The author explores the potential of large-screen handheld gaming by combining a pre-production Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet with a GameSir G8 Plus controller. This unconventional setup, inspired by similar Reddit experiments, creates a powerful yet unwieldy gaming device that challenges conventional notions of handheld portability. The Z13’s impressive AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 “Strix Halo” processor delivers impressive performance, running games like Helldivers 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at high resolutions and frame rates exceeding the capabilities of current handhelds like the Steam Deck. While this experiment isn’t practical for everyday use due to the controller’s limitations and the combined weight of the devices, it sparks a conversation about the future of handheld gaming and the balance between portability and screen size.
The author acknowledges the setup’s flaws. The GameSir G8 Plus controller, designed for smaller devices, is stretched to its limits to accommodate the Z13, posing a risk of snapping shut and potentially injuring the user. The combined weight of the tablet and controller, significantly heavier than devices like the Steam Deck and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, makes extended gameplay uncomfortable. Additionally, the Z13’s battery life, while comparable to the original Steam Deck, necessitates staying near a power outlet. Despite these drawbacks, the experiment highlights the appeal of a larger screen, which makes Windows 11 navigation surprisingly tolerable in a handheld context. The Z13’s kickstand mitigates some of the weight issues, enabling lap or tabletop gaming, but frequent setup and breakdown procedures limit true portability.
The author reflects on the experience, recognizing that using the Z13 with a traditional controller in a tabletop setting is more practical and ergonomic. However, the experiment underscores the potential of oversized handhelds, exemplified by the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 and Sony PlayStation Portal, which prioritize screen real estate over traditional portability. The author envisions a future where larger, “stay-at-home” handhelds cater to a specific niche of gamers who prioritize immersive visuals over mobility. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with its rumored larger screen, further reinforces this trend.
This DIY handheld experiment prompts a reevaluation of the ideal size for gaming devices. While the Steam Deck and original Switch previously represented the perceived sweet spot for portability and usability, the author now embraces the possibility of a diverse range of handheld sizes, catering to different preferences and gaming scenarios. The author’s experience suggests that larger screens enhance the handheld PC gaming experience, even with the limitations of current controllers and battery technology. The Z13’s powerful performance demonstrates the potential for high-fidelity gaming on a portable device, albeit with compromises on weight and battery life.
The author concludes that the ideal size for a handheld gaming device is subjective and evolving. This experiment with the oversized Z13 challenges the traditional definition of “handheld” and opens the door for a broader spectrum of form factors in the future. The emergence of devices like the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 and Sony PlayStation Portal, alongside the rumored larger screen of the Nintendo Switch 2, indicates a growing acceptance of larger handhelds that prioritize immersive gaming experiences over ultimate portability. The author anticipates a future where handhelds cater to a diverse range of needs, with size becoming a matter of personal preference rather than a limiting factor.
Ultimately, the author’s experiment serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving landscape of handheld gaming. While acknowledging the impracticalities of his specific setup, the experience highlights the potential of larger screens, more powerful processors, and diverse form factors in future handheld gaming devices. The author’s enthusiasm for the potential of oversized handhelds, even those as unwieldy as the Z13 with attached controllers, suggests a growing market for devices that prioritize immersive gaming experiences at home or in less mobile settings. The experiment encourages a broader conversation about the future of handheld gaming, moving beyond traditional notions of portability and embracing innovation in screen size, performance, and control schemes.
