Best Handheld PC for Gaming on the Go in 2023

Handheld PCs have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for more portable options for computing. These devices are essentially small computers that can fit in your hand, making them perfect for people who are always on the go. They are great for traveling, working remotely, or simply using at home when you don’t want to be tied to a desk.

When it comes to choosing the best handheld PC, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to think about what you’ll be using it for. Are you looking for a device that can handle basic tasks like email, web browsing, and word processing, or do you need something more powerful that can handle more demanding applications like video editing or gaming?

Another important consideration is size and weight. Since the whole point of a handheld PC is portability, you’ll want to choose a device that is lightweight and easy to carry around. At the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of screen size or processing power, so it’s all about finding the right balance.

After researching and testing multiple handheld PCs, I’ve identified the top options for those looking for the best combination of performance, portability, and price.

Best Handheld PCs

If you’re looking for a device that’s portable, lightweight, and easy to use, a handheld PC might just be what you need. As someone who’s always on-the-go, I know the importance of having a reliable device that can keep up with my busy lifestyle. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best handheld PCs on the market today. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to stay connected while on-the-go, these devices are sure to meet your needs. So without further ado, here are my top picks for the best handheld PCs.

QUJUSO OnexPlayer 1S 8.4″ Handheld Game Console

If you’re looking for a powerful handheld PC that can also double as a gaming console, the QUJUSO OnexPlayer might be worth considering.

Pros

• The 8.4″ 2.5K display is stunning and makes games and videos look gorgeous.
• The dual vibration motors provide a realistic and immersive gaming experience.
• The variety of modes that can be switched, like game console mode, desktop office mode, and large-screen TV mode, make it versatile and suitable for different uses.

Cons

• The high-fidelity dual-speaker is not as loud as expected, which can be a bit disappointing when watching movies or playing games.
• The device is a bit heavy, weighing 819 grams, which might not be convenient for long gaming sessions.
• The battery drains quickly, especially when playing games or watching videos, which can be frustrating.

As someone who enjoys playing games on the go, I was excited to try out the QUJUSO OnexPlayer. The first thing that caught my attention was the 8.4″ display, which is simply stunning. The colors are rich and vibrant, and the resolution is sharp and clear.

Another feature that I appreciated was the dual vibration motors. When playing games like fighting or racing games, the real hand feeling of shock is conveyed to the players through the program, which makes the experience more immersive and realistic.

I also liked the variety of modes that can be switched. Whether I wanted to use it as a game console, a desktop office, or a large-screen TV, it was easy to switch between modes and use it for different purposes.

On the downside, the dual-speaker is not as loud as I expected, which can be a bit disappointing when watching movies or playing games. Additionally, the device is a bit heavy, which can make it uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Finally, the battery drains quickly, which can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of a game or watching a movie. Overall, if you’re looking for a handheld PC that can also double as a gaming console, the QUJUSO OnexPlayer might be worth considering.

GPD Win Max 2

If you’re looking for a powerful and portable handheld PC, the GPD Win Max 2 is a great option.

Pros

• With its AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor and AMD Radeon 680M graphics, this device can handle demanding games and applications with ease.
• The 10.1 inch H-IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 is crisp and clear, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, and browsing.
• The GPD Win Max 2 has a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and SD and MicroSD slots, making it easy to connect to external devices.

Cons

• The battery life varies depending on usage, with heavy use lasting only a few hours and light use lasting up to 14 hours.
• The joystick can be difficult to use for some people, and the lack of a cover for the joy button can be inconvenient.
• The device is a bit heavy, weighing in at 3.52 pounds, which may not be ideal for extended periods of use.

Overall, I would recommend the GPD Win Max 2 for anyone looking for a powerful and portable handheld PC. It’s perfect for gaming on the go, streaming videos, and browsing the web. The device’s powerful processor and graphics make it a great choice for demanding applications, and the variety of ports make it easy to connect to external devices. However, the battery life and joystick may be a concern for some users, and the device’s weight may not be ideal for extended periods of use.

GPD Win 3 Mini Handheld PC

If you’re looking for a portable PC that can handle gaming and other demanding tasks, the GPD Win 3 Mini Handheld PC is worth considering.

Pros

• The 11th Core Tiger Lake i7-1195G7 CPU is powerful and can handle demanding tasks with ease.
• The 5.5-inch Sunny Screen is bright and clear, and the Corning’s Fifth-generation Gorilla Glass provides added protection.
• The I/O ports are useful and allow for easy connectivity to other devices.

