If you’re a fan of quirky collectibles, retro games, or hands-on engineering, there’s something delightfully charming about bringing digital icons into the real world. That’s exactly what happened when a creative maker decided to pay homage to the infamously addictive Flappy Bird by building a mechanical, fully playable version. Flappy Bird took the mobile gaming world by storm in the early 2010s, captivating players with its deceptively simple gameplay and pixelated charm. When the game disappeared from app stores, it became even more of a legend as we remembered it with as part nostalgia, part challenge, and, for some, a collector’s holy grail.

Since a lot of things that were hugely popular back “in the day” are now considered cool and retro, it’s not a surprise that some people would try to bring it back in some form or another. Some would probably just be content with re-creating the app and bringing it back to the digital world but there are some creative people out there that would rather bring it up to another level. If you look at Engineezy’s YouTube channel, you’ll see a lot of truly creative and detailed builds so it’s no wonder he came up with something like this.

Designer: Engineezy

So what if you could play Flappy Bird without a screen? That’s where the mechanical version swoops in. This project reimagines Flappy Bird as a physical arcade game, ensuring that the fun and eventual frustration never have to vanish into digital obscurity. This isn’t just a static display or a cute homage. The mechanical Flappy Bird game is completely playable. Instead of tapping a screen, you mash a real button to keep your bird aloft. The “pipes” you need to dodge are 3D-printed and mounted on a rotating conveyor system, which randomly adjusts their height, just like in the original game. The moving obstacles and the bird’s flapping action are all brought to life with motors and clever mechanical design, capturing the spirit of early electromechanical arcade games.

For collectors and makers, the use of 3D printing, custom electronics, and physical craftsmanship gives this project a unique, tactile appeal. It’s not just memorabilia but is more interactive art. Imagine having this on your shelf, ready to challenge friends or just to marvel at the ingenuity. Flappy Bird’s legacy is part of gaming folklore, and owning a piece of it, especially in such a novel form, connects us to that history. Whether you’re hosting a game night or showing off your collection, a mechanical Flappy Bird is sure to get guests talking. If you’re always hunting for something different to add to your collection, or if you love the blend of art, technology, and nostalgia, this project offers all three in one charming package.

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After years of speculation and a few tense months packed with tariff twists, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally made its debut. In almost every way, Nintendo’s latest console is a true step up, delivering improved hardware, sleek new features, and a design that feels refreshingly modern. But if you were hoping Nintendo would finally come around to the idea of letting gamers fix their own machines, iFixit’s teardown has some sobering news.

Gaming consoles have always been a bit of a locked garden, but Nintendo’s stance on repairability is almost legendary. Mods, third-party repairs, and even basic battery swaps have all been met with stubborn resistance. iFixit’s latest investigation makes it clear that, despite all the impressive progress in performance and build, Nintendo hasn’t budged on this front. With Switch 2s flying off shelves and restocks still tough to find, you might want to treat yours with more care than ever if you want to avoid the headache of repairs, or worse, the heartbreak of having to buy a new one.

Designer: Nintendo (via iFixit)

In the Wild West of handheld gaming, there are no hard rules for how these pocket-sized powerhouses are put together. Every brand seems to chart its own course, and Nintendo is no exception. The inside of the Switch 2 is a fortress of glued and soldered parts, designed to keep out all but the most determined tinkerers. Even components that are notorious for wearing out, like USB ports and batteries, are locked down tight. If you thought the dock would be simple, think again, it is a complex puzzle of screws and plastic that offers little comfort to those hoping for easy fixes.

One hot topic for hardcore players is the Joy-Con sticks. Despite years of complaints about stick drift, Nintendo stuck with the same old technology. There is still a chance that some magic behind the scenes will make the problem go away, but without Hall Effect sticks, it is hard not to worry that history will repeat itself.

