Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market for handheld gaming PCs is heating up, offering more options than ever before. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck as our top pick, thanks to its superior performance, faster memory, and longer-lasting battery. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, you'll have even more choices for gaming on the go. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've selected a range of excellent 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 the perfect solution for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles without the bulk of the best gaming laptops. These compact devices pack a punch, capable of running AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And if you need a bigger screen, the best Steam Deck docks work seamlessly with most handhelds, allowing you to connect to a gaming TV.
Our experts have tested a variety of these powerful handheld devices, and we've narrowed down the top seven that are worthy of your consideration. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, there's something for everyone.
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 much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has become the best handheld gaming PC on the market. It's powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme processor, which is paired with 24GB of LPDDR5 memory at 7,400MHz and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This combination results in a significant performance boost, averaging around 12-15% in our tests.
The design is slightly thicker and heavier, but it's justified by the larger 80Wh battery and an improved cooling system. This ensures you can game for hours without needing to recharge, and the cooler also helps keep the touchscreen comfortable during long sessions.
The original 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. We've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, but we'll keep you updated on any hardware issues. Despite some past customer support concerns, the Asus ROG Ally X currently offers the best handheld gaming PC experience 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 gaming for hoursCONSStill using an IPS display
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5Running on Steam OS, the Valve Steam Deck offers a seven-inch display and robust internals, optimized for a wide range of games. It's powered by a 4-core, 8-thread AMD Zen 2 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and an 8-core AMD RDNA 2 GPU, with a 256GB SSD for storage.
The Steam Deck has been instrumental in popularizing handheld gaming PCs, using Valve's custom SteamOS and the Proton API to support numerous games, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5. It's possible to run Windows on the Steam Deck via the USB-C port, and the device features some of the best input controls available.
The Steam Deck OLED version offers a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen, with improved battery life and a higher refresh rate, though it still displays at 1200x800. For the full experience, consider pairing it with the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks.
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 life
Lenovo Legion Go
6 Images
3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC
### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go is a standout Steam Deck alternative, running Windows 11 and featuring a large QHD display. It's powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB SSD. Despite its impressive performance and beautiful display, its large size might be a challenge for users with smaller hands.
The 8.8-inch 1600p display is a significant feature, though it may require some resolution adjustments for optimal performance. For seasoned PC gamers, the Lenovo Legion Go offers a flexible and visually stunning experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance handheld gaming PC.
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 large
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 is a powerful Windows 11 gaming handheld, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, delivering speedy performance across a wide range of PC games.
The 7-inch Full HD screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth gaming experience. However, the Armoury Crate software can be somewhat clunky. While it can handle games at high or ultra settings, battery life suffers, making a power bank a wise addition.
The design is sleek and lightweight, with responsive controls, 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 for gaming on the go.
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 clunky
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 is a unique handheld that combines the functionality of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, thanks to its built-in sliding Windows keyboard. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and an AMD Radeon 780M GPU, with a 6-inch 1080p screen.
Available in three configurations, starting at 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, the GPD Win 4 is ideal for users who need a keyboard for on-the-go productivity as well as gaming. However, its high price tag may be a consideration for some buyers.
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 tag
Ayaneo Air – Photos
20 Images
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Despite its compact size, it's powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and an AMD Radeon GPU, offering solid performance.
With a weight of just 0.87 lbs and 512GB of SSD storage expandable via a Micro SD slot, the Ayaneo Air is perfect for gamers who prioritize portability. While it may not match the power of other handhelds, its size and OLED screen make it a compelling choice.
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 handhelds
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 is a budget-friendly option that's nearly as powerful as the Z1 Extreme, making it perfect for indie games. It runs Windows 11 and features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs for graphics.
While it may struggle with AAA games at 1080p, lowering the settings can improve performance. The 7-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth gaming experience, and the easy-to-use interface makes it accessible for all gamers.
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 1080p
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
As we await the next generation of handheld gaming PCs, several exciting options 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 strong alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, it will also have a Windows 11 version. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an 11-inch screen, the largest we've seen on a major company's handheld.
Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2 handheld, to be revealed during the Nintendo Direct in April, might include mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, blurring the lines between traditional gaming and PC gaming experiences.
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 optimized gaming performance, but they're limited to games within their specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer more power with the latest GPUs, CPUs, and RAM, though they often sacrifice battery life and portability. They're better suited for intensive gaming and other 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 stands out as our top pick and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It features an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and a stunning design. Running on Windows 11, it allows access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
