I’m in my 40s now, so I’ve witnessed the evolution of gaming from the early days of Atari and Sega Megadrive to the cutting-edge consoles and PCs of today. I’ve owned countless gaming devices over the years, from the iconic Game Boy to high-powered gaming laptops.
But recently, I’ve fallen head over heels for a new breed of gaming device that’s revolutionising the way I play: handheld gaming PCs.
This compact powerhouse has quickly become my go-to gaming companion, eclipsing even my trusty gaming laptop in terms of usage.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences and explain why I believe handheld gaming PCs are not just a passing fad, but a game-changing innovation that’s here to stay.
What Are Handheld Gaming PCs?
Before we dive into the reasons why I’m so enamoured with these devices, let’s clarify what exactly we mean by handheld gaming PCs.
Handheld gaming PCs are compact, portable devices that combine the power of a traditional PC with the form factor of a handheld console. They’re essentially miniaturised gaming laptops, complete with built-in controls, that you can hold in your hands and take anywhere.
Unlike traditional handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch, these devices run full-fledged PC operating systems, typically Windows. This means they can access your entire PC game library, run productivity software, and even serve as a portable workstation in a pinch.
Key Players in the Market
The handheld gaming PC market has exploded in recent years, with several major players entering the fray. Some of the most popular models include:
- Valve’s Steam Deck
- Asus ROG Ally
- MSI Claw
- Lenovo Legion Go
- Ayaneo Air Pro
Each of these devices offers its own unique features and advantages, but they all share the core concept of bringing PC gaming into a portable form factor.
Why I’ve Fallen in Love with Mine
Now that we’ve established what handheld gaming PCs are, let me share why I’ve become such an enthusiastic convert.
Flexibility and Portability
The first and most obvious advantage of handheld gaming PCs is the incredible flexibility they offer. As someone who’s spent countless hours hunched over a desk or tethered to a TV, the freedom to game anywhere is truly liberating.
With a handheld gaming PC, I’m no longer confined to a specific spot in my home. I can start a gaming session on the sofa, move to the bedroom when I fancy a change of scenery, and even take my game out to the balcony to enjoy some fresh air. This ability to change my gaming environment on a whim has breathed new life into my gaming experiences.
The portability of these devices also makes them ideal for squeezing in quick gaming sessions during busy days. Whether I’ve got a few minutes to spare during my lunch break or I’m waiting for the kettle to boil, I can easily pick up where I left off in my latest game.
Access to Game Library
One of the most significant advantages of handheld gaming PCs over traditional handheld consoles is the access they provide to my entire PC game library.
Unlike when I switch between console platforms, I don’t need to rebuy my favourite games to play them on my handheld gaming PC. All my Steam, Epic, GOG, and other PC game store purchases are instantly available, saving me both money and the hassle of managing multiple game libraries.
I’m an avid fan of indie games, so I particularly appreciate the access to platforms like Itch.io, which aren’t typically available on consoles. This opens up a whole world of unique, creative games that I can now enjoy on the go.
Impressive Performance
When I first got my hands on a handheld gaming PC, I was blown away by the level of performance these compact devices can deliver.
Modern handheld gaming PCs, equipped with powerful APUs like the AMD Z1 Extreme, can handle many modern games at 1080p resolution with respectable frame rates. While you might need to tweak some settings for the most demanding titles, the overall gaming experience is remarkably smooth and enjoyable.
For more graphically intensive games, I’ve found that local streaming from my desktop PC to my handheld device works brilliantly. This allows me to enjoy high-fidelity gaming experiences without putting too much strain on the handheld’s hardware, and it significantly extends battery life.
A More Social Gaming Experience
One unexpected benefit I’ve discovered with handheld gaming PCs is how they’ve made my gaming hobby more social and inclusive.
In the past, my gaming sessions often meant isolating myself in my home office or monopolising the living room TV. With a handheld gaming PC, I can enjoy my favourite games while still being present with my family. I can sit on the sofa next to my partner while they watch TV, or keep an eye on the kids while they play in the garden.
The portability of these devices also makes it easier to share gaming experiences with friends and family. I can quickly show off an interesting game mechanic or a beautiful in-game vista without needing to drag someone to my gaming setup.
The Ergonomic Advantages
After years of hunching over keyboards or gripping console controllers, I’ve found the ergonomics of handheld gaming PCs is game changing for my comfort levels – and my aging back.
The design of most handheld gaming PCs allows for a more natural, relaxed posture compared to traditional desktop gaming. I can lean back, prop the device on my lap, and play for hours without the neck and back strain I often experienced with desktop setups.
Many handheld gaming PCs offer a high degree of control customisation too. This allows me to tailor the control scheme to my preferences and even to the specific requirements of different game genres. From remapping buttons to adjusting stick sensitivity, I can create a control setup that feels just right for me.
The Future of Gaming
While I don’t believe handheld gaming PCs will completely replace traditional gaming setups anytime soon, I’m convinced they represent a significant shift in how we approach gaming.
Handheld gaming PCs effectively bridge the gap between the power and flexibility of PC gaming and the convenience of console gaming. As technology continues to advance, I expect we’ll see these devices become even more powerful and versatile.
The rise of cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming presents exciting possibilities for handheld gaming PCs. As these services improve and become more widespread, handheld devices could potentially offer high-end gaming experiences without the need for powerful local hardware.
Why Handheld Gaming PCs Are Here to Stay
In conclusion, my love affair with handheld gaming PCs stems from the unique combination of power, flexibility, and convenience they offer. They’ve fundamentally changed how I approach gaming, allowing me to enjoy my favourite hobby in new ways and in more contexts than ever before.
While they may not be for everyone, I believe handheld gaming PCs represent a significant step forward in gaming technology. As someone who’s experienced the evolution of gaming first hand over the decades, I’m excited to see how this new category of devices will continue to develop and shape the future of gaming.
For now, I’m thoroughly enjoying the ability to take my entire PC game library with me wherever I go, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
If you’re a gamer who values flexibility and the ability to play on your own terms, I highly recommend giving a handheld gaming PC a try. You might just find yourself as smitten as I am.