Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now brimming with exciting alternatives that are giving it a run for its money. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck as our top choice, 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 have even more options to consider for their on-the-go gaming needs. Whether you're set on the Steam Deck or exploring 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 BuyHandheld gaming PCs offer a compact alternative to the best gaming laptops, making it easier to enjoy gaming from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices pack a punch, capable of running AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. If you prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks can seamlessly connect most handheld gaming PCs to a gaming TV.
As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have thoroughly tested a range of these powerful devices. Here are the seven that we believe are worth your consideration, from the high-performing 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 Images
1. 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 emerged as the leading 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, which we reviewed last year, shares the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, but Asus has made significant improvements that elevate it to the best gaming handheld available today. The device now boasts 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, running at 7,400MHz, a substantial upgrade from the original's 16GB. This faster RAM contributes to a performance boost of around 12-15% in our tests.
The chassis is slightly thicker and heavier, but this design change accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original. This allows for longer gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. The enhanced cooling also addresses the issue of a hot touch screen that affected the original model.
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. Although we've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, we'll keep you updated on any future hardware issues. Despite some past customer service challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.
Steam Deck Images
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2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5Running on Steam OS, this handheld offers 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 inchesPROSMighty powerfulPerfect for running Steam gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck, which sparked the handheld gaming PC revolution, runs on Valve's custom SteamOS. Thanks to the Proton API, it supports numerous games optimized for the portable, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.
For those who prefer Windows, it's possible to boot directly from the USB-C port. The Steam Deck also features some of the best input controls available for any portable gaming device. For a detailed comparison, see our full analysis of the Steam Deck versus the Rog Ally.
The Steam Deck OLED version offers a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen, still at 1200x800 resolution, but with improved clarity, 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 gaming experience.
Lenovo Legion Go
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3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go stands out as a Steam Deck alternative with its Windows 11 operating system and expansive 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 inchesPROSExcellent performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSVery largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a perfect balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart from other handhelds like the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally Z1, which draw inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. Despite its size, the Legion Go is relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for those with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can be demanding on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can mitigate this. For seasoned PC gamers, the Lenovo Legion Go offers unparalleled flexibility and visual quality, making it the ideal choice for those who demand the best from their handheld gaming PC.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
7 Images
4. 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 clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, is a top choice for those seeking a Windows-based handheld that outperforms the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS. It seamlessly integrates with various PC gaming platforms, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations faced by the Steam Deck when playing non-Steam games. 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 in a handheld. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the ROG Ally Z1 is a viable alternative. The Z1 Extreme can handle many games at high or ultra settings with commendable frame rates, though this impacts battery life, making a power bank a wise accessory.
The ROG Ally's sleek design features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers are responsive, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. While a touchpad would enhance mouse-based games, the reliable joysticks and the option to connect a wireless mouse make the ROG Ally 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, 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, which we reviewed, resembles Sony's PSVita at first glance but offers much more under the hood. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU, all behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. The standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, which enhances the desktop experience on the go.
Available in three configurations, the base model comes with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, while the top-tier version offers 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD for $1,599.
Ayaneo Air – Photos
20 Images
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air offers a compact form factor with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivering impressive performance in a highly 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 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. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU provide substantial performance in a device that's just under two inches thin and weighs only 0.87 lbs. 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
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7. 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 indie gaming enthusiasts.
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 are looking for a more affordable option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. It runs on Windows 11 and features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and 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 performance. The device truly excels with indie games.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
As we await the next iteration of the Steam Deck, several 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, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, a Windows 11 version will be available. 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 from Nintendo, to be detailed in April's Nintendo Direct, may not be a PC gaming device, but its mouse-like Joy-Con controllers could provide a similar gaming experience.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Your choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and the types of games you play. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but they are limited to games within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can handle the most demanding games with the latest hardware, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. They also offer more versatility for tasks beyond gaming, such as editing.
For a deeper dive, 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 intuitive interface, robust performance, and a sleek design. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
