Rebecca Spear
Self-professed geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central's gaming editors with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn't checking out the latest titles on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She's written thousands of game guides, previews, interviews, features, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. Drawing tablets and drawing programs like Adobe Fresco and Photoshop are among her chief interests. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).
When away from electronics, she loves taking her corgi, Penny, out to the river to go swimming and is always up for a game of volleyball. Otherwise, you'll most often find her curled up with a fantasy or sci-fi novel as her cats purr on her lap. She also loves attending comic conventions while cosplaying as her favorite video game characters. Her house is filled with gaming collectibles and posters and she's always on the lookout for more.
Latest articles by Rebecca Spear
![AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM02 near retro TV and controllers.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RGMLbHSknhqN9SvP9dhm2V-320-80.jpg)
AYANEO unveils ANOTHER retro gaming mini PC, and this one is definitely NOT inspired by Nintendo (don't tell the lawyers)
By Rebecca Spear published
NES inspired AYANEO's latest mini PC looks a whole lot like an NES, but with a four-inch touchscreen. It's ideal of gaming and everyday use.
![Red XREAL Air 2 glasses on Rebecca Spear.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tGSgZpGvfhXPMCXGMudWPd-320-80.jpg)
I was skeptical at first, but after trying XREAL glasses and talking with CEO Chi Xu about their real-world applications, I get it
By Rebecca Spear published
Strong future During CES 2024, I sat down with XREAL CEO Chi Xu to discuss the new Air 2 Ultra glasses, and now I get how these devices will change the future.
![Lenovo Legion Go (2023)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pa3xZh2VXt7VfgS8qAwW6V-320-80.jpg)
Pick ROG Ally instead of Legion Go: Here's why ASUS is a better choice over Lenovo for a PC gaming handheld
By Rebecca Spear last updated
Here's why I love Legion Go, but I know from personal experience that ROG Ally is the better gaming handheld to buy. Here's why.
![ROG Ally vs Steam Deck.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k94hnAsLRP23taAp3GgK9i-320-80.jpg)
Steam Deck vs ROG Ally: Which gaming handheld is better?
By Rebecca Spear last updated
Face off The Asus ROG Ally was the first real competitor to Valve's Steam Deck. Thanks to clever design, a great interface, and powerful components one is a clear winner over the other.
![Xbox Developer_Direct hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kDtU52Lvqa9z2aiZLrdY4k-320-80.jpg)
How to watch the Xbox Developer_Direct Jan 2024
By Rebecca Spear published
Upcoming games During the Xbox Developer_Direct, developers will give an in-depth look at their upcoming Xbox titles like Indiana Jones game, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
![Lenovo Legion Go vs Steam Deck.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tpDbzVC4VRDvQroNLgjz8Q-320-80.jpg)
Legion Go vs Steam Deck: Which gaming handheld is best?
By Rebecca Spear last updated
Versus The Legion Go and Steam Deck are both gaming handhelds, but if you like PC gaming one has a serious advantage over the other.
![Dr. Matthew Hwu of 1HP explains personal gaming chair measurements to Rebecca Spear.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oHD4JjZUVRJxGPk9td2xrW-320-80.jpg)
You're sitting in your computer chair wrong and it could be causing aches and pains — Thank you Razer and 1HP for showing me the error of my ways
By Rebecca Spear published
Reduce pain Dr. Matthew Hwu of 1HP partnered with Razer at CES to inform people like me about how proper gaming chair positioning can relieve aches and pains.
![Age of Empires II castle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dzAXv9gNm7hT6jDrKMoShj-320-80.jpg)
Microsoft's support for Age of Empires II shows how to do right by a long-time dedicated fanbase, and other publishers should take note
By Rebecca Spear published
What a game Age of Empires II might be 25 years old, but Microsoft's continued support of the RTS game has helped keep the fan base thriving as shown by a tournament in Berlin.
![Nanoleaf Skylight purple room.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/25HbGVQqqswXqLyedMrd3X-320-80.jpg)
Nanoleaf announced new products at CES, but what I'm most interested in is Skylight ceiling lighting
By Rebecca Spear published
During CES 2024, Nanoleaf revealed new colorful lighting products and software to help users light their homes the way they want including new modular cieling lighting.
![AMD Ryzen AI](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Vg7ihKLsyFWBuxtAkqUip5-320-80.jpg)
AMD's new Ryzen 8000G Series desktop processor revolutionizes gaming and empowers users to run AI models on their own devices rather than putting their ideas into AI services on distant servers
By Rebecca Spear published
Faster speeds The powerful Ryzen 8000G, specifically, offers small form factor gaming without a graphics card.
![HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini - white and black](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iCCtaXBd6xZ6YsRCfob95o-320-80.jpg)
HyperX's new gaming mouse is perfect for players who prefer a compact, lightweight option
By Rebecca Spear published
Compact mouse At CES, HyperX announced its new Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini gaming mouse, which offers plenty of features in a compact shape. Here's everything you want to know about it.
