In 2025, the lines between performance, portability, and aesthetics in computing have blurred more than ever before. Nowhere is this more apparent than with All-in-One (AIO) PCs. Known for their sleek designs and minimalist setups, AIOs have long been staples in home offices and creative workspaces across Canada. But here’s the big question gamers are asking: Can you actually game on an AIO PC in 2025—or are you better off with a dedicated tower?
Let’s unpack the realities, limitations, and possibilities of gaming on AIOs this year, and explore which systems might offer a better experience for Canadian gamers looking for power and polish.
What Is an AIO PC, and Why the Interest?
An All-in-One PC integrates the display and internal components into a single unit. There’s no separate tower, which makes for a cleaner, space-saving design. In Canadian homes where desk real estate is at a premium—especially in apartments or student housing—AIOs offer an elegant solution.
But traditionally, AIOs have been criticized for sacrificing upgradability and thermal performance for the sake of design. While great for general productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, gaming has always been their Achilles’ heel. Until recently.
AIO Gaming in 2025: The Tech Has Improved, But…
In 2025, the story is evolving. Thanks to improvements in mobile graphics chipsets and thermal design, some premium AIOs now feature mid-range GPUs, capable CPUs, and solid cooling. This means light to moderate gaming—think Valorant, Fortnite, or even Baldur’s Gate 3 on medium settings—is within reach.
However, if you’re looking to run graphically intense titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield at high settings or with ray tracing enabled, most AIOs will still fall short of a dedicated gaming desktop.
So, is gaming on an AIO possible? Yes. Is it ideal for AAA performance and futureproofing? Not really.
Real Talk: What Gamers in Canada Should Expect
Here’s the practical breakdown of what you’ll typically get from gaming on an AIO PC in Canada this year:
- Casual and Indie Games: Playable with no real compromise. AIOs are great for lighter titles like Stardew Valley, Slay the Spire, and even older AAA titles with optimized settings.
- eSports Titles: You can usually squeeze out decent performance in optimized multiplayer games like League of Legends, CS2, or Overwatch 2, particularly if the AIO has integrated GPUs like the latest AMD Radeon mobile graphics.
- AAA Titles: You’ll need to lower resolution and graphics settings. Performance can vary based on thermals, GPU model, and RAM. Even then, you’re not getting the immersive high-FPS experience a gaming desktop offers.
Why Gaming Desktops Still Dominate in 2025
Let’s say you’re ready to take your gaming seriously—whether it’s modding Starfield, pushing ultra graphics in Cyberpunk, or diving deep into Baldur’s Gate 3. In that case, an AIO won’t cut it. What you need is a dedicated gaming PC that can deliver sustained performance, cooling, and future upgradeability.
Here’s where gaming desktops like the Skytech Azure or Skytech King 95 truly shine. These systems are designed with high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and top-tier graphics cards like the RTX 4070 Super, offering seamless 1440p and even 4K gameplay across modern titles.
System Spotlight: The Machines That Handle It All
- Skytech Azure Gaming PC
With high clock speeds and efficient thermal performance, this desktop eats up demanding titles. It’s ideal for gamers who stream, mod, and multitask. - Skytech King 95 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D or 7700X)
Built for ultra-detail and future-forward processing power, this model excels in open-world environments, dense textures, and AI-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077. - Skytech Viper Gaming Desktop
This system pushes raw FPS performance, great for competitive players who want high refresh rate monitors without a single frame drop. - HOENGAGER Panorama PC
A more compact choice that still offers good value for gamers transitioning from console or AIO setups. Ideal for entry-level or mid-tier gaming experiences. - Cooler Power LUXEBYTE Gaming PC
For those who care about aesthetics as much as power, this all-white rig delivers both style and substance, powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen 5 7600X. - Skytech Omega with Intel i7 and RTX 4070 Super
The Omega model blends top-end specs with incredible visual fidelity, making it an excellent choice for both content creators and hardcore gamers alike.
Expert Tip: Don’t Buy for Now—Buy for What’s Next
One of the most overlooked considerations when choosing between an AIO and a gaming PC is future-proofing. An AIO may serve today’s needs, but its limited upgrade path means you’re likely replacing the entire unit within a few years.
Gaming desktops, like those from Skytech and HOENGAGER, offer more than power. They offer flexibility—room for RAM expansion, GPU swaps, and cooling enhancements. That kind of longevity matters, especially when games in 2026 and beyond are only going to get more demanding.
Personal Perspective: From AIO to Tower—My Upgrade Story
A year ago, I was running a sleek AIO setup that looked fantastic on my workstation. It handled Zoom calls, spreadsheets, and the occasional indie game beautifully. But when Starfield dropped, it was clear the system was choking.
After switching to the Skytech Omega, the difference was immediate. No lag, no frame drops, and a whole new level of visual fidelity. And honestly? I haven’t looked back. AIOs are great—for productivity. But if you care about immersive gaming, a dedicated desktop is the move.
Final Verdict: Is Gaming on an AIO Possible?
Yes, but with caveats.
If your gaming is casual, your space is limited, and your performance expectations are moderate, an AIO can work—especially for lighter titles. But if you want to fully enjoy what modern games have to offer in 2025 and beyond, Canadian gamers will find much more satisfaction with a well-built gaming desktop.
Looking for the perfect pick? Explore the top recommendations below while they’re still available – these won’t stay in stock for long.
![Best Prebuilt PCs in Canada for Work, School & Gaming [2025 Guide]](https://www.minerspc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/best-prebuilt-pcs-in-canada-for-work-school-gaming-2025-guide-260x140.jpg)
