OK, so I finally caved and bought one of those portable monitors last month (thanks, tax refund!). My girlfriend was NOT thrilled” screen? Really?” But after lugging this thing around for a few weeks, I’ve got some pretty strong opinions about what games actually work on these things vs. what games made me want to chuck the whole setup out the window.
First off, portable gaming in 2025 is NOTHING like what I expected. Remember when “gaming on the go” meant squinting at a tiny Switch screen or burning your thighs with a gaming laptop? Yeah, those days are (mostly) gone.
The Whole Portable Monitor Thing – Worth It?
If you’re considering gaming on the go, investing in one of the latest portable monitors can be a game-changer. I went with the ViewSonic Elite XG16 after reading way too many reviews. The colors are decent, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes a bigger difference than I thought it would. But there are definitely some downsides nobody warned me about…
Like the fact that some games have text so tiny I need to basically press my face against the screen. Or that battery life becomes this constant anxiety when you’re playing anything remotely demanding. I’ve literally developed a mental map of every outlet in my favorite coffee shop.
Games That Actually Don’t Suck on Portable Monitors
Indie Games = Portable Gaming Heaven
Indie games are basically MADE for portable monitors. The art styles usually scale well to smaller screens, and they don’t melt your battery like AAA titles.
Moonlight Whispers absolutely consumed my life for a solid week. The hand-drawn visuals look gorgeous even on a 15.6″ screen. I started playing this during a weekend visit to my parents’ house and got so absorbed that my mom actually asked if I was “feeling antisocial.” YES, MOM, THAT’S THE POINT OF BRINGING A PORTABLE MONITOR.
Ethereal Horizons has become my go-to “airplane” game”—perfect for travel because you can pause anytime, it doesn’t require twitch reflexes, and it’s engaging enough to make you forget you’re basically in a flying sardine can.
Competitive Games (That Won’t Put You at a Huge Disadvantage)
I used to think playing anything competitive on a portable setup was just asking to get your butt kicked. But I’ve found some games where it’s actually… not terrible?
Arena Tactics has become my latest obsession. It’s this top-down hero battler that works PERFECTLY on a portable. Matches last about 15 minutes, which is ideal for gaming on the go. Though I did miss my subway stop TWICE last week because I was so into a match. My boss was… not understanding.
The key is finding games where the playing field is somewhat level. First-person shooters? Forget it. You’ll just be cannon fodder for people with proper setups. But turn-based or strategic competitive games? Now we’re talking.
Strategy Games: For When You’re Stuck at Your In-Laws
Strategy games and portable monitors go together like peanut butter and jelly. The slower pace means you can deal with interruptions (like your girlfriend’s dad asking about your “career prospects” for the 50th time).
Civilization: Nomad Edition might as well have been MADE for portable monitors. The streamlined UI is actually readable on smaller screens, and the touch support is chef’s kiss when your portable has that capability.
I’ve lost count of how many “just one more turn” sessions have happened in airport lounges. Though there was that ONE time I missed a boarding announcement because I was so close to a domination victory. The gate agent was not impressed by my explanation.
Retro Games: Nostalgia Hits Different on the Go
There’s something weirdly perfect about playing retro games on a portable setup. These games were designed for CRT TVs and tiny resolutions anyway, so they often look FANTASTIC on modern portable monitors.
I’ve been working through these Pixel Perfect Remasters of classic RPGs from the 90s. They’ve become my comfort food during stressful travel. Stuck in a hotel room in a strange city for work? Nothing beats the familiar grind of a 16-bit era RPG.
Tech Stuff I Learned Through Pain and Suffering
My first portable monitor used a TN panel. BIG MISTAKE. HUGE. The viewing angles were so bad that I had to sit perfectly still like some kind of gaming statue. If I shifted even slightly, the colors would invert like some kind of psychedelic nightmare.
Upgrading to an IPS desktop monitor was life-changing for my setup. The improved color accuracy and viewing angles made a noticeable difference in both gaming and everyday use.
Refresh rate matters WAY more than I expected. I started with a standard 60Hz display, which is fine for most stuff. But when I tried my friend’s 144Hz portable… oh man. Going back felt like watching a flipbook animation.
The Cloud Gaming Thing Actually Works???
I was SUPER skeptical about cloud gaming. Like, internet-on-planes-level skeptical. But I’ve been shocked at how well it works on portable setups.
I’ve played AAA titles that would make a gaming laptop melt through cloud services, and it’s been… surprisingly decent? Even on hotel Wi-Fi, which is usually only good for checking email and questioning your life choices.
Questions My Gaming Friends Always Ask
What Makes a Game Actually Playable on These Things?
After much trial and error (emphasis on ERROR), the perfect portable monitor games have:
- UI elements designed for human eyes, not eagle vision
- Graphics that don’t require a nuclear reactor to power
- Gameplay that can handle interruptions
The games that fail spectacularly usually have microscopic text, require pixel-perfect mouse precision, or drain your battery faster than my will to exercise.
Can You ACTUALLY Play Competitive Games?
A year ago, I would’ve laughed in your face. Now? It’s… complicated.
With today’s high-refresh-rate portable monitors, you CAN play competitive games without wanting to throw your controller through the screen. BUT—and this is a big but—you’re still at a disadvantage against people with full setups.
I wouldn’t try to play in any tournaments or high-stakes matches. There’s a reason esports pros aren’t gaming on 15-inch portable monitors in their mom’s kitchen. Though that would make for a more relatable esports scene, tbh.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After gaming primarily on a portable monitor for most of this year, the biggest thing I’ve gained is freedom. I can play my games wherever life takes me, which has been… surprisingly meaningful?
Whether I’m grinding through indie gems during my commute, sneaking in some strategic thinking during my lunch break, or turning a boring hotel stay into a gaming marathon, this portable setup has added flexibility to my hobby that I never knew I needed.
If you haven’t tried portable monitor gaming yet, 2025 is a pretty good time to jump in. Just be prepared for some weird looks when you set up your gaming station in places people don’t expect. And maybe don’t try it during your cousin’s wedding like I did. Still hearing about that one from the family…