Gigabyte is considering a handheld gaming PC, but isn’t rushing to get involved. Speaking to PCWorld at CES 2026, CEO Eddie Lin said they’re still evaluating the idea and won’t release a device that feels like a repeat.
Lin described the decision as a differentiation issue rather than a technical issue. The pieces and playbook are already there. So the real test is whether Gigabyte can add a feature that changes the everyday experience in a way you’ll notice.
There is currently no timeline, no price target, and no word on which regions would receive it first. That makes this more of a signal than a release.
The CEO’s tell was what wasn’t in it
Lin didn’t dangle a prototype or a date. Had Gigabyte had anything close to ready, CES would have been the obvious place to start setting expectations. Instead, the message landed like a gate that won’t move until there is a clear reason for you to prefer it over what has already been preferred.
There is also reputational risk. Gigabyte already sells plenty of PC gaming hardware, so a generic handheld could erode its credibility faster than it attracts a new audience.
Differentiation is the whole product
In 2026, running major PC games on a handheld is at stake. What sets the winners apart is the sensation you feel with every session, the comfort that lasts even after an hour, the cooling that stays quiet even under sustained load, and the software that makes Windows less annoying on a small screen.
Gigabyte has the right background to pursue this. It works on the thermal and performance limits of laptops and components every day and understands how small design decisions can impact sustained performance. But these benefits only matter if they are easy to explain and experience, rather than buried in a spec sheet. Currently, the most popular handhelds such as the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2 or ROG Ally all have their own unique selling points in an increasingly similar area.
What to watch next
The first meaningful clue will not be another general comment, but rather a named feature, a demo unit, and a concrete usability promise. When Gigabyte starts talking about simple results, noise, battery behavior, sleep and resume modes, and controller comfort, it gets closer to a real product.
Until then, consider this an intention and not an announcement. If you’re shopping now, buy what fits your budget and library today, then check back when Gigabyte shows off a prototype and a clear hook.