Cons

• The fans can be loud and the device can get hot during use.
• The keyboard is not very comfortable to use and the touch keyboard on the screen may be a better option.
• The price is relatively high compared to other handheld devices.

In my experience, the GPD Win 3 Mini Handheld PC is a great device for on-the-go productivity and gaming. The powerful CPU and graphics card make it possible to run demanding programs and games smoothly. The screen is bright and clear, and the Corning’s Fifth-generation Gorilla Glass provides added protection against scratches and cracks.

However, the fans can be loud and the device can get hot during use, especially when running demanding programs. The keyboard is not very comfortable to use, and I found myself using the touch keyboard on the screen instead. Additionally, the price is relatively high compared to other handheld devices.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and portable PC, the GPD Win 3 Mini Handheld PC is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.

LANRUO GPD Micro PC

If you’re looking for a pocket-sized mini PC that can run Windows 10 Pro, the LANRUO GPD Micro PC is worth considering.

Pros

• The touchpad and keyboard are easy to use, even in low light conditions thanks to its backlit design.
• The battery life is decent, lasting around 6-8 hours depending on usage.
• It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.

Cons

• The processor is not very powerful, so don’t expect to run demanding applications.
• The battery can take a while to charge fully.
• Some users have reported issues with the product failing after a short period of time.

I recently got my hands on the LANRUO GPD Micro PC and I have to say, I was impressed with its portability and usability. The touchpad and keyboard are both easy to use, and the backlit design makes it easy to type in low light conditions. The battery life is decent, lasting around 6-8 hours depending on usage, which is great for a device this size.

However, the processor is not very powerful, so don’t expect to run demanding applications. Also, the battery can take a while to charge fully, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to use it on the go. Finally, some users have reported issues with the product failing after a short period of time, so it’s important to be aware of that before making a purchase.

Overall, if you’re looking for a pocket-sized mini PC that can run Windows 10 Pro, the LANRUO GPD Micro PC is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and potential issues before making a purchase.

GPD MicroPC

If you’re looking for a portable, rugged, and powerful handheld PC, then the GPD MicroPC is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The GPD MicroPC is built to withstand tough environments, making it ideal for IT fields, exploration, mining, and other industries.
• With an Intel N4120 processor and 8GB of RAM, the GPD MicroPC delivers strong performance while consuming very little power.
• The built-in RS-232 serial interface is widely used in industrial control and automation, making it a versatile tool for professionals.

Cons

• The QWERTY keyboard is small and may take some getting used to, especially for users with larger hands.
• The 6-inch screen size may be too small for some users, especially those who require a larger display for their work.
• The GPD MicroPC is relatively expensive compared to other handheld PCs on the market.

In my experience, the GPD MicroPC is a great choice for professionals who need a portable and durable PC for use in tough environments. The backlit QWERTY keyboard is a nice touch, as it makes it easy to use the device in low-light conditions. The device’s three USB 3.0 interfaces are also a plus, as they allow you to connect a wide range of peripherals.

However, the small screen size may be a drawback for some users, especially those who require a larger display for their work. Additionally, the device’s price tag may be a bit steep for some users, especially when compared to other handheld PCs on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and rugged handheld PC, then the GPD MicroPC is definitely worth considering.

XAMMUE OneXPlayer 2

I recently got my hands on the XAMMUE OneXPlayer 2, and I must say, it’s a great handheld PC for gaming and productivity on the go. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile device that can handle AAA games, this is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7-6800U processor and AMD Radean 680M graphics deliver impressive performance for gaming and other tasks.
• The 8.4-inch IPS screen with 2560×1600 resolution and 100% sRGB coverage offers a clear and immersive viewing experience.
• The 5-in-1 design allows you to use the device as a game console, laptop, tablet, TV, or tabletop PC, depending on your needs.

Cons

• The battery life could be better, lasting around 3 hours with heavy usage.
• Some AAA games may require you to downgrade the resolution to 1920×1200 to maintain a steady FPS.
• The device is a bit heavy and bulky, making it less portable than some other handheld PCs.

Overall, I think the XAMMUE OneXPlayer 2 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a handheld PC that can handle demanding games and other tasks. The multiple usage modes make it versatile and convenient, and the large battery and fast charger ensure you won’t run out of power when you need it most. If you’re willing to trade some portability for power and performance, this is definitely worth checking out.