![MSI gaming handheld teaser](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nb23rHjJGygr5yMAZQ3hU6-320-80.jpg)
"Get a grip and stay tuned": MSI looks to unveil a portable PC gaming handheld at CES 2024 with the usual RGB
By Rebecca Spear published
Another handheld Gaming laptop company, MSI, has teased that it will be announcing a new gaming handheld during CES 2024.
![ASUS ROG Swift OLED (PG27AQDM) gaming monitor.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b7VHnmLogrn3cw7bDcAoH9-320-80.jpg)
OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED: Which is the best display?
By Rebecca Spear last updated
Panel differences These days, the latest computer monitors, TVs, laptop panels, and phones usually feature OLED, QD-OLED, QLED, AMOLED, or Mini LED displays. Here's what makes them different.
![AYANEO Flip KB and DS gaming handhelds.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8Cev9qLwp9aWiLkitQdTWR-320-80.jpg)
AYANEO Flip KB and DS are going to make handheld gaming and emulators a whole lot more convenient with a full keyboard or dual-screen model
By Rebecca Spear published
gaming handhelds In a live broadcast, AYANEO showed off its upcoming Flip KB and Flip DS gaming handhelds. Specs and a release date were also revealed.
![ROG Ally SSD upgrade: Install new SSD.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eJPsm4KC8vR55R6mhVtRYN-320-80.jpg)
WD_Black SN770M SSD for ROG Ally review: Forget microSD cards, THIS is the definitive upgrade
By Rebecca Spear published
Review Installing the WD_BLACK SN770M SSD into my ROG Ally has perfected my gaming handheld experience, and I can't recommend it enough.
![Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) in front of screen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rGqQbGCngVMSWP5crdXZ2A-320-80.jpg)
Best mini PCs and NUCs 2023: Compact and affordable computers
By Rebecca Spear, Cale Hunt last updated
Windows PCs come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your needs, there's a computer out there to suit you. Here are the best to choose if you're looking for a new mini PC.
![AceMagic S1 Mini PC screen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rtqdAsKiChk4VuejF7ubkM-320-80.jpg)
Stay away from this mini PC company — I already gave it more chances than I should
By Rebecca Spear published
Avoid! Mini PCs are inexpensive and compact, but you need to be careful when buying one. Some come with shady software installed.
![AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Fu2iz3VDgDCxDMCwMWCPs4-320-80.jpg)
AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 review: Compact but mighty enough for light gaming
By Rebecca Spear published
Review AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 is a fantastic Windows 11 computer resembling an old rival, but it handles office work and light gaming — our review.
![Lenovo Legion 9i (Gen 8) glowing RGB in the dark.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FSPpKfBoGtztoa9JBYCfxW-320-80.jpg)
7 AMAZING PC games to spend your Steam Gift Card on
By Rebecca Spear published
Amazing games So you've gotten yourself a Steam gift card and aren't sure what to spend it on? Here are my picks for the top seven PC games in 2023.
![Steam icon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tQd48TJhUxEHsBkroLLWYc-320-80.jpg)
Steam Year in Review 2023: How to view your PC gaming stats and get around 'this account's Year in Review is not shared' error
By Rebecca Spear published
Easy fix It's time to see what PC games you've spent the most time with in your Steam Year in Review. If you're encountering the 'not shared' error, here's how to get around it.
![Monkey playing guitar](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nChhPHHPx6cJy5wGpZckLQ-320-80.jpg)
Microsoft changes songwriting forever (for better or worse) as Copilot AI now can write you tunes
By Rebecca Spear published
AI Audio Microsoft Copilot now works with the Suno plugin to generate songs after being given a prompt. These songs come complete with lyrics, instrumentals, and vocals.
![Reindeer with sunglasses next to Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gTJaccNBtvmBLmJzeW2cAA-320-80.jpg)
7 last-minute gaming handheld accessory Christmas gifts for Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go
By Rebecca Spear published
handheld accessory gifts We're running out of time to get holiday presents, but these accessories for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Legion Go are perfect last-minute gifts.
![LG CX, Xbox Series X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CKiQrhuKXdUiqJsaUYT6Ao-320-80.jpg)
Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X & Series S 2023
By Rebecca Spear, Samuel Tolbert last updated
Updated Play your favorite Xbox Series X|S games with a TV that can keep up visually.
![Steam on Santa's laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VmFRzk7QgYBoDRADH28BAX-320-80.jpg)
When is the Steam Winter Sale? — Find game discounts to play on Steam Deck, gaming PC, or ROG Ally
By Rebecca Spear published
Steam Winter Sale The Steam Winter Sale is the perfect time to get PC games for yourself or your loved ones.
![Lenovo ThinkVision 27 3D monitor being used by a child.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9NxDUPYRziu7Sk67YDWysb-320-80.jpg)
Lenovo's ThinkVision 3D Monitor can render 2D images to 3D in real-time without special glasses, and will release as soon as February
By Rebecca Spear published
2D-to-3D Converter Lenovo ThinkVision 3D Monitor uses a lenticular lens for real-time 3D without the need for glasses. Learn all about it here.