The Best Handheld Gaming PC’s 2023 with video

Have you ever wanted to play AAA quality games on-the-go? Thanks to advancements in technology, dreams like these can finally become a reality! Check out this article to find out what the best handheld gaming PC is for you!

Until recently, the only way to really play games with high-quality graphics, elaborate animations and overall AAA experiences was to invest in an expensive gaming desktop, or an uncomfortably bulky gaming laptop. Without those, large swathes of the gaming market was generally inaccessible.

This is no longer the case however! Compared to how the technology was 5 years ago, integrated graphics have come a very long way, allowing smaller and smaller devices to be manufactured while still retaining the ability to provide incredible gaming experiences.

In this buying guide, we’ll be going over a few of the best handheld gaming PCs that we think are worth your time, and are available to buy right now. Keep reading towards the end as we have a number of benchmark results for system and gaming performance to compare the latest handheld PC’s with.

We have created a new article for the best handheld gaming PCs 2024 here.

Best Handheld Gaming PC Video

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The Best Handheld Gaming PC’s

#1. GPD WIN 4 2023 – Best Portable Handheld Gaming PC

The GPD WIN 4 2023, upon unboxing, comes with a range of accessories: a screen protector, a USB Type-C cable for charging, a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, a hand strap, and a power charger that is tailored to the user’s country. The design remains visually similar to its predecessor, boasting a dimension of approximately 8.6 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches and weighing around 598g.

The device features a 6-inch H-IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1080, which can operate at both 40 and 60 Hz. The screen lifts to expose a backlit keyboard, optimized for thumb-typing and gaming rather than extensive typing. The GPD WIN 4 2023 is well-equipped with gaming buttons, analogue sticks, D-Pad, shoulder and trigger buttons, and other essential ports and buttons.

The GPD WIN 4 2023 is available in two variants. The more powerful handheld gaming PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU, accompanied by a GPU of AMD Radeon 780M. Depending on user preference, this variant can be fitted with either 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM operating at 6400 MT/s, and storage choices range from 512GB up to 4TB of NVMe SSD. The alternative model houses an AMD Ryzen 5 7640U CPU with AMD Radeon 760M graphics and is limited to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and a storage of 512GB NVMe SSD. Both models are equipped with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and an optional 4G LTE module. They each operate on a 45.62 Wh rechargeable battery, yielding similar performance timings under testing.

Benchmark testing revealed discernable differences between the two models. On average, the 7840U variant demonstrated an approximate 16% performance edge over the 7640U at 1080P across different gaming benchmarks, with this difference slightly decreasing to 13% at 720P. This performance difference also reflects in their respective pricing of the GPD WIN 4 2023, with the more powerful model demanding a price approximately 20% higher. This difference is significant in terms of additional frames per second during gameplay, so potential buyers should consider these performance metrics relative to the price when deciding which model to purchase.

The GPD WIN 4 2023 remains an attractive option for those seeking a powerful, pocket-sized gaming handheld. Its performance is on par with competitors like the GPD WIN MAX 2 2023, AOKZOE A1 Pro, and AYA NEO 2S. The device’s Oculink port, new to this model, opens up possibilities for users to enhance their device’s performance by connecting it to the GPD G1 eGPU docking station. This feature promises a significant performance boost and is worth considering for those looking for extra power.

For those considering an upgrade from the earlier 6800U model, the Ryzen 7 variant of the GPD WIN 4 2023 offers a substantial performance increase. For newcomers, either model is a worthy purchase, depending on the budget, with the added advantage of potentially amplifying performance through the Oculink port.

You can learn more and buy the GPD WIN 4 here. Read our full review here: GPD WIN 4 2023 Review

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#2. AYANEO Slide – Runner up for best handheld gaming PC

The AYANEO Slide is a handheld gaming PC designed to make a mark in the retro gaming world. From a technical standpoint, this device is robustly equipped. It boasts a 6” IPS touchscreen with 1080P resolution, ensuring bright and vibrant visuals. The unique sliding screen, which reveals a keyboard, adds to its ergonomic design. The AYA NEO Slide is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, with 8 cores and 16 threads, capable of reaching up to 5.1Ghz at 28W TDP. Graphics are handled by an AMD Radeon 780M GPU. It offers RAM options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5X, which is BIOS-unlocked up to 7500Mhz, and storage options range from 512GB to 4TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD. For connectivity, it includes WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The device is powered by a 46.2Wh battery and comes with a 65W charger and various adapters.

