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Mini PCs are exactly what they sound like: smaller versions of the traditional Windows desktop towers that you might be used to. Some shrink down to pint-sized cubes, while others retain a more familiar, albeit suped-up, shape with gamer aesthetics. Then, there's the unusual (but technically accurate) subcategory of PC gaming handhelds; miniature PCs with a twist, and all the more capable.
Even if you have heard of them, mini PCs are often mistaken for being entirely low-power devices with no real chance of handling any PC gaming. That isn't the case, and even in those examples, you can fall back on modern, low-latency cloud gaming if your home Internet connection is up to the task. We've tested our fair share, and these are the best mini PCs to consider if you're interested in gaming.
Quick list
There are a few configurations for the mighty HP Z2 Mini (G1a), but I recommend the Radeon 8040S, 32GB RAM, and (an upgradeable) 512GB SSD. It also has plenty of ports, including Ethernet for wired networking.
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. IA good range of ports, including two Ethernet, this still offers a processor with AMD Radeon 680M graphics, 24GB RAM, and a 500GB SSD.
ASUS ROG offers a monstrous mini ROG gaming PC with several configurations to choose from. This features an Intel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) CPU with a GeForce RTX 5080 mobile GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB NVMe SSD. It'll play anything.
Geekom is one of my favorite mini PC brands, and this GT1 Mega is a solid AI PC that can easily work and play games with its integrated Intel Arc graphics. It's also an ideal option for playing less-demanding games locally or cloud gaming titles.
While the excellent 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. It's perfect for games, but it connects to external monitors just the same as any other.
The Steam Deck is still great, if a little old, though it remains an excellent budget gaming PC. People also love the SteamOS interface, though the desktop mode needs a learning curve if you're used to Windows. I recommend the Steam Deck OLED with 512GB of storage.
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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