There's no need to buy an expensive gaming desktop this Cyber Monday — Here's my guide to the ultimate gaming mini PC setup

A Beelink mini PC next to a curved widescreen LG gaming monitor and a badge that says, "Cyber Monday Deals."
(Image credit: Windows Central / LG / Beelink)

There's no denying that PC gaming is an expensive hobby. You need a decent PC, a good monitor, and a few different gaming accessories in order to play effectively. Thankfully, cloud gaming has come a long way in recent years, so it's easier than ever to get a cloud PC gaming setup at a much more affordable price. So, if you're interested in finding one of the best Cyber Monday deals, then you might want to actually consider getting a mini PC instead. However, you'll need to choose the right device for this to work.

I've reviewed several different gaming accessories and devices, and so I've put together this list of inexpensive Cyber Monday deals for a cheap gaming mini PC setup that is optimal for cloud gaming.

If you go with the lowest price options that I've listed (Beelink EQR6 mini PC for $319.00 at Amazon and LG UltraGear 27" gaming monitor for $99.99 at Amazon), you could get a gaming area that only costs $398.99 in total — that's a lot less than your typical gaming laptop or gaming desktop. But there are plenty of other mini PC and gaming monitor options to consider, so let's look at those deals.

Recent updates

UPDATE December 3 @ 9:10 a.m. PT: A few of these deals have ended now that Cyber Monday is over, while others have shifted in price. I've made it clear which deals are dead and updated current deal amounts.

Deal quick list

Best mini PC for budget gaming

Actual gaming mini PCs with powerful RTX 40-Series GPUs do exist, as seen in my ROG NUC 970 review (starting price $1,399.00 at Amazon), but they are rarer and more expensive. The most affordable PC gaming setup involves getting an inexpensive yet reliable mini PC that you can access cloud gaming or classic/less demanding games with.

Thanks to Xbox's "Stream Your Own Game," this is more doable than ever. This is also why NVIDIA GeForce NOW is perfect for mini PC gaming sessions. It specifically allows you to select a game you already own but run it on a powerful NVIDIA server, so your own device specs don't have to be nearly as hefty.

Beelink EQR6Was: $399.00Now: $319.00 at Amazon
Low, low price ⚡

Beelink EQR6
Was:
$399.00
Now:
$319.00 at Amazon

"Overall, the Beelink EQR6 is an excellent all-rounder mini PC that's very capable when it comes to productivity workflows and light video and photo editing. It features a clean design and is small and quiet enough to fit on pretty much any desk in any environment and not be an ear or eyesore." — Zac Bowden

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U. GPU: AMD Radeon (integrated). RAM: 32GB DDR5. Storage: 500GB M.2 PCIe. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Warranty: 3-Year. Launch date: 2023

✅Perfect for: Powerful and quiet operation. Excellent for cloud gaming.

❌Avoid if: You'd specifically like to have a mini PC with multiple USB-C ports.

👉See at: Amazon.com

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

💰Price check: $319 at Beelink

🤩Alternative deal: Beelink S12 Pro for $159 at Amazon

ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme, 512GB)Was: $649.99Now: $499.99at Best Buy(Expired)
Our favorite gaming handheld 🎮

ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme, 512GB)
Was:
$649.99
Now:
$499.99 at Best Buy (Expired)

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

"The Asus ROG Ally is a phenomenal gaming handheld that can run modern games smoothly and with beautiful delivery. Several software updates have launched since the handheld first released that have significantly helped improve its performance. As of right now, it is the most powerful PC handheld on the market." — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor

Display: 7-inch IPS LCD, 16:9 aspect ratio, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 500nits brightness, multi-touch support. Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme w/ Radeon graphics. Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM. Storage: 512GB M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD. OS: Windows 11 w/ ASUS Armoury Crate. Weight: 608g (1.34lbs). Included freebies: Official ASUS ROG Ally Travel Case, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months), Crunchyroll Premium (60-days). Warranty: 2-year Standard. Launch date: 2023.

