Back before the Nintendo Switch entered the best gaming handheld race, the company was really leaning into the idea of secondary screens. Not only was the 3DS still serving excellent portable games to the masses, but the Wii U… was also a thing. Look, I could start dunking on the failed console's shortcomings and dire third-party support and have a lot of fun while doing so. But here’s the thing – that system at least provided a practical way to play DS games using its Gamepad touchscreen.

Hardware incompatibility is a strong reason for the Switch not including DS, 3DS, or even Wii U games in its library. However, I view that as a reason, not an excuse. If testing handhelds and consoles over the past two decades has taught me anything, it’s that if a company wants to make playing older generations of games easy, it will. And, I firmly believe that if Nintendo takes a step back and looks at the handheld gaming PC war going on outside its safe, home console pillow fort, it’ll see a few ways it could embrace backwards compatibility on a physical level. 

The dual-screen dilemma 

Yes, I’m painfully aware that it’s easy to just tell Nintendo to add a second screen to the Switch 2 without considering the cost implications. Any hardware decision that will bump the sequel above $400 would lead to being banished from the board room, and that’s not a bad thing. That said, I also believe in Ninty’s ability to take premium elements used in other devices and make them more affordable, especially since it likely won’t be aiming to use the latest APU or fast refresh screens like the Steam Deck OLED (at least not right away.)

So, here’s what I’m proposing – Nintendo should copy a handheld that pays hardware homage to the 3DS. Specifically, the Switch 2 should borrow elements of the Ayaneo Flip DS, namely its 7-inch 1080p IPS display and secondary 3.5-inch screen, and incorporate them into a thinner design. I’ve spent a chunk of time with Ayaneo’s portable PC playing a bunch of my favorite 3DS classics, and when I say the experience tricked my brain into thinking I was using a fictional successor, I’m being deadly serious.

Ayaneo’s specific screen sizes are key here, as the biggest dual-screen Nintendo console to release was the 3DS XL. Opting for a larger 7-inch screen would effectively provide Switch fans with a format they’re familiar with while offering up something new to those players who never made the jump. In turn, the extra large display would also provide plenty of space for some snazzy upscaling, just like emulation fans get to enjoy with apps like Citra. 

On that note, I’ve been playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds on the Flip DS using Citra with 4x upscaling applied, and the results are gorgeous. Admittedly, using a handheld PC with a Ryzen 7 APU is probably overkill for revisiting the Link to the Past sequel, as even the cheaper Anbernic RG Cube can run it at full speed. The components that actually made a difference were the handheld’s larger 7-inch display and not having to use the 3DS’s stinky circle pad – two things that the Switch 2 should inherently be able to achieve.

Of course, that extra 3.5-inch touchscreen is also essential to bridge the hardware incompatibility gap, and many games need the display to be playable. Nintendo could simply implement workarounds within its ports to avoid needing another screen, just like when it re-designed Skyward Sword to work without a Wii mote. But, let’s be real, it still hasn’t ported Wind Waker to the Switch, so chances of us getting more complex adaptations are slim. 

TV mode troubles 

All of the above is fine and dandy for a handheld 3DS simulation, but what about using this theoretical Switch 2 in docked mode? I’ll admit, that’s a bit of a doozie, as even the Wii U had to effectively keep that secondary screen in your hands to keep things practical. Thankfully, Ninty seems to be ahead of the curve when it comes to handheld hybrid ideas, as it already has a few patents that could help with this specific predicament.

I’ll start with the most recent, as I feel like it’s the idea that’s most intriguing. Essentially, Nintendo has a patent for a dual-screen handheld that can split in half, which sounds absurd, but could actually be key to docking the console while still having a touchscreen to hand. Ideally, one-half of the device would feature USB-C connectivity for hooking up to a dock or cradle, while the other would still receive a signal wirelessly, just like the Wii U Gamepad. 

The second is an idea that I caught wind of before the Switch was even a thing, and it practically uses the same tech as the Wii U in reverse. To speak plainly, the Switch 2 could act as the host device and transmit video to a hub connected to your gaming TV. That particular method sounds like it’d be cheaper than having a fancy, split design with two separate units, and it would mean you could play 3DS and Wii U games on your living room panel while still retaining access to touchscreen shenanigans.

So much room for activities

Look, I get it, including a secondary screen just to satiate my need to play 3DS and Wii U games on the Switch 2 could be viewed as a niche expense. Ultimately, I just want to kick stripey butt on a sharp 7-inch IPS display with some lovely upscaling applied, and I wouldn’t mind diving back into ZombiU for the giggles. What I will say is that my time with the Ayaneo Flip DS has taught me the true value of having an additional display to hand, and I think it’d benefit Nintendo’s next console when it comes to utilities and social gaming. 

If the rumors so far are true, the Switch 2 may rely on features like Nvidia DLSS to boost performance. I’ve got a lot of experience with the green team’s graphics card tool, and if I’m painfully aware of one thing, it’s that it doesn’t always look great in every scenario. So, in an ideal world, the next Switch would provide some simple toggles to switch the AI upscaling tool on or off, and the additional touchscreen would make for a neat way to do without quitting your game. This is something I’ve personally benefited from while using AMD’s FSR upscaler on the Flip Go, as the portable PC has a quick menu with an easy-to-access button.

Picture the scene; you’re playing Tears of the Kingdom at 4K on a hypothetical Switch 2 using DLSS. However, you keep noticing that elements like grass have weird effects due to being dynamically upscaled. Rather than just enduring the distraction, I think being able to press a toggle on the secondary touchscreen on the fly would offset the caveat and still make the feature feel useful to those who notice slight discrepancies – something that I think will crop up if Nintendo uses the GPU tech. 

Graphical technical nonsense aside, the secondary screen might also provide Nintendo with a way to bring its social elements back to its console rather than designating them to a smartphone app. Remember Pictochat? I honestly think the torment of having to be an adult in 2024 would be resolved if I could send daft drawings to my friends. Blend that together with what made 3DS Street Pass so special and Nintendo could restore happiness to the world. 

Again, I completely get that putting together a gaming handheld isn’t simple, and striking a perfect balance between specs and price is what helps keep Nintendo on top. For all I know, a completely new gimmick for the Switch 2 could be in the works that solely focuses on the company’s future rather than the anals of its not-so-ancient history. Ultimately, I think if we need Ninty to bring back dual-screen functionality for the sake of preservation and facilitation, or we risk a new generation of players not having easy access to phenomenal releases from the past twenty years.

All I’m saying is that everyone should play The Legend Of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass at least once, and I’d rather they didn’t have to faff around with old consoles to do it.

While we're waiting for the console's successor, here are the Best Nintendo Switch games to play right now.

Live on Kickstarter right now, the Genki Savepoint aims to add a chunk of storage to the best gaming handhelds while only taking up the same room as an old-school memory card. While devices like the Steam Deck OLED sadly don’t have a Magic Gate slot to jam it into, you’ll instead be able to whack it on the back using a magnet and hook directly into USB-C. The result? An instant 2TB storage bump with 10Gbps bandwidth capabilities – ideal for running those big adventures externally. 

