Taiwanese tech powerhouse MSI (Micro-Star International) has a new handheld gaming device called the Claw that uses an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 chip and Intel Arc graphics, making it among the most powerful portable PC gaming devices on the market. The device breaks from tradition, as competing mobile game units like the Steam Deck, the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go all use AMD chipsets. The MSI system — demonstrated at CES 2024 in Las Vegas — is expected to be priced between $699 to $799 in a trio of configurations when it hits the market in February or March. Continue reading CES: MSI Claw Is First Gaming Handheld with Intel Core Ultra

Samsung Display has revealed plans to begin mass production on a new type of monitor with ultra-high-definition resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. Samsung says this is the highest pixel density and UHD resolution among available OLED monitors, and that the display also offers super-fast response speed to thrill gamers. The new QD-OLED monitors will initially be offered in two sizes: 32 inches and 27 inches. Typically, 30-inch QHD monitors offer 2560×1440 pixels, which Samsung says is fine for “general-purpose” use, adding that “consumers who enjoy gaming and high-definition video content will have a strong preference for UHD products.” Continue reading Samsung’s New QD-OLED Monitor Called a ‘Game Changer’

Lenovo marks its entry in the Windows handheld gaming space with the Legion Go. Combining mobility with high performance, the Legion Go joins an expanding Lenovo Legion ecosystem for immersive gaming that includes new micro OLED-equipped Lenovo Legion Glasses for a big-screen experience anywhere, the Legion 9i gaming laptop, and Legion E510 7.1 RGB Gaming In-Ear Headphones for high-quality audio. With Nintendo Switch-like detachable controllers, the Legion Go is a handheld device that accommodates multiplayer gaming. The Legion Space game hub allows users to access cloud platforms as well as locally stored games in a central location. Continue reading Lenovo’s Premium Mobile Gamer Has Detachable Controllers

If it overcomes regulatory hurdles and completes its $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft plans to launch a mobile app store for games to challenge Apple and Google, according to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Games. The EU’s Digital Markets Act mandates that the makers of Android devices and iPhones must make their mobile platforms accessible to app stores by third parties, with enforcement beginning in March 2024. That means Microsoft could open a mobile app store as soon as next year, adapting the company’s Xbox and Game Pass apps to accommodate sales to mobile devices. Continue reading Microsoft Plans to Launch Its Own Mobile Games App Store

Microsoft is reportedly building an Xbox mobile store, challenging Apple and Google. The Redmond company’s pending Activision Blizzard deal is key to successful implementation of its mobile gaming strategy, which was previously hinted at and now comes to light in a filing with the UK Competition and Markets Authority, which requested additional information from Microsoft as part of its analysis of the $68.7 billion deal. In its filings, Microsoft says a “next generation” game store that “operates across a range of devices, including mobile” is significant impetus for the acquisition. Continue reading Microsoft’s New Gaming Strategy Includes Xbox Mobile Store

This December, Washington-based game company Valve will debut its long-anticipated Steam Deck, a handheld device for PC gaming with models priced at $399 with 64GB of eMMC storage, $529 with 256GB of NVMe SSD, and the top-of-the-line $649 version with 512GB of high-speed NVMe SSD storage. Steam Deck is additionally being promoted as a handheld PC, allowing users to install and operate web browsers, other game stores (including Epic Games Store) and other video streaming services. It can also be connected to a keyboard and mouse and offers a cloud saving feature. Continue reading Valve to Launch Steam Deck Handheld Device for PC Games