Lenovo Legion Go Review: Big Steps for Handheld PC Gaming first appeared on Yanko Design.

AYANEO SLIDE Handheld PC design demonstrates another way to play games on the go

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Handheld gaming devices are in vogue again, and not just the smartphones we always have in our hands these days. The success of the Nintendo Switch has given rise to a new breed of portable PCs built specifically with gaming in mind, and now even big brands like ASUS and Lenovo are playing in this very niche field. While both the Switch and the Steam Deck have become the poster children for this category of devices, they aren’t the only way to play PC games anywhere and everywhere. Another contender is pushing a new entry into the race, and this one hides a QWERTY keyboard for those times when you need keys rather than buttons to play, communicate, or even work.

Designer: AYANEO

Handheld PCs like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go are probably PC gamers’ dreams come true. They allow them to play their favorite modern and even retro titles without having to worry about finding a place to set up a laptop. That convenience, however, comes at the price of relying only on controller buttons and joysticks for movement, while being at the mercy of a touchscreen and an on-screen keyboard for everything else. That’s not a problem for something like the Nintendo Switch with games specifically designed for such an input scheme, but for a PC that can potentially play and do anything, it’s severely limiting.

The AYANEO SLIDE addresses this problem by introducing a physical QWERTY keyboard that doesn’t get in the way when you don’t actually need it. Its trick is to hide that keyboard underneath the display using a sliding mechanism, not unlike the slider keyboards of smartphones from long ago. That makes it trivial to type out messages for games that require chatting with other players or to even play games that might not fully support game controllers. And since you can easily hide it when you’re done, it doesn’t take up too much extra space when it’s not in use.

Granted, the AYANEO SLIDE is hardly the first to use this design to address the problem of an absent keyboard. The recent GPD WIN 4 and the old Sony VAIO UX from 2006 both used a sliding mechanism to hide a QWERTY keyboard. AYANEO’s design, however, also lets you set the screen at an angle when you slide it up, which offers a slightly more ergonomic viewing angle compared to a completely flat screen.

While the addition of a hidden keyboard does fix one problem, the design has some drawbacks in the current implementation. Given the large size of the device, thumb-typing on that keyboard isn’t exactly comfortable or fast. A sliding mechanism also invites trouble because of moving parts. An alternative design, one employed by AYAENO rival GPD, uses a mini laptop form factor to offer a different way to mix gaming and typing on the go, but that also brings its own problems in terms of portability and bulk.

The post AYANEO SLIDE Handheld PC design demonstrates another way to play games on the go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 3D Scanners and Tools that upgrade your setup and help you craft your ultimate creative expression

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The lines that separate the physical world and the digital realm continue to blur every day. Augmented reality is putting digital artifacts like windows and buttons, while platforms like the metaverse are bringing bits of the real, physical world into a virtual space in a seamless way. None of these happen by magic, of course, and someone still has to do the work of creating these striking digital objects. Making them from scratch using 3D modelers is definitely possible but also a lot of work, especially if you’re trying to aim for realism or when you need to 3D print a replacement part for a machine or a car. 3D scanners are the tools of the trade for these tasks, and there are 10 of the best products that will get you on your way to making believable, accurate, and precise 3D models of physical objects for all your creative endeavors.

1. Revopoint MINI 3D Scanner Dual-Axis Turntable Combo

If you find yourself always 3D modeling small objects like jewelry, miniature models, or ancient artifacts, then the Revopoint MINI 3D scanner has got your back. Providing single-frame precision of up to 0.02mm and a resolution of up to 0.05mm, this handheld scanner is perfect for working with small objects where accuracy and detail are critical. With an industrial-grade blue light, it can capture detailed scans of objects as small as 10 x 10 x 10 mm in size, making short work of the tiniest targets.

Click Here to Buy Now: $721 $974 (Total of $253 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint MINI blue light 3D scanner makes it trivial to capture small objects and is the perfect tool for jewelry design, miniature models, reverse engineering parts, scientific research, and any other task where high-precision models are needed.