In terms of performance, the AYA NEO Slide shows a mix of high and low results in various benchmarks. In PCMark tests, which measure general usage capabilities like web browsing and video editing, it scored 5510, slightly below average. However, in 3DMark tests for gaming performance, including Time Spy, Night Raid, and Fire Strike benchmarks, it excelled, showing impressive results. Gaming benchmarks, such as Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Street Fighter 6, also reflected great performance at different resolutions and TDP settings. You can read our full AYANEO Slide review here for an in depth analysis of the performance.

The AYANEO Slide is a compelling option for those seeking a portable, high-performance portable gaming PC. Its standout features, such as the innovative sliding screen, comfortable design, and customizable RGB lighting, make it more than just a gaming device. The combination of powerful hardware, including the top-tier AMD Ryzen 7 processor, and versatile software like the AYA SPACE overlay, positions it as a serious contender against similar devices like the GPD WIN 4. Its excellent emulation performance and ease of use for both retro and modern gaming make it the best handheld gaming PC for gamers looking for a blend of portability, power, and unique design.

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#3. GPD WIN Mini – Best handheld gaming PC with keyboard

The GPD WIN Mini is a mobile gaming PC that combines compactness and powerful performance. It measures approximately 6.6 x 4.29 x 0.98 inches and weighs 520g, making it highly portable. The device features a 7 inch LTPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1080P, supporting both 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates. The GPD WIN Mini is available in two configurations: one with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU (8 cores & 16 threads up to 5.1GHz) and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, and the other with an AMD Ryzen 5 7640U CPU (6 cores 12 threads up to 4.9GHz) and AMD Radeon 760M GPU. The Ryzen 7 model offers 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2TB PCIe SSD storage, while the Ryzen 5 model comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Both models feature a backlit keyboard, dual hall effect joysticks, multiple USB ports, an Oculink port for the GPD G1 eGPU docking station, a micro SD card reader, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 support. The battery life varies from 3 to 14 hours depending on usage.

In benchmark tests, the GPD WIN Mini demonstrated performance comparable to other 7840U models, with some variability due to different drivers. In 3DMark tests (Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Night Raid), it showed slightly lower scores than similar models. Gaming benchmarks including Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Cyberpunk 2077 revealed decent FPS results at 1080P across various TDPs, with performance differences attributed to driver variations. The device runs games like Starfield effectively, showcasing its capability to handle current gaming titles. Read our full GPD WIN Mini review here for the full benchmark results and comparison.

The GPD WIN Mini addresses the balance between portability and functionality, combining aspects found in both the GPD WIN 4 and WIN MAX 2 series. Its larger screen in a compact form factor makes it more comfortable for extended gameplay, and the horizontal orientation of the controls is easy to adapt to. The keyboard, slightly larger than the WIN 4’s, is still not suited for lengthy typing tasks but suffices for brief inputs. The external temperature issues identified in the beta sample were fixed before the final model so this is now a non issue. This device is a strong contender for best handheld gaming PC with those seeking a balance of portability and gaming power in a handheld PC format.

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#4. GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 handheld PC

The GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 is the latest iteration of a handheld gaming PC, succeeding its predecessor, the GPD WIN MAX 2 model from the previous year. Physically, the dimensions are maintained, with the 2023 model measuring 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches and weighing approximately 1005 grams.

An array of ports is available on the device, including a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a high-speed OCuLink port compatible with the GPD G1 docking station, an HDMI port, two USB Type-C ports (USB 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2), as well as full-size and micro SD card slots. The device also provides an option to connect a secondary single-sided SSD and a 4G LTE module.

Internally, the GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 comes equipped with a sprawling 10.1-inch touch screen display, offering a default resolution of 1920×1200 which can be maxed out at 2560×1600. Additionally, the device features a 2-megapixel camera on the hinge, gaming controls, including hall effect sensor sticks, a touchpad, and a backlit low-profile keyboard, which is comfortable for typing.

The GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 is available in two distinct models, differentiated by their technical specifications. The 7640U model is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7640U CPU, paired with an AMD Radeon 760M GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB m.2 2280 SSD with an additional expansion slot.

On the other hand, the more advanced 7840U model utilizes an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU, an AMD Radeon 780M GPU, and options for either 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It also boasts a more expansive 2TB m.2 2280 SSD storage. Both models use a 10.1″ IPS touchscreen with similar display specifications, and a 2MP Camera with 1612×1212 resolution.

In performance tests, the GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 showed promising results, achieving 61dB in fan noise and managing a temperature of 61°C. With battery life tests indicating 8 hours and 10 minutes of idle time at 28W TDP, and 1 hour and 45 minutes while running Street Fighter 6 at maximum graphics settings. Comparisons with the older 6800U models indicate a performance boost, with increases ranging from 5.7% to 16% in various gaming benchmarks.

You can learn more and order the GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 here. Read our full review here: GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 7840U Review here and our GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 7640U Review here.