This external GPU uses Wi-Fi to transform any device into a gaming rig
WiCi One, an external GPU that uses Wi‑Fi to turn any device into a gaming rig, is now available for pre‑orders at a price of $1,999, according to Engadget. The concept is simple: the unit connects wirelessly to a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone, off‑loading graphics processing from the host device and delivering high‑end gaming performance without a traditional PCIe or Thunderbolt cable.
Unlike conventional eGPU enclosures that require a direct, high‑speed interface, WiCi One relies on a proprietary 5G‑grade Wi‑Fi link that claims to deliver the bandwidth necessary for modern games. The system includes a small, battery‑powered unit that plugs into a standard USB‑C port on the host device, while the graphics card itself sits inside the WiCi enclosure. The unit houses an RTX 3070 GPU, a 500‑watt power supply, and a battery that can sustain up to two hours of gaming before needing to be recharged. The Wi‑Fi module uses the 802.11ax standard, aiming to minimize latency and packet loss. Once paired, the host’s display output is routed through the wireless link, allowing users to play AAA titles at 1080p or even 4K on a laptop screen that would otherwise be limited by its integrated GPU.
The move toward wireless eGPUs could reshape the portable gaming market. By removing the need for bulky cables and external power supplies, WiCi One promises a cleaner, more flexible setup that could appeal to streamers, mobile developers, and gamers who travel frequently. Early reviews suggest that while the wireless link introduces a slight input lag, the overall frame rates are comparable to wired eGPUs for many titles. The device also supports remote desktop protocols, enabling users to stream games from a home PC to a mobile device over the same Wi‑Fi connection. However, the $1,999 price tag places it in the premium segment, and the performance gains over wired eGPUs remain to be validated by independent benchmarks.
Engadget notes that the product is still in the pre‑order phase