The fact we’re talking about a gaming SSD no bigger than a Game Boy cartridge with up to 2TB capacity and MagSafe compatibility is enough to get me on board. However, Genki says the drive will also serve as a way to break free from your handheld’s operating system, as it’ll be able to easily bring SteamOS to the likes of the Asus ROG Ally and Windows 11 to the Deck.  

Expands capacity and PC compatibility 

As a handheld reviewer, I’m painfully aware of the struggle of OS compatibility. The Steam Deck in particular has broken my heart on several occasions thanks to the limitations of SteamOS and Wine. That said, Windows devices actually bother me a bit more due to their lack of handheld optimization, something that can disrupt on-the-go sessions and lead to frustration. Put it this way, if the Lenovo Legion Go or MSI Claw caught me in a bad mood with their Windows 11 reliance, I can’t promise I wouldn’t teach them how to fly.

It’s for that reason that being able to dual boot into Windows or SteamOS no matter the handheld using the Genki Savepoint sounds extremely appealing. No messing around with main installations, no weird hacks, just a straight-up way to dive into another operating system. Yes, you could just grab an ordinary external SSD and set things up to achieve the same goal, but Genki’s option is competitively priced at $199 for the 2TB model, and it beats most other options out there in terms of size. 

I say most, as I am currently testing an external hard drive that also offers up similar MagSafe functionality  – namely the Lexar SL500. The SSD is available at Amazon right now for $178.99 (down from $213.52) but it is that bit larger and doesn’t specifically target handheld use. 

I’ll be comparing the two side by side when I finally get a hold of the Genki SavePoint, and that should give us a proper portable comparison point to work with. However, there are a few perks the SavePoint boasts that will ultimately benefit handheld play more, like 100W passthrough for charging and specific optimization for portable PCs. Plus, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t swayed by all the pretty colors Genki offers, as the surface of each drive comes in a variety of textures and colors.

Look, I think my Steam Deck deserves to wear nice things, so don’t judge me for preferring a drive that slays, kay?

Looking for more handheld add-ons? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for plenty of useful gadgets. Alternatively, check out the best SSD for gaming if you’re in need of a new PC drive. 

Design

Of course, an 18-inch powerhouse is always going to be big. The MSI Titan 18 HX measures in at 3.17 x 40.38 x 30.48cm and weighs 3.59kg. That’s right in the middle of other 18-inch machines; it’s heavier than the Razer Blade 18 and Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (both 3.1kg) but keeps things light compared to the Alienware M18 (4.23kg). It is, however, significantly thicker than the M18 at 3.17cm vs 2.66cm, making for a more unwieldy device overall. Add the extra length from the additional cooling shelf at the back (translating to between 1cm and 2cm larger footprint compared to Asus and Razer’s 18-inch models), and the MSI Titan is living up to its moniker.  

I don’t expect many to be actually lugging this machine around, though. Most 18-inch gaming laptops are designed to sit on a desk and stay there, with the option to close up that clamshell and relocate every now and then. If you’re considering taking this big-screen experience on the go regularly, though, I’d have to point you towards a slightly smaller model. As it stands, these dimensions won’t fit into a regular laptop backpack and after carrying it in a modified sling pouch for about 15 minutes I can confidently recommend nobody does the same.  

The overall aesthetic keeps things simple and subdued, though. A matte black lid with silver accents running across an industrially-styled cooling shelf (think that anti-slip metal flooring you’ll find on fairground rides) ensures a low profile - broken only by an RGB lit MSI logo in the centre of the lid. The solid construction and lack of any real flex in the lid means this looks and feels like a luxury design, though it’s not quite as slick as Razer’s classic CNC milled brick nor as RGB-friendly as Asus’s blaze of glory. There’s a little flex to the main keyboard, but only when explicitly feeling for it - everyday typing is immune. The whole device is solid, though, with no creaking or rattling, and a sturdy, dependable feel.  

Inside, I was initially met with a surprise. No trackpad? Of course, there is a pad here - it’s just fully haptic-based with no cutout from the main deck. That means it’s only visible via RGB lighting when the laptop is switched on, otherwise settling flush with the rest of the glass surface. What seemed cool at first, though, quickly became annoying. With no border to the trackpad itself I was constantly straying off to the side of the main deck during testing, a frustrating recurrence only made more frequent by the fact that this is a slightly smaller pad than you’ll usually find on an 18-inch model. The vast majority of users are likely going to be plugging a separate gaming mouse in, but it’s still finicky for quicker everyday use. 

Underneath, you’ll find a set of fairly high-rise rubber stilts used to keep plenty of space for airflow around the large number of vents. This is also where you’ll find a small blue accent running through the aesthetic, repeated towards the rear of the device as well. 

My unit came with some slight wear around one of the screws connecting the bottom panel. While it’s true that this is not a box-fresh device, and has likely been shipped around the country before heading my way, this could be a point of weakness during future use, especially if you’re opening up the rig regularly.

Features

This is a tricked out rig. Under the hood, you’ll find an RTX 4090 GPU running at its full 175W TDP, an Intel 14th generation i9-14900HX blazing through 24 cores and 32 threads, an overkill 128GB RAM, and split 2TB SSDs forming 4TB total storage. In theory, you can expand up to four memory slots. That’s an insane spec, one that the vast majority of players wouldn’t need to touch with a $5K barge pole, but if you’re going big with your next investment this is certainly where you’ll need to be looking.

Those kinds of specs mean the Titan 18 HX is going to be able to handle pretty much any computing task you could throw at it - and with a 4K Mini LED display that also includes content creation. The 120Hz panel does suffer for speed in favor of clarity and resolution, but it still offers up a gorgeous display. Gamers will benefit from extraordinary detail (though you’re dropping a little motion accuracy to get there, compared to machines using 165Hz or 240Hz panels) while creators will be able to view images in full resolution with excellent color reproduction. Local dimming means HDR content absolutely shines, with fantastic contrast ratios and a brightness that will put the OLED on the Razer Blade 16 to shame. Unfortunately, you’re out of luck if you do want to sacrifice that high-resolution quality for extra speed. The MSI Titan 18 HX only ships with this top-shelf display. 

There’s another flagship favorite here as well, one that I’ve only seen on the best Alienware laptops in the past, a full mechanical keyboard from Cherry and SteelSeries. The switches underneath offer a tactile feel with a satisfying clack and energetic movement. However, the actuation bump used in here does make repeat presses a little harder - spamming ‘E’ was a little slower on this deck than a regular chiclet style keyboard during my testing. I also noticed some ping running around the main deck when typing, usually the result of echo-y switches in a board that hasn’t been through the same sound dampening processes you’ll find in the best gaming keyboards these days. I came to this deck from gaming laptops with reduced layouts, so I was initially struggling to place my hands correctly when starting each session. Each key does feel a little more separated on this model, which could also explain some of the inaccuracy I felt - though this would be rectified with time and muscle memory.

18-inch gaming laptops want to completely replace your desktop, often without the need for an external hub or dock. That means you can expect a good range of ports, and the MSI Titan 18 HX delivers. The left panel houses the SD card reader and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports with a third situated on the right side. Joining it are two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 options with one offering power delivery. I was pleased to find a few ports to the rear of the machine. This placement does wonders for cable management, keeping the sides of the machine free from a tangle of wires when placed on a desk. MSI, however, has limited these rear ports to connections you’ll only need to set and forget; power, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet. Everything else remains flexible at the sides, even if that does mean a little sprawling. Personally, I prefer to keep everything to the back (Alienware generally keeps most of its connections hidden) - but if you’re constantly switching peripherals this is a more versatile arrangement. 

