The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competitors are emerging, offering strong alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X surpasses the Steam Deck with superior performance, faster memory, and extended battery life. New contenders like the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (announced at CES 2025) further expand the choices for on-the-go gaming. Whether you prefer the Steam Deck or its rivals, we've curated a selection of excellent handheld gaming PCs capable of handling top-tier PC games.
TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs
Asus ROG Ally X
Valve Steam Deck
Lenovo Legion Go
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
GPD Win 4
Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
Asus ROG Ally Z1
Handheld gaming PCs offer a compact alternative to bulky gaming laptops, delivering impressive performance for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with docking stations allows for larger screen gaming on a gaming TV.
Our experts have reviewed several leading handheld gaming PCs. The options range from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, suitable for indie games.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
Detailed Reviews:
1. Asus ROG Ally X: The Best Handheld Gaming PC
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The Asus ROG Ally X boasts superior memory (24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz), a significantly larger battery (80Wh), and improved cooling compared to its predecessor. This results in a noticeable performance boost and longer playtime. While retaining the AMD Z1 Extreme processor, the enhancements make it the top contender. The updated design includes a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port and an improved MicroSD card slot.
2. Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck
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Running SteamOS with Proton compatibility, the Steam Deck offers excellent support for a wide range of Steam games. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version provides a superior display and improved battery life.
3. Lenovo Legion Go: The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC
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The Lenovo Legion Go features a large 8.8-inch 1600p display and runs Windows 11. While its size might be a drawback for some, its performance and display quality are exceptional. Some in-game settings adjustments may be needed to optimize performance at the native resolution.
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
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A Windows 11 handheld with a powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, offering excellent performance for most games. The 120Hz 7-inch FHD display is vibrant, but the Armoury Crate software could be improved. Battery life is affected by higher settings.
5. GPD Win 4: The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard
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More of a mini-laptop, the GPD Win 4 includes a built-in keyboard, making it ideal for users who need desktop functionality on the go. It features a 6-inch 1080p screen and a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
6. Ayaneo Air: The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
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The Ayaneo Air is incredibly compact with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. While less powerful than other options, its portability is a major advantage.
7. Asus ROG Ally Z1: The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
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A more budget-friendly option than the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is excellent for indie games but may struggle with AAA titles at 1080p.
Upcoming Devices & FAQ: The review also covers upcoming handhelds (Lenovo Legion Go S, Acer Nitro Blaze 11, and the Nintendo Switch 2) and addresses common questions regarding handheld gaming PCs versus gaming laptops and the best Steam Deck alternatives.
