Mini PCs Are Suitable for Gaming with the Right Configuration

Without a doubt, diving into the world of PC gaming can put a dent in your wallet. To play comfortably, you’ll need a solid PC, a quality monitor, and a few essential gaming accessories. However, with the rapid advancements in cloud gaming, starting your gaming journey without breaking the bank has never been easier. So, if you’re eyeing Black Friday gaming PC deals or thinking about waiting for Cyber Monday, perhaps a mini PC could be a great alternative. Of course, picking the right one is key.

Having reviewed numerous gaming gadgets and systems, I’ve curated a list of budget-friendly Black Friday deals to help you build an affordable cloud gaming mini PC setup. If you go for the cheapest options I found, such as the Beelink EQR6 mini PC priced at $249 on Amazon and the LG UltraGear 27" monitor at $149.00 from Walmart, you could set up your gaming station for just $399.99. Of course, there are many other options out there.

Best mini PC for budget gaming

Mini PCs designed specifically for gaming, equipped with powerful RTX 40-Series GPUs, are available but tend to be on the pricier side. Take, for instance, the ROG NUC 970 I reviewed. This compact device packs an RTX 4060 L and is listed at Amazon for $1,399.00. If your aim is affordability, you can opt for a reliable mini PC to enjoy cloud gaming or less demanding titles. Services like Xbox’s "Stream Your Own Game" make this easier than ever. Cloud gaming relies on robust remote servers to run games, streaming them to your screen through the internet. High-quality mini PCs also handle less demanding or classic games smoothly.

CAUTION: The market is filled with cheap mini PCs, but some from lesser-known brands can come with malware. Stick with trusted names like ASUS, Lenovo, Intel, Beelink, and Geekom for safety. Check our recommendations for the best mini PCs for more options.

Best gaming monitors for mini PCs

There are numerous excellent Black Friday gaming monitor deals now, providing solid budget choices. Since you’re saving money with a mini PC, you might consider investing a bit more in a superior gaming monitor. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or more premium, here are top picks for mini PCs.

PSA: Ensure your chosen monitor’s resolution, refresh rate, response time, and VRR (variable refresh rate) align with your mini PC’s capabilities. For a broader selection, explore our list of the best Black Friday deals on gaming monitors.

Best accessories for gaming mini PCs

Once you’ve picked out your PC and monitor, don’t forget about quality peripherals to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s a look at the top PC gaming accessories for mini PCs, from headsets to keyboards. For additional suggestions, see our list of the best PC gaming accessories.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME

I’m Rebecca Spear, your Gaming and Tech News Editor. I had the chance to get my hands on a Steam Deck early and since then, I’ve acquired devices like the ROG Ally and Legion Go. I love tweaking settings to maximize my gaming experience, and you’re likely to find me playing on one of these devices every night before bed.

Build your dream gaming mini PC setup

To enjoy today’s popular games, you might think you need a full-fledged gaming desktop or laptop. But with advancements in cloud gaming, all you need is a robust mini PC, a quality gaming monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and a solid internet connection.

You can assemble a decent gaming mini PC setup without spending as much as you would on a desktop or laptop. Be cautious, though, as some budget mini PCs can contain malware, so it’s safest to stick to reputable brands like Lenovo, ASUS, Geekom, and Beelink. Among these, Geekom stands out with some of our favorite options.

Alternatively, consider a PC gaming handheld like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or Steam Deck. Each offers its own unique features, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games from your couch, bed, or even a plane. Add a docking station to connect them to a monitor for a more traditional PC experience.

What is the best budget gaming PC?

There’s no shortage of options when choosing a gaming PC. If you’re looking to save, compact gaming desktops, mini PCs, and gaming handhelds are typically less expensive than full-scale gaming PCs.

For mini PCs, the Beelink EQR6 is a budget-friendly favorite, great for cloud gaming with plenty of ports for accessories. Originally $349.00, it’s currently $249 at Amazon with a coupon.

As for a Windows 11 gaming handheld, the ROG Ally is your best bet, especially during Black Friday sales. While regularly priced at $649.99, you can find it for $499.99 at Best Buy.

Right now, one of the best gaming desktop deals has to be the iBUYPOWER Slate 6 Mesh, bundled with the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Priced originally at $1,199.99, it’s available for $699.00 at Walmart.

Can I use a gaming handheld like a computer?

Absolutely! Devices like the ROG Ally and Legion Go run Windows 11 and can connect to keyboards and mice (either through a docking station or Bluetooth), transforming them into functional computers for browsing the web, running programs, gaming, document creation, and more.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The performance for gaming varies depending on the mini PC. Some come equipped with RTX 40-Series GPUs, but these tend to be costly. A more economical route is to use a standard mini PC for cloud gaming, which allows access to thousands of games with just a reliable internet connection and the right peripherals.