Handheld Gaming PC Benchmarks for High-Demand Games

So, you’re eyeing a handheld gaming PC. The dream is huge, right? Blasting through Night City or surviving loadshedding with a solid Warzone session, all on a device that fits in your bag. But can these pocket rockets truly handle the heat? We’re diving deep into handheld gaming PC benchmarks for the most demanding titles, cutting through the hype to give you the real performance picture here in South Africa. Let's see what they can really do. 🚀

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Atom Mobile Game Controller with Bluetooth for Cloud Gaming on Android Mobile Devices with Compact Shape, Console Style Controls, Low Latency Bluetooth - Red / TBS-0766-05

R2499.00In Stock

Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable - SXW-00002

R649.00In Stock

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Mobile Gaming Controller - Phantom White / Full-sized Controller Form Factor / Full-sized TMR Thumbsticks / Unparalleled Case Compatibility / RZ06-03550200-R3M1

R2699.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition XBOX/PC, 6 Remappable Buttons to Outplay Them All, 1000Hz Polling Rate for Competitive Play on PC, Wired Esports Controller - White / RZ06-05210200-R3M1

R2699.00In Stock

Understanding Handheld Gaming Performance

Before we jump into the numbers, what are we actually looking for? A benchmark isn't just a score; it's a story about playability. For handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, the goal isn't 4K at 120fps. It's about achieving a stable 30-60fps at the device's native resolution (usually 720p or 1080p) with smart settings. The magic lies in technologies like AMD's FSR or Intel's XeSS, which boost performance significantly. These devices deliver a phenomenal experience... as long as you have realistic expectations.

Benchmarking Handheld PCs in High-Demand Games

We tested some of the most graphically intense games to see how these machines cope. The results show a clear picture of compromise and clever optimisation.

Cyberpunk 2077: Night City in Your Palms

This is the ultimate test. On a typical handheld, you can expect a playable 30-45fps on low-to-medium settings with FSR set to "Performance". The experience is surprisingly smooth, but you'll notice the biggest bottleneck if you're running low on storage. With massive game sizes, a fast, high-capacity drive is non-negotiable. Upgrading your storage is one of the best first moves, so be sure to check out the best SSD deals in South Africa to avoid those brutal load times.

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition XBOX/PC, 6 Remappable Buttons to Outplay Them All, 1000Hz Polling Rate for Competitive Play on PC, Wired Esports Controller - Black / RZ06-05210100-R3M1

R2599.00In 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

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

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition XBOX/PC, 6 Remappable Buttons to Outplay Them All, 1000Hz Polling Rate for Competitive Play on PC, Wired Esports Controller - White / RZ06-05210200-R3M1

R2699.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC Wireless Controller / Hyper Polling Technology / Swappable Thumbstick Caps / 4 Back Paddles / RZ06-05540100-R3M1

R4699.00In Stock

Baldur's Gate 3: Can It Handle Faerûn?

Baldur's Gate 3 is more CPU-intensive, especially in crowded areas like Act 3. Most handhelds manage a solid 30fps, though dips are common. The intricate world and epic soundtrack, however, can feel a bit lost through tiny built-in speakers. To truly appreciate the rich audio design and hear every critical dialogue line, pairing your device with a quality headset is essential. An immersive audio experience from a great gaming headset makes all the difference. ✨

Optimising Your Handheld Beyond the Game

Getting the best performance isn't just about in-game settings. Managing your device's Thermal Design Power (TDP) is crucial for balancing battery life and raw power. A higher TDP gives you more frames but drains your battery faster. For longer sessions away from the plug, you'll want to invest in a solid power bank and other key tech essentials to keep you in the game.

Furthermore, while handhelds are amazing solo devices, their true potential unlocks when you dock them. Connecting to a monitor and using a full-sized controller or keyboard transforms it into a proper desktop setup. A few choice gaming accessories deals can elevate your handheld from a portable gadget to the heart of your entire gaming ecosystem.

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition XBOX/PC, 6 Remappable Buttons to Outplay Them All, 1000Hz Polling Rate for Competitive Play on PC, Wired Esports Controller - White / RZ06-05210200-R3M1

R2699.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

R2999.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

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

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 - White / RZ06-05200200-R3M1

R4999.00In Stock

The Verdict: Are They Worth It in SA?

Absolutely. The handheld gaming PC benchmarks prove that with smart settings, you can play the biggest, most beautiful games wherever you are. They are the perfect loadshedding companion and a fantastic way to keep up with your gaming library without being tied to a desk. They may not replace a high-end desktop, but they offer a level of freedom that was pure science fiction just a few years ago. 🔧