Valve's introduction of the Steam Deck marked a significant milestone in mobile PC gaming, sparking a surge in the development of competing handheld gaming PCs. The Asus ROG Ally X has surpassed the Steam Deck, securing the top position with its superior performance, rapid memory, and extended battery life. The landscape is set to expand further with the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, unveiled at CES 2025, offering gamers even more choices for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, there are numerous high-quality handheld gaming PCs ready to tackle the top PC games.
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 game from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are not lacking in power; many can handle demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima with ease. For those who find the smaller screen limiting, the best Steam Deck docks provide a seamless way to connect to a gaming TV, enhancing your gaming experience.
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, our experts have thoroughly tested several standout models. Below, we highlight seven devices that stand out in their category, ranging 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
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1. Asus ROG Ally XOur Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X
20The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the premier handheld gaming PC, thanks to its doubled battery life and significantly faster memory. 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 hours of gamingCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, while using the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, introduces several enhancements that make it the leading handheld gaming PC. It boasts 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a substantial upgrade from the original's 16GB. This, coupled with faster RAM, resulted in a performance boost of approximately 12-15% in our tests.
The design is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate an improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original model, allowing for extended gaming sessions. The enhanced cooling also prevents the touch screen from overheating, a common issue with the earlier version.
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. While our testing period has been brief, we will update this review if any hardware issues emerge. Despite past customer service challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an unmatched handheld gaming experience.
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2. Valve Steam Deck### Valve Steam Deck
5The Valve Steam Deck, running on Steam OS, offers a powerful gaming experience on a seven-inch display, 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 gamesCONSShort battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck ignited the handheld gaming PC revolution, running on Valve's custom SteamOS, which supports numerous games optimized for the platform, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. While it's possible to install Windows via the USB-C port, the device's native controls are among the best for portable gaming.
For those seeking a more vibrant display, the Steam Deck OLED model offers enhanced visuals, better battery life, a higher refresh rate, and increased storage over the standard LCD version.
Explore the best Steam Deck accessories and docks to enhance your gaming setup.
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3. Lenovo Legion Go### Lenovo Legion Go
7The Lenovo Legion Go is an exceptional Steam Deck alternative, featuring Windows 11 and a stunning 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 inchesPROSOutstanding performanceSuperior display qualityCONSLarger sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a perfect balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display is a standout feature, making it feel like a Windows 11 tablet with a controller. Despite its size, the device is surprisingly light at just 1.41 lb, though it may be challenging for those with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can challenge some games to run at native settings, but adjusting in-game settings can mitigate this. This handheld gaming PC is ideal for seasoned PC gamers who appreciate its flexibility and high-quality visuals.
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4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers robust performance with its AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, running on Windows 11 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 inchesPROS120Hz Full HD screenImpressive performanceCONSArmoury Crate software can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme excels as a Windows-based handheld, outperforming the Steam Deck's SteamOS. It supports a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. The Armoury Crate software, however, could use some refinement.
Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, this device can handle high to ultra settings in many games, though at the cost of battery life. The 7-inch touchscreen offers adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. For mouse-based games, a wireless mouse can be connected, making the ROG Ally a versatile mini Windows PC for gaming.
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5. GPD Win 4### GPD Win 4
3The GPD Win 4 combines the functionality of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring a built-in Windows keyboard 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 inchesPROSBuilt-in keyboardCompact designCONSHigher price pointThe GPD Win 4 resembles a mini laptop with its sliding Windows keyboard, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go desktop use. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and an AMD Radeon 780m GPU, and comes in various configurations, with prices ranging up to $1,599 for the highest-end model.
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6. Ayaneo Air### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3The Ayaneo Air offers a compact form factor with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivering solid performance despite its small size. 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 SDCONSLower performance than some competitorsThe Ayaneo Air stands out as one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU provide substantial performance for its size, and the device's thin profile and light weight make it highly portable. While it may not match the power of other Windows-based handhelds, its compact design is a significant advantage.
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7. Asus ROG Ally Z1### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally Z1, priced $100 less than the Z1 Extreme, is perfect for indie gaming, offering a budget-friendly option with solid performance. 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-friendlyUser-friendly interfaceCONSChallenges with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a less expensive alternative to the Z1 Extreme. It runs on Windows 11 and features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics. While it may struggle with AAA games at the highest settings on its 120Hz FHD display, it excels at running indie games smoothly.
The handheld gaming PC market is set to grow with new models on the horizon. The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run Steam OS, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. A Windows 11 version will launch first, followed by the Steam OS model. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest we've seen from a major brand.
Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2, expected to be revealed during the Nintendo Direct in April, may blur the lines between console and PC gaming with its mouse-like Joy-Con controllers.
The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and the types of games you play. Handhelds offer advantages in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but they are limited in terms of game specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can handle more graphically intensive games, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. They also offer more versatility for tasks beyond gaming, such as editing.
For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.
The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top pick and also one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It offers an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and a sleek design. Importantly, as a Windows 11 gaming handheld, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library.
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