I don't want to be a killjoy, but now that winter is setting in, I really just want to live under a blanket. That normally involves taking a handheld of some kind along for the ride, but sometimes I can't be bothered holding onto something chonky like the Steam Deck.
Thankfully, I do have KYY's 15.6 portable monitor to hand for that exact kind of setup, and it's silly cheap right now at $66.49. It's certainly one of the best portable monitors I've tested for under $100, and while it's anything but fancy, it really hits the spot for getting cosy and tackling a lighter backlog at 1080p.
This slimline screen is basically the top half of a laptop with some USB-C ports at the side handling connectivity and power. That latter perk makes a ridiculous difference, though, as it means you've got single cable connectivity for gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, and you can even ditch the need for a separate power supply if you have a beefy enough power bank.
I will stipulate that if you're looking for something ultra-bright, this portable monitor ain't it. I'd say it's better suited to indoor use, or at the very least out the way of direct sunlight, but that's pretty much in line with many standard laptop screens. What is impressive is that, despite its price, it manages to squeeze in a pair of speakers, so it's more or less an all-in-one solution for playing in cozy spaces.
My neuk happens to be normally under a cover, as I've previously mentioned, a bit like building a blanket fort. Look, sometimes it's just nice to escape from high-spec technology for a bit and use a cheap screen with either the Switch or the Steam Deck, and with the dark nights rolling in, now is absolutely the right time for that sort of setup.
There are more adult uses for this screen, including using it as a second monitor for your PC setup or even a laptop productivity booster. However, I'm unapologetically sticking with the pitch that this is a fantastically cheap, cosy gaming screen that's lightweight enough to use virtually anywhere and requires very little faff to get running.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to play some indie games like a little goblin under my quilt.
Still searching for screens? Swing by the best gaming monitors for desktop options or the best PS5 monitors for some excellent console picks. You'll also want to peek at the best gaming TV models for a living room revamp.