Still, it is not all doom and gloom. Some parts, like the fan and the headphone jack, are modular and easier to swap out. There is also plenty of metal reinforcing the chassis, giving the Switch 2 a sturdier feel than the featherweight plastic of its predecessor. But with a repairability score of just 3 out of 10, iFixit’s verdict is clear: handle your new gaming sidekick with care, because getting it fixed won’t be easy.

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Desks have a way of collecting clutter, no matter how organized you intend to be. Pens, cables, and headphones, all seem to find their own place, usually right in the middle of everything you need to get done. That is where the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock comes in, promising not just a home for your essentials but a splash of color and personality too. It is not just for gamers, but anyone who wants a desk that feels as lively as it is tidy.

The first thing you notice about the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock is its two-faced charm. One side is a modular pegboard, studded with holes for hooks and pegs. The other is a full LED panel, ready to light up your workspace with color-changing effects or gentle ambient glows. Flip it around depending on your mood, or keep your favorite side facing out for a steady boost of energy or calm.

Designer: Nanoleaf

Unlike ordinary desk organizers, this pegboard does not work that well with traditional trays or bins. Instead, it shines when paired with hanging containers, hooks, and clever little baskets. That means your headphones, keys, cables, and even your fancy new Nintendo Switch 2 are always within reach, but your desk surface stays blissfully open. It is a small touch, but it makes a big difference if you are tired of knocking over cup holders or fishing for lost USB drives under piles of paper.

The lighting side is where the fun really starts. Nanoleaf’s signature LED effects can be customized using their desktop app, so your desk can match your workday vibe or just show off for visitors. The colors can pulse, ripple, or flow in patterns, giving you everything from a relaxing waterfall to a retro lava lamp effect. It is the kind of feature that makes late-night work sessions or virtual meetings just a little more bearable. Sadly, that app is only available for desktop computers, leaving smartphones out of the party.

Practical touches round out the package. The base of the dock includes both USB-C and USB-A ports, letting you charge a phone, connect a tablet, or power up any gadget you need. Everything stays plugged in, but cables disappear into the background, leaving your desk as neat as it is bright. The hooks themselves are sturdy, holding up to three pounds, so you can trust your favorite headphones or even a small plant to stay put.

The Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock is not just for show, though it does look good doing its job. It hits that sweet spot where fun and usefulness meet, giving you a colorful reason to keep your space organized. Whether you are a gamer, a student, a designer, or just a fan of cheerful order, this playful desk dock makes every day at your desk a little brighter and a lot less messy.

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Handheld gaming continues to evolve, but few devices manage to push boundaries quite like AYANEO’s new Flip 1S DS. With its bold dual-screen design, premium internals, and productivity-focused features, it presents a compelling alternative in a crowded field, one that could shift expectations for what a portable PC gaming experience can deliver.

AYANEO’s latest device, the Flip 1S DS, elevates its dual‑screen handheld concept first seen with the Flip DS, which itself is a bold reinterpretation of Nintendo’s clamshell design. That earlier model, inspired by a different Nintendo star, introduced the novelty of two intimate screens combined with a controller layout reminiscent of classic gaming systems. The new Flip 1S DS retains this nostalgic form but adds serious high-end specs to the equation.

Designer: Ayaneo

Central to the clampshell gadget is a 7-inch OLED primary display offering 1080p resolution (aspect ratio of 16:9), a rapid 144 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness around 800 nits. A secondary 4.5-inch IPS screen with 1620×1080 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio enhances multitasking and retro-gaming scenarios. Color accuracy and visual clarity appear well‑balanced for both gaming immersion and productivity tasks. Performance improvements are considerable with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, the Flip 1S DS delivers a twelve-core, twenty‑four‑thread setup with clocks up to 5.1 GHz.

