Handheld gaming PCs have been enjoying a surge in popularity over the last few years. The Steam Deck was the device that truly opened the floodgates, proving that a near-full PC gaming experience could be packed into a portable form. Not long after, other handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally started popping up, giving players even more options. These systems are undeniably convenient and surprisingly powerful for their size, and there’s a certain appeal to curling up on the couch and launching full PC titles without dragging out a bulky laptop.
That said, handheld gaming PCs still come with a fairly narrow focus. They’re designed for gaming, and can’t do anything else. If you need a machine that can handle your workload, web browsing, content consumption, and gaming all in one package, a traditional gaming laptop remains the more practical choice. At the moment, Amazon is offering a particularly strong deal on the Asus TUF F16, making it worth serious consideration. Normally priced around $1,000, the 2024 laptop is currently discounted to $800, representing a substantial $200 price cut.
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This configuration of the TUF F16 is powered by an Intel Core 5 210H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce 4050 laptop GPU and 8GB of RAM. If you want something a bit better than that, the 2025 model is also on sale. That one comes with and Intel Core i5 13450HX processor and the NVIDIA GeForce 5050 laptop GPU with16GB of RAM. This one is $300 off, bringing the price down from $1,300 to just an even $1,000. Either comes with a 512GB SSD to for all your storage needs.
Gaming Performance
While the Asus TUF Gaming F16 is not a top-tier powerhouse built to max out every new AAA release, it offers very respectable performance for the price. Indie titles will run effortlessly, and many larger games should perform smoothly at medium settings without major compromises.
The Asus TUF F16 features a 16-inch display with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio. It runs at Full HD resolution and supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, making it well suited for fast-paced games and competitive play. Adaptive-Sync technology works to reduce screen tearing and stuttering for a more fluid experience. Slim bezels surround the display, giving you more usable screen real estate without making the laptop feel overly large or cumbersome.
In terms of design, Asus keeps things relatively understated. The keyboard is full-size and includes a dedicated number pad, something that has become less common on modern laptops. The gold-accented WASD keys add a touch of personality without pushing the system into flashy, over-the-top territory.
When it comes to battery life, the Asus TUF F16 holds its own. The 90Wh battery supports fast charging, allowing it to reach 50% capacity in roughly 30 minutes. There’s also a 100W USB-C port for charging phones or accessories.
Overall, at just $800, the Asus TUF F16 delivers strong value. It’s a capable gaming hub that can easily handle your basic, everyday laptop needs.
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