Podcast Rewind: Summer Break Projects and the ROG Xbox Ally

This week, AppStories returns with details on the projects Federico and John worked on during their breaks.

On AppStories+, the importance of breaks and finding ways to unwind.

This episode is sponsored by:

Steamclock – We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.

Xsolla – ? Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.

NPC: Next Portable Console

Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS’s Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2’s strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild new handhelds from Abxylute.

This week on NPC XL, the gang digs into the Ayn Thor and speculates about what’s coming with the Odin 3. Then, Federico wraps things up with a mini surprise.

AppStories, Episode 450, ‘Back From Break: Automation, AI, and IKEA’ Show Notes

Our Summer Break Projects

Federico:

Set up a Notion database for his work.

Also mentioned:

Shortwave

Claude

Drafts

Nautomate

John:

Updated his audio setup with the MOTU M4 audio interface.

Got organized with the help of IKEA’s Kallax and Invallning.

Built automations for MacStories Deals that work with Mastodon and Bluesky.

AppStories+ Post-Show

Why we take breaks.

NPC, Episode 46, ‘Microsoft’s Stepping Stone: Xbox Comes to the Ally X’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

IS This an Xbox? All Your Questions Answered - ROG XBOX ALLY - YouTube

Analogue 3D Delayed for a Fourth Time

Another Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Is Close And It Could Be The Big One

AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT Elite is an Android handheld game console with premium specs and a starting price under $400

3DS Styled Handheld Announced As Part Of MagicX’s Roadmap

MANGMI Air X Lands in September Starting at $79

Abxylute plans to sell a $1699 handheld gaming PC with an 11 inch glasses-free 3D display

abxylute 3D One Handheld

Abxylute is working on a magnetic snap-on game controller for smartphones

3DS Styled Handheld Announced As Part Of MagicX’s Roadmap

NPC XL

Ayn Thor

AYN Announces Dual-Screen Thor and Next-Gen Odin 3 Handhelds and starts revealing some key specs

Ayn reveals a Nintendo DS-style handheld that comes in the classic Game Boy Color purple

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.

Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here.

MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, and NPC: Next Portable Console that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

*If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.