Handheld vs. laptop computer for transportable PC gaming

It reveals my age, however after I was rising up, there was just one possibility for PC gaming — a full-sized desktop tower, typically costing over $2,000. Even then, console video games typically seemed and performed higher, although, after all, your NES or SNES could not swap from Mario to your homework. Going transportable meant shopping for a GameBoy or a Recreation Gear, as a substitute.

Now, we not solely have fairly inexpensive gaming laptops, but in addition handheld PCs modeled after the Nintendo Switch. It is solely doable to play video games like No Man’s Sky or Cyberpunk 2077 in your sofa, not simply at a desk. However which route must you take in case you’re new to PC gaming, and/or wanting the very best expertise to your cash?

What are some great benefits of a handheld PC?

Superior bodily comfort

Asus, Pocket-lint

Naturally, the best benefit of a handheld PC is portability. Although merchandise just like the ASUS ROG Ally are considerably bigger than a Switch, they’re nonetheless lots lighter and smaller than a laptop computer. You may stash one in a bag or suitcase with out a lot hassle. Whenever you’re at residence, it is easy to take your gaming from room to room, particularly when you’ve got a number of USB-C chargers with sufficient wattage.

The comfort extends past that, although. All handhelds have built-in gamepad controls, which implies you do not have to connect with separate controllers. You may nonetheless try this, however there’s freedom in not having to hold a mouse or Xbox controller with you. You can too anticipate handhelds to incorporate touchscreens, and a few fashions could have small trackpads to (form of) replicate the precision of a mouse.

Associated

The simple trick I use to add PlayStation games to my ROG Ally and Steam Deck

Sony has restricted distant play on handheld gaming gadgets, however a easy repair will allow you to play your Ps favorites on the go.

Streamlined software program

Whereas high quality varies, most handhelds are going to supply some kind of streamlined overlay interface that makes it easier to launch video games and tweak settings. That is typically by necessity — Home windows and Linux aren’t straightforward to make use of on a 7-inch display — however the result’s comfort nearer to a devoted console. In the event you’re new to PC video games, handhelds could also be a smoother on-ramp.

If you need the smoothest doable expertise, the Valve Steam Deck could be the solution to go. SteamOS is custom-tailored for gaming, so there’s little likelihood of an error message, and no have to fiddle with settings except you need to. It’s a must to reboot a Deck to entry its desktop interface. The largest downside is that, by default, you are restricted to apps you obtain from the Steam Retailer — you may have to leap by way of hoops to put in from sources just like the Epic Video games Retailer, or use a Deck for work duties. Plus, video games bundled with anti-cheat apps have a tendency to not work nicely or in any respect.

Associated

This insanely powerful gaming handheld is way better than a Steam Deck

The ROG Ally X is the very best handheld gaming gadget in the marketplace, however is it completely value its excessive price ticket.

A a lot decrease entry value

A 256GB LCD Steam Deck prices $400, which is ridiculously good worth. Even upgraded handhelds will be inexpensive, although — for $650, you may get an OLED Deck with 1TB of storage, and the extra highly effective ROG Ally X continues to be simply $800.

With gaming laptops, $1,000 tends to be thought of on the “cheaper” finish. Generally, you’ll find respectable fashions for much less in case you’re keen to stay with 1080p decision, however if you’d like a laptop computer that’ll nonetheless keep related for some time, you might find yourself paying nearer to $2,000 or extra. Gaming laptops are inherently costlier than equal desktops.

Associated

How I turned my Apple TV 4K into a retro gaming powerhouse

The Apple TV 4K is a surprisingly competent gaming machine.

What are some great benefits of a gaming laptop computer?

Most constancy and efficiency

FromSoftware

Whereas the all-in-one processors on handhelds are spectacular, you may by no means get the very best visible expertise with them. Devoted CPUs and graphics chips will all the time be sooner, in some circumstances enabling issues like ray tracing and 4K decision. Probably the most intense 3D video games could run slowly on a handheld, in the event that they run in any respect, though hits like Cyberpunk and Elden Ring do surprisingly nicely.

Talking of decision, it is uncommon to discover a handheld with a display (a lot) over 7 inches, whereas gaming laptops have a tendency to begin at twice that measurement and develop from there. That often makes the laptop computer expertise extra immersive, though you may get round that by connecting a handheld to a TV or monitor.

Associated

How to turn a Steam Deck into a TV gaming console

You may play PC video games in your TV with out shopping for a desktop or laptop computer.

Extra connectivity choices

Sennheiser / Pocket-lint

The scale of handhelds restricts their port choices — it is a miracle to search out one with multiple or two USB-C ports, an SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Higher gaming laptops are likely to have a number of further ports, for instance supporting HDMI, USB-A, Thunderbolt, and/or Ethernet. A handheld’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios do not totally compensate.

A laptop computer is lots simpler to connect with a TV or use as a workstation. You are able to do each with a handheld, to be clear, however you may want a first- or third-party docking station. In consequence, a handheld workstation dangers turning into a sea of cables and add-on peripherals, relying on how a lot you are making an attempt to perform.

Associated

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro’s macros make it great for work and gaming

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Professional is a catch-all efficiency keyboard that transitions completely from work to play.

Wider software program compatibility

Arguably, that is the most important benefit of gaming laptops. Since they provide higher efficiency, bigger screens, and built-in keyboards, they work correctly with a bigger variety of video games and productiveness apps proper out of the field. Personally, it could take a big quantity of effort and time to create a handheld setup I might really feel snug utilizing for writing, assuming I might even get all of the apps I rely on. With my laptop computer, I have been capable of work out of lodge rooms and occasional outlets with minimal effort.

Video games typically must be particularly optimized for handhelds, together with controls and efficiency. Once they’re not, the outcomes will be uneven framerates and mislabeled interfaces, if a sport capabilities within the first place.

Associated

The best mechanical keyboards for work and play

Searching for hot-swappable switches, customizable actuation factors, and different premium options? Try our prime picks.

Do you have to get a handheld or a laptop computer for transportable PC gaming?

It is all about intent and finances

MSI

In the event you’ve already acquired some kind of PC, or you do not want one, I might strongly counsel making an attempt out a handheld.

It is laborious to disregard their comfort and price-to-performance ratio, particularly if you do not have a big finances. In some conditions, they’ll open up new potentialities — I typically play Balatro or Vampire Survivors whereas hanging out with my spouse, and I do know that new mother and father will typically use handhelds in between feedings and diaper modifications. I am truly wanting ahead to bringing my Steam Deck on my subsequent flight, whereas touring with my 17-inch Razer laptop computer is a nightmare.

Associated

Razer’s new configuration for the BlackWidow V4 Pro is game-changing

Razer has launched the 75% configuration model of their BlackWidow V4 Professional, and it is lastly wi-fi.

A laptop computer is greatest in case you’ve acquired a finances nicely over $1,000, and “transportable” does not imply greater than shifting from one desk to a different. Gaming laptops are usually thick and heavy, whereas additionally being large energy hogs. Chances are you’ll be fortunate to get two or 4 hours on a laptop computer’s battery energy, which is horrible subsequent to the three to 12 hours from a Steam Deck OLED. Assume you may be plugging in a laptop computer every time doable.

It is best to robotically favor a laptop computer if you do not have a PC and wish one thing that does all of it. As I mentioned, you can also make a handheld the center of a workstation, nevertheless it’s lower than perfect for that, significantly in case you’re unable (or unwilling) to deliver a dock and peripherals with you for work on the street.