That places it ahead of the eight-core Ryzen Z2 Extreme used in ASUS’s upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X. Users should experience robust performance across demanding AAA titles and seamless multitasking, and built-in AI helps balance power and efficiency. Thermal management is handled via a hybrid cooling assembly featuring both a vapor chamber and active fan system, engineered to sustain performance and prevent throttling during intense sessions. AYANEO also deploys its custom AYASpace 3.0 interface, improving usability with quick controls, performance profiles, and a “Snowfield” toggle for transitioning between desktop and gaming environments.

The physical design uses CNC-machined metal, offering structural solidity and a refined aesthetic. An ergonomic stepless hinge supports versatile viewing angles, and controller inputs include stick drift-resistant TMR joysticks and tactile buttons suited for extended play. An optical finger mouse embedded in the bottom screen enhances cursor control in Windows, facilitating navigation without attaching external peripherals. Storage and memory options remain flexible, likely starting at 512 GB of M.2 SSD (2230 form factor) with user-replaceable expansion possibilities. AYANEO also ensures battery longevity, with a module in the 11,600 mAh range, comparable to other premium handhelds.

Comparing this to the ROG Xbox Ally X, the Flip 1S DS leverages a more capable chipset and a dual‑screen configuration that may appeal to retro and multitask‑centric gamers. The Ally X, meanwhile, offers broader console and PC ecosystem access, strong ergonomics, and native Xbox branding, though some early impressions indicate it may feel heavy after prolonged use. Windows 11-powered AYANEO’s Flip 1S DS promises to be a technically impressive and thoughtfully designed handheld.

While pricing remains unconfirmed, this niche‑focused evolution of the Flip series blends nostalgic dual‑screen design with the closely knit software and hardware integration. It will likely resonate with gamers seeking more than raw power – those wanting a playful, flexible, portable PC that recalls past handheld glories while pushing boundaries of performance, which power users will love.

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Sometimes a game gets so good that you lose track of time, only to be jolted back to reality by the dreaded low battery warning. That is where the Belkin Charging Case for the Nintendo Switch 2 comes in, turning the usual carrying case into a little fortress of power and convenience. Inside this rather bulky box is a bit of magic that makes every gaming adventure more enjoyable.

What really sets this case apart is the chunky but clever compartment hiding a removable 10,000mAh power bank. You will not need to fumble around for a separate battery pack, because everything is tucked away neatly inside. The real treat is the built-in display on the power bank itself, showing you the remaining battery life at a glance. No more guessing if you have enough juice left for one more quest or boss fight.

Designer: Belkin

Belkin did not just stop at stuffing a big battery inside, though. They added a special groove designed to work with the Switch 2’s own kickstand. Set your console up in tabletop mode, plug it in for a charge, and the groove keeps everything stable, even if you get a little carried away during a heated Mario Kart session. It is the kind of detail that makes gaming on the go a whole lot less stressful.

The inside of the case is as organized as a well-planned inventory screen. Along with the dedicated spot for the power bank, there are slots for up to ten game cartridges and a sneaky little pocket for an AirTag. Extra cable slots mean you can keep things tidy, so you are never digging through a mess of wires when you just want to play. The outside is tough and water-resistant, giving you peace of mind if you are caught in the rain or accidentally bump your bag on the way to a friend’s house.

Is all of this worth the $69.99 price tag? Considering you are getting a high-capacity power bank, sturdy protection, and thoughtful features for travel, it is a pretty sweet deal. The power bank alone could cost nearly half that on its own, but here you get it perfectly integrated into the case, ready to go whenever you need it. It is not just about charging, it is about keeping your entire setup streamlined and ready for action.

Belkin’s Charging Case feels like it was designed by gamers who know exactly what it is like to run out of battery at the worst possible moment. It is playful and practical, with just enough bells and whistles to make it feel special. Whether you are heading across town or across the country, this case makes sure your Nintendo Switch 2 is always ready for one more round.

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Gaming handhelds have always been about taking your favorite games anywhere, but that convenience comes with a few trade-offs. Compact designs make these devices easy to carry, but you also lose the flexibility and sheer screen real estate that PCs and consoles hooked up to big TVs provide. With limited space, it is tough to keep anything else visible on the display, whether it is a chat window, a map, or a guide.

