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Traditionally, people buy mini PCs because they are efficient, compact, and sometimes cheaper than a budget desktop. As such, mini PCs make good everyday workstations, but the same doesn't always apply to entertainment, particularly gaming. This is because of how they are designed and model availability.

Most affordable options lack a discrete graphics card, which can hurt performance. But remember, gaming isn't a one-size-fits-all hobby; you can play lighter titles that don't require high-end hardware, and you can always use cloud gaming if your network supports it. Lastly, even if the mini PC lacks a discrete graphics card, some models support eGPUs .

Whether a mini PC can replace a gaming desktop depends on what you use it for and what kind of gamer you are. If you're a casual gamer who enjoys less demanding games, yeah, a mini PC can replace a gaming desktop. Plus, not all mini PCs are made the same; a sub-$1,000 mini PC won't replace your $2,000 gaming desktop.…