Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now flooded with impressive handheld gaming PCs, offering tough competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has taken the lead, surpassing the Steam Deck with its superior performance, swift memory, and extended battery life. With the announcement of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, the options for on-the-go gaming are expanding. Whether you're interested in the Steam Deck or looking for one of the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've rounded up the top handheld gaming PCs that can handle the top PC games with ease.
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 game from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size, these devices pack a punch, capable of running AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. If you prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks work seamlessly with most handhelds, enabling you to connect to a gaming TV.
As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have thoroughly tested many of these powerful devices. Below are seven that stand out, ranging from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
Asus ROG Ally X
7 Images
1. Asus ROG Ally X
The Best Handheld Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X
20With double the battery life and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has claimed the top spot as the best handheld gaming PC on the market. Its enhancements make it a standout choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
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 inchesPROS- More and faster memory than the original ROG Ally- Huge 80Wh battery means hours of gamingCONS- Still uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, which we reviewed last year, utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but introduces significant improvements. It boasts 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, running at 7,400MHz, a substantial upgrade from the 16GB in the original model. This results in a noticeable performance boost, averaging around 12-15% in our tests.
The device's slightly thicker and heavier design accommodates a larger battery, doubling the original's capacity, allowing for extended gaming sessions. The enhanced cooling system effectively dissipates heat, preventing the hot touchscreen issues seen in earlier models.
The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port, compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the MicroSD card slot has been upgraded for better durability. Though we've only tested it for a week, we'll keep you updated on any hardware issues. Despite some customer support challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5Running on Steam OS, the Steam Deck offers a seven-inch display and robust internals, making it ideal for games optimized for the platform.
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 inchesPROS- Impressively powerful- Perfect for running Steam gamesCONS- Subpar battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck kickstarted the handheld gaming PC revolution, operating on Valve's custom SteamOS with Proton API support for a wide range of games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.
For those interested in running Windows, it's possible to boot from the USB-C port. The Steam Deck offers one of the best control schemes available for handheld gaming. You can find a detailed comparison between the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally here.
The Steam Deck OLED version enhances the experience with a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen, still at 1200x800 resolution. It also offers improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and increased storage compared to the traditional LCD model.
Explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your portable gaming setup.
Lenovo Legion Go
6 Images
3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go is a compelling Steam Deck alternative, running Windows 11 and featuring 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 inchesPROS- Outstanding performance- Best display in a handheld gaming PCCONS- Large sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a perfect balance between performance and aesthetics. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart, resembling a Windows 11 tablet with integrated controllers. Despite its size, it remains relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for those with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can pose challenges for the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, requiring some in-game settings adjustments. However, for seasoned PC gamers, the Legion Go's flexibility and visual quality make it an excellent choice for a high-performance handheld.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
7 Images
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3Featuring an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers robust performance on Windows 11 with a 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 inchesPROS- 7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate- High-speed performanceCONS- Armoury Crate software can be cumbersomeThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, is an excellent choice for Windows-based gaming, offering seamless access to PC games and services like Xbox Game Pass and Epic. While the Armoury Crate software may be a bit clunky, the device's performance is impressive.
With its Z1 Extreme mobile processor, featuring an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally delivers top-tier performance. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the ROG Ally Z1 is available with slightly less power. High settings on the Z1 Extreme can impact battery life, making a power bank a wise addition.
The ROG Ally's sleek design includes a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers feature responsive buttons, though the D-pad feels a bit cheap. While lacking a touchpad, the joysticks are reliable, and a wireless mouse can be connected if needed. Overall, the ROG Ally is a mini Windows PC in a gaming handheld form factor.
GPD Win 4 – Photos
12 Images
5. GPD Win 4
The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard
### GPD Win 4
3The GPD Win 4 combines the functionality of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring a Windows keyboard, powerful 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 inchesPROS- Integrated keyboard- Compact designCONS- High price pointThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles Sony's PSVita but offers much more under the hood. With an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, it's powered by a 6-inch 1080p screen. The standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, which enhances usability on the go.
Available in multiple configurations, the base model starts at 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, with options going up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD at $1,599.
Ayaneo Air – Photos
20 Images
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air combines a compact form factor with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivering powerful performance in an ultra-portable package.
See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROS- High performance for its size- Expandable storage via Micro SD slotCONS- Lower performance than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. With a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it offers impressive performance in a compact package. Weighing just 2.6 lbs and with 512GB SSD storage expandable via Micro SD, it's an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability.
Asus ROG Ally Z1
7 Images
7. Asus ROG Ally Z1
The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1$100 cheaper than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for indie games, though it may struggle with AAA titles at 1080p.
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 inchesPROS- Budget-friendly- User-friendly interfaceCONS- Struggles with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a more affordable alternative to the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, featuring Windows 11 and a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 GPU. While it may struggle with AAA games at full settings on its 120Hz FHD screen, it excels with indie titles.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
As we await the next Steam Deck, exciting 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 Steam OS, offering a strong alternative to the Steam Deck. A Windows 11 version will launch first. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major brand.
Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, set to be revealed in April, introduces mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially blurring the lines between console and PC gaming.
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, and optimized gaming performance, though they are limited to certain game specifications. Gaming laptops, with their powerful hardware, can handle more intensive games but may compromise on battery life and portability. They also offer broader 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 offers a user-friendly interface, high performance, and sleek design. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