✅Perfect for: Portable gaming. This is technically a Windows 11 gaming handheld, and it's our favorite on the market today. If you use it with a docking station like the JSUAX 6-in-1 ($29.99 at Amazon), you can connect it to a monitor and use it like a computer. Otherwise, you can just enjoy playing games on the go.

❌Avoid if: You'd rather have a straightforward mini PC or compact PC. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a Steam Deck or Legion Go.

👉See at: BestBuy.com

Return period: 15 days. Price match? Yes (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

💰Price check: $549.99 at antonline

🤩Alternative deal: ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1, 512GB) for $499.99 $349.99 at Best Buy

💪 Premium deal: ASUS ROG Ally X (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 2TB) for $799.99 $699.99 at Best Buy (up to $230 more off w/ ASUS ROG Ally trade-in)

🎮 Competitor deal: Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 1TB) for $749.99 $549.99 at Best Buy | Steam Deck starting at $296.65 at Steam

Geekom A5Was: $399.99Now: $339.00at Amazon(Expired)
Our favorite mini PC 😍

Geekom A5
Was:
$399.99
Now:
$339.00 at Amazon (Expired)

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ @ Amazon

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U. GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8. RAM: 32GB DDR5. Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Warranty: 3-Year. Launch date: 2023

👉See at: Amazon.com

✅Perfect for: Cloud gaming from a trusted brand that offers plenty of ports.

❌Avoid if: You'd like something with a more powerful GPU.

❓Why Amazon? — Return period: 30 Days. Price match: Yes, on identical products and configurations. Free shipping: Yes, in the US and Canada.

💰Price check: $399.00 at Geekom

Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 DesktopWas: $399.99Now: $359.00 at Amazon
Affordable compact desktop 🖥️

Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop
Was:
$399.99
Now:
$359.00 at Amazon

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ @ Amazon

CPU: Intel Core i5 14th Generation. GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 730. RAM: 8GB. Storage: 256GB. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth. Warranty: 1-Year Limited. Launch date: 2021

👉See at: Amazon.com

✅Perfect for: This is technically a compact desktop rather than a mini PC, but it is a fantastic option for people who want to save money and have a computer that doesn't take up a lot of space.

❌Avoid if: You'd like a newer PC. This one is a few years old, but that helps keep the price low.

❓Why Best Buy? — Return period: 15-days. Price match? ☑️ (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

💰Price check: $549.99 at Best Buy

Beelink SER8Was: $749.50Now: $609.00at Amazon
A fantastic mini PC deal 🖱️

Beelink SER8
Was:
$749.50
Now:
$609.00 at Amazon

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ @ Amazon

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS. GPU: AMD Radeon 780M. RAM: 32GB. Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Warranty: 1-Year. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Amazon.com

✅Perfect for: The newer Beelink SER9 was recently released, but the SER8 is a lower-priced option that is also a fantastic choice. It provides the storage and memory needed for local or cloud gaming but in a small form factor.

❌Avoid if: You'd prefer a mini PC that isn't an AI PC.

❓Why Amazon? — Return period: 30 Days. Price match: Yes, on identical products and configurations. Free shipping: Yes, in the US and Canada.

💰Price check: $599.00 at Beelink

Geekom AX7 ProWas: $749.99Now: $699.00at Amazon(With coupon)
Our favorite mini PC 😍

Geekom AX7 Pro
Was:
$749.99
Now:
$699.00 at Amazon (With coupon)

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ @ Amazon

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS. GPU: AMD Radeon 780M. RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5. Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Warranty: 3-Year. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Amazon.com

✅Perfect for: While a bit more expensive than the other options on this list, we absolutely love Geekom here at Windows Central and highly recommend the AX7 specifically as a fantastic choice for handling cloud gaming. Despite its small shape it offers a ton of ports for your accessory and monitor needs.

