🟪 #92: Microsoft is busy, AYANEO launches a tablet, EmuDeck gets an update

Hi, hello, and welcome to a new edition of overkill digest.

Yep, the old name is back, as the majority of readers have voted to add the other topics we now write about (in case you missed it) to this newsletter. So, welcome back old friend. Also, the categories changed below. Hit reply, and tell me if you like them.

Totally unrelated and definitely not self-serving… but does anyone happen to have an Infernape EX (029/155 from the Palkia boosters) in Pokémon TCG Pocket? It’s the last card I need to complete all the Card Dexes, and it’s driving me nuts.

If you’ve got one, feel free to reply to this email and let me know what you’d want in return. Also, here’s my friend code: 9924648786598019.

Ok, that's enough intro, it was a busy week so let's get to it.

🚀 Big Moves

• AYANEO is launching a tablet. Ever-busy AYANEO has announced a bunch of new products at this year's GDC, and one of them is an Android gaming tablet. It's powered by the new Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, comes with an 8.3" 1440p LCD screen, has a 50MP back, and a 13MP front camera, and will come with an attachable controller grip. I've got to admit, I'm very intrigued by this. They also announced a Pocket S2, but I care less about that.
• The OneXSugar is a weird, two-in-one handheld. This new handheld by OneXPlayer is simultaneously a Switch-lookalike which you can easily transform into a Nintendo DS-copy thanks to a second screen. You have to see it for yourself, it's weeeeeeird.
• EmuDeck 2.4 launches with support for Azahar, Citron, and more. EmuDeck is probably the main reason why I still use handhelds, compared to say my much stronger PC. I just feel that indie games are way more fun if you hold them in your hand.

🎮 Platform Updates

• Azahar has launched. This 3DS emulator is the spiritual successor to Citra, and is born out of a collaboration between the devs of Lime3DS and Citra "PabloMK7 fork".
• Here is what Microsoft needs to do before releasing an Xbox handheld. The latest rumors point to an Xbox-branded handheld manufactured by ASUS. But there are a few steps Microsoft needs to do to enhance the experience. But, it looks like Microsoft is aware, because...
• You can now type on Windows 11 with a controller. This update improves typing using the onscreen-keyboard while using an Xbox controller. Also...
• Microsoft "leaked" a filter for Steam games. Microsoft mistakenly posted and then deleted an image, that showed a Steam filter living inside the Xbox app. This overlaps with the reports, that Microsoft wants the Xbox app to display every game installed on your system, no matter what launcher you used. All these changes pinpoint to a much better experience on handhelds.

💻 Hardware & Software

• A weird handheld with a single joystick. Chris somehow seems intrigued by this weird budget handheld, that has a single joystick slapped right in the middle of the device. Something something N64-emulation is what he told me.
• The Analogue 3D is delayed. Talking of N64. The Analogue 3D is now expected to ship in July 2025.
• The Playdate price gets cranked up. $30 more, going forward.
• The Pebble is back. The Pebble is an e-ink based smartwatch that was released ten years ago. The company was later bought up by Fitbit, and Fitbit in turn by Google. A few years later, the smartwatch was cancelled, but now brought back by its original creator.

🎲 Playthings

• Pokemon card ditch the plastics. An interesting move to fight scalpers. Pokemon Centers are removing the outermost packaging, so that the products don't count as sealed goods any more, and therefore fetch a lower price on the feverish resale market.
• Lego will release Pokemon-themed sets. Starting 2026, we'll be able to build-them-all.
• I want one but will never own one of these card collector cabinets. If you’re into trading card games, you know how pricey your cardboard collection can get, especially when you’re chasing the rare stuff. Thanks to Collectors’ Cabinets, there are now some pretty tasteful ways to display your cards and show them off like you’re running a mini museum. Assuming you’re filthy rich, because these displays cost a fortune.
• The first decklists for the Tarkir: Dragonstorm precos are out. I bought the Jeskai and the Mardu one. Side note: I also preordered a Collector’s Display of Tarkir: Dragonstorm that I plan to open on stream. I'll announce the stream when we get closer to the release date.

📌 Quick Hits

• The Seneca is a totally overkill mechanical keyboard. Hand-built out of 682 parts, custom switches, and a….wait for it: $3600 price tag.
• Discord is getting mobile ads. Ugh! Discord is my most used app, since I'm in several servers with real-life friends. But since the company is planning to launch an initial public offering, it's only a matter of time before the enshittification starts.

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🔒 Premium Deep Dive: In defence of limited devices.

Right now, I’m testing three e-ink tablets at once: the reMarkable Paper Pro, the new Kindle Scribe 2024 (let’s just call it the Scribe 2), and the Supernote Manta.

Full reviews coming soon, but the short version is this: they’re all kind of the same, but also different enough to make things harder for me as a reviewer. I’ve been using them side by side, and what’s interesting is how each has naturally taken on a specific role. The Scribe 2 is for reading. The Manta is for handwriting. The Paper Pro, with its Type Folio, has become a minimalist writing machine. (I’ll compare them all soon. You only want one, but which one depends entirely on your needs.)

These are devices with strict limits. No app stores, no inboxes, no notifications. In a world of always-on tech, that sounds like a downside. Lately, I’ve started to see it as a feature.