Mini-Tower Gaming PC with a Mobile CPU!? Mouse Computer Unveils a PC Balancing Gaming Performance and Everyday Use at TGS [TGS2026 Special Feature]

Mouse Computer's "NEXTGEAR" brand, which has been gaining prominence since its debut in 2023 as an ideal choice for a "first gaming PC" thanks to its affordable price point with AMD CPUs and a comprehensive 3-year warranty, is now embarking on a new challenge.

On September 17th, the first day of "Tokyo Game Show 2026," Mouse Computer announced three new products, including the "NEXTGEAR JG" series. Despite being a mini-tower desktop PC, the adoption of Intel's mobile CPUs allows it to boast not only high gaming performance but also advantages like quiet operation suitable for everyday use and multi-core multitasking.

Desktop PCs Featuring Intel Mobile CPUs Arrive: Boasting a Coexistence of Ample Gaming Performance, Quiet Operation, and Multi-Core Power

First, let's look at the NEXTGEAR JG series. According to Nami Hayashida, Product Manager of Mouse Computer's Product Planning Department, who leads desktop PC development at the company, NEXTGEAR is positioned as "a brand to make gaming PCs feel more accessible." However, she also noted that there were concerns about heat generation, power consumption, and operating noise.

From left: Nami Hayashida (Mouse Computer), Hideki Tsutsumi (President, Mouse Computer), Marcus Piper (Intel), Yosuke Yanai (Intel)

Therefore, in the process of developing machines that prioritize balance with everyday usability in mind, mobile CPUs became a focal point. The Core Ultra 5 245HX, actually featured in the newly announced NEXTGEAR JG series, boasts 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and a clock speed of 5.1GHz. These specifications surpass even the Core i5-14400, which is still frequently used in gaming PCs, with its 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) and a maximum of 4.7GHz. This allows it to deliver powerful performance not only in games but also for streaming while gaming and in creative applications.

According to Ms. Hayashida, the option of mobile CPUs came into view while considering PCs that also prioritize everyday usability.

On the other hand, the high power efficiency is a unique characteristic of mobile CPUs. By implementing a semi-fanless design where the front case fan stops when the load is low, Mouse Computer demonstrates a commitment to quiet operation.

A relatively small CPU fan was adopted, but it is said to be sufficient for cooling. The memory modules also appear to be SO-DIMMs for laptops.

Even Mobile-Oriented PCs Offer 'Plenty of Firepower!' Affordability Starting in the Low 200,000 Yen Range is Also Appealing

Intel is also backing Mouse Computer's new challenge. Marcus Piper, Sr. Director and Channel Ecosystem General Manager at Intel, described the Core Ultra 5 245HX as "an athlete in the processor world." He emphasized that it's a CPU that can run at full throttle continuously, offering the best of both gaming performance and power efficiency.

Intel's Mr. Piper likened the Core Ultra 5 245HX to an athlete who can keep running.

Furthermore, Yosuke Yanai, Sales Application Engineer in Intel's Technical Sales Division, who is responsible for providing technical support to PC manufacturers, stated, "Even though it's a mobile CPU (not for lightweight mobile devices), it's a high-performance gaming laptop CPU whose performance has been further unleashed for desktop use," giving it his strong endorsement with "Plenty of firepower!"

Key specifications for the NEXTGEAR JG series include the aforementioned Core Ultra 5 245HX CPU. The HM870-equipped motherboard features a PCIe 5.0-compatible PCI Express x16 slot, and also supports PCIe 5.0 SSDs (one slot is 4.0). The "NEXTGEAR JG-I5G60" starts from 239,800 yen with a GeForce RTX 5060 / 16GB memory / 500GB SSD configuration, while the "NEXTGEAR JG-I5G7L" starts from 349,800 yen with an overclocked GeForce RTX 5070 with a liquid cooler (detailed later) / 16GB memory / 500GB SSD. Sales have already begun.

Example specifications and pricing for the "NEXTGEAR JG-I5G60". Memory and storage can, of course, be customized via BTO options.

Featuring an Original GeForce RTX 5070 Card by a PC Manufacturer: Unleashing Performance with AIO Liquid Cooling + Overclocking, Plus a 3-Year Warranty

The next challenge is an overclocked version of the GeForce RTX 5070 with a liquid cooler, also featured in the NEXTGEAR JG.

Developed in strong collaboration with Asetek, a Danish company that can be called a pioneer in AIO liquid coolers for DIY PCs, this solution cools the overclocked GeForce RTX 5070 with a 240mm radiator. This achieves higher cooling performance than typical air-cooled types while also excelling in quiet operation.

Henrik Lindskou-Mouritsen of Asetek

At 100% GPU load, the GPU temperature is 56 degrees Celsius, approximately 19 degrees lower than air-cooled models, and performance is about 7.89% higher in 3DMark Fire Strike benchmark scores. During a press scrum, Mouse Computer's Nami Hayashida mentioned the rising price of RTX 5070 Ti cards as one factor in the development, and expressed anticipation for user feedback, asking, "Isn't it interesting to have an officially overclocked card from a PC manufacturer with a 3-year warranty?"

Performance improved by just under 8%.

Since it supports up to 300W TGP, the 250W RTX 5070 can be cooled without issues.

It can be used with a 240mm radiator, offering high versatility. It also boasts 50,000 hours of reliability.

An example of a PC equipped with the OC version of the GeForce RTX 5070. The card's heat is cooled by a 240mm radiator installed at the front.

In addition to the aforementioned NEXTGEAR JG-I5G7L, PCs equipped with this original OC version of the GeForce RTX 5070 also include the "G TUNE FZ-I5G7L" and "G TUNE FZ-I7G7L". Both are full-tower models; the former starts from 569,800 yen with a Core Ultra 5 250K Plus / 32GB memory / 1TB SSD, and the latter starts from 589,800 yen with a Core Ultra 7 270K Plus / 32GB memory / 1TB SSD.

G TUNE FZ-I5G7L

Tablet Stand Optimized for Cloud Gaming Under Development

Finally, a stand for the Windows tablet "mouse M2" was showcased as a reference exhibit. This peripheral is designed to make cloud gaming more casual and enjoyable when paired with GeForce NOW. It features USB ports on the front and back, and HDMI and LAN ports on the back, allowing users to connect game controllers or output to a TV screen.

Tablet stand optimized for cloud gaming

The back also features USB Type-A/C, HDMI, and wired LAN ports.

The exhibited item is currently a sample under development, and the design is not yet finalized. However, Ms. Hayashida expressed, "We want to release it as soon as possible!", so we look forward to its official announcement.

Mouse Computer is showcasing a larger booth than last year. The booth will host daily stage events, including on public days. Please check the company's special website for more details.

Companions dressed in G TUNE/NEXTGEAR brand colors added vibrancy to the booth.