❌Avoid if: You'd prefer a mini PC with a different amount of memory and storage. Alternatively, you don't want an AI PC.

❓Why Amazon? — Return period: 30 Days. Price match: Yes, on identical products and configurations. Free shipping: Yes, in the US and Canada.

💰Price check: $749.00 at Geekom

Disclaimer

WARNING: There are plenty of cheap mini PCs out there, but some less reputable brands can contain harmful malware. To be safe, you need to be careful when making purchases. It's best to stick with trusted companies such as ASUS, Lenovo, Intel, Beelink, and Geekom. For more options you can trust, check out our list of the best mini PCs.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
Rebecca Spear, Windows Central
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
Rebecca Spear

I've spent a lot of time testing mini PCs and smaller gaming devices in various use cases. I also have a lot of experience cloud gaming and using NVIDIA GeForce NOW.

Best gaming monitors for mini PCs

There are plenty of really good Cyber Monday gaming monitor deals going on right now making it possible to get a really good budget option. Of course, since you're potentially saving a lot of money by going with a mini PC, you might want to spend more on a nicer gaming monitor. Regardless, here are the best gaming monitors for mini PCs ranging from cheap to premium.

PSA: Make sure that the monitor you select can match the resolution that your mini PC supports. For more options, check out our list of the best gaming monitor cyber monday deals.

Acer KB272 EBI 27"Was: $154.99 Now: $99.99 at Amazon
Budget monitor 🤑

Acer KB272 EBI 27"
Was:
$154.99
Now:
$99.99 at Amazon

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 at Amazon

Display: 27" IPS, FHD, 16:9 aspect ratio, 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time. VRR: AMD FreeSync. Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x headphone jack. Warranty: 1 Year parts and labor. Launch date: 2023

👉 See at: Amazon.com

Perfect for: People who don't need the best specs on a gaming monitor, but wants something that's a step up from a normal PC monitor.

Avoid if: You'd prefer a display with a higher refresh rate and response time.

💰Alternative deal: Acer KA272 EBI 27" $89.99 at Newegg

Why Amazon: Amazon Prime memberships provide shoppers with exclusive savings on all kinds of products from clothes to tech. You can even get a 30-day free trial to see if it's a good fit.

LG UltraGear 27" 27GQ40W-BWas: $179.99Now: $149.00 at Walmart
Low-priced but fast ⚡

LG UltraGear 27" 27GQ40W-B
Was:
$179.99
Now:
$149.00 at Walmart

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 at Walmart

Display: 27", FHD (1920x1080), 16:9, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time. VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium. Ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI port, 1x headphone jack. Warranty: 1 Year parts and labor Launch date: 2024

👉 See at: Walmart.com | LG.com

Perfect for: Anyone who wants a value monitor with smooth motion clarity.

Avoid if: You'd prefer a monitor with more USB connections.

🏷️Alternative deal: LG UltraGear 27" 185Hz, 5ms gaming monitor — $139.99 at Best Buy

❓Why Walmart: A Walmart+ membership provides you with 12 hours early access to product discounts, including Cyber Monday deals. You can check out the 30-day free trial.

Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 Curved Gaming MonitorWas: $229.00Now: $194.99 at Walmart
Fantastic curved monitor deal

Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 Curved Gaming Monitor
Was:
$229.00
Now:
$194.99 at Walmart

"The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 is one of the very best curved gaming monitors on the market today. It offers great motion clarity thanks to its fantastic 240Hz (280Hz when overclocked) refresh rate, speedy 0.5ms response time, and AMD FreeSync support. No tools are required when assembling this monitor, and the stand is not only sturdy but very adjustable, too. It's one of the best value-gaming monitors available right now." — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor

Our Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Display: 27" VA WLED, 1920x1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio, 240Hz refresh rate, 0.5ms response time, 1500R. VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium. Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x audio out, 1x power port, 1x Kensington Lock. Warranty: 4 Year when purchased from Lenovo. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Walmart.com | Lenovo.com

✅Perfect for: Anyone looking for a gaming monitor that offers an excellent refresh rate and response time.

