Many people think of the heyday of the Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable (PSP) when they think of portable gaming devices. However, since the invention of handheld computers, handheld gaming has advanced significantly and is now on par with console gaming.
In essence, handheld computers are extremely powerful gaming laptops that have been further reduced to a small, manageable gadget that can be used while travelling, lounging on the couch, or sleeping. These devices can run anything from the newest AAA games to real money slot games that are now available online.
The current handheld computer revolution began in 2022 with the release of the Steam Deck. Any player can easily operate the gadget thanks to its touch screen, D-pad, many selection buttons, and joysticks. But the industry’s competition rose rapidly.
MSI, Lenovo Legion, and ROG (Republic of Gamers) all released handheld PC versions in less than two years. These can access games from shops like Steam, Epic Games, EA, Microsoft Store, and GOG and are compatible with Windows 11. Below is a list of the top games that are compatible with portable PCs and can be purchased from various retailers.
Cyberpunk 2077
In 2020, CD Projekt Red launched Cyberpunk 2077, a game set in a futuristic environment. The game, which had a significant fan base before to debut, was repeatedly delayed before its stunning visuals and amazing gameplay options were shown.
Cyberpunk 2077 makes use of the joysticks and controller setup of handheld PCs, which can operate with graphics settings on the higher end of the spectrum. These, along with a strong performance, make it a lot of fun to explore the game’s fascinating universe and discover its original plot.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is still regarded as one of the most played video games ever, despite its release in 2013. The open-world game, created by Rockstar Games, lets you do nearly anything you like, from openly following the plot to creating havoc as you’re free to travel around.
The game’s graphics are old but still stunning, and handheld PCs have proven to be more than capable of handling them. As you immerse yourself in the various activities available to you while attempting to elude the authorities, the various display types utilised by various companies are also more than capable of giving you the best picture of the world.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 by Rockstar Games is renowned for its captivating plot that leaves you wanting more, from the whites of a blizzard in the game’s opening moments to the fields’ subsequent swaying. You are also drawn in by the game’s amazing graphics, which are made possible by the sophisticated graphics processors of contemporary mobile devices.
The majority of handheld PCs can run RDR2 without any issues, despite the game’s size and requirements. The controller joysticks make it simple to navigate the vast globe. The handheld’s triggers, which offer tactical input that enables you to fully appreciate the touch-and-go moments, also improve the experience of engaging during combat.
Hogwarts Legacy
Since the official conclusion of the film and novels, many Harry Potter fans have been waiting for a game similar to Hogwarts Legacy. As each fan waits for their letter to the renowned magic school, the game lets them experience what it was like to be eleven years old. Even when playing on a portable PC, the expertly re-created world brings you to Hogwarts and comes to life wherever you are.
Hogwarts Legacy allows you to fulfil your most ambitious wizarding dreams because of the special processor chips that these gadgets need to handle the game’s tremendous load. The game was released in 2023 and is regularly updated with new experiences and challenges, so every time you start playing it, it feels fresh.
God of War
Many fans of God of War can recall the initial titles of the series. God of War, which came out in 2018, makes an effort to reinvent these with new gameplay mechanics, music, and visuals. The game is one of the best Santa Monica Studio products ever made and does a fantastic job of achieving this goal.
The game is full of action right from the start as you explore the incredibly detailed world, and it has a more adult plot than some of the earlier games. However, battle scenes can be cruel, so you’ll appreciate the extra macro buttons that most portable computers include that can be set to carry out particular orders.
Stardew Valley
If you’re not into firearms and fame, how about lounging in a gorgeous valley while cultivating food? That’s precisely what Stardew Valley on ConcernedApe has to offer.
You can develop your area, make friends with other farmers, and try your hand at a number of various tasks in this laid-back casual game. The gameplay and strategy will keep you going back for more, even though the images used to depict all of this are a little silly.
Call of Duty Warzone
Call of Duty, one of the most recognisable game franchises, is renowned for offering players amazing games. You can experience this extensive gaming history while playing Call of Duty Warzone, a free online version of the game, and engaging in online combat with friends or complete strangers.
The game works well on most handhelds, but it demands a lot of processing power because of its superb graphics and gameplay, as well as the newest network connecting technologies to guarantee little lag. Warzone, one of the best games for gadgets like the MSI Claw, will keep you competing with other players whenever you have free time.
Forza Horizon 4
There is more to handheld PCs than just action-adventure or first-person shooter games. Many of them also have gyroscopes because of their portability, which adds to the fun and unique experience of playing racing games like Forza Horizon 4.
Every racing enthusiast should play this game, created by Playground Games, which features stunning visuals, incredible speeds in stunning automobiles, and several of the top racetracks in the world. The game’s installation size of nearly 100GB is its sole drawback; most handheld PCs can handle this capacity because they have 512GB SSDs.