There’s a lot of things our PCs can do, but gaming on the move isn’t typically one of them. Yet. Okay you get laptops, but we all know every laptop under the sun has a practically dead battery after six months use, forcing you to permanently tether yourself to a plug socket like a dog tied to a lamppost. It’s evidently not the best solution, but what is?
Nvidia’s been trying to answer the question for some time now with its range of Shield devices, but each typically specialises in running Android games natively rather than tucking into your Steam library. There were whispers of a handheld Steam machine last year but that’s failed to materialise.
With the power on offer in our phones and tablets now it’s probably about time we had a proper version of Steam or GOG for our mobiles. Most modern cellphones would be more than capable of running much of the older titles, and who wouldn’t want to make the commute to work a little more interesting by busting out some Sunless Sea on them move.
Tablets certainly seem the obvious choice for proper PC gaming, and it's surely going to be an ever bigger option in the future. Not many people bother with internet connections for tablets but there's also the possibility of streaming titles even while you're out of the house in the near future, using services like Nvidia's GRID or potentially even Steam to deliver the content straight to your tablet.
Some people opt for even more novel ideas. The man in the picture above was spotted taking his entire Wii U onto a train, plugging it into the available mains socket and playing it entirely using the Wii U gamepad. Over the top maybe, but I bet his train journey flew by.
Dedicated gaming handhelds from Sony and Nintendo are the obvious choice at the moment, but this is a market that's unfortunately being squeezed out by the rise of mobile devices capable of much more.
How do you like to game when you're on the move? Would you like to see dedicated handheld PCs with access to your games library, or do you think the future is streaming content?
Login or Register to join the debate
PC Specs
1st gen PSP, had it for years and it is stil;l going. No signs of failing me. It is built like a tank and I have mighty boosh on UMD. :)
PC Specs
Ah the great PSP, I love mine, too bad there are no games I want to play on it anymore.
PC Specs
Yeh, that and the fact that the GFX look so dissapointing compared to my lovely PC playing some nice games.
PC Specs
I have a really weak laptop which isnt meant for gaming,so this is a good chance to remind myself of some old classics it can actually run. :)
PC Specs
3ds
PC Specs
I don't move :3
PC Specs
That man in the picture is smart, really taking advantage of the off screen capabilities of the Wii U, console grade graphics on an airplane, nice.
PC Specs
Where is the Computer(PC) option?....
PC Specs
f**ing airplane, where's that damn socket for my hungry Panzer Desktop? s#@t, no way!
PC Specs
I can carry my own generator.... I still want my PC...
And I can get a PC smaller than a PS4 with an i5 and gtx 760 or whatever and a 8 inch monitor and a controller, actually I prefer to play consoles on the move, but whatever.
PC Specs
lol the same here, I'm not able to use any other device for gaming. just give me my lovely pc, I say...
PC Specs
I consoles as much as I like PC, but the thing is that with consoles I don't have a keyboard and when on the move, I don't plan on gaming only.
Otherwise if I only want to game and don't have access to internet while on the go, then sure thing I will take a console with me, this way I can play with my brother.
PC Specs
If someone starts playing PC's on the move. It will seem like wearing space suit and swimming. :D
PC Specs
Fun Fact! Astronauts train underwater! Click here for a training video!
PC Specs
only my mobile phone when i go away. My 17" laptop is a bit too big to carry.
PC Specs
Get one of those Swissgear backpacks. I have a 17" MSI GT70 and it fits perfectly. Went down in a motorcycle crash and it was no worse for the wear.
PC Specs
just one game, when I'm on the move: Player Pro :D
PC Specs
I usually use my DSi XL on the go. I also sometimes play games on my phone, but man, I use my phone for other things too. And gaming on it uses too much power.
PC Specs
I do alot of gaming on long trip with my laptop which has decent battery life and ive never had a laptop battery completely die on me after 6 months i still have my first gaming laptop which is 5 yrs old and the battery still lasts 3 hours
PC Specs
5 Words :
CLASH OF CLANS IN ANDROID
Thats my on-the-move game
PC Specs
For the later part of the last year all of my gaming time was on phone. Android phones are the best way to alleviate boredom or you could read books..
PC Specs
I voted 'none'. Coz Gaming on the move can cause eye problems!.. you know :/
PC Specs
Old games emulator on my phone and am in the heaven of retro feelings
PC Specs
I live in South Dakota (Glad to be back) where the towns are spread out. During long car rides I tend to play Hydrothunder, Asphalt 8, SCP Containment Breach, Slender: The Eight Pages, Peggle, Bejeweled 3, Halo, Final Fantasy 7, Game of the Year: 420BLAZIT GET REKT EDITION, Grand Theft Auto: 3&Vice City, Pinball, Solitaire, and finally, Mahjong.
PC Specs
Having a limited hand-held, nah, better a tabled with hundreds of E-Books.
PC Specs
Depends on the length of journey for me. Less than an hour and I'm good with my phone. More than that (I travel to London and Manchester a few times each year) and I'll crack out the laptop, either for gaming or movies.
The great thing about most trains in the UK is you can book a seat next to a power socket ;)
PC Specs
I heard Crysis 3 is coming to Android soon. Now I know what to take with me :)
PC Specs
I don't wanna play games on the move, I rather read something (either book or some pdf from smartphone) or just listen to music or chat with fellow travellers :D
PC Specs
Same here... Book or music or talk... Usually, it is the first two... I travel not to game but unwind and free my mind of clutter...
PC Specs
Same I prefer to read or talk and just take it easy
PC Specs
Well,Tablets are the best for the condition but the fact everyone don't want to own one and so console or phone rules. I have a tablet with Nvidia K1 but still prefer my less powerful phone for the job.Gaming laptops either ain't the best because it costs one arm and a leg to but decent gaming portable device like that.I'll go with PSP(or others of the category) or a phone.