Handheld Gaming PCs: Great, But Still Got a Long Way to Go

The idea of a handheld gaming PC might seem odd. After all, we’re blessed with a variety of handheld consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and other retro or discontinued devices like the PlayStation Vita and Game Boy series. These portable devices let us take our favorite games wherever we go, allowing us to dive into the action without being tethered to our homes. The problem is that these devices only allow us to play games that are native to the platform, relying on their exclusive libraries of games that run specifically on their operating systems.

But similar to how online advancements in the iGaming industry have brought us mobile experiences like the live dealer at casinos.com, handheld gaming PCs offer the same level of excitement for PC gamers on the go. PC gamers often miss out on the pleasures of on-the-go play because, frankly, there haven’t been devices to support PC games. This massive gap in the market eventually had to be addressed, given that we can now run a mammoth game like Call of Duty on our mobile phones. It was only a matter of time before fully handheld gaming PCs became a concept.

Why the Buzz Around Handheld Gaming PCs?

PC gamers have always been short-changed when it came to portability. Yes, it was eventually possible to play video games on a laptop (with a connected mouse and keyboard), but you still needed a “place to play,” unlike those who were accommodated by and accustomed to handheld consoles. Enter dedicated handheld gaming PCs, which leveled the playing field for PC gamers.

Interestingly, it wasn’t the first time there has ever been a “handheld PC.” Back in 2002, Sony launched a compact laptop that essentially looked like a miniature PC. It wasn’t designed for gaming, but it was certainly a precursor to the selection we have today. Then, there was the Samsung Q1, another handheld computer with a screen-based split keyboard, and, after that, the OpenPandora pocket computer.

 Then, there was the Razer Switchblade—a gaming-dedicated handheld PC concept featuring a dual screen with OLED displays and transparent keys that would transform based on the game being played. For example, World of Warcraft players could simply press the keys as shortcuts to combat and abilities.

What’s the Market Like Today?

The first official portable gaming console was created and launched by Hong Kong brand Ayaneo in 2020. The company creatively adapted the mechanics and style of other former consoles, like the Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, and PS Vita, to create a line of handheld gaming PCs that accommodate a variety of gamers’ needs. These devices were miles ahead of any other handheld gaming PC we had seen before, providing the premium hardware that gamers were looking for. It showed the up-and-coming market what was truly possible, and things took off from there.

In 2022, Valve released the Steam Deck, the most well-known handheld gaming PC in North America and Europe. The device enabled people to play the games offered in the Steam store, as well as Steam Deck-compatible games. In less than a year, there were over 10,000 compatible titles. Similar to phones and computers, there were models with different storage capacities, including 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB versions. Eventually, the device was released for sale in Asia and Australia—which means it’s doing well. The Steam Deck has classic components like the ABXY buttons, a D-pad, mic, touchscreen, speakers, and thumbsticks, but includes a type C port, trackpads, and L4/R4 and L5/R5 buttons on the back.

Why Have Handheld Gaming PCs Not Been Widely Adopted?

Despite being well-made and appealing to many gamers, these modern devices have never been as widely adopted as handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. While media outlets estimate there are between three and four million Steam Deck owners, as of August 2024, there were over 143.4 million Nintendo Switch console owners.

So, what could be the reason behind this lack of adoption? Well, let’s not forget that handheld gaming consoles have had a much longer time to establish themselves in the market. Decades, in fact. On the other hand, handheld gaming PCs have only existed for just a few years. These devices are still at a less accessible price point than traditional consoles, at prices comparable to gaming laptops ($299–$1549). With the same amount of money able to purchase a brand-new gaming laptop (or even computer), most PC gamers will likely opt for that instead.

One of the biggest complaints, other than cost, is the battery life. These mini PCs consume a lot of power, which means shorter playtime and potentially poor thermal management. Additionally, not all PC games are compatible with handheld console hardware. Many of these games require a mouse and keyboard to provide the full experience, which is arguably the biggest deterrent.

The Evolution of Handheld PCs

Handheld gaming PCs are still largely in their infancy. As they need the time to evolve, grow, and learn from their mistakes (and what’s going well), it’ll take some time before they obtain the same level of prestige as traditional consoles. A range of handheld gaming PCs have been released since Ayaneo’s first device, and they’ve all made strides in the user experience, but there’s still room for improvement. Once we see a resolution to widespread issues, a reduction in price, and devices tailored more to the native PC experience, handheld gaming PCs could hit the mainstream.

About Author

Mylarin Qynthoril

See author's posts