As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital world of gaming, I must say that both mini gaming PCs and gaming handhelds have their unique charms. However, my personal preference leans towards the latter – the gaming handheld.
Currently, mini computers and portable gaming devices are highly sought-after, as they provide several similar capabilities found in a standard desktop or laptop computer.
Full-size gaming desktop PCs will always offer the best performance, and gaming laptops will always offer the best mix of power and versatility. However, a mini PC can save you a lot of space (and usually some money), while a gaming handheld is the absolute best for gaming on the go.
In this review, I will evaluate factors such as cost, appearance, functionality, capabilities, and additional aspects to assist you in determining whether a compact gaming computer or a portable gaming device suits your needs best.
Gaming handheld vs. mini gaming PC: Value and pricing
Compact Personal Computers typically begin at an economical range, providing a balance between cost and features like a current generation CPU, ample memory, and expansive storage space. Surprisingly, many budget-friendly mini PCs also incorporate integrated graphics that can handle casual gaming tasks comparable to those found in portable gaming devices.
On the other hand, when you equip a mini PC with a separate graphics card (GPU), prices tend to increase significantly. Since models with a separate GPU need additional space and better cooling systems within, you’ll find yourself dealing with a more spacious case and an increased cost as well.
Looking over our collection of top-rated portable gaming devices we’ve tested and evaluated, prices typically begin at approximately $399 for an entry-level Steam Deck, while high-end models like the ASUS ROG Ally X can go up to around $800. These handheld gaming systems offer a complete package of entertainment with powerful hardware, user-friendly controls, and high-quality displays to ensure enjoyment.
When it comes to our preferred mini computers (which I’ve also tested and evaluated), prices can vary significantly. For instance, the Beelink EQR6 mini PC with built-in graphics costs approximately $420, while the ASUS ROG NUC 970, equipped with a Core Ultra 9 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, goes up to around $1,799. To fully enjoy gaming on these mini PCs, you’ll need a suitable monitor, keyboard, and mouse – if you don’t already own them, remember to account for their additional cost.
Opting for a gaming handheld might cost you less initially, but the extra perk of a mini PC transforming into a regular desktop computer is hard to overlook. Plus, there are additional advantages to owning a mini PC, such as easier upgrades and a greater variety of available ports.
If you’re more focused on playing less demanding games or streaming titles through cloud services, a mini PC equipped with just integrated graphics should suffice. You could invest about $400 to $600 in a mini PC, featuring either AMD or Intel integrated graphics, which will handle a wide variety of excellent games quite well.
Mini PCs made for gaming come at a higher price, but they’re also a prime target for major discounts. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are headed our way, and I urge everyone to have a look at the best Black Friday mini PC deals live now. I also urge you to check out the best Black Friday gaming handheld deals, as there are already some major discounts available.
Gaming handheld vs. mini gaming PC: Design and portability
As an analyst, I would rephrase the statement as follows: When compared to a compact PC, gaming handheld devices stand out as a versatile choice for me. These portable gaming devices offer all the essentials for gaming on-the-go – screens, controls, batteries, and powerful hardware – making them ideal for gamers who are always on the move.
I often find myself using the Steam Deck frequently, and regardless of its dimensions and weight, it always feels comfortable to grip, whether I’m reclined on a couch or seated in an airplane chair.
You certainly have the option to connect many gaming handheld devices to a monitor and external controls, which allows for a more traditional gaming setup at your desk. Some enthusiasts even utilize their gaming handhelds as full-fledged PCs, as demonstrated in Richard Devine’s Back to School with a Steam Deck guide on Windows Central. The main limitation for upgrades in a gaming handheld post-purchase is typically the storage capacity.
As an analyst, I find mini PCs to be quite distinct in their design. Despite those equipped with discrete GPUs, they are significantly compact compared to traditional desktop towers. Moreover, these devices frequently include mounting brackets, offering flexibility in their placement.
Opting for a mini PC offers the advantage of conserving ample space, yet it’s not particularly designed for portability. While it is feasible to carry one in a backpack, its limited components such as no built-in battery, screen, or controls make it necessary to have compatible solutions waiting at your destination.
Compact mini PCs often strive to incorporate numerous connectivity options, minimizing the necessity for external docks or hubs. Moreover, these mini PCs frequently offer upgradable RAM and storage, easing concerns about maintaining its relevance as technology advances.
Gaming handheld vs. mini gaming PC: Performance
Gaming-oriented Mini PCs often come equipped with dedicated graphics processors (GPUs). These GPUs can range from entry-level models like the NVIDIA RTX 3050 or 4050, to much more powerful units. For instance, the ASUS ROG NUC 970, as reviewed by Editor Rebecca Spear, boasts an NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU under its hood.
In comparison, even the less powerful discrete GPUs found in mini PCs outperform the integrated graphics in gaming handheld devices. This added power enables you to play a wider variety of games with superior in-game settings and at higher resolutions when connected to an external monitor. If you’re aiming for top-notch performance within a compact package, opting for a mini PC is your best bet.
Handheld gaming devices may lack the power to achieve high frame rates on large, high-resolution monitors, but they are designed to offer an exceptional gaming experience given their hardware capabilities. For instance, my Steam Deck LCD, though equipped with a relatively weak four-core Zen 2 CPU and integrated graphics, manages to run more games than I initially anticipated.
Although Red Dead Redemption 2 and Elden Ring may not seem visually stunning due to their lower screen resolution and settings, the convenience of being able to play them anywhere is a significant advantage. In my view, handheld gaming devices are ideal for enjoying indie games. The reduced system requirements maintain clear graphics, and battery consumption is less of an issue.
Gaming handheld vs. mini gaming PC: Compatibility
Since many compact gaming PCs utilize Windows as their operating system, and the same goes for gaming handheld devices such as the ROG Ally, you can be confident that there will be no compatibility issues with your preferred games.
On the contrary, individuals utilizing a Steam Deck will encounter a distinct gaming experience. It operates on a SteamOS system based on Linux, which excels in emulating games and apps but faces challenges with other platforms. For instance, my PC Game Pass subscription, limited to the Xbox app designed for Windows, becomes practically redundant without additional modifications due to the Linux-based system of the Steam Deck.
To prevent encountering this problem, consider purchasing a portable device that runs on Windows, such as the ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, or Lenovo Legion Go.
Gaming handheld vs. mini gaming PC: Which should you buy?
In essence, purchasing a compact gaming PC is about seeking a desktop-like gaming experience without the bulky tower, either to conserve space in your workspace or for portability between different locations such as home and office. Interestingly, there are mini PCs that are so small they can fit into a bag. However, remember to ensure compatibility of the necessary hardware at your destination.
If you’re looking for a device that can manage everyday computer tasks, I suggest considering the purchase of a mini PC. Instead of investing in both a gaming handheld and a separate desktop PC, you might find a device that can handle gaming and standard computing at a lower cost.
Instead of opting for a mini PC with a dedicated graphics card, consider purchasing a portable gaming device if you prefer playing games on-the-go. Typically, high-quality gaming handhelds are less expensive than mini PCs, and the convenience of having all your gaming essentials right at your fingertips makes it an attractive option.
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2024-11-13 18:40