Edit: I no longer believe gaming phones are the most convenient way to game that fits in your pocket (GPD win)

[Gizmo j]

2026 edit: The problem with gaming phones is that you'll either play mobile based games or stream your games and you don't need that much performance for either.

A problem with streaming to your phone is the added latency and inability to play without a good data connection.


You can't fit a Steam Deck in your pocket.

You can't fit a Asus rog ally in your pocket.

The biggest gpd win model is still smaller then any other brand of hand-held PC.

The only thing smaller than a GPD win is a "DIFFERENT" GPD win.

I've been wanting to get the GPD WIN Mini because its foldable which protects the analog sticks.

I really hope the next GPD win that comes out is foldable too in order to protect the analog sticks.

 

[mikeymikec]

nvm

 

[biostud]

PCMR FTW!!!1!!1!!!

 

[sdifox]

Less thinking. More doing.

 

[Greenman]

I don't understand the obsession with phones.

 

[lxskllr]

Phones are great when it's the only thing you have. They're objectively worse at any form of computing aside from power consumption and portability where they're peerless. There isn't any case I'd rather use a phone over a desktop, except for the ability to put it in my pocket.

 

[IBMJunkman]

Sorry, I want to play Quake on my 65" monitor. Problem is the game does not support 3840x2160.

 

[Greenman]

Phones are great when it's the only thing you have. They're objectively worse at any form of computing aside from power consumption and portability where they're peerless. There isn't any case I'd rather use a phone over a desktop, except for the ability to put it in my pocket.

A phone is better than nothing.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Phones are a compromise for everything except for taking an actual phone call. If I want to game I rather sit down on the couch and play a console or sit down at the PC and game with a keyboard and mouse. If I'm not at my computer or in my living room then it means I'm doing something else. If you're sitting in a waiting room or something then the phone is fine if you're playing angry birds or something like that to pass the time. I would never spend extra money for a "gaming phone" though.

 

[Gizmo j]

Another cool thing about gaming phones, you can use it while walking.

You can't game on a desktop or laptop while walking.

 

[MrSquished]

There are a lot of great small slings that will fit a switch and a few more things in there. So a switch is super easy to bring along with you. ok it's not pocketable, but all you need is a small sling - so way more portable than the other options.

 

[Greenman]

Another cool thing about gaming phones, you can use it while walking.

You can't game on a desktop or laptop while walking.

I'm usually busy watching where I'm going while walking. Staring at a postage stamp sized screen while traversing the outdoors is contraindicated.

 

[Chaotic42]

Sorry, I want to play Quake on my 65" monitor. Problem is the game does not support 3840x2160.

No glQuake? Makes me want to play Quake Rally again.

 

[BoomerD]

Another cool thing about gaming phones, you can use it while walking.

You can't game on a desktop or laptop while walking.

Please do so...and walk into heavy traffic while gaming..maybe playing Frogger.

 

[Gizmo j]

Here is a video about "budget" gaming phones.

 

[Minerva]

Please do so...and walk into heavy traffic while gaming..maybe playing Frogger.

They actually have that for mobile, it's called crossy road!

And postage stamp sized screen? Good lord get with the times! We have phones that unfold to over 10 inches now!

I have to agree with OP, gaming on a phone kind of makes these handheld gaming systems look clunky and cliché.

 

[Gizmo j]

I think the Nintendo Switch "Light' version is the smallest handheld That's still in production.


But I think the Nintendo Switch Light mostly have games for little kids, and is only worth it if you're gonna modify it and turn it into either:


A windows 11 instal

Steam Deck software

Smartphone software

 

[Gizmo j]

 

[biostud]

I prefer pocket pool.

 

[pete6032]

How many YouTube videos do you watch per day?

 

[Greenman]

They actually have that for mobile, it's called crossy road!

And postage stamp sized screen? Good lord get with the times! We have phones that unfold to over 10 inches now!

I have to agree with OP, gaming on a phone kind of makes these handheld gaming systems look clunky and cliché.

Ten whole inches! (That's what she said) is still a tiny screen. 24" is about the minimum for anything other than reading text.

 

[dullard]

Another cool thing about gaming phones, you can use it while walking.

You can't game on a desktop or laptop while walking.

Back in high school, a friend was walking while browsing a yearbook (basically what Facebook is before the internet was much of a thing). She was happily using it while walking--right into the side of a moving train. First of my class to die.

 

[nakedfrog]

I think the Nintendo Switch "Light' version is the smallest handheld That's still in production.


But I think the Nintendo Switch Light mostly have games for little kids, and is only worth it if you're gonna modify it and turn it into either:


A windows 11 instal

Steam Deck software

Smartphone software

Not really, there's a whole gaggle of handheld retro consoles out now (Anbernic, Miyoo, etc). The GBA SP form factor was/is the best for portable gaming, and then you have actual controls to use. I also think you're wrong when you say the Switch mostly has games for little kids.

 

[Minerva]

Ten whole inches! (That's what she said) is still a tiny screen. 24" is about the minimum for anything other than reading text.

It's funny because, no it doesn't work that way.
My FIL always uses that argument.
We have a 86" TV and I sit about 27 feet away.
When I hold my 16 Pro Max with a 6.9" screen at a comfortable viewing distance the picture is actually larger in my field of view. So the screen may seem to be tiny but in actuality the viewing experience is not.

Obviously the big screen prevails when you have several viewers. But watching a movie on a tiny screen is actually fine, especially at night.

 

[Greenman]

It's funny because, no it doesn't work that way.
My FIL always uses that argument.
We have a 86" TV and I sit about 27 feet away.
When I hold my 16 Pro Max with a 6.9" screen at a comfortable viewing distance the picture is actually larger in my field of view. So the screen may seem to be tiny but in actuality the viewing experience is not.

Obviously the big screen prevails when you have several viewers. But watching a movie on a tiny screen is actually fine, especially at night.

I'm glad it works for you, it doesn't work for me.