Horizon Forbidden West is one of the most visually stunning games today, perhaps ever. Previously only a PlayStation exclusive, the game is now available on PC. Being available on the platform means it opens itself up to being playable in multiple ways. With gaming handhelds being a hot thing of late, we tested the game on three handhelds to see how well it runs.
But first, the system requirements.
Very low (minimum)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT 4GB
- Average performance: 720p @ 30 fps
Recommended
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700
- Average performance: 1080p @ 30 fps
High
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800
- Average performance: 1440p @ 60fps or 4K @ 30fps
Ultra High
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900XT
- Average performance: 4K @ 60 fps
Gaming handhelds typically have a power output comparable to baseline/entry level gaming laptops. That means these should be enough to handle the demands of Horizon Forbidden West,
So, we’re good on paper. But what’s it like during actual gameplay?
MSI Claw
The latest player from a major PC and Gaming manufacturer in the gaming handheld space has a lot to prove. It’s also the only one in the devices we used today that is powered by Intel Core Ultra. There’s plenty of room for improvement here.
The MSI Claw struggled to run the game the most. On High Graphics Settings, the game would crash within three to five minutes with an error message saying the device “doesn’t have enough RAM” to run the game.
Bringing it down to Medium Graphics Settings makes it playable. But Medium on the MSI Claw looks drastically different from the rest of the devices here. You lose a lot of the visual appeal of the game. And while you can freely move Aloy around, the environment you’re moving in looks like smudged painting.
We’re not off to a great start but it does get better.
Lenovo Legion Go
Having the biggest screen in the bunch, we enjoyed looking at the Horizon Forbidden West visuals on this screen the most. Those eight inches do wonders when placed so close to your face.
We started the game on High Graphics settings and while the Legion Go was able to run it, we also had to run to the nearest power outlet to keep the device running. Also, in High Graphics settings, there’s some noticeable lag and delay. It’s just not the best experience gameplay-wise, but it does kickass for visuals.
That said, the sweet spot remains to be the Medium Graphics Settings. In this configuration we got a workable balance between visual fidelity and gameplay. The power draw is still high but it at least lasts a little over an hour on battery.
ROG Ally
The ROG Ally is just an inch off the Legion Go’s display but you do notice the difference. That said, Horizon Forbidden West ran the smoothest on this gaming handheld.
Unlike the Legion Go, we opted to play on Medium Graphics Settings from the jump. That meant the ROG Ally got a feel for the game pretty early on and ran the game seamlessly.
The in-game engine cutscenes look rough sometimes, but that’s par for the course for the capabilities of gaming handhelds right now. We’re fairly certain this will only improve in the coming generations of this device category.
We spent our longest play time on the Ally because it’s less inconspicuous to take out and play when you’re out and about. Play time on battery is slightly longer than the Legion Go – a difference of about 7-10 minutes. That’s notable if you ask us.
Extra
One of our members got his hands on the ROG Strix 16 just as we were about to wrap up this article. Here’s what he had to say about the experience.
“With the RTX 4080 inside the ROG Zephyrus G16, games like Horizon Forbidden West look and feel like a massive world sprawling with life. While frame rates hover around the usual 50-58 frames per second, the details on the characters and the overworld pop out beautifully. Even when you set it to its most balanced setting, the game still plays out well without sacrificing too much on the details.”
Is Horizon Forbidden West a Gaming Handheld Match?
Like most AAA titles, the answer is “Yes, but.” Yes, you’ll be able to run this game smoothly, you just have to sacrifice some visual fidelity due to the nature of Gaming Handhelds at this time.
That’s not a total downer though. We’re still very much in awe of the fact that you can even run it at all. If your primary play platform is any of these gaming handhelds, you’d be pleased to know that you should get through an entire playthrough without encountering any major problems.
Horizon Forbidden West is a fantastic game, and while its stunning visuals is its primary calling card, don’t sleep on its gameplay, especially when you can play it on the go.
Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.
Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.
The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.
Demo offers more exploration and combat
The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.
“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.
“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”
Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.
Arthurian-inspired adventure
Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.
Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.
Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Gaming
Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster
Eskrima fighter joins battle
Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.
Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.
Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.
Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.
Onimusha crossover arrives this week
Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.
The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.
Philippine launch event set for August 9
Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.
Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.
Gaming
Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization
Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards
Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.
Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.
The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.
In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.
Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.
In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:
- Philippines: Manila Brigade
- Indonesia: War Kanda
- Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
- Thailand: SIAM APEX
Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.
Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.
Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone:
- 5 million players: 100 Diamonds
- 10 million players: 200 Diamonds
- 20 million players: Vehicle Upgrade Vouchers x5
- 30 million players: Full Tilt Vehicle Pack
All Global Vault Heist and Faction rewards can be claimed via the in-game mail system on August 20.
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