Platform games bring an exciting mix of precision, storytelling, and colorful worlds that captivate gamers across generations. Whether it’s navigating pixel-perfect jumps or unearthing secrets, the platform genre is ideal for handheld gaming PCs.
Thanks to the portability and power of compact gaming PCs like the GPD Win 4 2024, GPD Win MAX 2 2024, GPD Win Mini 2024 and ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini, you can enjoy these games in vibrant detail, wherever you go. Here are 10 of the best platform games to play on handheld gaming PCs that make the most of a portable gaming computer.
Celeste
Celeste invites players on an emotional journey up the mystical Celeste Mountain with Madeline, the main character, as she overcomes both physical and mental challenges. With stunning pixel art, rewarding difficulty, and an empathetic narrative, Celeste weaves a story that resonates on a personal level while providing satisfying gameplay mechanics. The game’s soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional depth of the journey, offering a cohesive experience that feels both challenging and moving.
- Why You Should Play It: Perfect for players who appreciate well-balanced difficulty with a meaningful storyline.
- Performance Tips: Lowering the resolution slightly can ensure smooth gameplay on the 8840U, especially on the GPD Win MAX 2 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The vivid pixel art looks incredible on the smaller screens of the GPD Win Mini 2024, and the tight controls shine on handheld setups.
Ori and the Blind Forest
In Ori and the Blind Forest, players accompany Ori, a guardian spirit, on a visually breathtaking adventure to restore a fading forest. This platformer blends intricate hand-painted visuals, smooth controls, and engaging puzzles with a story about love and sacrifice. Ori’s journey unfolds with fluid platforming elements, memorable boss battles, and a steadily paced progression that makes it a beloved title in the genre.
- Why You Should Play It: It combines stunning visuals with an emotionally charged storyline.
- Performance Tips: Medium texture settings and reduced shadows help achieve a fluid experience on the GPD Win 4 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The colorful visuals and art style look especially sharp on the compact gaming PC screens of the GPD Win MAX 2 2024 and GPD Win Mini 2024.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight takes players through the labyrinthine world of Hallownest, where they face enemies, uncover secrets, and explore hand-drawn, interconnected environments. As a knight with a mysterious past, players unlock powers, tackle challenging combat, and navigate a dark, atmospheric world. The game’s replay value is immense, offering hours of exploration and discovery that challenge even experienced platform gamers.
- Why You Should Play It: Deep lore, challenging gameplay, and a beautifully crafted world.
- Performance Tips: Enable v-sync and lower visual effects for a smoother experience on the GPD Win 4 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Its atmospheric visuals and intricate details enhance the gaming experience on the compact GPD Win Mini 2024.
Cuphead
Cuphead is a visually distinct run-and-gun platformer inspired by 1930s animation. Known for challenging boss battles and intricate level designs, it rewards players for learning patterns and mastering quick reflexes. With cooperative play and its unique visual charm, Cuphead is a delight on handhelds and provides an immensely satisfying experience for fans of retro-inspired games.
- Why You Should Play It: For its nostalgic cartoon art style and challenging gameplay.
- Performance Tips: Cap the FPS at 60 for smooth and fluid gameplay on devices like the GPD Win MAX 2 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The stylized visuals and unique animations look fantastic on portable gaming PCs.
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is known for its energetic platforming, colorful levels, and inventive gameplay. Each level introduces new mechanics, musical stages, and dynamic enemies, offering a fresh experience with every stage. The game’s co-op mode amplifies the fun, making it one of the best platforming experiences on compact gaming PCs like the ONEXPLAYER X1 Min.
- Why You Should Play It: Consistently creative level design and smooth gameplay.
- Performance Tips: High settings run well on the GPD Win 4 2024; closing background apps can improve performance.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Its colorful, fluid animations are well-suited to the smaller screens of handheld gaming computers.
Dead Cells
Mixing roguelike elements with platforming, Dead Cells challenges players with procedurally generated levels, quick combat, and strategic progression. Its fast-paced nature makes it ideal for shorter play sessions, while its unique weapons and upgrade paths encourage exploration and experimentation on each run.
- Why You Should Play It: It’s highly replayable and satisfying, with fresh encounters each time.
- Performance Tips: Reducing effects like motion blur improves performance on the 8840U for a smoother experience.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Perfect for quick sessions on devices like the GPD Win MAX 2 2024, with responsive controls suited for portable play.
Axiom Verge
Axiom Verge takes players on a sci-fi journey across an alien world filled with unique puzzles, secrets, and enemies. With mechanics inspired by the Metroidvania genre, this game brings a retro feel with a modern twist, ideal for handheld sessions on the GPD Win 4 2024, whether you’re on a quick commute or have time for a longer gaming session.
- Why You Should Play It: Retro charm combined with a compelling sci-fi storyline.
- Performance Tips: Runs smoothly on default settings but capping frame rates helps stabilize gameplay.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The retro graphics shine on handheld screens, making it a nostalgic yet modern experience on the GPD Win Mini 2024.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
An homage to classic NES platformers, Shovel Knight immerses players in vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and an endless amount of content. With multiple campaigns and characters, this game is packed with old-school charm and modern polish. Playing it on the GPD Win Mini 2024 offers a retro experience that’s easy to pick up and play.
- Why You Should Play It: Tons of content and campaigns, with a true retro feel.
- Performance Tips: Runs smoothly at default settings, though reducing effects can add stability.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Pixel-perfect visuals that look sharp on the compact screens of the ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini and GPD Win 4 2024.
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is renowned for its difficulty, requiring precision and skill to navigate challenging levels. With trial-and-error gameplay and quick levels, it’s the perfect game for anyone who loves a test of reflexes. The simple controls and short play sessions make it well-suited for handheld gaming on the GPD Win Mini 2024.
- Why You Should Play It: For the challenge and rewarding gameplay.
- Performance Tips: Lower post-processing effects for smoother gameplay on the GPD Win MAX 2 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Short levels and responsive controls make it a top choice for mobile gaming on a portable gaming computer.
Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares offers a blend of platforming, horror, and puzzle-solving, where players navigate through a dark world filled with eerie creatures as they control Six, a tiny figure in a large, terrifying world. With a haunting atmosphere and detailed visuals, this title is particularly immersive on a handheld gaming PC like the GPD Win 4 2024.
- Why You Should Play It: Incredible visuals and suspenseful gameplay with horror elements.
- Performance Tips: Lowering shadow quality ensures stable performance on the GPD Win MAX 2 2024.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The atmospheric design looks incredible on the GPD Win Mini 2024, creating an immersive experience.
Platform games deliver timeless excitement and are ideal for portable gaming. The GPD Win 4 2024, GPD Win MAX 2 2024, GPD Win Mini 2024 and ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini offer the power and screen quality to bring these games to life, whether you’re exploring pixel-perfect worlds or navigating intricate challenges.
Have you tried any other platform titles on your handheld gaming computer? Let us know your favorites and we may include them in the best platform games to play on handheld gaming PCs part two!