There are probably just as many people who have never thought about needing a second screen on their handheld as there are those who have dreamed of it. For that second group, Retroid’s latest accessory is an interesting solution. The Retroid Dual Screen Add-on attaches a 5.5-inch display to the back of your handheld, letting you see extra information at a glance and opening up new ways to play and multitask.

Designer: Retroid

On paper, the Retroid Dual Screen Add-on is hard to ignore. It offers a vibrant 1920×1080 AMOLED touchscreen that runs at 60Hz and reaches up to 500 nits of brightness, all without making your device unbearably heavy. At just 130 grams, it keeps things portable. The hinge is adjustable to 120, 150, or 180 degrees, giving you plenty of options for how you want to use the extra screen.

Compatibility is mostly focused on the Retroid Pocket 5, Pocket 4 Pro, and Pocket Mini series, but a handful of other devices might work if they match certain dimensions and can output video over USB-C. However, the clamp could cover ports or vents on some systems, so not every device is a perfect fit. It is also important to note that only handhelds with USB-C video out can take full advantage of this accessory.

Software support is another potential hurdle since a lot of games and even some operating systems are not built with two screens in mind. Depending on what you want to do, this limitation might be restrictive, but if you own a recent Retroid handheld, it is one of the best options out there for getting a second screen. The add-on is available in Black, GameCube-inspired GC purple, and Translucent White, which means you can match it to your device or go for a little contrast.

The $69 price tag makes it a tempting upgrade for multitaskers or anyone who wants a setup that brings back memories of dual-screen gaming. While there are still a few things that could be improved, like broader device support and better software integration, the Retroid Dual Screen Add-on brings a rather interesting and unique experience to a handheld gaming market that’s increasingly starting to look too similar.

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Even though the Steam Deck does not have the same level of modularity as the Nintendo Switch, its Linux foundation and relatively open hardware have made it a favorite canvas for modders and creative tinkerers. With its hardware now feeling a bit dated, the scene is filled with inventive approaches that push the boundaries of what Valve originally planned. Some of these mods transform the Steam Deck into something completely new.

One mod, in particular, gives the Steam Deck a unique makeover, trading its portable game console persona for a more versatile form factor. Drawing inspiration from the classic Japanese lunch box, this Bento Steam Deck mod turns the keyboard into the main event, shifting attention away from the now-absent screen. The result is a device that feels more like a compact, portable PC than a traditional handheld gaming system.

Designer: Michael Gutensohn (michaelthatsit)

While the Steam Deck has the guts to compete with basic laptops, its original design is clearly tailored for gaming and not much else. Adding a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse can help, but the small built-in display quickly makes you wish for an external monitor. At that point, the device loses its portability, quietly becoming just another desktop-bound computer.

The Bento mod tackles this limitation with a fresh perspective. At first glance, it looks like someone simply placed an Apple Magic Keyboard atop a wide, nondescript box. In reality, that wide box neatly houses the Steam Deck’s internals, including its battery and cooling solution. True to its bento box inspiration, the inside is divided into dedicated compartments, with one side left empty to stash accessories or additional tools.

The real magic happens when you connect a pair of AR glasses, such as the Xreal Air, to the Bento Steam Deck. This setup gives users a large, immersive, and private virtual display, all while keeping things genuinely portable. It is true that this mod sacrifices the Steam Deck’s handheld convenience since you need to set it down to use, but the payoff is a much more comfortable typing and computing experience. For gaming sessions, a wireless controller can always be added to the mix.

There are still some aspects that could be refined, like finding a way to store a mouse in the spare compartment or perhaps resizing the box for better cooling. The Bento Steam Deck mod puts usability and straightforward design first, drawing inspiration from the simple, practical nature of the lunch box it is modeled after. It stands out as a clever, approachable twist for anyone looking to get more from their Steam Deck.