❌Avoid if: You specifically want a display that offers G-Sync.

Return period: 90 Days. Price match: It depends on the product. Free shipping: Yes, Walmart+ members enjoy free shipping.

Alienware 34" Curved QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)Was: $899.99Now: $644.99 at Best Buy
Gorgeous OLED 👀

Alienware 34" Curved QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)
Was:
$899.99
Now:
$644.99 at Best Buy

"For those who desire a high-quality OLED monitor with a curved screen, Alienware's flagship AW3423DWF is an excellent choice, with fantastic picture quality, color accuracy, and design. Any complaints are minor, especially when this monitor goes on sale." — Zachary Boddy, Staff Writer

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

Display: 34" QD-OLED, WQHD, 21:9 aspect ratio, 165Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, HDR400, 1800R. VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Ports: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, 1x headphone jack. Warranty: Limited 3 Years. Launch date: 2022

👉 See at: BestBuy.com | Dell.com

Perfect for: People who value vibrance and color in addition to motion clarity.

Avoid if: You'd prefer a newer gaming monitor model.

💰Price check: | $824.00 at Newegg | $1,199.99 at Walmart

❓Why Best Buy? Our favorite tech retailer. Return period: 15-days. Price match? ☑️ (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

LG UltraGear 34" 34GS95QE OLED CurvedWas: $1,299.99Now: $799.99 at Amazon
High-end quality ⭐

LG UltraGear 34" 34GS95QE OLED Curved
Was:
$1,299.99
Now: $799.99 at Amazon

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ at Amazon

Display: 39" OLED, 3440x1440p, 21:9 aspect ratio, 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, HDR400, 800R Curve. VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Ports: 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.1 port, 2x USB-A ports. Warranty: Limited 2 Years. Launch date: 2024

👉 See at: Amazon.com

Perfect for: People who want one of the very best premium gaming monitors available now.

Avoid if: You don't have the space to safely place this wide monitor.

💰Price check: $799.99 at Best Buy | $819.99 at B&H | $896.99 at Newegg

Why Amazon: Amazon Prime memberships provide shoppers with exclusive savings on all kinds of products from clothes to tech. You can even get a 30-day free trial to see if it's a good fit.

Best accessories for gaming mini PCs

Now you've gotten your PC and gaming monitor decided, but you'll still need some good peripherals for the best playing experience. Here are the best PC gaming accessories for mini PCs including everything from headsets to mice and keyboards. You can find more suggestions on our list of the best PC gaming accessories.

Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse ComboWas: $27.99Now: $19.99 at Amazon
Popular combo🔥

Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Was:
$27.99
Now:
$19.99 at Amazon

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 @ Amazon

✅Perfect for: Budget shoppers who want a reliable mouse and keyboard that don't cost much.

❌Avoid if: You specifically want a gaming mouse, gaming keyboard, or a mechanical keyboard.

👉See at: Amazon.com | Bestbuy.com

Return period: 7 days (for unredeemed codes). Price match? No. Free shipping: Always. Membership: Free account w/ purchase history, exclusive deals, & community features.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Ultimate (first 3-months)Was: $49.99Now: $9.99/ first 3 months at NVIDIA (50% off)
Gaming library 🎮

NVIDIA GeForce NOW Ultimate (first 3-months)
Was:
$49.99
Now:
$9.99/ first 3 months at NVIDIA (50% off)

✅Perfect for: Anyone who wants to play their games on powerful NVIDIA RTX 4080 servers via the cloud.

❌Avoid if: You don't have any games that are compatible with GFN.

