So, you want to buy a handheld gaming PC in South Africa? The dream of crushing AAA titles during load shedding or on your lunch break is officially a reality. 🚀 These portable powerhouses pack a serious punch, but finding them locally can feel like a final boss battle. Where do you even start? This guide cuts through the noise, showing you the best local retailers and what to look for to secure your perfect portable rig.
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL iPad & Android Tablet Gaming Controller / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 10” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05470100-R3M1
R5199.00In Stock
ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00H2-M003E0
R18999.00In Stock
MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84
R399.00In Stock
Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091
R1599.00In Stock
Steelseries Nimbus+ Gamepad / Apple Gaming Controller / 50 hour Battery Life / Dedicated Navigation Buttons / Built-in Rechargeable Battery / Designed specifically for Apple Gaming / 69089
R1799.00In Stock
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009
R1599.00In Stock
Why Handheld Gaming PCs are a Big Deal
The appeal is simple: PC gaming freedom, untethered from your desk. Devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go let you access your massive Steam library anywhere. No more compromising with mobile games… we’re talking Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, and Helldivers 2 in the palm of your hand.
However, these massive games need space. While many handhelds are powerful, their base storage can fill up fast. For a seamless experience, upgrading your SSD is one of the first and most effective improvements you can make, ensuring lightning-fast load times for your entire library.
Where to Buy Handheld Gaming PCs in South Africa
Navigating the local market is key to a good experience. While importing might seem tempting, you often face surprise import duties, long shipping times, and a warranty nightmare if something goes wrong. Buying locally is almost always the smarter move.
Top Local Retailers
- Evetech: As specialists in PC gaming hardware, we don't just sell boxes. We understand the tech inside and out, offering expert advice and solid after-sales support. You get peace of mind knowing your high-value gadget is covered by a local warranty.
- Other Tech Stores: Retailers like Incredible Connection and Takealot also stock popular models. While they offer convenience, they may lack the specialised support and broad range of complementary gear that a dedicated PC gaming store provides.
Ultimately, when you buy a handheld gaming PC in SA, you're investing in an ecosystem. You'll want a retailer who supports that investment from day one.
FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - Black / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 20 hours (w/o vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Windows 10 & later, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0180-EC4
R799.00In Stock
Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition 8K PC Wired Controller / Hyper Polling Technology / Swappable Thumbstick Caps / 4 Back Paddles / RZ06-05550100-R3M1
R2699.00In Stock
MARVO GT-88 WIRELESS GAMING GAMEPAD / Compatible With PC / Analog Mini Sticks With Xbox Positioning / Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers / Rapid Fire With Turbo Mode / Dual Motors For Vibration Feedback / Soft, Sweat-resistant Coating / GT-88
R499.00In Stock
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009
R1599.00In Stock
FORCE PRO W Wireless Gaming Controller / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 48 hours (w/o lighting & vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Windows 10/11, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0260-C54
R2199.00In Stock
Xbox Special Edition Series Controller - Pulse Cipher / Red transparent top case / Rubberised red grips / Metallic red triggers and D-pad / Bluetooth® technology / QAU-00165
R1899.00In Stock
Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy
Not all handhelds are created equal. Your choice depends on your budget, preferred games, and how you plan to use it. 🎮
- Performance & Ecosystem: The ROG Ally and Legion Go run Windows, offering incredible flexibility and game compatibility (including Xbox Game Pass). The Steam Deck uses the Linux-based SteamOS, which is slick and optimised for gaming but can require tinkering for non-Steam games.
- Display: Do you want the vibrant, deep blacks of an OLED screen (like the Steam Deck OLED) or the higher refresh rate of an LCD panel? Both have their pros, so consider what's more important for your favourite genres.
- Ergonomics & Audio: How it feels in your hands after a two-hour session matters. More importantly, to get truly lost in your game, you need great sound. Pairing your device with a quality gaming headset is essential for blocking out the world and catching every crucial audio cue.
Optimise Windows for Handhelds ⚡
On a Windows-based handheld like the ROG Ally or Legion Go, install a frontend launcher like Playnite. It consolidates all your game libraries (Steam, Epic, Game Pass) into one beautiful, controller-friendly interface. This makes launching games much smoother than fumbling with the standard Windows desktop on a small screen.
Don't Forget the Essential Gear
Your handheld is just the start. To get the most out of it, you’ll need a few extras. A protective case and screen protector are non-negotiable for a portable device. If you plan to play on a TV or monitor, a docking station is a must-have. You can find these and other essential gaming accessories to complete your setup.
FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - Black / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 20 hours (w/o vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Windows 10 & later, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0180-EC4
R799.00In Stock
MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 120 Hz, Touchscreen Display / Intel® Arc 140V Graphics / 2 x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Micro SD Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / 1x Fingerprint Reader / Intel® Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 Wireless LAN / Bluetooth 5.4 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2 × 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio ready / 6-Cell, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / CLAW-8-AI-A2VM-067ZA
R18999.00In Stock
Steelseries Nimbus+ Gamepad / Apple Gaming Controller / 50 hour Battery Life / Dedicated Navigation Buttons / Built-in Rechargeable Battery / Designed specifically for Apple Gaming / 69089
R1799.00In Stock
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller: Licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC - 6 Remappable Buttons - Fast Triggers - Customizable Thumbsticks - Wired Tournament Mode - Black / RZ06-05200100-R3M1
R4999.00In Stock
PowerA Advantage Wired Xbox Controller - Sonic Style / 3-Way Trigger Locks / Officially Licensed for Xbox Series X|S / XBGP0229-01
R699.00In Stock
ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00H2-M003E0
R18999.00In Stock
And for those extended sessions away from a plug point? A powerful and reliable power bank is your best friend, especially in South Africa. Make sure it has enough wattage to charge your device while you play. Check out our range of tech essentials to find the perfect one.
Ready to Unleash Portable Power?
The world of handheld PC gaming is waiting. Whether you choose the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or another powerhouse, the right device can transform how and where you play. Explore our range of gaming handhelds and start your next adventure today.