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The ball’s deep in the opponent’s half, and I’m sliding the rods left and right in a frenzy, trying my best to get little Messi to score a winner. Foosball, really hooks you in! Hours slip by on a weekend without realizing the time. And when I’m not at the table, I’m glued to FC25 on the PlayStation. Basically, it’s all about football: plastic or pixelated, doesn’t matter. Adding to this collection will soon be the Fooscade, an arcade-style take on the game we love so much.

Of course, there is an inspiration behind the Fooscade, which requires you to put two fingers into the little boots of the controller and then play. The inspiration is the Pong game that has been combined with some nuances from foosball to bring football to the table without the rods and minifigs. This controller lets you play the game like air hockey, minus the physical contact and a puck.

Designer: Hong Hua & Yixuan Liu

According to the designers, Fooscade pays homage to the soccer styles from the 1990s to the early 2000s – the golden era with its geometric patterns and bold color combinations. All of the components of the game are virtual. The two cleats, a puck for a ball, and the air hockey-like gameplay. All you have handy is this controller, which has two mini football boots you put your index fingers in and control the elements on the table-esque display. We have in the past seen many clever alternative controllers, but this iteration is going to be a different experience, and absolutely unique gameplay for football enthusiasts.

The controller can be used to slide and spin – to mimic the movement and footwork of a player in a real game – which creates a very interesting experience that’s not seen before in arcade-style gaming. So, the Fooscade controller is like an arcade version of a foosball table. By moving the finger left and right or rotating the controller, you can change the distance between the virtual feet. It can be challenging to adjust in the beginning, but once you get used to it, it should make for an interesting game of football.

The controller is 3D printed from PLA filaments and based on aluminum rails. The display is based on an acrylic board surface and the electronic components are pretty raw and visible at the moment. This is surely not the final version. We are definitely going to see someone’s modification (suggested through trials and testing) before the final version rolls out in the market. However it may turn out, the objective of the Fooscade is simple (as is with other football game alternatives): maneuver the ball using the custom-made controller and beat the opponent by scoring more goals. Each game lasts only two and a half minutes, so you better sharpen your fingers before competing!

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Nintendo, one of the three big names in the gaming console market, fired the handheld opening salvo way back in 2017. Its rivals, however, largely stayed on the sidelines, watching as the Nintendo Switch dominated the conversation around portable gaming for years. This hesitation wasn’t particularly surprising in the case of PlayStation, a brand whose entire strategy these days seems laser-focused on home consoles and blockbuster exclusives. Xbox, on the other hand, has always occupied an interesting intersection between console and PC gaming, with deep roots in both ecosystems. Given that background, the arrival of an Xbox-branded handheld always felt more like a question of “when” rather than “if.”

Of course, the market for Windows-powered handheld PCs has exploded in recent years, with a slew of devices from various brands trying to carve out their own niche. Yet, for all their power and versatility, none of them could truly be called an “Xbox handheld”, at least, not until now. For months, the rumor mill churned with whispers of a portable Xbox device, and now, those rumors have finally crystallized into reality with the announcement of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. This is the first-ever handheld to bear the Xbox name, and while it’s an exciting development, it might not be the revolutionary leap that die-hard Xbox fans were hoping for.

Designer: ASUS x Microsoft

At first glance, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is essentially a carefully tailored version of ASUS’s own ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. The core DNA is virtually unchanged, particularly when it comes to the main specs. What sets the new Xbox models apart is the silicon inside: the ROG Xbox Ally X runs on an upgraded AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, while the standard ROG Xbox Ally uses the Ryzen Z2 A, both promising not just improved performance but also greater energy efficiency. Aside from these CPUs, the rest of the hardware remains largely consistent with the previous ROG Ally models, including the 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display and substantial battery options.