👉See at: NVIDIA

Return period: None. Price match? No. Free shipping: Always.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months)Was: $49.99Now: $27.99 at CDKeys
Gaming library 🎮

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months)
Was:
$49.99
Now:
$27.99 at CDKeys

"For anyone who wants to game while saving money, for others who simply want all-you-can-eat exploration and discovery, and for those who want to take their games on the go, Xbox Game Pass is simply divine." — Jez Corden, Executive Editor

Windows Central review

✅Perfect for: Accessing a wide library of video games (both local and via the cloud).

❌Avoid if: You'd rather play games at other services like Steam or various online titles.

Services: Xbox Game Pass for console, PC Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, EA Play, Xbox online multiplayer. Benefits: Day one Game Pass additions, permanent access to Xbox first-party exclusives, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks, discounts on all included games and DLC.

👉See at: CDKeys.com

Return period: 7 days (for unredeemed codes). Price match? No. Free shipping: Always. Membership: Free account w/ purchase history, exclusive deals, & community features.

💰Price check: $49.99 at Best Buy

HyperX Cloud III – Wired Gaming Headset (Black/Red variant)Was: $99.99Now: $50.99 at Amazon
Hyper comfort and crisp audio in one headset

HyperX Cloud III – Wired Gaming Headset (Black/Red variant)
Was:
$99.99
Now:
$50.99 at Amazon

"HyperX has once more proved to me that it is my preferred gaming headset company with the Cloud 3." — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Features: Surround Sound with 53mm angled drivers, memory foam ear cushions, removable 10mm mic, and USB-C/USB-A/3.5mm connectivity. Warranty: Two-Year Warranty. Launch date: May 30, 2023.

👉See at: Amazon

✅Perfect for: Anyone who wants a comfortable headset with great sound and mic quality.

❌Avoid if: You'd prefer a Hi-Res headset or a cheaper option.

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

💰Price check: $69.99 at Best Buy | $72.99 at Walmart

Razer USB Type-C DockWas:$119.99Now: $79.99 at Amazon
Plenty of ports 🔌

Razer USB Type-C Dock
Was:
$119.99
Now:
$79.99 at Amazon

"The Razer USB-C dock is an excellent device for anyone who needs a portable and stylish dock for their laptop. The aluminum casing and braided cable perfectly match the aesthetics of Razer laptops and other accessories, giving you a sleek and cohesive look. It has all the ports I need for work, play, and podcasting, and most importantly, I can easily take it from home to backpack for working on the go." — Jennifer Young, Writer

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: Providing more connection points for your PC setup.

❌Avoid if: Your mini PC already comes with enough ports or you decided to go with a gaming handheld and need a docking station instead.

Connector interface: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ 85W Power Delivery. Display output: 1x display up to 1080p @ 240Hz / 4K @ 60Hz via HDMI 2.0. Ports: 1x USB Type-C w/ 100W Power Delivery, 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB Type-A 2.0, 1x UHS-I SD slot, 1x microSD slot, 1x Ethernet RJ45 (Gigabit), 1x 3.5mm audio w/ 7.1 surround sound. Compatibility: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, any device w/ USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 or greater. Weight: 185g (0.41lbs). Warranty: 2-year Standard. Launch date: 2024.

👉See at: Amazon.com | Razer.com

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

Razer DeathAdder V3 mouseWas: $69.99Now: $44.99 at Best Buy

Razer DeathAdder V3 mouse
Was:
$69.99
Now:
$44.99 at Best Buy

"More than justifies its price tag with incredible performance and a design so light it simply fades away in use. As long as you're okay with a wire and a right-handed design, the DeathAdder V3 is guaranteed not to disappoint." — Zachary Boddy, Staff Writer

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

✅Perfect for: People who want excellent responsiveness in a lightweight and comfortable gaming mouse.

❌Avoid if: You want a wireless gaming mouse.