The Alienware M18 offers a similar array, though with older Gen 1 USB-A ports, but adds a Mini DisplayPort into the mix. However, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is far behind here, only offering two USB-A connections and a single Thunderbolt 4 option among its two USB-C ports. It’s worth noting that the original Razer Blade 18 posted a single Thunderbolt 4 as well, though the 2024 version packs Thunderbolt 5 for the first time. In the real world, that means you’ll be able to run three 4K 144Hz monitors off a single port on the Blade 18, with the MSI Titan being limited to two. It also makes for more powerful charging - though neither of these machines are going to realistically be relying on USB-C power for much of their lives. I’ve never felt the need to run the MSI Titan 18 HX off a single Thunderbolt cable alone when it’s set up in full glory on my desk top. 

All that power needs some serious cooling, and that’s where MSI’s vapor chamber comes in. The system uses two fans with four exhausts and those aforementioned stilts to keep everything running smoothly. I never noticed temperatures creeping to uncomfortable levels during my testing, and both CPU and GPU performance never suggested any kind of thermal throttling. The fans themselves can certainly rev, though. It’s by no means as deafening as something like the Alienware machines of yore, but you’ll still need a gaming headset when playing at full whack. 

And MSI can go to full whack. The Titan 18 HX features the brand’s Overboost Ultra tech - a fancy way of saying you can set the performance to max and keep everything running off the dedicated GPU. All of this is done in MSI Center, a refreshingly non-gamer vibing piece of software that houses all your performance stats and AI offerings. I’m not a massive fan of this suite - it seems to hide certain features under different user scenarios, some of which feel at odds with the functions they hide. It meant I was regularly digging through unintuitive menus during my testing, simply to swap between fan states. 

You’ll find the AI Engine housed here, though, a mode that allows the system to automatically apply certain performance settings and allocate more resource towards certain processes during individual tasks. There are four scenarios currently recognized by the laptop itself, meetings, work, gaming, and entertainment. This is a minor feature in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a set-and-forget function that can come in particularly handy when running through different tasks regularly. It’s often the quieter features that you don’t have to notice that make the best rigs. For all my MSI Center frustrations, I was menu-free when swapping between writing and gaming - and that’s not something I could have said last year. It’s another nod to the holistic approach the Titan is taking, aiming squarely at a small (but willing-to-pay) market of professionals looking for a content creation and gaming desktop replacement. 

That target means the Titan also houses a solid FHD webcam, bright and detailed enough for work calls by not quite broadcast-worthy, and a responsive microphone system. The ‘desktop replacement’ part of that market also means that the battery is just awful. MSI never really expected this to be a portable machine, so it’s understandable that I was only able to draw about an hour of work across Google Chrome and a few image editing programs out of a full charge. Judging this laptop based on its battery life would be like judging an F1 car on its subwoofer, though - it’s just not designed to use it. 

Performance

Nobody’s questioning whether or not the MSI Titan 18 HX can perform. With guts like this, someone would have seriously messed up if framerates weren’t through the roof. It’s no surprise, then, that this is - on the whole - the most powerful rig I’ve tested to date. That glory was previously awarded to the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (both the 2023 and 2024 versions), but the Titan has just nudged the edge in here. It didn’t hit the top of the pack in every test, sometimes the Alienware M18 or Scar 18 would sneak ahead, but it outperformed both models far more often than not.  

The first test I always run is 3D Mark’s suite of graphical benchmarks. Time Spy is the go-to for a QHD benchmark, testing the system’s GPU, CPU, and RAM across a synthetic process to reveal a final score. RTX 4090 GPUs have averaged a score of around 17,000 here in my testing to date. The MSI Titan 18 HX hit 20,491 - beating the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18’s 20,132 position but just missing the 2024 model’s 20,666 score. 

Fire Strike is an easier run, giving 1080p performance more space especially in a 4K-designed 18-inch rig like this. As expected, the MSI Titan 18 HX posted the highest score I’ve seen here yet, with a 36,083 final figure dominating over the 2023 and 2024 Strix Scar 18’s 34,507 and 33,092 respective results. 

Real-world testing in-game revealed the MSI Titan 18 HX’s prowess in older games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Three Kingdoms, where the system just managed to close out the winnings across my full 18-inch comparison suite. While the former is a relatively Nvidia-friendly title, and generally the easiest to run of all the benchmarked games, Total War can still be a slog despite its age. 

However, the Titan did fall on Returnal. I repeated these tests frequently, using the same parameters I always set up for laptop benchmarks, and couldn’t get anywhere near other machine’s results. Whether this is an issue software-side, or an interaction with another function within the MSI’s ecosystem remains, but it doesn’t feel like a faithful representation of the power on offer here. 

Unfortunately, The Talos Principle 2 is a benchmark I’ve only just started using and so I don’t have data for the Alienware M18 or either Strix Scar model. Instead, you’ll find the next best thing, a Razer Blade 16 recently tested with an RTX 4090 GPU, and an Alienware M16 R2 with an RTX 4070 for pricing scale.

We’ve come a long way since gaming laptops first started to consider 4K resolutions. It certainly wasn’t within reach back then, but it might just be now. This is the first time I’ve comfortably played faster titles in UHD resolution without any graphical tweaks and not been stuck under 60fps. High settings are more than runnable here, with three-figure 4K framerates on Shadow of the Tomb Raider and a comfortable 60+fps in more demanding titles as well. Bumping things up to ultra settings did land me underneath that 60fps threshold, but with the help of DLSS 3 I was able to bench 68fps in The Talos Principle 3 at 4K Ultra. It might take a few workarounds, but speedy 4K gaming is a real possibility here - and that’s not something I’ve written about a gaming laptop before.

Should you buy the MSI Titan 18 HX?

The MSI Titan 18 HX is true feat. An overpowered juggernaut as pricey as it is powerful, this is a specialized piece of kit no doubt. It’s just not going to make sense for the vast majority of players, though. I don’t know of too many people looking to drop a cool $5K on a gaming laptop these days - but there’s one crowd that’s going to go nuts for this tech. Content creators with a penchant for high-end gaming should be going all out here - this is as good as it’s going to get and if you’ve got the cash I can’t think of a better place to put it. 

For the rest of us, the MSI Titan 18 HX’s price point only solidifies just how good of a deal the Alienware M18 is. Of course, you’re going to be dropping some frames, picking up some older ports, and that screen won’t get you nearly as far, but for performance value the M18 remains my favorite 18-inch model on the market. 

How I tested the MSI Titan 18 HX

I used the MSI Titan 18 HX for all work and play over the course of three weeks, using the machine standalone and connected to a monitor via a dock. During that time I benchmarked across synthetic tests Geekbench 6, PC Mark 10, 3D Mark’s Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad, and Cinebench R24. I also took real-world benchmarks from Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Returnal, and The Talos Principle 2 in FHD, QHD+, and UHD+ resolutions and varying graphical settings. I also used the laptop for everyday play across Octopath Traveler, Fall Guys, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. For more information on how we test gaming laptops, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy. 

