# The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs and a Look at Traditional Gaming Laptops

Handheld gaming PCs have seen a notable surge in popularity in recent times, propelled by the release of devices such as the Steam Deck. This innovative device showcased that a nearly complete PC gaming experience could fit into a portable design. Following the Deck’s triumph, additional handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally surfaced, providing gamers with numerous choices. These portable devices are undoubtedly convenient and surprisingly powerful for their size, allowing users to enjoy full PC games comfortably on the couch without the hassle of a hefty laptop.

Nonetheless, in spite of their benefits, handheld gaming PCs tend to have a rather limited scope, as they are chiefly created for gaming. In contrast to traditional gaming laptops, they may have difficulty managing a multitude of tasks such as processing workloads, surfing the web, and media consumption simultaneously. For individuals in search of a versatile device that accommodates broader computing necessities alongside gaming, traditional gaming laptops continue to be a more sensible option.

At present, a noteworthy offer on the Asus TUF F16 gaming laptop makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive portable gaming experience. Typically priced around $1,000, the 2024 model is currently available for $800, representing a noteworthy $200 discount.

This particular configuration of the TUF F16 is powered by an Intel Core i5 210H processor, complemented by an NVIDIA GeForce 4050 laptop GPU and 8GB of RAM. For those desiring improved performance, the 2025 model is also on sale, featuring an Intel Core i5 13450HX processor coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce 5050 laptop GPU and 16GB of RAM, offered at a $300 discount—reducing the price from $1,300 to $1,000. Both versions include a 512GB SSD to meet all storage requirements.

## Gaming Performance

While the Asus TUF Gaming F16 may not be classified as a leading powerhouse that can maximize every new AAA title, it nonetheless delivers respectable performance for its price segment. Indie games operate smoothly, and numerous larger titles can achieve stable performance at medium settings with minimal sacrifices.

The TUF F16 features a 16-inch display with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, functioning at Full HD resolution and supporting a fluid 144Hz refresh rate—traits that enhance fast-paced gaming and competitive play. Adaptive-Sync technology minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, enabling a smoother gaming experience. Furthermore, the slender bezels surrounding the display optimize usable screen area without making the laptop feel excessively large or unwieldy.

In terms of design, Asus adopts a fairly understated approach. The keyboard is full-sized and incorporates a dedicated number pad—a feature that is becoming increasingly rare among contemporary laptops. The gold-accented WASD keys add a dash of personality without straying into flashy territory.

Battery life on the Asus TUF F16 is praiseworthy; its 90Wh battery supports rapid charging, reaching 50% capacity in around 30 minutes. There’s also a 100W USB-C port available for charging phones and accessories, enhancing its adaptability.

In summary, at just $800, the Asus TUF F16 offers substantial value. It emerges as a competent gaming hub that can efficiently handle basic everyday laptop tasks, appealing to both gamers and general users alike.

Saturdays are for waking up early, stretching out, and realising with horror that you left it very late to ask people what they would be playing over the weekend. Then, when you are just about recovered from the first shock, realising with even bigger horror that you didn’t ask them what they would be playing over Christmas.

Oh dear. Oh my. Oh criminy!

Read more

## Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM: The Premier Gaming Display

High-end gaming displays frequently necessitate a trade-off between refresh rates and color precision. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM defies this trend, offering an impressive array of features tailored for dedicated gamers. This 32-inch behemoth presents a genuine 4K resolution, groundbreaking QD-OLED technology, a remarkable 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, and a swift 240Hz refresh rate, making it a fantastic option for both casual and competitive play.

### Outstanding Price Tag

Currently offered at a historic low of $899, down from its usual $1,299, the ROG Swift PG32UCDM provides high-end OLED gaming capabilities at a more reachable price. This not only boosts its value but also makes it an enticing choice for gamers aiming to enhance their gaming setup ahead of the holiday season.

### QD-OLED Advancements

The quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED) display achieves perfect blacks by allowing each pixel to emit its own light and turn off entirely. This leads to boundless contrast, surpassing conventional LCD displays. In darker game scenes, delicate shadows unveil concealed details rather than blending into drab gray. The monitor achieves 99% DCI-P3 color coverage with authentic 10-bit color depth, enabling colors to vividly leap off the screen.

### Perfect Size and Definition

The 32-inch display size is an ideal match for 4K resolution, yielding clearer visuals than 1440p without rendering text and UI elements overly small. Users can comfortably sit at an average desk distance, observing onscreen details without straining their necks. The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio guarantees compatibility with most games and software without the inconvenience of black bars or distortion.

### Rapid Refresh Rates and Response Metrics

Featuring a 240Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, the PG32UCDM significantly improves motion clarity. Fast-moving shooters profit from diminished blurring, allowing gamers to identify opponents and react swiftly. This capability revolutionizes gameplay, where previous lower refresh rates felt like sluggish presentations.

### Enhanced Cooling Mechanism

To avoid burn-in and sustain peak performance, Asus implements a custom cooling system with a distinctive airflow design and graphene film backing. This mechanism maintains stable OLED panel temperatures even during extended gaming sessions featuring static UI components. The monitor also ensures consistent brightness levels across the display, eliminating common brightness fluctuation issues with contrasting visuals.

### Certified HDR Capabilities

The PG32UCDM meets the VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification, ensuring adherence to stringent HDR performance criteria. With elevated peak brightness levels, in-game explosions and light sources can illuminate brilliantly while preserving the deep, rich blacks inherent to OLED technology. Furthermore, the monitor’s matte finish reduces reflections without compromising clarity, allowing for use in well-lit settings.

### Comprehensive Connectivity Options

Fitted with a 90W USB-C port, the monitor seamlessly transmits display signals while charging your laptop with a single connection. By incorporating Display Stream Compression, users can achieve the full 4K 240Hz signal through DisplayPort 1.4, along with HDMI 2.1 support for next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at 4K 120Hz.

### Competitive Pricing Structure

Priced at $899, the PG32UCDM is $400 less than its suggested retail price, providing a budget-friendly option compared to similarly equipped OLED gaming displays, which typically range from $1,200 to $1,500. Instead of opting for VA or IPS panels that may lag in contrast, gamers can choose this flagship panel technology and benefit from enthusiast-grade refresh rates paired with outstanding color precision.

In summary, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM emerges as a top selection for gamers in search of the best of both realms—rapid performance and breathtaking visuals. Its features and competitive pricing position it as a leading contender in the gaming monitor arena.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6526/)