DIGITIMES observes that global shipments of Windows handheld gaming devices are expected to grow by more than 50% year over year, reaching 1.7 million units in 2026.
The development of AI upscaling technology and the integration of neural processing units (NPUs) into handheld processors will enhance the gaming experience on Windows handhelds and improve their performance as mini PCs, thereby increasing their overall market appeal. However, whether this market growth can be sustained in the future will largely depend on how much battery life can be improved.
Following the global success of Nintendo's Switch series and Valve's Steam Deck lineup, the handheld gaming device market has flourished with diverse products. Among them, Windows-based handhelds stand out for their strong market potential, as the Windows operating system enables users to access games across multiple platforms while also functioning as mini PCs.
Chart 1: Current major Windows handheld gaming devices and makers
AMD, Intel AI techs help Windows handhelds run demanding games
Chart 2: Highlights and achievements of AI upscaling techs from AMD, Intel
NPU makes Windows handhelds Copilot+ PCs, enabling AI functionalities
Chart 5: Global shipments of Windows handhelds + Steam Deck, 2025-2026 (m units)