I’ve also had my hands on all the best Razer laptops and the best Asus gaming laptops. Or, for something even more portable, check out the best handhelds on the market.  

The Syntech Steam Deck docking station is currently down to $27.29 at Amazon, and we’ve got a handy 30% off on-page coupon to thank. The accessory will set you back $38.99 at full price, and while discounts have kicked it down below $30 in the past, this is the first time we’ve spotted it for under $29.99. 

For context, most similar Steam Deck docks at the retailer right now cost around $39.99, like the Jsuax USB-C 6-in-1 and the Baseus docking station – my current favorite for using different handhelds at my desk on the fly. This discount actually brings the price of Syntech’s add-on down to the same price as cheaper 5-in-1 options that only wield two USB ports, which is enough for me to recommend it over my overall preferred accessory.  

Should you buy the Syntech Steam Deck dock? 

Out of all the Steam Deck dock contenders out there, the Syntech mini dock feels the least intrusive if you pop it next to your gaming TV in the living room, and it’s less likely to stick out like a sore gamer thumb. That’s something that can be attributed to its round puck-shaped design and black plastic shell, making it less likely to cram the vibe of your cozy living space.

If you’re worried that picking a smaller dock could trade away functionality, you’ll be pleased to hear this dock actually boasts the same HDMI, Ethernet, and triple USB port combo as its rivals. Therefore, transforming your Steam Deck OLED into a makeshift console using controllers and other peripherals should be a breeze, and it’ll also serve as a gaming desk hub if you prefer to kick back in your office.

The one thing this Steam Deck accessory doesn’t have on its side is an adjustable cradle, while many of the best gaming handhelds will fit, the chonkier options may struggle to take a seat. There should be enough room to accommodate the Asus ROG Ally and even the Lenovo Legion Go, but I reckon the Ayaneo Flip DS will have a hard time parking its rear on this add-on. Sure, that won’t remotely matter if you’ve got Valve’s powerhouse, but if you do choose to upgrade to a premium portable down the road, you might have to pick up another dock depending on its girth. 

Those of you who can’t get away with having anything sitting on your TV bench might also want to check out something like the Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub, as the accessory shoves an HDMI and USB port into a wall plug. You can even grab it for $33.99 (down from $39.99) at Amazon if you fancy saving 15% and obtaining an ultra-discrete way to connect your Steam Deck to your TV. You will naturally have to make do with just one device connected to your handheld, but if you only want to use a gamepad this compact alternative is hot to go.  

Looking for a display for your handheld? Swing by the best gaming monitor and best 4K gaming monitor options for high-spec screens. Or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, take a peek at the best retro consoles for time capsule devices. 

Calling the Ayaneo Flip DS unique feels a little silly, especially since it borrows its design from one of the best gaming handhelds ever. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not remotely a bad thing, as it’s no different than when Nintendo revived its Game and Watch format to create the original DS. The point I’m making is that breaking away from the portable PC blueprint used by the likes of the Steam Deck OLED is well worth doing, and while I can think of a few examples of innovation backfiring in recent years, the Flip DS isn’t one of them.

With prices starting at $946 / £743 ($845 / £664 if you take advantage of Indiegogo early bird discounts), it’d be wild to tell every player to pick up a Flip DS. As a company, Ayaneo tends to avoid the ‘one size fits all approach’ in favor of making a variety of portable devices with different use cases. Simply put, if you have no emotional attachment to the NDS/3DS era of handheld gaming and you’d rather use a cheaper Android emulation device, this isn’t the portable for you. Looking to experiment and put that secondary screen to good use? Well, you’re in for a treat.

Specs

The specific Ayaneo Flip DS version I’ll be using for this review comes armed with 64GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and an AMD Ryzen 7840U APU. Those specs are pretty ridiculous, especially since my main PC only has 32GB memory and a 1TB drive at its disposal. Naturally, you can dial things right down to a more reasonable 16GB/512GB combo if you’re not looking for monstrous specs, and you can also choose to invest in a beefier 8840U chip if you’re more fussed about frame rates. 

Just like the Ayaneo 2S, the Flip DS maintains a premium vibe throughout its entire spec sheet. I’d say the most “normal” aspect of this handheld is potentially its screen, as we’re dealing with a 1080p 120Hz display that matches the Asus ROG Ally. Of course, that’s likely due to the presence of that additional 3.5-inch touchscreen, which does function as a secondary display on Windows 11. 

Other nice-to-have traits include a double helping of USB-C ports (one of which is USB 4 compatible), an Oculink port, an optical finger sensor trackpad, hall-effect thumbsticks/triggers, and a six-axis gyroscope. All of that is packed into a 650g package that’s actually lighter than the new Asus ROG Ally X, but we are talking about a 45Wh battery instead of a beastly 80Wh setup. 

Design

I’m tempted to say it looks like a hulked-out Nintendo 3DS and leave it at that, but there’s quite a lot going on with Ayaneo’s design here. Keep in mind that the Flip DS is supposed to be a fully-fledged Windows 11 machine as well as a handheld gaming PC, so working that around something that caters to 3DS-style play is no mean feat. Thankfully, the handheld pulls it off with minimal caveats, especially since it avoids committing the same unbalanced sins as the Lenovo Legion Go.

First off, let’s chat controls, as fitting a full PC controller into a clamshell handheld is a little preposterous. Ayaneo makes it work for the most part, with flatter buttons and recessed thumbsticks leaving plenty of room for the lid to close. As someone with larger, battle-worn thumbs, I’m not 100% satisfied with how the buried sticks feel, but they’re nowhere near as bad as I thought they be, not to mention full-sized thumbsticks will beat the 3DS’s pathetic thumbslider any day of the week. 

As for the buttons, each input feels satisfyingly clicky, something that helps feel every press that bit more accurate. The D-pad also benefits from this, but its inherent flatness does put it at a disadvantage. These low-profile trade-offs are mandatory when making a device like this, so I don’t think they’re a dealbreaker by any means. But, if you are particularly sensitive to different controls, or you’ve just spent too much time playing retro consoles with better gamepads, you’ll want to take note.

Shifting onto ergonomics, I’m honestly surprised with how nice the Ayaneo Flip DS feels in the hand. The handheld’s back triggers are easy to reach and provide plenty of depth despite their size, and the back shell features a subtle curve with textured grips. Does it feel as comfortable as holding a Steam Deck? Not at all, but you can only expect so much from a clamshell device with two screens.

This is obviously subjective, but I think the Ayaneo Flip DS is a bit of a looker. It’s serving the exact kind of mix between odd and contemporary I look for in modern devices, which I guess makes sense from a modern device cosplaying as a 3DS. The part that impresses me most is that this thicc handheld manages to distract you from its chonk using a thinner screen on top while stowing everything else away in the bottom half – resulting in something that looks a lot sleeker than it actually is at a glance. 

