The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competition is heating up. The Asus ROG Ally X now leads the pack, surpassing 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 market is booming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or seeking top alternatives, we've curated a selection of excellent handheld gaming PCs capable of handling the most demanding PC titles.
TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs
Our Top Pick: ### Asus ROG Ally X
20See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy
### Valve Steam Deck
5See it at SteamSee it at Amazon
### Lenovo Legion Go
7See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### GPD Win 4
3See it at Amazon
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo
### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
Handheld gaming PCs offer superior portability compared to gaming laptops, without compromising power. Many models easily handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with docking stations allows connection to larger displays.
Our experts have reviewed several high-performance handheld PCs. The list below features seven top contenders, ranging from the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ideal 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 significantly improved RAM (24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz), a larger battery (80Wh), and enhanced cooling, resulting in a substantial performance boost and longer playtime. 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 for numerous games, the Steam Deck offers excellent controls but suffers from shorter battery life. An OLED version provides improved visuals and battery life.
3. Lenovo Legion Go: The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC
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The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its large 8.8-inch 1600p display and strong performance, though its size may be less comfortable for some users. Game settings may require adjustments to optimize performance at the native resolution.
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
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Running Windows 11, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers broad game compatibility and strong performance, though its Armoury Crate software could be improved. High settings may impact battery life.
5. GPD Win 4: The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard
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The GPD Win 4, more of a mini-laptop, features a built-in keyboard, making it convenient for desktop OS use. It offers solid processing power but comes at a higher price point.
6. Ayaneo Air: The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
20 Images
The Ayaneo Air prioritizes portability with its compact size and 5.5-inch OLED display. While less powerful than other options, its small form factor makes it a compelling choice.
7. Asus ROG Ally Z1: The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
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A more budget-friendly alternative to the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 provides excellent performance for indie games but may struggle with AAA titles at maximum settings.
Upcoming and Other Considerations:
The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (large 11-inch screen) are anticipated releases. The Nintendo Switch 2, while not a PC, is also noteworthy.
FAQ:
Handheld vs. Gaming Laptop: Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but gaming laptops offer superior performance and broader functionality.
Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation.
This revised response maintains the original image placement and formatting while providing a more comprehensive and engaging review of handheld gaming PCs.
