Valve's Steam Deck revolutionized portable PC gaming, but the market is rapidly expanding with compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X has overtaken the Steam Deck as our top pick, boasting superior performance, faster memory, and impressive battery life. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled at CES 2025, the choices for on-the-go gaming are multiplying. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've curated a selection of exceptional handheld gaming PCs capable of handling even the most demanding PC titles.

**TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs**

Asus ROG Ally X

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Valve Steam Deck

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Lenovo Legion Go

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Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

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GPD Win 4

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Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

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Asus ROG Ally Z1

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Handheld gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative to bulky gaming laptops, providing portability without sacrificing power. These compact devices deliver impressive performance, easily handling AAA titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Ghost of Tsushima*. And for those who prefer larger screens, docking stations provide seamless connectivity to TVs and monitors.

Our experts have thoroughly tested several high-performance handheld gaming PCs. Below are seven top contenders, ranging from the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, catering to diverse gaming needs and preferences.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

Asus ROG Ally X

The Best Handheld Gaming PC

Asus ROG Ally X

With significantly improved battery life and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X is the top handheld gaming PC.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Z1 Extreme
GPU: AMD Z1 Extreme
Weight: 1.49 lbs
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz
SSD: 1TB NVMe SSD
Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 – 1.45 inches

PROS: More and faster memory than the original ROG Ally; Huge 80Wh battery.
CONS: Still using an IPS display.

The Asus ROG Ally X utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, but substantial improvements in memory and battery life elevate it to the top spot. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM, clocked at 7,400MHz, delivers a noticeable performance boost. The doubled battery capacity enables extended gaming sessions, and the improved cooling system prevents overheating.

While the Mobile XG port has been removed in favor of a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, and the MicroSD card slot has been redesigned, the Asus ROG Ally X provides the best overall handheld gaming PC experience.

Steam Deck Images

The Best Steam Deck

Valve Steam Deck

Running on SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a 7-inch display and powerful internals for a wide range of Steam games, with options for Windows installation via USB-C.

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Product Specifications
CPU: 4-core, 8-thread AMD Zen 2
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
GPU: 8-core AMD RDNA 2
SSD: 256GB
Weight: 1.47 lb
Dimensions: 11.7 × 4.6 × 1.9 inches

PROS: Powerful; Excellent for Steam games.
CONS: Poor battery life.

The Steam Deck, a pioneer in handheld PC gaming, runs on SteamOS and supports numerous games via Proton. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version is available with a larger, brighter screen, improved battery life, and more storage.

Consider pairing the Steam Deck with the best Steam Deck accessories and docks for an enhanced experience.

Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go is a powerful Steam Deck alternative running Windows 11 and featuring a large QHD display.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
SSD: 512GB SSD
Weight: 1.41 lb
Dimensions: 1.6 x 11.76 x 5.16 inches

PROS: Excellent performance; Best display in a handheld gaming PC.
CONS: Very large.

The Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display is a standout feature, though it may require adjusting in-game settings for optimal performance in some titles. Despite its size, it remains relatively lightweight.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

A powerful Windows 11 handheld with a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD, offering excellent performance and access to a wide range of PC games.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
SSD: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Weight: 1.24 lb
Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inches

PROS: 7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate; Speedy performance.
CONS: Armoury Crate software is a bit clunky.

The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme runs Windows 11, providing access to a vast library of PC games. Its powerful Z1 Extreme processor delivers impressive performance, though battery life may be affected at higher settings. The vibrant 7-inch touchscreen and 120Hz refresh rate enhance the gaming experience.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

GPD Win 4

A unique hybrid device blending a mini-laptop form factor with gaming capabilities, featuring a built-in keyboard.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 CPU
RAM: 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
SSD: 1TB / 2TB
Weight: ‎1.32 lb
Dimensions: 8.66 x 3.62 x 1.1 inches

PROS: Handy built-in keyboard; Compact design.
CONS: High price tag.

The GPD Win 4 stands out with its integrated keyboard, making it suitable for both gaming and general computing. It offers a balance of performance and portability, though it comes at a premium price.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

An ultra-portable handheld with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, offering a balance of power and compactness.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
RAM: 16GB
GPU: AMD Radeon
SSD: 512GB SSD
Weight: 0.87 lb
Dimensions: 8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inches

PROS: Powerful performance; MicroSD storage expansion.
CONS: Lower performance than other handhelds.

The Ayaneo Air prioritizes portability with its compact size and lightweight design. While its performance may not match the most powerful options, it remains a strong contender for those seeking maximum portability.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

Asus ROG Ally Z1

A more budget-friendly option compared to the Z1 Extreme, ideal for indie games.

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Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
GPU: AMD RDNA 3
SSD: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Weight: 1.34 lb
Dimensions: 0.83 x 11 x 4.4 inches

PROS: Budget-friendly; Easy-to-use interface.
CONS: Can struggle with AAA games at 1080p.

The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a cost-effective alternative to the Z1 Extreme, providing solid performance for indie games. While it may struggle with AAA titles at maximum settings, it remains a great option for those on a tighter budget.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching February 14th, will be the first third-party handheld to run SteamOS, offering another compelling Steam Deck alternative. A Windows 11 version is also launching first. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, also announced at CES 2025, features a large 11-inch screen. Additionally, Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 is anticipated, although it's not a PC gaming device.

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 priorities. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but may have limitations in terms of raw power. Gaming laptops offer superior performance but often compromise on battery life, weight, and thermals. Laptops also provide greater functionality beyond gaming.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X is our top pick for a Steam Deck alternative, offering superior performance, a user-friendly interface, and a stylish design. Its Windows 11 operating system provides access to a wider range of games and applications.