Ayaneo has also pulled off fitting both the full 1080p display and its 3.5-inch counterpart into the handheld without any weirdness. By that, I mean both panels fit flush within the device and feature ordinary-sized bezels. I’m at peace with the fact this device misses out on the bezel-less illusion used by the Ayaneo 2S, and the black borders feel anything but intrusive. Keep in mind I’m using the black version, as the white model’s top display might feel a bit smaller due to its contrasting border.

Before I move on, I want to point out that the Flip DS doesn’t wear any RGB lighting. Considering most handheld makers act like it's a mandatory feature, it’s nice to see that Ayaneo hasn’t tried to shoehorn it in. Leaving it out means less distractions from the old-school NDS vibes it provides, and while you could just leave lighting off to achieve the same, I respect the optimization on show here regardless.

Features

In many ways, the dual-screen properties of the Flip DS serve as multiple features, especially when you throw the functionality of Ayaspace 2.0 into the mix. Ayaneo’s management software has come an incredibly long way since I first started testing the maker’s handhelds, and the software ultimately turns the device’s 3.5-inch panel into a Swiss-army touchscreen. 

Before we chat about using the dual screens to play excellent Nintendo capers, I want to dive into the functionality side of things. As I mentioned previously, the 3.5-inch display works just like any other secondary monitor on Windows 11, so you can use it to display virtually anything you’d like. In practice, trying to do that manually is a pain, which is why the handheld comes with Ayaspace functions that help automatically display things on the screen as well as provide quick access to performance monitoring and settings, not unlike the Ayaneo Mini PC AM02. 

I like to moan a lot about the compatibility gap inherent to Windows 11 handhelds, but this dual-screen approach actually helps build more of a bridge than any other device out there, making the experience much less aggravating. Did you forget to toggle the portable PC from power-saving mode to extreme? You’ll be able to do it without minimizing anything. Can’t get the on-screen keyboard to pop up? There’s a button in the quick menu for that. 

Essentially, Ayaneo’s software and the secondary screen will save you from having to navigate through annoying apps to tweak or fix settings, and I think I’d struggle to use Windows 11 on the go without it. You’ll still be able to dive into Ayaspace 2.0 either from the desktop or using the dedicated button for more complex options, but you won’t have to think about that 99% of the time. 

Performance

Alright, I’ve kept you waiting long enough – let’s talk about playing games on the Ayaneo Flip DS. It feels only right to start with the 3DS side of things, as it’s the thing that could help you decide between this handheld and other options. As a spoiler, let me just say that replaying some of my favorites on this extremely premium portable is incredible, and I’ll struggle to go back to using my faithful original. 

For my tests, I selected a few 3DS games from my collection and ran them through Citra – a reliable emulator. I eased the Flip DS gently into the road test by going with Bravely Default first, as the RPG is rated ‘perfect’ for compatibility by users. Without a hitch, I was able to launch into the Square Enix adventure and easily assign the touchscreen to the secondary display, all while automatically scaling the resolution up to match the handheld. 

As I anticipated, the role-playing romp managed to maintain full speed thanks to its compatibility and the sheer horsepower of Ayaneo’s handheld. A fantastic result by any means, but I figured I should try and make the portable PC sweat with something a little less optimized. I took that as the perfect excuse to finally replay The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – a game that is seemingly just “great” when using Citra.

Occasional momentary stutters aside, Link’s 3D adventure felt solid on the Flip DS, and being able to easily mimic the OG console’s touchscreen helped me forget I was even emulating the adventure. This exact sensation is what I was hoping Ayaneo’s portable would provide; fool me into believing that we somehow got a new 3DS in 2024 with the same high-spec feature you’d find in a handheld gaming PC. 

There are a few examples of games that aren’t Citra-friendly, and using the emulator’s rating system can provide a heads-up. Rather than jumping too far down that rabbit hole, I dipped into Rayman 3D for a sense of how the Flip DS handles an “okay” rated adventure. The game is actually perfectly playable, and most of the disruption was tied to audio glitches and emulation quirks rather than frame drops. In other words, I think you’ve got as good a chance of running problematic entries to your library using Ayaneo’s handheld than any.

I do have some slightly heart-breaking news when it comes to original Nintendo DS emulation, but the Flip DS isn’t at fault. For whatever reason, emulators like DeSmuME for Windows won’t allow you to split primary and secondary screens, meaning Ayaneo’s handheld can’t separate them. You can weirdly split things up on Mac, but the emulator simply displays two joined-together boxes on Windows 11. If I manage to get some time in with a workaround, I’ll update you all on how NDS games fair on the device.

It’s time to remove our heads from the retro clouds and talk about PC performance. After all, we are talking about a handheld with a powerhouse Ryzen APU and a bucketload of RAM. For those unfamiliar with my benchmarking routine, I use the same collection of games to test portable PCs every time, which is handy since it gives us a direct comparison to the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and the Ayaneo 2S. 

The latter uses the same AMD Ryzen 7840U chipset as the Flip DS, with the exception being that it runs at 28W max rather than a 33W TDP. Not a huge power difference, and while that was somewhat reflected in my final benchmarks, I even managed to gain a few frames in unexpected places. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 managed to boost fps ever so slightly, while Hitman 3 was down a tad with low settings enabled. 

That’s enough for me to conclude that performance will be on par with Ayaneo’s other 7840U handhelds, and that translates to far punchier performance than the Steam Deck. Not entirely surprising considering the price difference, but it also means it edges just slightly ahead of the ROG Ally’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. Put it this way, you should see largely the same frame rates using something like the Ally X as you would the Flip DS across most games.

Where things get really spicy is with battery life, as I was only able to get about an an hour and a half out of the Flip DS when running newer releases. I was able to stretch that to 2.5 hours with Indies like Another Crab's Treasure, but we're still faced with the same short-lived play sessions as the Steam Deck and OG ROG Ally. It hammers home why the Ally X opted for a 80Wh battery, and it's something more handheld makers will need to consider with new models.

Should you buy the Ayaneo Flip DS? 

If the Nintendo 3DS is your favorite console, and you just so happen to be in the market for a handheld gaming PC, then picking up the Ayaneo Flip DS is a no-brainer. It’ll make your bank account weep with its premium price tag, and other portable systems can match the 7840U version on performance. What most rivals can’t really pull off is simulating the hardware experience of playing Ninty’s dual-screen games using an emulator, and that’s something worth investing in.

This might be a hot take, but I honestly think Nintendo should take notes for the Switch 2, as the handheld’s successor could draw influence from the Ayaneo Flip DS by adding a secondary screen and premium features like hall-effect sticks to its next console.  

How I tested the Ayaneo Flip DS

For two months, I used the Ayaneo Flip DS as my main handheld gaming PC for both Steam and Epic Game Store games. In that time, I used Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Returnal to test the device’s frame rate capabilities, but I also used the 3DS emulator Citra to play a selection of my collection on the device to test its dual-screen capabilities. 

Throughout my time using the Flip DS, I also carefully assessed the handheld’s controls against other handhelds like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. Doing so helped me assess the experience it provides in terms of portable gaming and whether its unique clamshell form factor comes with any caveats. 

For more information on how we test gaming handhelds and other portable devices, take a peek at our GamesRadar+ hardware policy. 