What we like

  • Designed for accurate, precise, and detailed scans of small objects down to 10 x 10 x 10 mm in size
  • Portable design makes it easy to set up shop anywhere
  • Combo includes dual-axis turntable and markers

What we dislike

  • A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)

2. Revopoint INSPIRE 3D Scanner

Being able to turn real-world objects into 3D models is perhaps every creator’s dream, and with the cost-effective Revopoint INSPIRE, those dreams can now come true without breaking your wallet. Despite its accessible price tag, the lightweight 3D scanner offers nearly the same features are larger and more expensive hardware, such as single-frame precision up to 0.1mm and high-speed scans up to 18fps. It can even connect with Android and iOS for truly portable workflows.

Click Here to Buy Now: $356 $458 (Total of $102 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint INSPIRE 3D scanner bundles powerful features into a user-friendly and cost-effective package that will appeal to both hobbyists and pros alike.

What we like

  • Affordable price tag makes 3D scanning accessible to anyone
  • Portable and lightweight design allows creators to take their tools anywhere
  • Basic package includes a mini turntable

What we dislike

  • Not much to say

3. Revopoint RANGE 3D Scanner Premium Package

Not everything you want to scan will be in a small or even medium size, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank for an expensive and complicated studio rig. With the Revopoint RANGE 3D scanner, creating digital models of large objects is no sweat at all. With an infrared light projector that supports a distance of up to 800mm and a single-frame precision of up to 0.1mm, you can easily scan furniture, bodies, and even cars and still be able to hold the scanner in your hand.

Click Here to Buy Now: $889 $1199 (Total of $310 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint RANGE 3D Scanner makes it easy to create 3D models from large objects without having to sacrifice portability and ease of use.

What we like

  • Portable handheld design makes it easy to work when and where creativity strikes
  • Can scan objects as large as 360mm x 650mm @ 600mm from a distance of up to 800mm with accuracy, precision, and high detail
  • Premium package includes a large turntable, a power bank, and a remote

What we dislike

  • A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)

4. Revopoint POP 3 Handheld 3D Scanner Advanced Edition

Say goodbye to bulky setups and get ready to start working anywhere. With the Revopoint POP 3 handheld 3D scanner, getting accurate and precise digital versions of real-world objects won’t be a burdensome chore. It boasts an Auxiliary IR that enhances tracking performance in Maker Mode, while White LEDs make the digital model colors more vibrant. Plus, touch-sensitive buttons on the camera itself remove the need for external devices, making the whole workflow more seamless and convenient.

Click Here to Buy Now: $605 $769 (Total of $164 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint POP 3 Handheld 3D Scanner’s portable design and powerful yet easy-to-use features make 3D scanning accessible to everyone.

What we like

  • Portable design makes it easy to start working anytime, anywhere
  • Single-frame precision of up to 0.05mm at up to 18fps for fast and correct 3D models
  • Advanced Edition includes everything you need such as a dual-axis turntable and a power bank

What we dislike

  • A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)

5. Revopoint Handheld Stabilizer for 3D Scanners

Handheld 3D scanners truly revolutionize the industry, allowing almost anyone to do creative work when inspiration strikes. Not everyone, however, has steady hands, which is where a stabilizer comes in. Designed for Revopoint’s portable 3D scanners, this Handheld Stabilizer lets you work without having to worry about shaky hands, getting accurate, detailed, and clear scans each and every time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $139 (Accessorize and Save: $20 Off with $200+ Cart Total)

Why is it Noteworthy?

Compatible with all Revopoint 3D scanners, this Handheld Stabilizer lets you spend more time scanning and less time worrying about shaky hands.

