The Best Handheld Gaming PCs to Take Your Games on the Go

Valve's Steam Deck has indeed revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but the market is now flooded with impressive alternatives that are giving it a run for its money. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck, claiming our top spot with its superior performance, rapid memory, and extended battery life. With the recent announcements 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 interested in the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've handpicked 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 are much more compact than the best gaming laptops, making them perfect for gaming anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, they pack enough power to run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And if you want to play on a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks work 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 tested several of these capable devices. Here are seven that we believe are worth considering. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the Asus ROG Ally Z1, which is better suited for indie games, there's something for everyone.

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 catapulted itself to the forefront of the handheld gaming PC market. 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 enables extended gaming sessionsCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, which we reviewed last year, retains the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but boasts numerous enhancements that make it the premier gaming handheld on the market today. It features 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a significant upgrade from the original's 16GB. This faster memory contributes to a performance boost of approximately 12-15% based on our testing.

The device is slightly thicker and heavier, but this design change accommodates a larger, improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original model. This means you can enjoy longer gaming sessions without needing to charge frequently. The enhanced cooling system also prevents the touch screen from overheating, addressing a common issue with the earlier model.

The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4. Additionally, the controversial MicroSD card slot has been upgraded to a more durable version. While 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 highlighted by YouTuber Gamers Nexus, the Asus ROG Ally X offers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Powered by Steam OS, this handheld boasts 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceIdeal for Steam-optimized gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck has been a trailblazer in the handheld gaming PC revolution, running on Valve's custom SteamOS. Thanks to the Proton API, the Steam Deck supports numerous games optimized for the device, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

You can also install Windows on the Steam Deck by booting directly from the USB-C port, providing access to a broader range of games. The handheld features one of the best input controls available for portable gaming. For a detailed comparison between the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally, check out our comprehensive review.

For those who prefer a brighter, more vibrant screen, consider the Steam Deck OLED version. It retains the 1200x800 resolution but offers enhanced clarity, improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the traditional LCD model.

Explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your 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 formidable Steam Deck alternative, running Windows 11 and featuring 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 performanceSuperior display quality in a handheldCONSLarge sizeWhen shopping for a gaming PC, you want a balance of performance and premium design, and the Lenovo Legion Go delivers. Its size is the first thing you'll notice—it's a hefty 11.76 inches long and 5.16 inches tall with controllers attached, largely due to its expansive display.

The Legion Go stands out with its 8.8-inch 1600p display, resembling a Windows 11 tablet with attached controllers. Despite its size, it's relatively light at just 1.41 lb, though it might be challenging for those with smaller hands.

The high-resolution display can be demanding on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, similar to the Asus ROG Ally. Some games may struggle at native resolution, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve this. The Lenovo Legion Go is ideal for hardcore PC gamers who enjoy tweaking settings for optimal performance and visuals.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3Equipped with an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 handheld 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 inchesPROS7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateImpressive performanceCONSArmoury Crate software can be cumbersomeFor those seeking a Windows-based handheld that outshines the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is the perfect choice. Reviewed in 2023, it runs on Windows 11, allowing seamless access to any PC game and storefront, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. Unlike the Steam Deck, there are no significant limitations when playing non-Steam games. However, the Armoury Crate software can be a bit clunky.

The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme's powerful Z1 Extreme processor features an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, making it one of the most potent chips available. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the ROG Ally Z1. The Z1 Extreme can handle many games at high or ultra settings with commendable frame rates, although this impacts battery life, making a power bank a wise investment.

The ROG Ally is sleek and lightweight, featuring 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 somewhat cheap. While a touchpad would be beneficial for mouse-based games, 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 mini laptop doubles as 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 inchesPROSIntegrated keyboardCompact designCONSHigh costThe GPD Win 4, which we reviewed, 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, all behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. The standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, making desktop OS use on the go effortless.

Available in three configurations, starting with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, and going up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD for $1,599, the GPD Win 4 is a versatile and powerful option.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3Despite its compact size and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, the Ayaneo Air delivers impressive performance, making it highly 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 performanceExpandable storage 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 horsepower. Weighing just 0.87 lb and less than two inches thick, the Ayaneo Air is ultra-portable. With 512GB of SSD storage and the option to expand via a Micro SD slot, it's an excellent choice for gamers on the move, despite its lower power compared to other Windows-based handhelds.

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 handheld is perfect for playing indie games. 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 inchesPROSAffordable priceUser-friendly interfaceCONSLimited performance for 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 the way to go. It runs 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 high settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display, lowering the settings improves playability. The ROG Ally Z1 truly excels with indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we eagerly await the next Steam Deck iteration, 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. Initially, a Windows 11 version will be available. Another notable announcement from CES 2025 is the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, featuring an unprecedented 11-inch screen for a handheld from a major manufacturer.

Finally, keep an eye out for the upcoming Switch 2, set to be unveiled at the Nintendo Direct in April. Although not a PC gaming device per se, its mouse-like Joy-Con controllers may provide a similar 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 gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in longevity, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermals but are limited to specific game specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, boast the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, sacrificing battery life and thermals for superior performance in graphically intensive games. They also offer more functionality for tasks like editing.

For a detailed comparison, see 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 a user-friendly interface, robust performance, and a sleek design. As a Windows 11 gaming handheld, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library.