Travel with Handheld Gaming Consoles: Essential Tips & Gear
Planning to travel with handheld gaming consoles? ✈️ Discover essential tips for packing, battery management, and TSA guidelines to keep your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Switch safe. 🎮 Level up your journey with the right accessories today!
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Stuck in traffic on the N1? Facing another dreaded loadshedding slot? Or maybe you’re just waiting for a flight at OR Tambo. For South African gamers, dead time is wasted time. But what if you could crush a Baldur's Gate 3 session or dominate in Helldivers 2 from anywhere? Modern handheld gaming consoles make this a reality, turning any boring wait into an epic adventure.
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
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
Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA
R17499.00In Stock
SteelSeries Stratus + Wireless Anroid Controller / Android & Chromebook Wireless Gaming Controller / Bluetooth LE + USB-C PC Support / Adjustable Slim Phone Mount Included / 90-Hour Battery Life with Fast Charge (15 min = 12 hrs) / ALPS Thumbsticks with L3/R3 / Hall Effect Magnetic Triggers for Lifetime Precision / 69076
R999.00In 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
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
Why Handheld Gaming is Perfect for SA Travel
The dream of playing your PC library on the go is no longer a fantasy. The latest generation of powerful, portable PCs has arrived, and they are perfectly suited for the unique challenges of South African life. Think of it as your personal loadshedding survival kit or the ultimate backseat companion on a long drive to Durbs. These devices offer a AAA gaming experience that fits right in your backpack. Forget draining your phone battery with mobile games… this is the real deal.
The best part? The ecosystem is massive. You get access to your existing Steam, Epic Games, and PC Game Pass libraries, meaning you don't have to buy your favourite titles all over again. For anyone looking to dive in, exploring the full range of handheld gaming consoles is the perfect place to start.
Choosing Your Travel Companion
When you decide to travel with handheld gaming consoles, picking the right one is key. While they all offer incredible performance, each has unique strengths that might suit your playstyle better.
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
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Game Controller for Windows PC, Wired for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One – Rotating Modules, Display Dashboard, Hall-Effect Sticks, Remappable Buttons, Bluetooth / TBS-0120-05
R3199.00In 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
Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA
R17499.00In 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
Lenovo Legion Go S 8ARP1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 512B NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83L3004VSA
R13499.00In Stock
ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG Ally is a performance beast, often praised for its stunning 120Hz VRR display and raw power thanks to the AMD Z1 Extreme chip. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and its Armoury Crate software makes launching games from different libraries a breeze. If top-tier performance and a vibrant screen are your priorities, the Ally is a formidable choice.
Lenovo Legion Go
Want a bigger screen? The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display that makes games look absolutely spectacular. Its standout feature is the detachable controllers, similar to a Nintendo Switch, which even includes a unique FPS mode. This versatility makes it a fantastic all-in-one entertainment device for any trip.
MSI Claw
As the new kid on the block, the MSI Claw enters the ring with Intel's Core Ultra processor. It focuses heavily on comfort with ergonomics designed for long gaming sessions. Its Hall Effect joysticks and triggers are built to last, preventing the dreaded stick drift—a huge plus for any serious gamer on the move.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Game Controller for Windows PC, Wired for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One – Rotating Modules, Display Dashboard, Hall-Effect Sticks, Remappable Buttons, Bluetooth / TBS-0120-05
R3199.00In 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
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
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
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
Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142
R849.00In Stock
Essential Gear for Gaming on the Go 🎒
Once you have your console, a few key accessories will dramatically improve your travel gaming experience. Don't leave home without them!
- A Solid Power Bank: Your console’s battery won’t last forever. Look for a power bank with at least a 20,000mAh capacity and Power Delivery (PD) of 65W or higher to charge your device while you play.
- A Protective Case: This is non-negotiable. A sturdy, hard-shell case will protect your investment from bumps, drops, and scratches in your bag.
- Wireless Earbuds: To be courteous in public spaces (and get truly immersed), a good pair of low-latency wireless earbuds is a must.
- High-Speed MicroSD Card: AAA games are huge. Expand your storage with a fast A2-rated microSD card to carry more of your library with you.
TIP FOR YOU
Battery Saver Pro Tip ⚡
Most handheld PCs like the ROG Ally or Legion Go let you adjust the Thermal Design Power (TDP). For less demanding indie games, lower the TDP in the device's command centre. You'll sacrifice a little performance but can often add an extra hour or more to your playtime… perfect for stretching your battery during a long loadshedding slot.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Travel Gaming Experience
To make gaming while travelling completely seamless, a little preparation goes a long way.
First, download and install your games before you leave. Airport or hotel Wi-Fi can be painfully slow and unreliable. Also, make sure any necessary updates are done and you’ve logged into your game launchers at least once online.
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
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
Adata SC735 1TB High-Performance External SSD with USB-C / 1,050MB/s Read & 1,000MB/s Write Speeds / Cable-Free Mobile Phone Compatibility / Gaming Handheld Compatible / Supports Latest Game Consoles / Multi-OS Support / SC735-1000G-CCBK/GY
R2199.00In 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 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 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
Second, check which of your favourite games have a reliable offline mode. While many single-player titles work perfectly, some require an internet connection to launch. A quick check on a forum like Reddit can save you a lot of frustration.
Finally, organise your accessories. Use a small tech pouch to keep your charger, power bank, cables, and earbuds all in one place. It makes pulling out your setup for a quick session so much easier. Happy travels, and happy gaming! ✨
Ready to Level Up Your Travels? From the Garden Route to the Kruger Park, don't let boredom be part of your itinerary. A powerful handheld console is the ultimate travel companion for any South African adventurer. Explore our incredible range of handheld gaming consoles and find the perfect device to power your next journey.
Related Products
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Game Controller for Windows PC, Wired for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One – Rotating Modules, Display Dashboard, Hall-Effect Sticks, Remappable Buttons, Bluetooth / TBS-0120-05
R3199.00In 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
Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142
R849.00In 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
Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA
R17499.00In 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
Yes, TSA allows you to travel with handheld gaming consoles in carry-on bags. You may need to remove them from their case for screening at security checkpoints.
Look for a 20,000mAh power bank with at least 45W PD output to keep high-performance devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally charged during long flights.
Absolutely. A sturdy hard shell case protects your screen and analog sticks from crushing pressure and accidental drops inside your backpack or carry-on luggage.
In-flight Wi-Fi is often too slow or has high latency for competitive play. It is best to download offline games or single-player titles before you board.
Lower screen brightness, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, and cap the frame rate at 30 or 40 FPS to significantly extend handheld gaming battery life.
Yes, airlines require loose lithium batteries and power banks to be packed in carry-on luggage only. Never pack these items in your checked bags due to fire risks.
