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Gamers across the country have all kinds of options nowadays on how they should game. When it comes to portability, people are weighing between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop. The recency of the handheld gaming PC, along with its other benefits, may be giving it an edge.
Why Handheld Gaming PCs are Having a Moment
Handheld gaming PCs that you can easily pack and unpack have meant more spontaneous gaming sessions wherever you go without sacrificing performance. Here’s a breakdown of what they’re having a moment.
Innovation Through the Intel Arc G-Series
With newer gaming mediums comes innovative technological support. The Intel Arc G3 processors are marketed to offer smooth gameplay and long battery life on the go without compromising the unit’s overall useful life.
The chips in the series also address handheld gaming PC-related issues by enabling faster game launches and advanced connectivity, which is a must when you have a large game library. They’ve already been rolled out alongside partners such as the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.
The Nostalgia Behind Gaming Consoles
Handheld gaming consoles are also making a comeback as the generation that grew up with the Game Boy and PlayStation Portable has grown up. The Nintendo Switch has found much success by capitalizing on new yet familiar titles like Animal Crossing.
Handheld gaming PCs are in a similar realm, as they are relatively small and offer experiences comparable to consoles. You also get the best of both worlds by playing games that you already know and love through that medium, as long as your game library is connected.
The Overall Convenience Factor
The handheld gaming PC is undeniably powerful yet convenient to bring. The Steam Deck itself has over 512 GB in storage, which can already hold numerous single-player and co-op games with ease. Most modern units are delivering longer gaming sessions.
Its size doesn’t really make gaming uncomfortable, no matter how long it can get. It’s easy enough to bring to your couch, bed and more with no problem. Plus, it can be easily added to your backpack, so you can take it anywhere you go.
Is PC Gaming Out of Style?
While handheld gaming PCs have become popular because of PC gaming, they also offer a more relaxed and portable gaming experience. However, just because this form is becoming popular doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to put PC gaming through laptops or even regular desktop setups out of business.
PC gaming is evolving to offer more options to people, especially as a new generation of gamers is coming of age. In 2024, there were 1.855.7 billion PC gaming users worldwide. The most significant increase was from 1,553.3 billion users in 2019 to 1,745.7 billion in 2020, potentially due to the pandemic.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Handheld Gaming PC and a Gaming Laptop
If you’re on the fence about what kind of PC gaming device you want, know that you’re not alone. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to think about when choosing between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop.
The Type of Games
Understanding what kind of games you’re most into can certainly help with narrowing down what device is better for you. Titles like Valorant, Fortnite and some of the Call of Duty games may feel a little more foreign to play on a handheld gaming PC.
However, if you’re more used to games that are already configured for a controller, it may make more sense to opt for a handheld gaming PC. Keep in mind that local co-op games are a toss-up, depending on whether you can connect a controller or not.
The Overall Functions
The handheld gaming PC integrates a wide range of features found in gaming laptops, from playing YouTube videos to web browsing, making it compelling. Modding is even possible on the Steam Deck with a few additional steps.
However, for the most part, these handheld devices are more geared toward gaming. If you want an extra avenue for creating documents, editing and other heavier non-gaming tasks, you might find more value with a gaming laptop.
Screen Size and Experience
The screen size of handhelds is significantly smaller compared to that of a gaming laptop. Playing open-world games with those immersive environments and endless interaction may feel less enjoyable on a smaller screen.
Granted, you can connect most of these handhelds and laptops to a larger monitor or even the television screen. However, it’s key to consider that the resolution may be stretched, which can result in a slightly less appealing experience.
Overall Performance and Value
The handheld gaming PC is certainly getting plenty of performance upgrades with new processors and units undergoing development. However, at the end of the day, gaming laptops have a head start. If you get the top-of-the-line options in laptops, it’ll likely outperform your typical handheld.
In terms of value for money, a handheld makes a strong case in offering a smooth on-the-go gaming experience. However, if you want to get the most out of your budget, splurging on a laptop can still be a better choice.
Are Handhelds Going to Dominate?
It can be difficult to gauge just how successful handhelds will be despite their overall growth and popularity. The main factor is that a handheld gaming PC is no longer as budget-friendly as it once was. Brands are raising their prices, making it harder to justify buying one even if you have a higher budget.
With so many options, a handheld may not have much to offer for gamers or even people just getting into PC gaming. Only time will tell if they can deliver an even better experience.
The Race Between Portable Gaming
A handheld gaming PC has much to offer gamers seeking portability, but that doesn’t mean it’s inherently superior to future gaming laptops. At the end of that day, your preferences on performance and functionality still matter the most. Assess those factors to see what’s more suitable for you and your gaming needs.