Logitech G Cloud Handheld Portable Gaming Console

I recently got my hands on the Logitech G Cloud Handheld Portable Gaming Console, and I must say, it’s a great device for gamers who are always on the go.

Pros

• The cloud gaming system allows you to play hundreds of AAA video game titles with no downloads or hardware upgrades via Wi-Fi and cloud gaming subscriptions.
• The integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, with access to more cloud services through the Google Play store app is a great feature.
• The 7-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen with 60Hz refresh rate and full-screen 16:9 gaming experience provides an immersive gaming experience.

Cons

• Some features may require an online subscription, which can be a downside for some users.
• The device can get a little laggy at times, especially on home Wi-Fi.
• It can be finicky when it comes to charging, and it requires a specific type of charger.

The Logitech G Cloud Handheld Portable Gaming Console is a lightweight gaming console that you can comfortably play all day. It has gaming-grade controls that rival the best console controllers with haptics, gyroscope, and remappable controls. The device supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 800+Mbps over a 5Ghz connection, which is great for seamless gaming.

The device is engineered for streaming, featuring a core processor that has been optimized to reduce latency for cloud gaming and an optimized Wi-Fi radio for lower signal interference. The 12+ hour battery life is impressive, and it’s great for long gaming sessions.

Overall, if you’re a gamer who is always on the go, and you’re looking for a portable gaming console that provides an immersive gaming experience, the Logitech G Cloud Handheld Portable Gaming Console is definitely worth checking out.

Note: Based on normal streaming play conditions, with 50% screen brightness and 50% volume. Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions. On compatible games and services.

AOKZOE A1 Pro

I recently got my hands on the AOKZOE A1 Pro and it has been a great experience. This handheld PC is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful device that they can carry around with them.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7- 7840U processor with 8 Cores/16 Threads and a Base Frequency of 3.3 GHz Max Turbo Frequency up to 5.1 Ghz makes this device incredibly fast and powerful.
• The 8 Inches fullfit IPS Screen with a resolution of 1920X1200 and Pixel Density of 283PPI is perfect for watching videos and playing games.
• The 65 Wh, 17100 mAh battery with a 100W GaN PD charger ensures that you can use the device for a long time without having to worry about running out of battery.

Cons

• The device is a bit heavy, weighing about 725 grams, which can make it difficult to carry around for long periods of time.
• The display is not as bright as some other devices, which can make it difficult to use in bright sunlight.
• The device can get a bit warm when running demanding applications, which can be uncomfortable if you are holding it for a long time.

Overall, I would highly recommend the AOKZOE A1 Pro to anyone who is looking for a powerful and portable device. Whether you want to use it for work or play, this device is sure to impress. Just make sure to keep in mind the weight and heat issues when using it for extended periods of time.

HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO

If you’re looking for a powerful mini PC with a touch screen, then you should definitely consider the HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO. It’s a great device for business, leisure, and entertainment purposes. With its built-in battery, you can enjoy up to 5 hours of video and music playback. Plus, it can be used to remotely control other micro PCs or smart home systems using remote desktop protocol.

Pros

• The touch screen is very responsive and easy to use.
• The device is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around.
• The built-in battery is a great feature that allows you to use the device on the go.

Cons

• The device can get quite hot when used for extended periods of time.
• The audio quality is not the best and can be a bit tinny.
• The device can be a bit slow when running more demanding applications.

I recently had the chance to try out the HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO and I was impressed with its performance. The device is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, which is a competent quad-core processor that does a decent job for lightweight tasks. It has a base operating frequency of 2.0 GHz/s to 2.7GHz (4MB cache) and draws under 10 watts of power. The metal body helps to expel heat quickly and the device is completely silent, improving efficiency.

Another great feature of the HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO is its wireless connectivity. The tiny PC has WiFi 5.0, dual-band WiFi2.4G/5.0G, which provides speeds up to 450Mbps/2.4GHz and 1000Mbps/5GHz. Gigabit Ethernet supports 10/100/1000Mbps, Bluetooth 4.2 fast data transfer speed up to 2Mbps. Carrying the PC Stick on business trips is more convenient for email, documents, and cloud services by connecting to the hotel’s TV and internet.

All important connections are available on the HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO, including 4 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, Dual HDMI supports 4k, 1 x ethernet ports, 1 x TF card ports. It supports Wake on LAN, PXE, Auto Power on, RTC Wake Settings built-in audio, built-in microphone.

