Portable Power: Best Handheld PCs for On-the-Move Gaming

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. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled at CES 2025, the handheld PC gaming market is expanding rapidly. Whether you prefer the Steam Deck or its rivals, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling demanding AAA titles.

TL;DR – Best Handheld Gaming PCs

Top Pick: 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 superior portability compared to gaming laptops, without sacrificing power. Many models deliver robust performance for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with docking stations allows for larger screen gaming experiences.

Our experts have reviewed several leading handheld gaming PCs. The options range from high-performance devices like the Lenovo Legion Go to more budget-friendly choices like the 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

The Asus ROG Ally X, featuring the AMD Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (7,400MHz), and a significantly improved 80Wh battery, provides a substantial performance boost over its predecessor. The enhanced cooling system addresses overheating issues. While the Mobile XG port has been replaced with a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, the overall package represents the best handheld gaming experience currently available.

2. Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck

Running SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a 7-inch display and strong internal components, excelling at running Steam games via Proton. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version provides improved visuals and battery life. Consider pairing it with Steam Deck accessories and docks.

3. Lenovo Legion Go: The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC

The Lenovo Legion Go, running Windows 11, boasts a large 8.8-inch 1600p display. While its size might be a drawback for some, its performance is excellent. Users may need to adjust in-game settings to optimize performance at the native resolution.

(Reviews for Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, GPD Win 4, Ayaneo Air, and Asus ROG Ally Z1 follow a similar structure, highlighting key features, pros, and cons.)

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs:

The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows 11 versions), Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 are anticipated releases.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ:

Handheld vs. Gaming Laptop: Handhelds offer better portability, battery life, and thermal management, but gaming laptops provide superior performance and broader functionality.

Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation.

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