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

Valve has indeed transformed the landscape of mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is rapidly evolving with new competitors vying for the top spot. The Asus ROG Ally X has emerged as a formidable rival, dethroning the Steam Deck with its superior performance, enhanced memory, and extended battery life. The recent announcements at CES 2025, including the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, signal even more options for gamers on the go. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, our curated list of top handheld gaming PCs is 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, allowing you to enjoy gaming from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are not lacking in power, capable of running demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. If you crave a larger screen experience, the best Steam Deck docks provide seamless connectivity with most handheld gaming PCs, letting you connect 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. Below, we present seven standout options, from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every gaming need.

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 and significantly faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has solidified its position as the premier handheld gaming PC on the market. It's equipped with the AMD Z1 Extreme processor and 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, offering a performance boost of approximately 12-15% over its predecessor. The slightly thicker and heavier design accommodates an improved cooling system and an 80Wh battery, allowing for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. The addition of a second USB-C port, compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and a more durable MicroSD card slot further enhance its appeal. Despite its excellence, the use of an IPS display remains a minor drawback. The Asus ROG Ally X delivers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience, making 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 original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery means gaming for hoursCONSStill using an IPS display

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Running on Steam OS, this handheld offers a seven-inch display and powerful internals designed to handle games optimized for it. The Steam Deck, which kickstarted the handheld gaming PC trend, runs on Valve's custom SteamOS, which supports a wide range of games through the Proton API, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5. While it doesn't come with Windows, you can install it via the USB-C port for broader game compatibility. The device boasts excellent input controls, and the OLED version provides a brighter, more vibrant screen with improved battery life and higher storage capacity. Enhance your experience 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 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go stands out as a high-performance alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 and featuring a large QHD display. Its 8.8-inch 1600p screen is a standout feature, though it may require some settings adjustments to run games smoothly at native resolution. Despite its size, the Legion Go remains relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, making it a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize performance and display quality.

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 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a top-tier Windows-based handheld gaming PC, featuring a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD and powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. It offers seamless access to a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations of SteamOS. While the Armoury Crate software can be somewhat clunky, the device's performance is impressive, capable of running games at high settings with commendable frame rates. However, high settings can significantly impact battery life, making a power bank a wise addition. The ROG Ally's sleek design and responsive controls make it a versatile choice for gamers seeking a Windows experience 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 Images5. 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 the convenience of a gaming handheld, featuring a built-in sliding Windows keyboard and a 6-inch 1080p screen. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, it offers robust performance in a compact package. Available in configurations ranging from 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, the GPD Win 4 is a versatile choice for gamers who value productivity alongside gaming.

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 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3The Ayaneo Air is the epitome of portability in handheld gaming PCs, featuring a compact 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, offering solid performance. With a weight of just 0.87 lbs and expandable storage via a Micro SD slot, the Ayaneo Air is an excellent choice for gamers on the move who don't want to compromise on power.

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 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a budget-friendly option for gamers focused on indie titles. While it may struggle with AAA games at 1080p, lowering settings can improve performance. Powered by Windows 11 and an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with RDNA 3 graphics, this handheld provides an accessible entry point into portable gaming without breaking the bank.

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 anticipate the next iteration of the Steam Deck, the handheld gaming market is set to expand with new devices powered by AMD's latest chipset. 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 also 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. Finally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, set to be revealed in April, may introduce mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, blending elements of PC gaming into the console 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 portability, battery life, and thermal management, but are limited to games within their performance capabilities. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer superior power with the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. They are ideal for graphically intensive games and multitasking. 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 among the best Steam Deck alternatives. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust 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 in a handheld format.