Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now brimming with handheld gaming PCs that are giving it some serious competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has taken the lead, dethroning the Steam Deck with its superior performance, fast memory, and extended battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers now have an array of options for gaming on the go. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, our selection of top-notch handheld gaming PCs is ready to tackle the top PC games.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 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 BuyHandheld gaming PCs offer a compact alternative to the best gaming laptops, allowing you to play from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are not lacking in power, as many can handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks provide a seamless connection to a gaming TV.

As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have thoroughly tested these capable devices. Here are seven that stand out. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 for indie games, there's something for every type of gamer.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

Asus ROG Ally X

7 Images1. Asus ROG Ally X

The Best Handheld Gaming PC

Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X

20With double the battery life and significantly faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has emerged as the premier handheld gaming PC on the market. It's an ideal choice for gamers seeking top-tier performance on the go.

See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Z1 ExtremeGPUAMD Z1 ExtremeWeight1.49 lbsRAM24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz SSD1TB NVMe SSD Dimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 – 1.45 inchesPROSMore and faster memory than original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery means gaming for hoursCONSStill using an IPS displayOur review of the Asus ROG Ally X from last year highlighted its use of the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, but Asus has made several enhancements that elevate it to the best gaming handheld available. It now boasts 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, running at 7,400MHz, a significant upgrade from the original's 16GB. This increase in RAM speed contributes to a performance boost of about 12-15% in our tests.

The chassis is slightly thicker and heavier, but this design choice accommodates a larger, improved cooler and a battery that's twice the size of the original model. This allows for extended gaming sessions without frequent charging, and the enhanced cooling system prevents the touch screen from overheating, a common issue with the previous model.

The Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the MicroSD card slot has been updated for increased durability. While we've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, we'll keep you updated on any hardware issues that may arise. Despite some past customer service challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Powered by Steam OS, this handheld features a seven-inch display and robust internals optimized for gaming.

See it at SteamSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPU4-core, 8-thread AMD Zen 2RAM16GB LPDDR5GPU8-core AMD RDNA 2SSD256GBWeight1.47 lbDimensions11.7 × 4.6 × 1.9 inchesPROSMighty powerfulPerfect for running Steam gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck ignited the handheld gaming PC revolution with its custom SteamOS, which, thanks to the Proton API, supports numerous games optimized for the portable, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

While the Steam Deck doesn't come with Windows pre-installed, it's possible to boot Windows from the USB-C port for a broader gaming experience. It also features some of the best input controls available on any portable gaming device. For a detailed comparison, check out our analysis of the Steam Deck versus the ROG Ally.

For those seeking a more vivid display, the Steam Deck OLED offers a larger, brighter screen, still at 1200x800 resolution, but with enhanced clarity, improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the traditional LCD model.

Don't forget to explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your portable gaming setup.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7A compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, the Lenovo Legion Go runs Windows 11 and features a stunning QHD display.

See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5XGPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB SSDWeight1.41 lbDimensions1.6 x 11.76 x 5.16 inchesPROSExcellent performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSVery largeWhen choosing a gaming PC, you want a balance of performance and premium design, and the Lenovo Legion Go delivers on both fronts. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart, almost resembling a Windows 11 tablet with a controller attached. Despite its size, it's relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, though it might be challenging for those with smaller hands.

The high-resolution display can be demanding on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, which is also found in the ROG Ally. Some games may struggle at native resolution, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve this. If you're comfortable with tweaking settings, the Lenovo Legion Go offers a flexible and visually stunning experience, perfect for hardcore PC gamers.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3With an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 gaming portable delivers solid performance on its 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD.

See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.24 lbDimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROSSeven inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateSpeedy performanceCONS Armoury Crate software is a bit clunkyFor a Windows-based handheld that outperforms the Steam Deck's SteamOS, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent choice. Running Windows 11, it supports nearly any PC game and platform, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations faced by the Steam Deck when playing non-Steam games. However, the Armoury Crate software can be somewhat cumbersome.

The Z1 Extreme's mobile processor, with its 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, is one of the most powerful available. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, consider the ROG Ally Z1. The Z1 Extreme can handle many games at high or ultra settings with some tweaking, though this impacts battery life, making a power bank a worthwhile accessory.

The ROG Ally's sleek design and lightweight build feature a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers offer responsive buttons, though the D-pad feels somewhat cheap. While a touchpad would enhance mouse-based gaming, the joysticks are reliable, and a wireless mouse can be connected if needed. Essentially, the ROG Ally is a mini Windows PC disguised as a gaming handheld.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This device combines the functionality of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring a Windows keyboard, robust processors, and a 6-inch 1080p screen.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 7 CPURAM16GB / 32GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Radeon 780MSSD1TB / 2TBWeight‎1.32 lbDimensions8.66 x 3.62 x 1.1 inchesPROSHandy keyboard built-inCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4 offers a unique blend of a mini laptop and gaming handheld, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its standout feature is a sliding Windows keyboard, which enhances desktop usability on the go.

Available in three configurations, the base model includes 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, while the top-tier version offers 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD for $1,599.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3This compact device boasts a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and packs significant power, making it the ultimate in portable gaming.

See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROSPowerful performanceStorage expansion via Micro SD slotCONSLower performance than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it offers impressive performance in a device that's just under two inches thin and weighs only 0.87 lbs. With 512GB of SSD storage and the option for expansion via a Micro SD slot, the Ayaneo Air is an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability over raw power.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1Priced $100 less than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for playing indie games on a budget.

See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1RAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD RDNA 3SSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.34 lbDimensions0.83 x 11 x 4.4 inchesPROSBudget-friendlyEasy-to-use interfaceCONSCan struggle with AAA games at 1080pFor those who appreciate the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but are looking for a more affordable option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an ideal choice. Running Windows 11 and powered by a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs, this device may struggle with AAA games at the highest settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display. However, lowering the settings improves playability, and it excels at running indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we await the next iteration of the Steam Deck, several new handhelds powered by AMD's latest chipset are on the horizon. The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run on Steam OS, providing a strong alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, a Windows 11 version will be available. Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major manufacturer.

Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, set to be revealed in April, incorporates mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, hinting at a PC-like gaming experience.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?

The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, optimization, and thermal management, but are limited to games within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer the latest in GPU, CPU, and RAM, sacrificing some battery life and thermals for the ability to handle graphically intensive games. They also provide more functionality for tasks like editing. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The ASUS Rog Ally X stands out as our top pick and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It combines an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and a sleek design, all while running Windows 11 to give you access to your entire PC gaming library.