But it’s the physical design that truly differentiates the Xbox Ally from its siblings. The device leans heavily into the language of the Xbox brand, sporting a silhouette that unmistakably echoes the look and feel of an Xbox controller. The pronounced, contoured grips, complete with textured surfaces, are immediately familiar to anyone who’s spent time with recent Xbox gamepads. For the ROG Xbox Ally X, ASUS has even included impulse triggers, adding a new layer of tactile feedback and immersion for games that support nuanced rumble effects.

Another standout difference lies in the software experience. Instead of booting to a generic Windows 11 desktop, the ROG Xbox Ally greets users with a full-screen Xbox interface, making the system feel more like a true console than a handheld PC. This approach streamlines navigation and quick access to Xbox Game Pass, cloud gaming, and the broader Xbox ecosystem. ROG’s Armoury Crate software is still present, providing access to performance tweaks and game libraries, though the degree to which users can revert to a traditional Windows environment remains to be seen. Importantly, the device isn’t locked down to Xbox games alone; players can still install and enjoy titles from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms, preserving the open nature of the Windows handheld experience.

The advantage of building upon the proven ROG platform is that many accessories and peripherals, like the upcoming 2025 XG Mobile external GPU, will remain compatible with the Xbox Ally lineup, except where changes to the chassis might affect fit. This means the new handheld should slot neatly into existing gaming setups. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is slated for release during the 2025 holiday season in select markets, with pricing details yet to be revealed.

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It’s 2025, and we’re still talking about Joy-Con drift. Not in past tense. Not as a resolved issue. We’re talking about it because a teardown of the Nintendo Switch 2’s shiny new controllers shows a familiar, almost nostalgic design choice: the same potentiometer-based thumbsticks that turned the original Joy-Cons into warranty nightmares and Reddit DIY projects.

Nintendo claims the sticks are bigger and more durable this time, but the internals still look like a remix of the same old song—plastic sliders rubbing against carbon pads, inviting the same wear-and-tear patterns we’ve seen before. Stick drift wasn’t just a minor inconvenience on the original Switch. It was a flaw so widespread it spawned lawsuits and third-party fixes like the GuliKit electromagnetic joysticks, which completely bypassed the contact-based input system. So seeing a similar build in the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons is like spotting an old leak in a new house. It’s patched, but you still hear the drip in your sleep.

Image Credits: u/moshi_yo

There was a real opportunity here to move on. Hall effect sensors exist, and they’re already a staple in aftermarket mods for players who got tired of recalibrating every few months. Magnetic sensors eliminate friction, meaning there’s no wear point to begin with. They cost a bit more, sure, but in a $399 console that’s aiming for longevity, that cost is an investment. Instead, Nintendo has chosen to double down on refinement rather than reinvention, something people paying upwards of $400 will definitely be a little annoyed about.

What’s more, the teardown shows the same metal dome contact points and similar housing, with minor tweaks to stick housing and spring tension. Nothing suggests a fundamental redesign. If this were a car, we’d be praising the new paint job while ignoring the fact that it still leaks oil after 50,000 miles. And to be fair, drift isn’t guaranteed. It’s a statistical risk, not a certainty. But that’s what makes it worse is that it sneaks up, often outside the warranty window, turning precision gaming into an exercise in frustration.

Nintendo’s defense hinges on improved durability testing, claiming higher thresholds for stress and longevity. But those are internal metrics. Until real-world usage proves otherwise, skepticism will linger. The Switch 2 is already under scrutiny for a scratch-prone display and repair costs that are up to 92% higher than its predecessor. Adding controller reliability to the list doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

For now, even with people using it for less than 48 hours, the performance leap feels real. Games that chugged on the original Switch now hum along, load times are dramatically better, and the console feels ready for another console cycle. But if the Joy-Cons start drifting again, that progress will be undermined by a very 2017 problem. Nintendo built a new console. Let’s hope they didn’t copy-paste its worst flaw.

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