Gaming expert shares how to stay fully equipped on the go—without overpacking your suitcase or killing your frame rate
Key Points:
- Gaming expert reveals how to pack a high-performance gaming setup for travel—including compact gear and portable tech
- Breaks down options like mini-PCs, wireless accessories and foldable keyboards to maintain portability without sacrificing immersion
- Expert shares one clever trick involving cloud gaming that lets you play your favourite titles from anywhere with your own settings and controls
Dragging a full tower PC through airport security? Not ideal. For gamers, travelling with your setup often means making painful sacrifices—whether it’s ditching your beloved mechanical keyboard or settling for laggy hotel Wi-Fi and bad frame rates. And with summer holidays and workcations on the rise, more of us are asking: is it really possible to travel light and game right?
In June 2024, Skyscanner reported a 10% year-on-year rise in hotel bookings with games consoles—proof that demand for on-the-go gaming is growing. That’s why Online Free Games, a platform offering a massive collection of free browser-based games, is weighing in. According to their CEO, Serge Eliseeff, a lifelong gamer and tech obsessive, the answer to portable power is all about strategy, not hardware.
“Gamers shouldn’t have to choose between mobility and performance,” Serge says. “There’s a smarter way to bring your setup with you, no matter where you’re going.”
So, how do you build a lightweight gaming rig that fits in your carry-on—and still feels like your main setup at home?
Below, Serge breaks down what to pack, how to shrink your setup, and finally, shares one clever trick that might just change the way you travel with games altogether.
Build A Travel-Friendly Gaming Setup That Doesn’t Suck
A decent travel gaming setup starts with knowing what’s worth packing—and what’s not. Here’s how to game smart, without turning your suitcase into a tech museum.
1. Ditch the Desktop: Choose a Gaming Laptop or Mini-PC
If you want raw power without back pain, modern gaming laptops are your best friend. Look for machines with dedicated GPUs (like an RTX 4060 or better), solid cooling systems, and refresh rates above 120Hz.
But if you’re staying somewhere with a desk and monitor access, a mini-PC can be just as good. Devices like the Intel NUC or ASUS ROG Ally’s docked mode offer desktop-level power in something barely bigger than a sandwich.
“Mini-PCs can be surprisingly capable if you’re not fussed about internal upgrades,” says Serge. “And they fit into a backpack slot most people would otherwise use for snacks.”
2. Pack Flat: Use Foldable Keyboards And Portable Screens
Forget full-size keyboards. Foldable mechanical keyboards—yes, they exist—offer tactile feedback without hogging space. And for your screen? Portable USB-C monitors are lightweight, slim, and often come with built-in stands.
“You can prop them up on a coffee table and have an instant dual-screen setup,” Serge explains. “I’ve used one on a plane tray table before—it’s tight, but it works.”
3. Go Wireless (But Not Cheap)
Wireless mice and controllers are essential—no one wants to untangle cords while boarding a flight. But go for trusted low-latency models. Logitech’s Lightspeed series or Sony’s DualSense controllers give you freedom without lag.
Pro tip: Don’t forget a travel mousepad. You can get thin, rollable ones that double as dust protectors for your screen.
The Game-Changer: Stream Your Own Setup With Cloud Gaming
Here’s where it gets genius. Instead of packing every piece of hardware, Serge recommends setting up cloud gaming at home—and streaming your system from anywhere.
“Before a trip, I preload my games, preferences, and settings on my PC at home. Then, I access it remotely using a portable screen and a gamepad,” he says. “It’s like teleporting your entire rig into your hotel room.”
Using services like Steam Remote Play, Moonlight + Sunshine (for NVIDIA cards), or even Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can stream full-res games over Wi-Fi—without needing your heavy-duty gear.
This trick not only saves luggage space, it guarantees your favourite titles look, sound and play the same way they do at home.
Why It Works So Well
The setup is surprisingly simple:
- A handheld controller (like 8BitDo’s travel-sized models)
- A compact tablet or foldable screen
- Decent Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot
- Remote access enabled on your home PC
“You only need a small screen and a good controller,” Serge explains. “It’s the ultimate cheat code for portable gaming. And since your games are running on your own machine, you don’t sacrifice performance.”
It’s also far cheaper than buying a high-end gaming laptop—especially if you already have a powerful PC at home.
Serge Eliseeff, CEO of Online Free Games, comments:
“Most gamers think portable means compromise—but it doesn’t have to. The trick is understanding which parts of your setup can shrink, and which parts you can stream. Cloud gaming has reached a point where latency is low enough for most games, and services are reliable if you’ve got decent Wi-Fi.
“There’s always a trade-off between power and portability. But by using your home setup as the ‘engine’ and just packing the controls and screen, you’re getting the best of both worlds. You can play graphically intensive games on a beach in Bali or in a budget hotel in Barcelona—all without lugging your tower around.
“Whether you’re gaming between meetings on a work trip or filling downtime on vacation, this approach makes it easier to play wherever you are. And that freedom? That’s what gaming should be about.”
ENDS
Credit
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About Online Free Games
Online Free Games is a platform offering a vast collection of free online games across various genres, including action, adventure, puzzle, and sports. Users can enjoy these games directly in their browsers without the need for downloads or registrations, ensuring quick and convenient access. The website features a user-friendly interface, making navigation and game selection straightforward. The platform continues to adapt to technological advancements, providing users with engaging and accessible gaming experiences.
Source
- Skyscanner statistic on hotel bookings with gaming consoles: Skyscanner Travel Trends 2024