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In short, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a DisplayPort 1.4 cable handy (Sony doesn’t supply this in the box), a PC or laptop meeting the minimum recommended specs, and a Bluetooth adapter that’s actually going to run with the PSVR 2’s controllers. For some reason, Sony’s Bluetooth difficulties (see PlayStation Portal for more woes) continue even with one of the best VR headsets - so this is a particular sticking point at the moment.  

We're rounding up everything you'll need to get up and running with the PSVR 2 PC adapter just below.

1. PSVR 2 PC adapter

Of course, before you go any further you’ll need to pick up the actual adapter. Sony’s PSVR 2 PC Adapter will be available from a range of retailers at a $59.99 / £49.99 price point.  

2. The right PC

You’ll need a relatively recent gaming PC or gaming laptop to run the PSVR 2 via the official adapter. Sony outlined its base recommendations in a recent blog post.  

Sony’s minimum recommended specs are conservative, with the Intel Core i5-7600 / Ryzen 3 3100 CPU and GTX 1650 / Radeon RX 5500 XT / 6500 XT estimates looking easily doable for most players. However, for optimal performance, it’s worth noting that you’ll want a machine running at least an RTX 3060 or Radeon RX 6600 XT. Any mid-range gaming PC or laptop produced in the last four years will generally be fine. 

If, however, you’re at the older end of that spectrum it’s worth checking your RAM. 8GB is Sony’s minimum requirement, but a good few Steam VR titles benefit massively from the extra overhead 16GB provides. Some cheaper gaming laptops and PCs would have been shipping with 8GB RAM a few years ago - a practice that has been pretty much eradicated these days. 8GB might be a good benchmark, but in my experience you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a bit more memory to play with. 

3. DisplayPort 1.4

Next you’ll need to actually connect the adapter to your gaming PC or gaming laptop. That means first checking that your rig supports DisplayPort 1.4. In general, Intel machines released after 2021 (with Intel’s 11th generation processors) are a safe bet for DisplayPort 1.4 - just check for the logo next to the port in question (or a USB-C port on a laptop) to make sure your machine supports the tech. If you’re unsure, double check with your manufacturer’s specs page; the version of DisplayPort will be listed in the ports / connections section. 

Once you know you’re good to go, you’ll need to pick up a cable. It’s worth investing here - the length, speed, and coating of the cable can all have an impact on your overall experience. Longer options can run the risk of slowing things down, lowering the picture quality, while cheaper rubber cables can quickly degrade over time. They’re not pricey, so it’s pretty easy to pick up a solid piece of wire. I’d recommend capping your search at around 6ft of cable, and if your setup allows for it, even less. Ivanky’s 3.3ft DisplayPort 1.4 cable will get you there for just over $15 at Amazon, with speedy 4K 144Hz transfers and a durable braided design. The 6.6ft model goes just over the recommended upper limit for cable length, but if you have a tricky setup it might be necessary (and it’s currently on sale for just $7.19 at Amazon).  

If you’re planning on using the PSVR 2 PC Adapter with a gaming laptop, you’ll likely need to look into a DisplayPort 1.4 USB-C cable. Very few laptops ship with a full DisplayPort connection, but models from the last couple of years (again, check for the logo next to your USB-C ports) will offer 1.4 compatibility. 

A Bluetooth adapter… maybe 

There’s a familiar hitch in Sony’s plan, a villain we’ve met before. For some reason, the brand still struggles with easy Bluetooth implementation, with some early reports from the folks over at Eurogamer suggesting that the PSVR 2’s controllers are a little picky when it comes to which Bluetooth adapters they’ll work with. Sony has a list of four Bluetooth adapters that its system has been running with during its own testing (though still notes on this page that "operation is not guaranteed." I’d wait this one out - grab your PSVR 2 PC adapter and DisplayPort cable, and see if your system’s pre-existing Bluetooth adapter works with the controls. If it doesn’t, two of Sony’s seemingly confirmed-it-works recommendations are easily available at Amazon.  

Once you’ve got everything in hand you’re ready to go. Simply connect all the pieces, rev up the PSVR Steam app, pair your controllers and get playing. The PC experience does differ slightly from PSVR 2’s native PS5 support. Sony has already stated there’s no eye-tracking technology at play here, though foveated rendering is still available. The system also drops HDR, haptic feedback, and the controllers’ adaptive triggers. Rumble, see-through view, 3D audio (though not via Sony’s Tempest engine), and the system’s full 4K resolution all remain intact.  

Playing for Meta’s team? You’ll find our full guide to all the best Meta Quest accessories available now. Or, take a look at the best PS5 controllers and best PS5 headsets for more Sony gear.  

In a comment made on the original subreddit, Lenovo's senior gaming product manager Ben Myers says that the error was "probably as innocent as an FAQ document written at launch last year," confirming that the information is both incorrect and not a reference to an upcoming or existing handheld. Myers also admits that it was overlooked until highlighted in the reddit thread, which prompted the company to take the section down.

As for whether the copy was AI-generated, it still feels likely that generating the FAQ section using a tool was to blame. How the Q&A was created is less important than the fact that it didn't actually contain a reference to a yet-to-be announced Legion Go Lite, so we'll need to wait a little longer to see if Lenovo will actually release a new device.

Original story:

I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but the latest Lenovo Legion Go Lite rumors might be the result of AI inaccuracies. By that, I mean that we’ve checked the information on the company’s FAQ page that hints at the new handheld, and there’s reason to believe that the specs and features mentioned are likely the result of mistakes caused by auto-generated answers.

I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if a Lenovo Legion Go Lite does eventually join the best gaming handheld fight, and I previously shared rumors of a smaller version back in May. Those previous whispers failed to deliver on any potential specs, so when new information surfaced over the weekend regarding actual features, I thought we might be onto something.

The most recent spot comes courtesy of the LegionGo subreddit, with a post highlighting parts of the handheld’s now-removed FAQ page that hint at a new handheld. Specifically, a section titled “What size is the Legion GO display?” claims that the portable PC “comes with a 7-inch or 8-inch display, offering a compact yet immersive visual experience for gaming and multimedia content.”  

2 New Legion Go models coming soon!? from r/LegionGo

Another section suggests the handheld has an HDMI port, while the page also states that the Legion Go uses dual cooling fans. At face value, it feels like the Q&A is referring to an unannounced version of Lenovo’s handheld that’s both smaller, has a new thermal system, and a full-sized HDMI port, but parts of the copy - like rounding the original’s 8.8-inch screen down - triggered alarm bells in my head. 

Careless AI whispers?

At first, I did believe the information was referring to a new device while also featuring some inaccuracies about the current Legion Go. However, the more I read, I started to think it sounded an awful lot like the kind of assumptions caused by auto-generated AI answers. To check whether using something like Google Gemini would provide me with similar answers to the FAQ, I asked the tool the same questions in addition to checking the page’s text using an AI checker. 

The result? Well, Quillbot reports that 82% of the section is “likely AI-generated”, with ZeroGPT giving back an 88.37% reading and Merlin claiming 88%. Admittedly, there’s a chance the tool used the existing FAQ page to fulfill my request, but one question in particular conjured up the same error about Legion Go having dual fans while citing other sources and admitting that it was wrong. 

