Handheld gaming PCs have gradually inched toward the mainstream over the past few years. Yes, portable PCs are still relatively niche, but there are signs of more widespread interest and adoption in the near future. The success of Valve's Linux-powered Steam Deck, of course, is the prime example of this. On the Windows front, Asus, a major player in the PC hardware market, recently dipped its toes into the portable PC scene with the ROG Ally. Influential manufacturer support is key in popularizing new tech, but perhaps even more important is practicality.

High-end portable PCs routinely retail for $1,000 or more, yet they are comparatively weak (in many cases) to desktop PCs. With that in mind, it's understandable why consumer interest could be limited.

When high-end, yet comparatively weak to laptops/desktops, portables routinely retail for north of $1,000, broad consumer interest is, rather understandably, difficult to garner. But when that pricey portable can also realistically replace your pricey gaming laptop or even desktop PC? Well, then you're onto something. An argument could be made that Ayaneo, the prolific Chinese manufacturer of well-built Windows handhelds, releases too many handhelds, but as one of the pioneers of this emerging and exciting corner of the gaming industry, Ayaneo is demonstrating that a future where your main PC is roughly the size of a Nintendo Switch is in reach.