There’s no escaping the fact that diving into the world of PC gaming usually comes with a hefty price tag. You’re looking at needing a capable PC, a quality monitor, and a suite of gaming accessories to get started. Thankfully, cloud gaming has advanced remarkably over recent years, making it simpler than ever to assemble a cloud PC gaming setup that won’t break the bank. If you’re scouring for one of the best Black Friday gaming PC deals, or contemplating whether to wait until Cyber Monday, you might want to explore the option of a mini PC. Just remember, selecting the right device is crucial for making this work.
In my review of various gaming accessories and devices, I’ve identified some budget-friendly Black Friday deals suitable for setting up an affordable gaming mini PC, ideal for cloud gaming purposes.
If you’re keen on cutting costs, starting with options like the Beelink EQR6 mini PC priced at $249 on Amazon, and pairing it with the LG UltraGear 27″ gaming monitor at $149 from Walmart, you could set up a gaming space for just $399.99. But that’s just scratching the surface; there are numerous other avenues to explore.
### Best Mini PC for Budget Gaming
Gaming mini PCs packed with the powerful RTX 40-Series GPUs are indeed available, but they come few and far between and are generally pretty pricey. Take a look at my review of the ROG NUC 970; it’s a compact device featuring an RTX 4060 L, available for $1,399 on Amazon if you’re prepared to splurge.
The most cost-effective PC gaming arrangement involves grabbing an affordable yet dependable mini PC, especially useful for accessing cloud gaming or running less demanding titles. Thanks to Xbox’s “Stream Your Own Game” feature, this has never been easier. In cloud gaming, robust remote servers run the game while it’s streamed to your PC over the internet. However, the top-performing mini PCs can manage less demanding or classic games effortlessly.
### Best Gaming Monitors for Mini PCs
This Black Friday, excellent deals on gaming monitors make it feasible to snag a high-quality yet budget-friendly option. Since you’re saving money with a mini PC, you might consider investing a bit more in a high-end gaming monitor. No matter your budget, here’s a rundown of the best gaming monitors for mini PCs ranging from affordable to luxurious options.
Quick tip: Ensure the monitor you choose aligns with your mini PC’s optimal resolution, refresh rate, response time, and VRR (variable refresh rate)—more options can be found on our list of gaming monitor Black Friday deals.
### Best Accessories for Gaming Mini PCs
Once you’ve sorted out your mini PC and monitor, you’ll want to look at other important peripherals to enhance your gaming experience. Here are my top picks for PC gaming accessories tailored for mini PCs, from headsets to mice and keyboards. More detailed recommendations are available in our list of the best PC gaming accessories.
### Build Your Dream Gaming Mini PC Setup
You don’t need a full-fledged gaming desktop or laptop to enjoy top-tier games today. Thanks to the significant progress in cloud gaming, all it takes is a reliable mini PC, an excellent gaming monitor, a keyboard and mouse, plus a solid internet connection to dive into numerous gaming adventures.
This configuration allows you to create a decent gaming mini PC setup for considerably less compared to traditional gaming desktops or laptops. However, I’ve found that it’s important to stick with trusted brands, such as Lenovo, ASUS, Geekom, and Beelink, to avoid unwanted malware. Geekom, in particular, ranks highly among our favorite mini PC brands.
Alternatively, you might consider a handheld gaming PC like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or Steam Deck. Although each comes with its unique advantages and challenges, they allow you to play from practically anywhere—whether on the couch, in bed, or on a flight. In fact, with a docking station, you can link them up to your monitor and enjoy them as a regular PC.
### What is the Best Budget Gaming PC?
You’ve got plenty of gaming PCs to choose from. If stretching your dollar is a priority, compact gaming desktops, mini PCs, and gaming handhelds usually offer cheaper alternatives to a full gaming PC rig.
The Beelink EQR6 emerges as the best budget mini PC. Perfect for cloud gaming, it comes equipped with a decent selection of ports for various accessories. Originally priced at $349, Amazon now offers it for $249 with a coupon.
For those interested in a handheld option, the ROG Ally running Windows 11 stands out, particularly with Black Friday discounts. Its MSRP is $649.99, but you can bag it for just $499.99 at Best Buy right now.
The iBUYPOWER Slate 6 Mesh represents the best budget deal in gaming desktops, bundled with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, typically $1,199.99 but on sale for $699 at Walmart.
### Can I Use a Gaming Handheld Like a Computer?
Absolutely! Gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go run on Windows 11 and can easily be connected to a keyboard and mouse via docking station or Bluetooth—transforming them into a practical laptop alternative. They allow you to surf the web, run various programs, play games, and even draft documents.
### Are Mini PCs Good for Gaming?
The gaming capability of mini PCs varies. While some have advanced GPUs like the RTX 40-Series, they tend to be pricey. Another viable option is to grab an affordable mini PC and leverage cloud gaming, enjoying a myriad of games with the right internet connectivity and accessories, yet spending less than you would on a traditional gaming desktop.