Simply put, the use of AI backs up the idea that the hints at a new Legion Go Lite are actually just auto-generated mistakes rather than based on an in-development Lenovo product. The hypothesis here is that the company used a tool like Google Gemini or ChatGPT to whip up FAQ answers for the handheld’s page, but due to the way these tools work, the answers include conflated facts potentially relating to other devices out there.

Upon asking Gemini “How does the Lenovo Legion Go handle heat management during intense gaming sessions?” the AI tool provided me with a bunch of bullet points, including one that reads “Dual Fans: Two fans work in tandem to expel hot air from the system.” The answer also weirdly includes a link to a Notebookcheck article that doesn’t mention the device using two fans. So where did the information come from?  

I then asked Gemini where it got the part about the Go having dual fans, and the AI admitted that it was mistaken, stating that it “may have conflated information from other gaming devices.” Naturally, the fact this answer matches the one in the FAQ could be a mere coincidence or pulled from the very page in question. That said, the fact that the content likely originates from an AI tool in the first place adds clout to the argument that the whole Legion Go Lite rumor is based on a perpetuated AI-generated mistake.  

As a disclaimer, I want to stress that I can’t be 100% sure AI was used to write Lenovo’s FAQ, so I’ve reached out to Lenovo for some insight. For now, I want to highlight the fact that if it was involved in creating the content, it likely means none of the information relates to a “yet-to-be-announced” Legion Go Lite.

I’ll be quite happy to sing the “I’m Phil and I was wrong” song if it turns out a new dual-fan handheld with an HDMI port and 7-inch screen arrives on the scene. Until then, I’m going to assume the FAQ is referring to a fictional mish-mash of other devices mentioned online.

Already got Valve’s handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons. Alternatively, check out the best gaming laptop for powerhouse systems. 

Already, I can hear some groans coming at me. “Another” streaming service usually means starting with a clean slate of no games to play, no saved progress, and investing in an entirely new gaming ecosystem. GeForce NOW is built different though, because it collates all of your gaming libraries from the likes of Steam, Epic, and Xbox into one collection you can stream to pretty much any device you’d want to game on. 

As someone who’s tested NVIDIA’s graphics cards first-hand, I can tell you that while its DLSS tech and clever Lovelace architecture is no short of revolutionary – it’s admittedly too expensive for a legion of gamers to afford. Moreover, if you don’t play on a PC or Laptop, that hardware won’t do you any favours. GeForce NOW extends a hand to gamers on a budget because you don’t need to afford beefy hardware to benefit from NVIDIA’s benefits – the subscription service brings it to you. 

For mobile gamers, for example, this is huge. Where an aging phone might struggle to run the latest open-world RPGs, if it can connect to the internet, GeForce NOW can have it running like you’re playing on the highest-end gaming rig. Frame stutters, overheats, and crashes need never bug you again, because GeForce NOW leaves all of the processing and power demands to its side of the connection. 

So just how affordable is this budget-performance? To begin with, you can actually use GeForce NOW for free, if you’d like. You won’t get the best frame rates, but you will be able to bundle your libraries together and start playing (as long as you don’t mind adverts). If you want a bit more of a DLSS bite, the summer sale NVIDIA is currently running means you’ll be able to grab RTX 4060 performance for £4.99 per month. The Ultimate tier is usually £19.99 per month, but it does get you RTX 4080, 4K performance for a monthly fee. A 50% discount brings that S-rank gaming experience down to £9.99. 

You could think about lifetime costs versus just buying an NVIDIA 40 Series GPU, but given the price of current-gen PC components, it’ll still be a long time before you overlap those costs. Furthermore, PC gamers with an RTX 4080 can’t take it with them on the train? A GeForce NOW subscription lets you carry on your gaming session if you’re in the house playing on an aging PC, when you’re playing on your phone on a train, or when you’re using a streaming stick with your TV. It makes NVIDIA’s gaming power more versatile, and if you’re a mobile gamer, you gain access to hundreds of games, depending on the libraries you’re linking. 

For one-month and six-month subscriptions, the summer sale NVIDIA is running makes this streaming service half-price until August 18. Those kinds of prices won’t just come around every season, so it’s worth jumping on a deal like that while it’s running.

Over at Amazon right now, the Galax GeForce RTX 4070 Super is down to $559.99 from $599.99 thanks to a 20% discount. This deal is impressive on multiple fronts, as it brings the graphics card well under MSRP, destroys any notion of elevated custom GPU price tags, and establishes a new record low price for the component. The offer also means the card is now just $10 more than most OG RTX 4070 models out there and beats out previous reductions that brought things down to around $580. 

It is worth noting that this specific Galax RTX 4070 normally has some sort of discount applied, which in turn means it hasn’t ever worn its apparent full $700 price tag. Still, if you ignore the MSRP shenanigans and compare trending prices, it proves itself to be a worthy deal that will help mid-range players boost fps without drifting into premium GPU territory. 

Should you buy the RTX 4070 Super?

Out of all the best graphics card contenders out there right now, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super is the one I’d recommend to the average PC player. it’s more expensive than I’d like 70-class GPUs to be in 2024, but I’ve made peace with the fact that it strikes a fairly nice balance in terms of price and performance. While I’ve recommended the OG RTX 4070 in the past thanks to its cheaper price point and similar specs, the CUDA core increase and resulting frame rate bump are well worth paying $10 extra for.

Rather than just assuming that this mid-range graphics card will meet your needs, I’d strongly recommend thinking about your specific PC setup and future ambitions first. If you’ve got a 1440p gaming monitor and are largely hoping to stick to QHD resolutions, then the RTX 4070 Super will help you max out settings in most games for now. You’ll even be able to pull off some lighter 4K gaming and ray tracing if you take advantage of DLSS, as this card has full access to Nvidia’s suite of AI upscaling tools. 

I’ve used my fair share of 70-class GPUs in the past, and the RTX 4070 Super is the card I’d probably pick up if building a mid-range PC in 2024. That said, Nvidia’s middle-tier options do normally age faster than their premium offerings, which could be an issue if you’re susceptible to frame rate FOMO. Like it or not, the RTX 5090 and its next-gen siblings will soon arrive on the scene, bringing with them a new performance standard better suited to new releases. 

Does that mean the RTX 4070 Super won’t be able to keep up performance-wise? Of course not, but the eventual RTX 5070 should outpace it in terms of frame rates. If that bothers you, holding off until the end of the year (or potentially 2025) might be worthwhile. 

I personally think doing that will simply rob you of a great 1440p experience right now that will produce excellent results in Steam games old and new. Nvidia brings out beefier revisions of GPUs fairly frequently, and if I put off upgrading my rig so as not to miss out on the latest card, I’d probably still be using the GTX 970 graphics card I bought ten years ago.  

Looking for a system that’s hot to go? Swing by the best gaming PC and best Alienware gaming PC for high-spec rigs. Alternatively, check out the best gaming handheld for something you can take on your travels. 

I’ve been a big fan of the Backbone controller ever since its release. It felt like it was designed specifically for my situation, and for a lot of people, it’s the best mobile controller for that reason. However, it’s hard to deny that it lacks certain appealing features that other big hitters have taken a swing at. GameSir’s G8 Galileo is more ergonomic and has two back buttons, which helped it earn our title of the “backbone breaker.”