👉See at: BestBuy.com

❓Why Best Buy? Our favorite tech retailer. Return period: 15-days. Price match? ☑️ (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL wireless keyboardWas:$219.99Now: $129.99 at Best Buy

Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL wireless keyboard
Was:
$219.99
Now: $129.99 at Best Buy

"Even if you’re not a gamer, I give the new DeathStalker V2 Pro a huge thumbs up. The low profile, optical keys, and how clean this keyboard looks make it perfect for anyone who wants a wireless setup that screams minimalism." — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-Chief

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: People who want a minimalist keyboard with fast optical switches.

❌Avoid if: You don't like using a bunch of extra apps for customizing your keyboard.

👉See at: BestBuy.com

❓Why Best Buy? Our favorite tech retailer. Return period: 15-days. Price match? ☑️ (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro WiredWas: $249.99Now: $174.99 at Amazon

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired
Was:
$249.99
Now:
$174.99 at Amazon

"Sublime sound, next-level quality and construction, a feature-packed DAC, and connectivity with basically every device on Earth makes this headset simultaneously the jack of all trades, and the master of all trades." — Jez Corden, Executive Editor

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

✅Perfect for: People who play on multiple platforms and want an easy-reach DAC.

❌Avoid if: You don't want a headset with this many features.

👉See at: Amazon.com

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

Xbox Wireless Controller Sky Cipher / Ghost Cipher Special EditionsWas: $64.99Now: $45.00 at Walmart

Xbox Wireless Controller Sky Cipher / Ghost Cipher Special Editions
Was:
$64.99
Now: $45.00 at Walmart

"The Sky Cipher features a 90s-inspired transparent shell, with metallic blue D-pad and matching triggers, while it's functionally the same as other Xbox Series X controllers, including the standard share button and other refinements." Samuel Tolbert, Freelance Writer

Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 @ Walmart

✅Perfect for: People who prefer to play PC games with a controller. The see-through blue has some awesome 90s vibes.

❌Avoid if: You'd rather go with another color (many of which are also on sale at the same link).

👉See at: Walmart.com

❓Why Walmart: A Walmart+ membership provides you with 12 hours early access to product discounts, including Cyber Monday deals. You can check out the 30-day free trial.

Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing WheelWas: $299.99 Now: $188.41 at Amazon

Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel
Was:
$299.99
Now:
$188.41 at Amazon

"I'm still probably faster on Forza even to this day with a controller than with a wheel, but the G920 adds a new dimension to the experience. An aspect that makes me say "just one more race" every time. It's such an engaging piece of hardware that transforms the experience." — Richard Devine, Managing Editor

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: Anyone who loves racing simulators and wants a quality, well-priced wheel.

❌Avoid if: You prefer to play with a mouse and keyboard or a controller.

👉See at: Amazon.com

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
Rebecca Spear Profile picture
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
Rebecca Spear

Rebecca was lucky enough to be in the first wave of people who received a Steam Deck. Since then, she has acquired an ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and other gaming handhelds. She's always keen to find the best settings for any games she plays. Just about every night, you can find her playing on one of these devices in bed before going to sleep.

🔥The hottest Cyber Monday deals🔥

🍁More greatCyber Monday deals🦃

Build your dream gaming mini PC setup

Free-to-play game, Genshin Impact, being displayed on an Alienware gaming monitor that is connected to a Geekom mini PC.

I connected an Alienware AW2725QF to my Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC and played Genshin Impact. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

You don't necessarily need to get a gaming desktop or gaming laptop in order to enjoy some of the biggest titles on the market. Cloud gaming has come a long way in recent years, so all you really need to enjoy many titles is a good mini PC, a nice gaming monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and a good internet connection. Of course, NVIDIA GeForce NOW also helps a lot.

With this being the case, you can get a decent gaming mini PC setup for very little money compared to what you'd have to spend with a gaming desktop or gaming laptop. I've personally discovered that some cheap mini PCs can come with malware, so it's best to stick with trusted brands such as Lenovo, ASUS, Geekom, and Beelink. Of the mini PC brands, Geekom offers some of our very most favorite options.

