Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the landscape is rapidly evolving as more handheld gaming PCs enter the market, offering stiff competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck to claim our top spot, thanks to its superior performance, fast memory, and impressive battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers now have an even broader selection for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or one of the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've curated a list of top-notch handheld gaming PCs that are 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 BuyRather than dealing with the bulk of one of the best gaming laptops, handheld gaming PCs offer compact dimensions, making it easier to play from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are far from underpowered, as many handheld gaming PCs boast the performance to smoothly run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. If you tire of gaming on a smaller screen, the best Steam Deck docks integrate seamlessly with most handheld gaming PCs, allowing you to connect to a gaming TV.

As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have thoroughly tested several of these highly capable devices. Below are the seven that we believe are worth your consideration. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the slightly less powerful but ideal for indie games like the Asus ROG Ally Z1, there's something to suit every gamer's needs.

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 solidified its position as the best handheld gaming PC on the market. Its enhanced features make it a standout 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 the original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery for extended gaming sessionsCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but with significant upgrades that propel it to the forefront of handheld gaming. It features 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, clocked at a speedy 7,400MHz, a substantial improvement over the 16GB in the original model. This increase in both the quantity and speed of the RAM results in a performance boost of approximately 12-15% in our tests.

The design is slightly thicker and heavier, but this change accommodates a larger battery and an improved cooling system. The 80Wh battery allows for prolonged gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging, while the enhanced cooling helps maintain optimal performance during extended play, addressing the overheating 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 enhanced durability. While only tested for a week, any emerging hardware issues will be updated here. Despite some past customer service challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X currently offers the best handheld gaming experience available.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Running on Steam OS, this handheld offers a seven-inch display and robust internals ready to take on games optimized for it.

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 is the pioneer of the handheld gaming PC revolution, operating on Valve's custom SteamOS. Thanks to the Proton API, it supports numerous games optimized for the platform, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

For those who prefer Windows, it's possible to boot directly from the USB-C port, and the device boasts one of the best input controls available for portable gaming. For a detailed comparison, see our full analysis of the Steam Deck versus the ROG Ally.

The Steam Deck OLED model is another option, offering a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen while maintaining the 1200x800 resolution. It also provides improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the traditional LCD model.

Be sure to check out the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your portable gaming experience.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go is a compelling Steam Deck alternative that runs Windows 11 and features a large QHD display, making it a standout choice for gamers.

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, the ideal balance is between performance and premium design. The Lenovo Legion Go excels in this regard. Its large size, measuring 11.76 inches long and 5.16 inches tall with controllers attached, is primarily due to its expansive 8.8-inch 1600p display, which almost transforms it into a Windows 11 tablet with a controller.

Unlike other handhelds like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally Z1, which draw inspiration from the Nintendo Switch, the Legion Go's display can pose challenges for some games running at native resolution. However, adjusting in-game settings to lower the resolution can resolve this issue. This device is perfect for seasoned PC gamers who appreciate the flexibility and stunning visuals the Lenovo Legion Go offers, making it the ideal choice for the hardcore gaming crowd.

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 can be clunkyFor those seeking a Windows-based handheld that outperforms the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent choice. It runs Windows 11, allowing seamless access to any PC game and storefront, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations faced when playing non-Steam games on the Steam Deck. However, the Armoury Crate software can be somewhat cumbersome.

Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally offers one of the most powerful chips available. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the ROG Ally Z1 is a viable alternative. During testing, the Z1 Extreme managed to run many games at high or ultra settings with commendable frame rates, though this does impact battery life, making a power bank a wise investment.

The ROG Ally's sleek and lightweight design features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution from 1080p to 720p and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers have responsive ABXY face buttons, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. While a touchpad for mouse-based games would be ideal, the joysticks are reliable, and a wireless mouse can be connected if needed. Overall, 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, solid 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 built-in keyboardCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles Sony's PSVita at first glance but offers much more under the hood. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, all behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. A standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, which enhances the usability of the desktop operating system on the go.

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

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3With its compact form factor and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, this handheld delivers impressive performance while remaining ultra-portable.

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. It's powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, offering substantial performance in a device that's less than two inches thick and weighs just 2.6lbs. With 512GB SSD storage and the option to expand 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

1$100 cheaper and slightly less powerful than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for playing all your favorite indie titles.

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 1080pIf you're drawn to the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but want a more budget-friendly option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. It runs Windows 11 and features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and a GPU with four RDNA 3 CUs. While it may struggle with AAA games at their highest settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display, lowering the settings can improve playability. The device truly excels with indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we await the mysterious successor to the Steam Deck, several next-generation handhelds powered by AMD's new 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, offering a promising alternative to the Steam Deck. A Windows 11 version will be available first. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest we've seen on a handheld from a major company.

Finally, the upcoming Switch 2, set to be revealed during the Nintendo Direct in April, isn't a PC gaming machine but includes mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially offering a similar feel.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

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

The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a best gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and the types of games you play. Handhelds excel in longevity, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermals but are limited to games within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can handle the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, often at the expense of battery life, thermals, and cost. They are ideal for graphically intensive games and offer more functionality for tasks like editing. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top pick and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It offers an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and stunning design. Most importantly, as a Windows 11 gaming handheld, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library.