The GameSir X4 Aileron takes that same swing in a more portable form factor and produces a controller that says “Anything you can do, I can do better”.  It does so at $99.99/£99.99, which puts it exactly even with Backbone’s signature controller.

Design

My biggest issue with the Backbone One controller and most mobile controllers I have tested is how small they feel in hand, leading me to give up on gaming sessions much quicker than I would if I were playing on a console. However, I’ve not found that to be the case for the GameSir X4 Aileron. This is in large part due to the more substantial size given to the grips which are formed to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand. Not only that but they feature a textured plastic coating meaning that you’re unlikely to have the controller slip out of your hands. 

When it comes to mobile controllers you will often struggle to find full-sized, or close to full-size, thumbsticks. Generally, you’ll find something half the size, like the Backbone’s tiny nubs. So you don’t have to be locked into only one stick size, GameSir provides you with three different options in Alieron’s box. It comes default with a smaller-than-regular Xbox-style thumbstick but in its very handy travel case, you’ll also find the options for full-sized Xbox-style sticks as well as the Backbone-style ones. I tested all three and found the full-size ones to be the most comfortable and the most appealing for long gaming sessions. Regardless of which thumbstick style you choose, you’ll be using GameSir’s Hall Effect sticks when gaming, something which you’d expect to find on the best PC controllers, so it’s nice to have here. 

GameSir has gone for the seemingly industry-standard layout of offset thumbsticks. I’m not always a fan of this as it can often lead to cramps and a sore thumb on a smaller controller, especially in games that require heavy use of the camera controls.

Features

You’ll find Xbox layout face buttons which can be customized and swapped very easily to the Switch layout thanks to their magnetic attachment. Regardless of which layout you choose, you’ll feel a very satisfying click from them due to them being tactile micro-switch buttons. This goes for the D-pad and the bumpers too. Additionally, at the rear of the controller, you’ll feel two mappable buttons perfectly placed where your middle fingers should lie when using the controller. 

The GameSir X4 Aileron bucks the trend of having a spine that holds both halves of the controller together. Instead, GameSir has opted for a more Nintendo Switch Joy-Con-style design. Two halves magnetically clip together for storage and charging, which can be done so via the USB-C port at the base of the left controller, and pull apart for you to attach to your phone.

Attaching is very simple, you place the phone inside the green GameSir clips which turns on the controller and connects it via Bluetooth to start your gaming session. However, this is not compatible with phone cases and certain handsets will either be too large or too thin - I used a Samsung Galaxy S21 and found the controller to feel flimsy and very loose despite the added rubber padding that GameSir provides. Despite being Bluetooth, I was unable to connect the device to my iPhone 14 Pro Max and have it register as a game device. In fairness, it is advertised as an Android-only device so that is expected, but it is strange that there isn’t iPhone compatibility at all.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a nifty piece of gaming tech if it didn’t feature some form of RGB. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of it, I wasn’t offended by it here. Each thumbstick is surrounded by a ring of RGB which actually adds a nice finish to the controller.

Performance

As previously mentioned, the GameSir X4 Aileron features two rear mappable buttons which is a feature that I’ve been wanting for a long time on a mobile controller - you find them on all the best Xbox Series X controllers, and even on the best PS5 controllers, so why not for mobile gaming? This was probably my favorite feature of the controller. It really brought together my mobile gaming sessions, making them more comfortable and more like a console experience. Despite sitting almost perfectly where your middle finger sits when holding the controller, I did find them to be a little small, and in high-stress situations in FPS games I did struggle to find them occasionally, this is despite the slight texturing they have. 

The buttons themselves are mappable via the on-board ‘M’ button and are very straightforward. This feature I used extensively to change up my tactics on the fly in games to allow me to have the most comfortable experience. While playing Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora via Amazon Luna, I would assign each back button the corresponding Thumbstick click input, so I had my sprint and melee controls within reach at all times - clicking thumbsticks in is something I find very difficult on mobile controllers, so this was the solution.

Hall Effect, full-sized thumbsticks on a mobile controller are a great addition and really make this pad stand out compared to its biggest rivals including the Backbone One. I often find hall sticks very sensitive and the same went for here, but that was very easy to tweak in-game settings or the GameSir app which allowed me to tweak their deadzones. The biggest downside for me was the offset design. I'm someone with slightly larger hands and I found it to be uncomfortable for long gaming sessions, especially as the right stick is placed so low on the right pad that my thumb would hurt after a while. I understand why they would target that design, especially when it's seemingly industry standard, and with the device aimed at Xbox Cloud Gaming, you want a layout that is familiar for those players. It just didn’t work for me.

Alongside cramp, I found because of where it was placed my palm would often nudge the stick when trying to click face buttons. It’s a small annoyance but one that did cost me a couple of times in FPS games such as Call of Duty Mobile as my camera was not pointing where I wanted it to be.

Going into testing the GameSir X4 Aileron, my biggest concern was latency. This controller does not connect to your phone via USB-C and instead, it’s all done via Bluetooth. Thankfully, it was seemingly indistinguishable 99% of the time for both native and cloud gaming. My inputs were received perfectly and in very quick fashion, so much so I couldn’t measure any input lag at all. Aside from one situation when playing The Crew MotorFest via Amazon Luna, I found that controlling the car to have a slight delay but I believe this to be internet/server issues as I went and tried it on my Backbone One controller straight after and I experienced the same lag there.

I’m someone who absolutely adores the Backbone controller, it was a revelation when I purchased it, and it allowed me to take my gaming on the go while not compromising on the experience, I thought it couldn’t get better than that. However, it’s clear that after spending time with the GameSir X4 Aileron, it does get better and mobile controllers are going from strength to strength.

Should you buy the GameSir X4 Aileron? 

As I said, I loved the Backbone One but it’s hard to deny it now lacks key features that you should find in the best controllers on the market. All of those key features can be found on the GameSir X4 Aileron, making me ask myself if I’ll ever go back to the Backbone.

My biggest issue with that, however, is that the GameSir X4 Aileron has no support for the iPhone despite it being a Bluetooth connection - perhaps this will change in the future but it doesn’t look like it'll come anytime soon. If you’re an Android user and are looking for a change or a larger controller at the same price as a Backbone then I’d recommend it. If you have slightly smaller hands than normal and don’t mind the offset sticks then I’d suggest you purchase it.

However, if you want the best possible mobile controller that gives you the closest experience to playing on a console as one can, you might want to check out the GameSir G8 Galileo, or the Razer Kishi Ultra. Either way, the GameSir X4 Aileron is one of the best mobile gaming experiences on the market and is worth your money.

 How we tested the GameSir X4 Aileron 

I tested the GameSir X4 Aileron for roughly a month and used it as my primary way to play games for a week and a half of that time while using a Samsung Galaxy S21. I played through the first 12 hours of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora via Amazon Luna exclusively using the GameSir X4 Aileron while also playing Forza Horizon 5 for approximately 5 hours via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Alongside cloud gaming, I extensively played Call of Duty Mobile natively on the phone.

Throughout my testing, I often compared it directly to the Backbone One controller due to it being one of the market leaders.

For more on how we test the latest gaming gear, check out our Hardware Policy.

To get more platform-specific, check out the best PS5 controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch controllers.