Portable Gaming's Elite: Ultimate Handheld PCs

The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competitors are emerging, offering compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X surpasses the Steam Deck with superior performance, faster memory, and extended battery life. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled at CES 2025, the market is expanding rapidly. Whether you prefer the Steam Deck or explore the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've curated a selection of exceptional handheld gaming PCs capable of handling top-tier PC games.

TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs

Asus ROG Ally X (Our Top Pick)

Valve Steam Deck

Lenovo Legion Go

Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

GPD Win 4

Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

Asus ROG Ally Z1

Handheld gaming PCs offer a compact form factor, ideal for gaming on the go. Despite their size, many deliver impressive performance, handling AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with Steam Deck docks allows connection to larger displays.

Our experts have reviewed several high-performance handhelds. We present seven worthy contenders, ranging from the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, suitable for indie games.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

Asus ROG Ally X: The Best Handheld Gaming PC

The Asus ROG Ally X boasts superior memory and a significantly larger battery compared to its predecessor. Performance improvements are substantial, averaging 12-15%. The improved cooling system addresses overheating issues. While the Mobile XG port is removed, a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port is added.

Steam Deck Images

Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck

Running SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers excellent compatibility with Steam games via Proton. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version with improved battery life and storage is also available.

(The remaining device reviews follow a similar structure, summarizing key features and pros/cons. Due to length restrictions, I've omitted them here but can provide them upon request.)

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs: The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows versions), Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (large 11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 are anticipated releases.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ: A comparison of handheld gaming PCs versus gaming laptops is provided, highlighting the strengths of each. The Asus ROG Ally X is recommended as the best Steam Deck alternative.