What Is a Handheld Gaming PC? Your Ultimate Guide

Stuck in stage 4 load shedding with no way to get your daily dose of Helldivers 2? Or maybe you’re just tired of being chained to your desk for every gaming session. Enter the handheld gaming PC, a powerful new class of device that puts your entire Steam library in the palm of your hands. It’s not a console, and it’s way more than a phone. It’s a full-fat PC experience, built for gaming on the go.

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

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

R2699.00In 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

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

So, What Is a Handheld Gaming PC, Really?

Think of it as a compact computer that’s been expertly squashed into a controller-like body. Unlike a Nintendo Switch, which runs a locked-down operating system and has its own game store, a handheld gaming PC typically runs Windows or a custom version of Linux. This means you can install Steam, the Epic Games Store, PC Game Pass, and almost any other launcher you use on your desktop.

This little beast gives you access to the massive library of PC games you already own. From indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, if it runs on a PC, there's a good chance it will run on one of these portable powerhouses. It’s the ultimate answer to PC gaming freedom.

The Core Components of a Portable Gaming PC 🚀

While they look simple on the outside, the tech inside a modern handheld PC is seriously impressive. Understanding the key parts will help you figure out which one is right for your needs.

### The Engine: APU Performance

The heart of every handheld gaming PC is an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). This single chip combines a powerful CPU and a capable GPU, striking a crucial balance between performance and battery life. It’s the magic that lets you play demanding games without needing a bulky, dedicated graphics card.

### The Window to Your World: Display

Most handhelds feature a 7-inch to 8-inch screen, typically with a 1080p resolution and sometimes a high refresh rate (120Hz+). The image quality is often fantastic, as the high pixel density makes everything look incredibly sharp.

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

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

R849.00In 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

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

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

### Storage: Speed is Everything

Your games need a place to live, and speed matters. These devices use ultra-fast NVMe SSDs to ensure games load in a flash. While internal storage can be limited, most models are designed for easy upgrades. Swapping in a larger drive is one of the most popular and effective mods, and finding a great deal when upgrading the internal SSD can double or even quadruple your game library.

Who Is This For? Unpacking the Use Case

Is a handheld gaming PC right for you? It’s a perfect fit for several types of South African gamers.

• The Desktop Gamer Who Wants Freedom: You love your powerful rig but want to continue your campaign from the couch or in bed.
• The Frequent Traveller: Long flights or bus trips become the perfect opportunity to chip away at your gaming backlog.
• The Load Shedding Survivor: When the power goes out, your game stays on. It's a personal, portable UPS for your entertainment.
• The Media Lover: It’s not just for gaming. Pop on a quality gaming headset and you have an incredible personal device for watching movies and series with immersive audio.

Ultimately, it's for anyone who values the versatility and massive library of the PC ecosystem but craves portability. The right peripherals, like a protective case or a portable charger, are some of the essential gaming accessories that complete the on-the-go experience.

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 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

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

Mad Catz C.A.T. 7 Gamepad - 2 Profiles + 2 Macro Settings - Detachable Micro-USB Connection - OLED Display for Configuration - 6 Programmable Tactile Buttons - Multi-Format Compatibility, ideal for PC and console gaming / GCPCCAINBL000-0-SN

R899.00In Stock

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

R649.00In 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

More Than Just a Gaming Device ✨

Don't forget, this is a full-fledged computer. With the right dock or a simple USB-C hub, you can connect your handheld to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, transforming it into a capable desktop PC for productivity or big-screen gaming. It’s a surprisingly versatile machine that can act as a central hub for all your entertainment and work, especially when paired with other tech essentials like a portable monitor. The possibilities are nearly endless.