When it comes to PC gaming, there are dozens of gaming laptops and desktops to choose from, but what many people don't know is that the right mini PC can cost a lot less while not taking up as much room and still give you solid gaming performance.
If you didn't already know, Cloud gaming, with services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming, makes it possible to play on a far more affordable mini PC while still getting high FPS (frames per second) in the latest and greatest titles. Of course, there are also dedicated gaming mini PCs with powerful internals if you don't want to go the cloud gaming route.
Quick list
Best gaming mini PC overall
HP managed to create a small AI computer that still packs plenty of power to handle local AAA gaming. What's more, it doesn't cost nearly as much as most other dedicated gaming mini PCs that are out there right now. There are a few configurations, but I recommend getting the Ryzen AI Max Pro with a Radeon 8040S, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. In addition to its small-but-mighty performance, this device has plenty of ports, including a wired Ethernet port.
Best budget mini PC for gaming
Our review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
We've been impressed with Beelink in our reviews and specifically recommend the EQR6 for anyone looking for an inexpensive mini PC that's ideal for cloud gaming. It offers a good range of ports, including two Ethernet ports to facilitate a strong wired connection. Its small size also allows it to be tucked out of sight for a very minimalist desktop setup. Despite its low price, this mini PC still offers an AMD Ryzen 7 processor with AMD Radeon 680M graphics, 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Best premium gaming mini PC
Our review ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ASUS ROG offers an honest-to-goodness gaming mini PC line with a few different configurations to choose from. This particular model features an Intel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) CPU with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 mobile GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB NVMe SSD to keep up with your gaming needs locally. This mini PC costs around the same as a full-blown gaming desktop with a similar processor and a full RTX 5080, but with the convenience of coming in a much smaller form factor.
Best for work and cloud gaming
Our review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Geekom is one of my favorite mini PC brands, and this particular option is a solid AI PC that can easily handle school, work, and personal workflows. It's also an ideal option for playing less-demanding games locally or cloud gaming titles. There are a few configurations, but I suggest the 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 9 U9-185H with Intel Arc graphics, 32GB RAM, and a whopping 2TB SSD. Plus, those dual Ethernet ports allow you to choose between using convenient Wi-Fi or reliable wired internet.
Best gaming handheld
While the Xbox Ally X is technically labeled as a Windows gaming handheld, it's basically a mini PC that happens to have controllers, a screen, and a battery built into it. The Xbox Ally X is currently the most powerful gaming handheld on the market and is ideal for playing everything from 2D platformers to AAA titles, as long as it meets a game's system requirements. It uses the latest AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme handheld processor with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, a 7-inch display, and ergonomic grips.
Best budget gaming handheld
The Steam Deck is a little old and isn't all that powerful compared to other handhelds and mini PCs out there. However, it remains an excellent budget PC gaming device. People also love the SteamOS interface, which is not only far easier to navigate than Windows handhelds but also doesn't have as much bloatware to slow it down either. If you're going to get one, I recommend the Steam Deck OLED with 512GB storage so it can better keep up with your gaming library and local game files.
Get the mini PC that fits your gaming needs best
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Some of the best gaming laptops and desktops are expensive, but you can significantly reduce device costs by going with a reliable mini PC. As with any computer, you'll just want to make sure the device you purchase meets your specific use cases.
If you want to save a lot of money, you can get a relatively simple Windows mini PC like the Beelink EQR6. It can run graphically simple games like some 2D platformers and some pixel art games. You can also play more graphically demanding AAA games on it via cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Meanwhile, if you're more interested in a compact computer with a powerful GPU that can play AAA games locally, devices like the HP Z2 Mini (G1a) and the ASUS ROG NUC (2025) make for some of the best mini PCs that suit your needs. Note that dedicated gaming mini PCs tend to be expensive, but part of what you're paying for is the compact form factor in addition to the solid gaming performance.
Of course, if you want a device that you can play on the go, the Xbox Ally X is the device to consider. It's basically a Windows 11 mini PC that has a 7-inch display, built-in controllers, and a battery. If you don't mind having a less powerful option that may or may not play every AAA game, the Steam Deck OLED is another handheld to consider.
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Not only are many mini PCs perfect for cloud gaming, but there are also dedicated gaming mini PCs with powerful graphics cards if you want to play more graphically-intensive games locally. You just need to make sure to get the right device for your intended use case.
Can mini PCs be used for AAA gaming?
Yes, but the kind of gaming you can do will depend on the mini PC and the internals it utilizes. Most mini PCs are better used for cloud gaming, so you can stream AAA games that way. You can also get one of the few mini PC with a GeForce RTX GPU to handle AAA gaming locally.
What is the best mini PC for gaming?
The HP Z2 Mini (G1a) is our choice for the best gaming mini PC. It's far more powerful than most mini PCs due to the fact that it can have up to a Ryzen AI Max Pro processor and up to an Radeon 8040S GPU. If you're looking for a reliable cloud gaming device, we recommend the Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC.
What are the best cloud gaming services?
There are quite a few, but my favorite cloud gaming services are NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming. GeForce NOW lets you play your own library of compatible PC games on a distant, powerful server, while Xbox Cloud Gaming (via Xbox Game Pass) lets you play compatible games included in a subscription.
Do mini PCs work with NVIDIA GeForce NOW?
Yes, NVIDIA GeForce NOW pairs very well with mini PCs as long as you can get a stable internet connection. For this reason, it's best to play with a wired connection rather than relying on Wi-Fi.
Should I get a mini PC or a gaming handheld?
This depends on what you want to do with the computer. A handheld is great for being able to take something on the go, but it might not offer as powerful CPU performance as a mini PC. Meanwhile, mini PCs are great for creating a minimalist computer area that still offers a solid cloud gaming experience.
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