In a surprising twist, a reviewer's experiment with a 13-inch gaming tablet and controllers has led to a reevaluation of what handheld gaming can be. Antonio G. Di Benedetto, a reviewer for The Verge, combined a pre-production Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet with a GameSir G8 Plus clamp-on mobile controller, creating a behemoth of a handheld gaming device that challenges traditional notions of portability and screen size.

The ROG Flow Z13 tablet, powered by an AMD Strix Halo processor, is capable of delivering impressive gaming performance, with the ability to play games like Helldivers 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at high frame rates and resolutions. However, the real surprise came when Di Benedetto paired the tablet with the GameSir controller, creating a handheld gaming experience that was both powerful and immersive.

While the setup may seem absurd, with a 13-inch screen and a weight of 3.6 pounds, Di Benedetto's experiment raises interesting questions about the future of handheld gaming. Is portability still the primary concern, or are gamers willing to sacrifice some convenience for a more immersive experience? The reviewer's experience suggests that larger screens and more powerful processors may be the key to unlocking new levels of engagement and enjoyment in handheld gaming.

The experiment also highlights the potential for Windows-based handheld gaming devices, which could offer a more seamless experience than traditional gaming consoles. Di Benedetto notes that the jumbo-sized screen makes touch targets in Windows 11 more tolerable, and that the device could potentially be used as a laptop, handheld, and tablet, making it a triple-threat in the gaming space.

While there are certainly limitations to this setup, including the weight and bulk of the device, Di Benedetto's experiment suggests that oversized handhelds may be the future of gaming. With the Nintendo Switch 2 reportedly featuring an 8-inch screen, and Acer's Nitro Blaze 11 boasting an 11-inch screen, it seems that larger screens are becoming the norm in handheld gaming.

The implications of this trend are significant, with potential opportunities for manufacturers to create more powerful and immersive handheld gaming devices. As Di Benedetto notes, "Maybe Acer's Blaze 11 will just be the first foot in the door to a larger trend of stay-at-home handhelds, a market where Sony's PlayStation Portal has already found its footing." With the gaming industry constantly evolving, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers respond to this new trend and what innovations emerge as a result.

In conclusion, Di Benedetto's experiment with the ROG Flow Z13 tablet and GameSir controller has opened up new possibilities for handheld gaming, challenging traditional notions of portability and screen size. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how manufacturers respond to this trend and what new innovations emerge as a result.