Handheld Gaming PC: Your Guide to Portability vs. Performance

Stuck in traffic on the N1? Or maybe Eskom just flipped the switch... again. What if you could still be diving into Baldur's Gate 3 or smashing laps in Forza? The handheld gaming PC has arrived, promising your entire game library in a device that fits in your backpack. These portable powerhouses are changing how we play, but they come with a crucial trade-off.

Is a handheld gaming PC the right move for you? Let's weigh up the freedom of portability against the raw performance you're used to.

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

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

R849.00In 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

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

FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - White / 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 / S10-43G0240-EC4

R599.00In 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

The Core Handheld Gaming PC Question: Freedom vs. Fidelity

At its heart, a handheld gaming PC like the ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck is a full-fledged computer squeezed into a console-style body. It runs the same games you own on Steam, Epic, or Game Pass. The magic is being untethered from your desk. You can game on the couch, in bed, or on a long road trip. 🚀

The compromise? You're not going to be running Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with maxed-out ray tracing. These devices are engineering marvels, but they balance graphical power with thermal limits and, most importantly, battery life. A demanding game might only give you 90 minutes of playtime away from the plug. This makes carrying a high-capacity power bank one of the most crucial tech essentials for any serious portable gamer.

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

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

FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - White / 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 / S10-43G0240-EC4

R599.00In 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

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 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

Choosing Your Portable Powerhouse

When you're ready to buy a handheld gaming PC, a few key factors make all the difference, especially here in South Africa.

Screen, Controls, and Comfort

Are you after a vibrant OLED screen or a faster refresh rate? The size and weight of the device will also determine how comfortable it is for long sessions. Some devices have detachable controllers, offering more flexibility, while others prioritise a solid, all-in-one build. There's no single "best" option... it all comes down to personal preference.

The Brains: Operating System

The two main contenders are SteamOS (on the Steam Deck) and Windows (on most others).

• SteamOS: A streamlined, console-like experience built for gaming. It's simple and efficient but can require some tinkering to run games from outside the Steam ecosystem.
• Windows: The same operating system you know from your desktop. It offers maximum compatibility with all game launchers and apps but can be a bit more clumsy to navigate with just a controller.

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

Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition 8K PC Wired Controller / Hyper Polling Technology / Swappable Thumbstick Caps / 4 Back Paddles / RZ06-05550100-R3M1

R2699.00In 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

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

Xbox Series X/S Wireless Controller - Pulse Red / Enhanced Comfort / New Hybrid D-pad / Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth Technology / 3.5mm Audio Jack / QAU-00012

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

Storage: The Unsung Hero

Modern games have massive file sizes. A 512GB internal drive can fill up frighteningly fast with just a handful of AAA titles. While microSD cards are a good option for smaller indie games, loading your favourites from a speedy internal drive is ideal. Luckily, many models allow for DIY drive swaps. Upgrading to a larger, faster drive is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. You can often find incredible SSD deals in ZAR that make this an easy choice.

Beyond the Device: Building Your Ecosystem

A handheld gaming PC is just the beginning. To truly get the most out of it, you'll want a few key peripherals. An immersive story or a competitive match can be ruined by tinny, weak audio from built-in speakers. A quality gaming headset is non-negotiable for blocking out the world and enjoying rich soundscapes. ✨

Furthermore, a docking station can transform your portable device into a full desktop experience, allowing you to connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. These and other gaming accessories, like protective cases and screen protectors, complete your on-the-go setup.

FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - White / 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 / S10-43G0240-EC4

R599.00In Stock

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

R1599.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller V2 / Wrap-Around Rubberized Grip / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Shorter Hair Trigger Locks / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / FST-00004

R4999.00In 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

PowerA Advantage Wired Xbox Controller - Celestial Green / 3-Way Trigger Locks / Officially Licensed for Xbox Series X|S / XBGP0190-01

R699.00In Stock

MARVO Monka Contra PS4 Wireless Game Controller / Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS13/Android / 6 hour battery life / 6-axis sensor with 3D-Sensor and G-Sensor / Dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience / Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-96

R349.00In Stock

The Final Verdict: Is It For You?

So, should your next big tech purchase be a handheld gaming PC?

If you're a dedicated PC gamer who wants a secondary device to complement your main rig, absolutely. It's the perfect way to grind through your backlog without being chained to your desk. If you value portability above all else and want one device for everything, it's also a fantastic choice.

However, if maximum performance, pixel-perfect graphics, and high refresh rates are your top priority, a dedicated desktop or high-performance gaming laptop remains the undisputed champion.