Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market for handheld gaming PCs is rapidly expanding, offering robust competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck to claim our top spot, thanks to its superior performance, fast memory, and extended battery life. With the announcement of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers now have even more choices for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or exploring best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've curated a list of exceptional handheld gaming PCs that are ready to tackle the top PC games.
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 them ideal for gaming on the move. Despite their smaller size compared to best gaming PCs, these devices are far from underpowered, capable of running AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer a larger screen, best Steam Deck docks can easily connect most handheld gaming PCs to a gaming TV.
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, our experts have thoroughly tested a range 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 for indie games, there's something for everyone.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
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1. Asus ROG Ally XOur Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X
20With its doubled battery life and enhanced memory, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the top handheld gaming PC available. 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 original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery means hours of gamingCONSStill using an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, shares the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but features significant upgrades that make it the best gaming handheld on the market. With 24GB of LPDDR5 memory at 7,400MHz, it offers a substantial increase over the original's 16GB, leading to a performance boost of about 12-15% in our tests.
The slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery twice the size of the original, allowing for extended gaming sessions without needing to charge. This design also mitigates the hot touchscreen issue experienced with the earlier model.
The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced by a second USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the MicroSD card slot has been upgraded for better durability. While I've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, I'll update this review if any hardware issues emerge. Past customer support challenges with the original ROG Ally were noted by YouTuber Gamers Nexus, but the Asus ROG Ally X itself delivers an unmatched handheld gaming experience.
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2. Valve Steam Deck### Valve Steam Deck
5Powered by Steam OS, this handheld 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceIdeal for Steam gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck, instrumental in sparking the handheld gaming PC revolution, runs on Valve's custom SteamOS with Proton API support, enabling it to handle numerous games optimized for the device, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.
For those interested in running Windows, it's possible to boot directly from the USB-C port. The Steam Deck also boasts one of the best input controls in any portable gaming device. For a detailed comparison with the ROG Ally, see our full review.
Consider the OLED version of the Steam Deck for a larger, brighter, and more vibrant display. While maintaining a 1200x800 resolution, the Steam Deck OLED enhances visual clarity and offers improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the standard 256GB LCD model.
Explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your gaming experience.
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3. Lenovo Legion Go### Lenovo Legion Go
7A compelling Steam Deck alternative running Windows 11, equipped with 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 inchesPROSExceptional performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSVery largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes the perfect balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart from competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally Z1, giving it the feel of a Windows 11 tablet with an attached controller. Despite its size, it weighs only 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for users with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can challenge the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve performance issues. This device is ideal for dedicated PC gamers looking for flexibility and a stunning visual experience.
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4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3Featuring an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 portable offers solid performance 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 inchesPROSSeven inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateSpeedy performanceCONS Armoury Crate software is a bit clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a top choice for those seeking a Windows-based handheld over the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS. It supports all major PC games and platforms effortlessly, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations seen 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, it outperforms the Steam Deck, especially at higher settings, though this impacts battery life. For those seeking a less powerful and more affordable option, consider the ROG Ally Z1. The device's sleek design includes a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, though the D-pad feels a bit cheap. For mouse-based games, a wireless mouse can be connected, making the ROG Ally a versatile mini Windows PC.
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5. GPD Win 4### GPD Win 4
3A mini laptop with 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 inchesPROSHandy built-in keyboardCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4 resembles a mini laptop more than a gaming handheld, featuring a sliding Windows keyboard for easy desktop navigation. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU, with a 6-inch 1080p screen. Available in three configurations, the top model offers 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD storage for $1,599.
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6. Ayaneo Air### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3With a compact design and a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, this handheld offers significant power while maintaining ultra-portability. 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 stands out as one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it offers impressive performance in a lightweight package weighing just 2.6lbs. The 512GB SSD storage can be expanded via a Micro SD slot, making it a great choice despite its slightly lower power compared to other Windows handhelds.
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7. Asus ROG Ally Z1### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1$100 less expensive and slightly less powerful than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for indie gaming. 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 affordable option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a great choice. It runs on Windows 11 and uses a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs. While it may struggle with AAA games at high settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display, it excels in running indie games smoothly.
As we await the next iteration of the Steam Deck, 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 on Steam OS, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, with a Windows 11 version available first. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major manufacturer.
Lastly, the upcoming Switch 2, to be detailed in the Nintendo Direct in April, will feature mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially bridging the gap between console and PC gaming.
The decision between a handheld gaming PC and a best gaming laptop hinges on your gaming needs and preferences. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, though they're limited to certain game specifications. Gaming laptops, while bulkier and more expensive, offer superior performance and versatility for tasks beyond gaming, such as editing. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.
The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top recommendation and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. Its user-friendly interface, high performance, and sleek design make it an excellent choice. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library.
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