With the Proper Setup, Mini PCs Can be Powerful Gaming Machines

PC gaming often comes with a hefty price tag, as you need a solid computer, a decent monitor, and an array of gaming accessories to fully enjoy the experience. However, there’s no need to break the bank thanks to the advancements in cloud gaming technology. Nowadays, setting up a cloud-based PC gaming rig has become more budget-friendly than ever. If you’re on the lookout for Black Friday gaming PC deals or considering waiting until Cyber Monday, you might want to explore the world of mini PCs. But remember, choosing the right device is crucial to making this approach work.

Having reviewed numerous gaming accessories and devices, I’ve put together a selection of affordable Black Friday deals specifically aimed at creating an optimal mini PC setup that’s perfect for cloud gaming.

Should you opt for the most budget-friendly options I’ve highlighted, like picking up a Beelink EQR6 mini PC for $249 on Amazon and an LG UltraGear 27" gaming monitor for $149 at Walmart, you could assemble a gaming corner for under $400. Yet, there are other enticing choices to think about.

Best mini PC for budget gaming

Sure, there are compact gaming mini PCs equipped with powerful RTX 40-Series GPUs out there, but they are few in number and tend to be pricey. Take a look at my review of the ROG NUC 970 for an example of a small device loaded with an RTX 4060 L – available for $1,399 on Amazon.

For the thriftiest PC gaming configuration, consider finding a cost-effective yet dependable mini PC capable of cloud gaming or handling less demanding games. Thanks to services like Xbox’s "Stream Your Own Game," this is easier than ever. Cloud gaming allows remote servers to handle game processing while streaming the visuals to your local machine, which means a good mini PC can also handle older games without breaking a sweat.

Warning: While hunting for an affordable mini PC, be cautious of shady brands that might include harmful malware. It’s wiser to stick with reputable names like ASUS, Lenovo, Intel, Beelink, and Geekom. For more reliable options, don’t miss checking out our list of the best mini PCs.

Best gaming monitors for mini PCs

There’s no shortage of awesome Black Friday gaming monitor deals right now, so finding a good budget option is pretty straightforward. Since you might save a tidy sum by going the mini PC route, consider investing in a higher-quality gaming monitor. Here are the best gaming monitors for mini PCs, from budget-friendly to premium models.

Pro Tip: Make sure the monitor you choose matches the mini PC’s resolution, refresh rate, response time, and VRR (variable refresh rate) capabilities. For more suggestions, peruse our list of the best Black Friday gaming monitor deals.

Best accessories for gaming mini PCs

Once the PC and monitor are selected, you’re still going to need some top-tier peripherals for the ultimate gaming experience. Here’s a roundup of the best gaming accessories for your mini PC setup, including headsets, mice, and keyboards. More suggestions are waiting on our list of the best PC gaming accessories.

Why You Should Trust Me

Rebecca Spear
Gaming and Tech News Editor

I’ve had the privilege of being among the first wave to receive the Steam Deck. Since then, my collection has expanded to include the ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and other gaming handhelds. My goal is always to find the best settings for any game. Most nights, you’ll catch me gaming on one of these devices before drifting off to sleep.

🔥 The hottest Black Friday deals 🔥

🍁 More great Black Friday deals 🦃

• Best Buy: Significant savings on video games, accessories, and more.
• Walmart: Huge early discounts on nearly everything.
• Target: Live deals on a wide range of products.
• Dell: Top deals on laptops and gaming PCs plus accessories.
• HP: Big discounts on laptops, desktops, and more.
• Lenovo: Doorbuster discounts on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, and more.
• Newegg: Savings on PC gaming accessories and components.
• Razer: Limited-time free shipping offers.
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more.
• Amazon: Rotating sales on a variety of products.

Build your dream gaming mini PC setup

You don’t always need a full-fledged gaming desktop or laptop to dive into the latest games. Thanks to cloud gaming advancements, all you really need is a capable mini PC, a good gaming monitor, a keyboard, mouse, and a solid internet connection.

In doing so, you can put together a decent gaming mini PC setup at a fraction of the cost of traditional gaming desktops or laptops. Be cautious, though, as some low-budget mini PCs might come with malware. Stick with trusted brands like Lenovo, ASUS, Geekom, and Beelink—Geekom, in particular, has some fantastic options.

Alternatively, consider a PC gaming handheld like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or Steam Deck. Each offers unique pros and cons, but they all let you play games comfortably from your couch, bed, or while traveling. Hook them up to a docking station, and you can connect to a monitor to use them just like a regular computer.

What is the best budget gaming PC?

When you’re shopping on a budget, compact gaming desktops, mini PCs, and gaming handhelds are worth considering since they usually come at lower costs than full gaming desktops.

The Beelink EQR6 stands out as the best budget mini PC, especially for cloud gaming. It offers a great variety of ports for all your accessories and is currently discounted from $349.00 to $249 on Amazon with an applicable coupon.

If you’re leaning towards a Windows 11 gaming handheld, the ROG Ally is your best bet, particularly if you snag it during Black Friday. Initially listed at $649.99, it’s now up for grabs at $499.99 via Best Buy.

For a budget gaming desktop, the iBUYPOWER Slate 6 Mesh is your go-to. It’s bundled with the anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows and, while usually priced at $1,199.99, you can get it for $699.00 at Walmart.

Can I use a gaming handheld like a computer?

Absolutely. Both the ROG Ally and the Legion Go run Windows 11 and allow you to connect a keyboard and mouse (via Bluetooth or docking station) to use them much like a laptop. They are well-suited for web browsing, app usage, game playing, typing documents, and more.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

It’s really about choosing the right mini PC. Some feature the latest RTX 40-Series GPUs but can get pricey. A more economical strategy is to use a standard mini PC for cloud gaming. This way, you can enjoy a myriad of games through various services at a lower cost than purchasing a full gaming desktop—just ensure you have a strong internet connection and the proper accessories.