Valve's introduction of the Steam Deck marked a significant milestone in mobile PC gaming, but the market has since seen an influx of competitive handheld gaming PCs. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck as our top choice, boasting superior performance, faster memory, and an impressive battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers now have even more options for high-quality gaming on the go. Whether you're interested in the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, there are numerous handheld gaming PCs ready to handle 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 bulkier best gaming laptops, making it easier to enjoy gaming from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are packed with the power needed to run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima smoothly. For those times when you crave a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks can connect seamlessly to most handheld gaming PCs, allowing you to play on a gaming TV.

As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, our experts have hands-on experience with a wide range of these capable devices. Below, we highlight seven standout options, from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ensuring 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

20The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the best handheld gaming PC on the market, thanks to its enhanced battery life and significantly faster memory. 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 the original ROG AllyExtended 80Wh battery for prolonged gaming sessionsCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, shares the AMD Z1 Extreme processor with its predecessor but introduces several key enhancements that cement its status as the top gaming handheld. The device now features 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a significant upgrade from the original's 16GB, which results in a notable performance increase of about 12-15% in testing.

The chassis has been slightly modified to accommodate a larger, more efficient cooling system and a doubled battery capacity. This design allows for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging and addresses the heat issues of the original model. The Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with an additional USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the MicroSD card slot has been improved for durability. While only tested for a week, the Asus ROG Ally X offers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience, despite some past customer service concerns with the original ROG Ally.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5The Valve Steam Deck, powered by Steam OS, features a seven-inch display and robust internals optimized for a wide range of games. 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceIdeal for Steam-optimized gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck has been a trailblazer in the handheld gaming PC market, running on Valve's custom SteamOS. With the help of the Proton API, it supports numerous games optimized for the device, including heavy hitters like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.

For those seeking a Windows experience, the Steam Deck can boot Windows from a USB-C port, and its input controls are among the best for portable gaming. The OLED version of the Steam Deck offers a brighter, more vibrant screen, improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and increased storage compared to the traditional LCD model.

For the ultimate setup, consider pairing the Steam Deck with the best Steam Deck accessories and docks.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go, a Windows 11-powered Steam Deck alternative, boasts a large QHD display and impressive performance. 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 inchesPROSExceptional performanceStunning display in a handheld gaming PCCONSRelatively large sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a perfect balance between performance and premium design, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a top-tier handheld PC. Its 8.8-inch 1600p display is a standout feature, offering almost tablet-like visuals, while maintaining a relatively lightweight build at 1.41 lbs.

The Legion Go's large screen may pose challenges for some games running at native resolution, but adjustments to in-game settings can resolve this issue. This handheld is ideal for dedicated PC gamers who appreciate the flexibility and visual quality that the Legion Go provides.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme combines a powerful AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, delivering exceptional performance on a Windows 11 platform 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 inchesPROS7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateHigh-speed performanceCONSArmoury Crate software can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, excels as a Windows-based handheld, offering seamless access to a wide variety of PC games and storefronts. While the Armoury Crate software might be a bit cumbersome, the device's performance, powered by the Z1 Extreme processor, is impressive. It can handle games at high or ultra settings with commendable framerates, though this does impact battery life, making a power bank a wise addition.

The ROG Ally's sleek design and vibrant touchscreen, with adjustable resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, enhance the gaming experience. While the D-pad feels slightly cheap, the joysticks are reliable, and the device functions effectively as a mini Windows PC.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3The GPD Win 4, with its integrated Windows keyboard, powerful processors, and 6-inch 1080p screen, offers a unique blend of laptop functionality and gaming portability. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 7 CPURAM16GB / 32GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Radeon 780MSSD1TB / 2TBWeight‎1.32 lbDimensions8.66 x 3.62 x 1.1 inchesPROSIntegrated keyboardCompact and portableCONSHigh costThe GPD Win 4 stands out with its resemblance to a mini laptop, featuring a sliding Windows keyboard that enhances its usability on the go. With options ranging from 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, it caters to different performance needs, though at a premium price.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3The Ayaneo Air, with its compact 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivers impressive 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceExpandable storage via Micro SD slotCONSLower performance compared to other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, yet it packs a punch with its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU. Despite its compact size and lightweight build, it offers solid performance and the convenience of expandable storage via a Micro SD slot.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a budget-friendly option for gamers focused on indie games, providing solid performance at a lower cost than the Z1 Extreme. 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-friendly user-friendly interfaceCONSCan struggle with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice for gamers looking to enjoy indie titles without breaking the bank. While it may struggle with AAA games at full settings on its 120Hz FHD display, lowering the settings can enhance playability, making it a versatile option for a variety of gaming needs.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we await the next iteration of the Steam Deck, exciting new handhelds powered by AMD's latest chipset are on the horizon. The Lenovo Legion Go S, set to launch on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run on Steam OS, providing another compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, it will also be available in a Windows 11 version. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major brand in handheld gaming.

Looking further ahead, the anticipated Switch 2, set for more details during the Nintendo Direct in April, may introduce features like mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially bridging the gap between traditional console and PC gaming experiences.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

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

The decision between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds offer advantages in terms of battery life, portability, and thermal management but are limited to games within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can handle more demanding games with the latest hardware, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. For more insights, refer to our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as our top pick among Steam Deck alternatives, offering a user-friendly interface, high performance, and sleek design. As a Windows 11 gaming handheld, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile and powerful choice for gamers.