Alternatively, I also highly recommend considering getting a PC gaming handheld like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or Steam Deck. These portable device each have their own perks and drawbacks, but they can allow you to play various games from the comfort of your couch, bed, or airplane seat. If you purchase a docking station, you can even connect them to your monitor and use them like a normal computer.

What is the best budget gaming PC?

There are a wide variety of gaming PCs to choose from. If you want to save money, you'll want to consider compact gaming desktops, mini PCs, and gaming handhelds, as they tend to cost less than full-blown gaming PCs.

The best budget Windows 11 gaming handheld is the ROG Ally, especially if you grab it while it's discounted for Black Friday. It has an MSRP of $649.99, but for Black Friday it was selling for just $499.99 at Best Buy.

The best budget gaming desktop deal going on now is arguably the iBUYPOWER Slate 6 Mesh, which comes bundled with the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows. It's usually $1,199.99, but it's currently $699.00 at Walmart.

What is cloud gaming?

This means you rely on powerful distant servers to actually run a game, but it gets displayed on your computer through the internet.

Can I use a gaming handheld like a computer?

You sure can. The ROG Ally and Legion Go are both Windows 11 gaming handhelds and you can connect a keyboard and mouse to them (via docking station or Bluetooth) to control them like you would a laptop. After that, they can be used to browse the internet, run programs, play games, type up documents, and more.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

This really depends on the mini PC. There are a few gaming mini PCs that feature RTX 40-Series GPUs, but they tend to be rather expensive. Another option is to get a regular budget mini PC and then use it for cloud gaming. You'll save money compared to buying a full gaming desktop, but can still enjoy thousands of games on different services as long as you have a good internet connection and the right accessories.

What day is Black Friday?

Technically, Black Friday is November 29, 2024 this year. However, Black Friday deals have been going since October and will likely continue through the rest of the year (although some are labeled as Cyber Monday deals).

Is Black Friday the biggest sales day of the year?

Yes. While some retailers have their own specific deal days throughout the year, Black Friday is consistently the time of year when every retailer offers many of the best discounts. It's worth noting that the Monday following Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday usually shows a continuation of discounts deals.

Should I wait for Cyber Monday deals instead of buying on Black Friday?

This depends. If you see a really good deal on Black Friday it's best to jump on it as soon as possible because there's no guarantee that a product will remain in stock until Cyber Monday. If a product goes on an even lower deal come Cyber Monday, you might be able to return the Black Friday purchase or contest the price.

That said, some retailers do wait until Cyber Monday to lower prices. So it's worth checking on Cyber Monday and seeing what discounts it has brought with it.

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Rebecca Spear
Gaming and News Editor

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central's editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn't checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She's written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).

  • ChipBoundary
    Pre-built gaming PC's aren't worth the money. They are overpriced by hundreds of dollars, even when on sale. A trained monkey could build a PC and do not justify the increased price. A PC with the features and design of these prefabs takes less than an hour to assemble.

    I will say this for those in the back...CLOUD GAMING IS NOT VIABLE. If you believe otherwise, you're lying to either yourself or everyone else. Or both. Input latency makes any and all games completely unplayable. Yes, I've tested all the services out there and the response time is absolutely absurd.

    A $700 laptop gaming experience would be exponentially better than the suggestion posed here.
    Reply
  • marorun
    I disagree. Its not because you have a bad internet access with bad path routing or a bad home network that its the case for everyone. I destroy ppl on rainbow six siege using GeForce now coupled with a mini pc and a 240hz oled screen. My click latency is lower than over 90% of gamers (3ms to GeForce now server) and because my in-game latency is much lower than others (5 ms max) I in fact get the drop on others more often than the other way around.
    Anti cloud gamers like you need to grow up. If you want a physical pc be my guess but don't lie and apply your experience to everyone else.