If you had told me five years ago, that I’d be considering a handheld gaming PC in the future, I would’ve looked at you funny. But after some soul-searching, I’ve come to realize that I was always meant for a handheld. Here’s why…
1 I Play New Releases on Console
Though my gaming habits are different from when I was a kid, there’s always been a common thread: gaming consoles. I’ve always had a console from every generation. That’s one of the main reasons it took me so long to invest in a gaming PC in the first place.
Because of that, I always have a tether to new releases. It doesn’t bother me that I’m playing a “lesser” version compared to the PC port. Sure, playing on max graphics settings sounds great, but I never cared about pushing the boundaries of graphical fidelity, anyway.
When a new game comes out, I can rest easy knowing my PS5 will be just fine until the next generation of consoles hit the shelves.
2 My Game Library Is Easily Supported
I haven’t quite decided on what handheld gaming PC I want, but I’m more or less set on the Steam Deck. The ROG Ally is enticing, but either way I slice it, both devices have the hardware to run my library beautifully.
For context, my gaming computer’s eligible for senior citizenship. Eight years old, by my account. It was a prebuilt I made a few upgrades to, but as is common with prebuilts, I’m at a dead end. When I started working from home, it became my work computer, too.
Having a prebuilt PC was never a problem for me because, even eight years ago, my library on Steam and GOG was and is of older games. In terms of hardware and software, having an $800 gaming PC to play what essentially amounts to a semi-retro library, seems like a waste.
3 An Opportunity to Disconnect From Work
I didn’t realize just how much it’d affect me using my gaming PC as a workstation. The best way I can explain it is the inability to socially code-switch. When I’m at my computer, trying to game, it’s surprisingly difficult to relax when the veil between gaming and work is so thin.
A handheld like the Steam Deck would give me the opportunity to access my PC games anywhere in the house. In fact, I keep handhelds nearby, like the 3DS and the Switch, to wind down with before bed. So despite the drawbacks of handhelds, I’d actually enjoy this console format for when I’m relaxing.
You mean to tell me I can play Morrowind in bed and I can still have mods? Count me in! The comments and posts on Reddit seem to confirm this fantasy is definitely a reality.
4 Building a Gaming PC Is Expensive
Have you seen the prices for a good graphics card? They’re either matching or exceeding the price of a Steam Deck, and that’s just one part. I’d still need a motherboard, storage, case, RAM, power supply, mouse, keyboard, monitor, a processor, and presumably, a copy of Windows.
Some parts are pretty cheap, like cases and sticks of RAM, but it quickly adds up—$60 here, $40 there. Soon you’re over budget and looking for ways to cut back or wait for a particular part that may or may not go on sale, if it’s available ever again.
I don’t have the patience for any of that. I’d rather pick a handheld and avoid the headaches, which is a shame because building a PC is a lot of fun.
Maybe I’ll consider building a gaming PC in another 10 years, but as it stands now, it seems I was always meant to have a handheld. In retrospect, it makes sense. I put a lot of hours into the Switch, and even more with the 3DS. The form is right, too; compact handhelds aren’t a problem, given my smaller hands. I could finally give this work PC a second lease on life with Linux.
