Valve revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now brimming with competitive handheld gaming PCs. The Asus ROG Ally X has claimed the top spot from the Steam Deck, thanks to its superior performance, faster memory, and longer-lasting battery. With the announcement of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers have even more choices for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or exploring the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've curated a list of top-tier 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 gaming accessible from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are equipped with the power to handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer larger screens, the best Steam Deck docks seamlessly integrate with most handheld gaming PCs, allowing you to connect to a gaming TV.
Our experts have thoroughly evaluated the latest handheld gaming PCs and selected seven standout options. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 for indie gaming, there's a device to suit every need.
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 premier handheld gaming PC on the market. Its enhanced features make it a top choice for gamers seeking the best 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 boasts several key upgrades that elevate it to the best gaming handheld available. It features 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a significant leap from the original's 16GB. This upgrade results in a performance boost of around 12-15% in our tests.
The device's slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original model. This allows for extended gaming sessions without frequent charging. The enhanced cooling also prevents the touch screen from overheating, a common issue with 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 potential hardware issues. Despite some past customer service concerns 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, a pioneer in 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 boasts 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. It provides enhanced clarity, 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 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 competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally Z1, which draw inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. Despite its size, the Legion Go remains relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for users with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can pose challenges for some games using the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can mitigate this. The Lenovo Legion Go is ideal for dedicated PC gamers who appreciate its flexibility and stunning visuals.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
7 Images
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3Featuring an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 gaming portable delivers 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 can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, runs on Windows 11, making it easy to access a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. While the Armoury Crate software can be a bit cumbersome, the device's performance is impressive.
Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally offers top-tier performance. It can handle many games at high or ultra settings with commendable frame rates, though this impacts battery life, making a power bank a wise addition.
The ROG Ally's sleek design includes a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers feature responsive ABXY buttons, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. While a touchpad would be beneficial for mouse-based games, the reliable joysticks and the option to connect a wireless mouse make the ROG Ally a versatile mini Windows PC.
GPD Win 4 – Photos
12 Images
5. 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, 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 keyboard built-inCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles Sony's PSVita but offers much more under the hood. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, paired with 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 includes 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
3With its compact design and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, the Ayaneo Air delivers impressive performance 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 is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it offers substantial performance in a device that's just under two inches thin and weighs 2.6 lbs. With 512GB SSD storage and the option to expand via a Micro SD slot, the Ayaneo Air is a compelling 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
1$100 cheaper and slightly less powerful than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for playing 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 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a more affordable alternative to the Z1 Extreme, running on 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, adjusting settings can improve performance. The device excels in running indie games, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.
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, launching on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run on Steam OS, offering a compelling 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 yet from a major manufacturer.
Finally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, set to be revealed in April, may include mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially bridging the gap between console and PC gaming.
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 needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but they are limited to games within their performance capabilities. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer superior hardware for running the most demanding games, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. They also provide additional functionality for 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 and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It offers an intuitive interface, fast performance, and a sleek design. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking versatility and power.