Overall, the HIGOLEPC Mini PC Windows 11 PRO is a great device for anyone looking for a powerful mini PC with a touch screen. It’s lightweight, portable, and has a long battery life, making it perfect for use on the go. The device has some minor drawbacks, but they are easily outweighed by its many benefits.

GPD Pocket 3 Modular Handheld PC

If you’re looking for a powerful handheld PC that’s easy to take on the go, the GPD Pocket 3 is a great choice.

Pros

• The 11th Core Tiger Lake i7-1195G7 CPU and Iris Xe Graphics provide fast and smooth performance.
• The 8-inch IPS screen is bright and responsive, with a high resolution and touch support.
• The modular I/O ports and multiple USB ports make it easy to connect to peripherals and accessories.

Cons

• The battery life is average at around 3 hours.
• The bottom plate may wear out over time.
• The microphone quality is poor.

I recently got my hands on the GPD Pocket 3 and was impressed with its performance and portability. The 11th Core Tiger Lake i7-1195G7 CPU and Iris Xe Graphics provide fast and smooth performance for a variety of tasks, from web browsing to video editing.

The 8-inch IPS screen is bright and responsive, with a high resolution and touch support. It’s easy to navigate through windows and apps, and the 180-degree opening and DC dimming make it comfortable to use in any lighting conditions.

One of the standout features of the GPD Pocket 3 is its modular I/O ports and multiple USB ports. It’s easy to connect to peripherals and accessories, whether you need to transfer files or connect to an external display.

However, the battery life is average at around 3 hours, so you’ll need to keep the charger handy. Additionally, the bottom plate may wear out over time, and the microphone quality is poor, which may be a problem if you need to make voice calls or record audio.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and portable handheld PC, the GPD Pocket 3 is a great choice. Its fast performance, high-resolution screen, and modular I/O ports make it a versatile device for on-the-go computing.

Buying Guide

As someone who has tried out several handheld PCs, I know how important it is to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best handheld PC:

Operating System

The operating system (OS) is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a handheld PC. You need to choose an OS that is compatible with the software you need to run. The most popular handheld OS options are Windows, Android, and iOS. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choose one that suits your needs.

Processor

The processor is the brain of the handheld PC. It determines how fast the device runs and how well it can handle multitasking. Look for a processor that is powerful enough to handle your needs. A quad-core processor is usually sufficient for most users.

Display

The display is another important factor to consider. Look for a handheld PC with a high-resolution display that is easy to read. A larger display is also better for productivity. If you plan to use your handheld PC for gaming or watching movies, look for one with a high-refresh-rate display.

Storage

The amount of storage you need depends on how you plan to use your handheld PC. If you plan to store a lot of files, photos, and videos, look for a device with at least 128GB of storage. If you plan to use cloud storage or external hard drives, you can get away with less storage.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for a handheld PC. Look for a device with a long battery life, especially if you plan to use it on the go. A device with a removable battery is also a plus, as you can carry a spare battery with you.

Connectivity

Make sure the handheld PC you choose has the connectivity options you need. Look for a device with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. If you plan to use your device for video conferencing, look for one with a built-in webcam.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best handheld PC for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the top-rated handheld gaming PCs?

There are many great handheld gaming PCs available on the market. Some of the top-rated ones include the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, and the GPD Win 3. Each of these devices has its own unique features and advantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.

Which handheld console is the best for gaming?

The best handheld console for gaming will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a device that offers a wide range of games and a user-friendly interface, the Nintendo Switch may be the best choice for you. If you’re looking for a more powerful device that can run PC games, the Steam Deck or GPD Win 3 may be better options.

What are the best options for a portable Windows 10 PC?

Some of the best options for a portable Windows 10 PC include the Microsoft Surface Go 2, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, and the HP Spectre x360. These devices offer powerful performance and portability, making them great choices for on-the-go productivity.

What is the most powerful handheld PC currently available?

The most powerful handheld PC currently available is the AYA NEO. This device features an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor and AMD Radeon Vega 6 graphics, making it capable of running demanding games and applications.

Which CPU is recommended for gaming on a handheld PC?

For gaming on a handheld PC, a CPU with high clock speeds and strong single-core performance is recommended. Some of the best options include the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and the Intel Core i9-11900K.

Can a gaming PC be made portable?

Yes, a gaming PC can be made portable with the use of a handheld gaming PC or a portable gaming laptop. These devices offer powerful performance in a compact and portable form factor, making them great choices for gamers who want to take their gaming on the go.