This $1,700 handheld gaming device is a delight for Evangelion enthusiasts.

      OneXPlayer

      The OneXPlayer X1 Pro has returned to the market with a new design inspired by anime, enhanced internal components, and a surprisingly steep price. If you haven’t seen this handheld before, it resembles a fusion of the Microsoft Surface and the Nintendo Switch — and this version seems as though it emerged from an anime convention focused on Evangelion.

      Besides functioning as a gaming handheld, it also serves as a 2-in-1 PC. A kickstand on the back allows you to prop up the screen, and it includes a detachable keyboard — also themed after Evangelion — that can be easily removed. The gamepads on either side of the screen lend it a quirky appearance akin to a bug with disproportionately small wings, but they can be detached to be utilized as a gamepad.

      This is likely beneficial since the device features a 10.95-inch display. While OneXPlayer hasn't specified the exact weight, it’s hard to imagine it being comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions with such a size. It boasts an impressive 64GB of RAM and 2TB of internal storage — ample space for all your favorite games and every iteration of Evangelion you can think of.

      The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, an upgrade from the original model’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The display supports up to 120Hz, reaches a maximum brightness of 540 nits, and has a 2.5K HD resolution. It also includes a 65wH battery with 100W fast charging to keep you energized during gameplay.

      Keep in mind that this variant is a limited edition, so availability may be limited. While the specifications are indeed impressive, it's uncertain if they justify the $1,650 price tag. That’s enough to purchase a fairly high-end gaming PC (or 3.5 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles), and the notable distinction from the base model appears to be its anime theme.

      Nevertheless, the original OneXPlayer X1 Pro isn't significantly cheaper, with a starting price of $1,500 (currently $1,360 on sale). This handheld is more of a novelty, but it remains an interesting piece of hardware regardless.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Metal: Hellsinger leads Xbox Game Pass' September offerings

      

      With the start of a new month comes the arrival of fresh games on Xbox Game Pass for cloud, console, and PC. As usual, the new lineup features several titles, but the standout for September is undoubtedly Metal: Hellsinger, a first-person shooter that transforms Doom into a rhythm game.

      JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R enhances an already excellent fighting game

      

      While Street Fighter 6 garnered much attention at Summer Game Fest Play Days, another fighting game also caught my interest. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R, based on the immensely popular and meme-filled anime and manga series, impressed me at the event. Originally released in Japan in 2013, the first JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle received a rare perfect score from the well-known Japanese publication Famitsu. While anime fighting games can vary greatly in quality, this title was regarded as one of the better entries, thanks to its engaging and rewarding gameplay.

      JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R carries on the legacy of the original by being an enhanced remaster that offers more than just updated visuals. It introduces new characters, voice acting, and gameplay adjustments that almost give it the feel of a new game. Since the 2013 release, both JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and the fighting game genre have increased in popularity. Fortunately, my demo indicated that this fighting game has aged remarkably well.

      Although JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R does not feature a remake-level visual overhaul, fans will appreciate many of the visual enhancements and the overall beauty of the game. Even on a PS4, it was one of the most visually impressive titles at Summer Game Fest Play Days. The anime’s distinct art style and its cast of overly muscular characters translate seamlessly into the fighting game format. Executing special moves you’ve seen in the manga and anime or triggering a stand ability yourself is incredibly satisfying, as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R showcases them with remarkable detail.

      The voiceovers and character models have also been updated to align with the voice acting and styles fans recall from the anime. As there are few video games based on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, it is refreshing to see this one take extra care to honor the source material and build upon the original release. However, strong graphics can only carry a fighting game so far; gameplay mechanics ultimately determine its success.

      Fortunately, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R is very enjoyable to play.

      The original 2013 version was a 3D fighting game