Valve revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now flooded with competitive handheld gaming PCs, challenging its dominance. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck, claiming the top spot due to its exceptional performance, fast memory, and long-lasting battery. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers have more options than ever for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or one of the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've compiled a list of the top handheld gaming PCs that can 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 best gaming laptops, allowing you to game from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are equipped with powerful hardware capable of running AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks provide seamless connectivity to a gaming TV.
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, our experts have thoroughly evaluated several of these devices. Below, we highlight seven that stand out. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, there's something for every gamer.
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
20The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the best handheld gaming PC on the market, thanks to its doubled battery life and 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 inchesPROS- More and faster memory than the original ROG Ally- Huge 80Wh battery for extended gaming sessionsCONS- Still uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but with significant enhancements. These upgrades include 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a substantial leap from the original's 16GB. This boost in RAM speed resulted in a 12-15% performance increase in testing.
The device's slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery twice the size of the original, enabling extended gaming sessions. The enhanced cooling also prevents the hot touch screen issue seen in earlier models.
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 upgraded for better durability. While initial testing has been positive, we will continue to monitor for any hardware issues, especially given past customer support challenges documented by YouTuber Gamers Nexus.
Despite these minor concerns, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers the best handheld gaming PC experience currently available.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5The Valve Steam Deck, running on Steam OS, 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 inchesPROS- Impressively powerful- Ideal for Steam-optimized gamesCONS- Subpar battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck spearheaded the handheld gaming PC revolution, using Valve's custom SteamOS and the Proton API to support a wide range of games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.
While it doesn't come with Windows, users can install it via the USB-C port. The Steam Deck's input controls are among the best for portable gaming. For a detailed comparison, see our full analysis of the Steam Deck versus the ROG Ally.
The Steam Deck OLED model offers a brighter, more vibrant screen while retaining the 1200x800 resolution. It also boasts improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and increased storage over the traditional LCD version.
For the ultimate Steam Deck experience, explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks.
Lenovo Legion Go
6 Images
3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go, a compelling Steam Deck alternative, runs Windows 11 and boasts a large 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- Exceptional performance- Best display in a handheld gaming PC CONSVery largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium aesthetics, featuring a sizable 8.8-inch 1600p display. While its dimensions may challenge users with smaller hands, the device's lighter weight of 1.41 lb helps mitigate this issue.
The high-resolution display requires some games to run at lower settings to maintain performance, but this is manageable with some tweaking. The Legion Go is a top choice for dedicated PC gamers seeking flexibility and visual quality in a handheld format.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
7 Images
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, equipped with an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, offers robust performance on 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- Speedy performanceCONS- Armoury Crate software can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, runs Windows 11, providing seamless access to various PC games and platforms, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. Although the Armoury Crate software was found to be somewhat cumbersome, the device's performance is commendable.
Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally can handle high to ultra settings in many games. However, this performance comes at the cost of battery life, making a power bank a wise addition.
The ROG Ally's design includes a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the controllers lack a touchpad, the responsive ABXY buttons and reliable joysticks make it a versatile mini Windows PC for gaming.
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 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- Built-in keyboard- Compact designCONS- High price tagThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles a Sony PSVita but packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU. Its standout feature is the sliding Windows keyboard, making desktop use on the go seamless.
Available in three configurations, the GPD Win 4 ranges from a base model with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD to a premium version with 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD.
Ayaneo Air – Photos
20 Images
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air, with its compact 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, offers 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 inchesPROS- Powerful performance- Expandable storage via Micro SD slotCONS- Lower performance compared to other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU deliver substantial performance in a device that's less than two inches thick and weighs just 0.87 lbs. With 512GB SSD storage and a Micro SD slot for expansion, 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
1The Asus ROG Ally Z1, $100 cheaper than the Z1 Extreme, is ideal for indie games and offers a user-friendly interface. 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- Easy-to-use interfaceCONS- Struggles with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a more affordable alternative to the Z1 Extreme, running Windows 11 with a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs. While it may struggle with AAA games at 1080p, lowering settings can enhance playability, and it excels with indie titles.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
As we anticipate the next 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 Steam OS, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, with a Windows 11 version available first. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest seen on a major company's handheld.
Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2, to be detailed in April's Nintendo Direct, features 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 best gaming laptop depends on your gaming needs and preferences. Handhelds excel in longevity, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermals but are limited to specific game specs. Gaming laptops, equipped with the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, offer superior performance but at the expense of battery life, thermals, and cost. They are better suited for graphically intensive games and additional tasks like editing.
For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.
What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?
The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top pick among the best Steam Deck alternatives. It features an easy-to-use interface, rapid performance, and a sleek design. Running Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