What we like

  • Built-in rechargeable 4000mAh battery delivers a 6-hour operating time
  • Compatible with all Revopoint 3D scanners

What we dislike

  • Stabilizes on 2 axes only

6. Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable

Just because you have a handheld 3D scanner doesn’t mean you always have to hold it in your hand to use it. Sometimes, going around the object isn’t the best way to get the best scans, which is actually true even for very small objects. On the flip side, turning the object manually yourself is also a lot of work with a lot of room for error. With the Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable, you can prop up both the object as well as the 3D scanner for a steadier and more consistent rotation that will let you get all the details you need without having to rely on your shaky hands.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 (Accessorize and Save: $20 Off with $200+ Cart Total)

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable can rotate at a 30-degree tilt to make sure you can capture all the angles you need for an accurate 3D scan.

What we like

  • Supports 360-degree rotation, clockwise or counterclockwise, and up to 30 degrees tilt
  • Has markers for accurate scanning

What we dislike

  • Can only be controlled via Bluetooth using Revo Scan or Revo Assistant (app for iOS or Android)

7. Revopoint Power Bank Mobile Kit

It’s easy to use handheld 3D scanners anywhere, given their portable and lightweight designs, but they’re still electronic devices that do need power to be used. The Revopoint Power Bank provides the juice you need to do your work, wherever you are. You can even easily swap out batteries so you can get up and running again before your creative ideas fly away.

Click Here to Buy Now: $48 (Accessorize and Save: $20 Off with $200+ Cart Total)

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint Mobile Kit provides the power you need to minimize your downtime and keep on scanning.

What we like

  • Rechargeable 4,000mAh battery offers enough power for hours of work
  • Designed to work with all Revopoint 3D scanners

What we dislike

  • Rather plain design

8. Revopoint Large Turntable

With a handheld 3D scanner, you might think that you will always need to go around the target to scan it. That’s not always easy, however, and sometimes even error-prone. With the Revopoint Large Turntable, you create more efficient workflows by having the object turn around instead. And with a maximum load of 200kg, you can put almost anything that can fit on the turntable, including a human person!

Click Here to Buy Now: $469 $489 ($20 off with $200+ Accessory Cart Total).

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint Large Turntable enables more efficient and time-effective workflows by having the object steadily turn around rather than having you move around it.

What we like

  • Can support loads of up to 200kg

What we dislike

  • A bit heavy at 7kg

9. Revopoint Markers for 3D Scanning

While handheld 3D scanners have definitely made it so much easier to scan almost any object, not all objects in the physical world are actually that easy to scan. Objects with completely smooth and featureless surfaces, such as cups or cars, can be more difficult to scan. The Revopoint Markers for 3D scanning easily solves this problem by adding visual points for the scanner to track more easily. With a specially designed adhesive foil, applying and removing these markers are as easy as pie and won’t cause damage to the object.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.90 for a pack of 500 pcs (Accessorize and Save: $20 Off with $200+ Cart Total)

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint Markers for 3D scanning instantly turn stubborn, featureless surfaces into scanner-friendly textures for more accurate models.

What we like

  • Easy to apply and remove without damaging the object
  • Single pack includes 500 markers

What we dislike

  • Not reusable

10. Scanning Spray

Scanning physical objects might sound easy, but not all real-world things lend themselves well to this process. Objects with reflective or transparent surfaces are especially tricky because of how they can interfere with the scanner’s optics. The Scanning Spray deftly transforms the glossiest surface into a textured easy-to-scan surface. Best of all, it doesn’t leave permanent marks and doesn’t do any damage to the object.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 (Accessorize and Save: $20 Off with $200+ Cart Total)

Why is it Noteworthy?

The Revopoint Scanning Spray easily solves surface texture problems without damaging the scanned object.

What we like

  • Great for metal, glass, and anything with reflective, transparent, or highly textured surfaces
  • Does not cause damage to the object and vanishes within 4 hours

What we dislike

  • Non-refillable

The post Top 10 3D Scanners and Tools that upgrade your setup and help you craft your ultimate creative expression first appeared on Yanko Design.