Best mini PCs for gaming — from AAA gaming to budget cloud gaming, our top tested recommendations

Best Mini PCs for Gaming

Mini PCs offer a cost-effective and compact solution for gaming if you choose the right model and know how to use it. While gaming laptops and desktops are common choices, mini PCs can provide solid performance without taking up much space and at a lower price point.

Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow gamers to enjoy high FPS in the latest titles on more affordable mini PCs, making powerful local hardware less necessary.

For those who prefer dedicated gaming hardware, there are mini PCs with strong internal components capable of local AAA gaming. Our tests at Windows Central reveal the top mini PCs tailored to different gaming needs, from high-end local gaming to budget-friendly cloud gaming.

Top Recommendation: HP AI Mini PC

HP has developed a compact AI-powered mini PC that delivers impressive performance for local AAA gaming without the high cost often associated with gaming mini PCs. It offers several configurations, with the Ryzen AI Max Pro featuring a Radeon 8040S, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD being highly recommended.

This small but powerful device also includes a variety of ports, such as a wired Ethernet connection, making it versatile for gaming setups.

"HP managed to create a small AI computer that still packs plenty of power to handle local AAA gaming."

Summary: Mini PCs provide a budget-friendly and compact alternative for gamers, with options ranging from cloud gaming setups to powerful local gaming machines like HP's AI-powered mini PC.

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Windows Central Windows Central — 2025-11-06