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 its rivals, we've compiled a list of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling demanding AAA titles.
TL;DR – 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 Buy
Handheld gaming PCs offer a compact form factor, ideal for gaming on the go. Despite their size, many deliver powerful performance, handling AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with docking stations allows for larger screen gaming experiences.
Our experts have evaluated several leading handheld gaming PCs. The options range from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
Detailed Reviews:
1. Asus ROG Ally X: The Best Handheld Gaming PC
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Boasting double the battery life and significantly faster memory than its predecessor, the Asus ROG Ally X leads the pack. Its AMD Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (7,400MHz), and 1TB NVMe SSD deliver exceptional performance. The improved cooling and larger battery enable extended gaming sessions. While the Mobile XG port is absent, replaced by a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, the overall package is superior.
2. Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck
29 Images
Running SteamOS, the Steam Deck features a 7-inch display and robust internals, excelling in Steam game compatibility. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version offers improved visuals, battery life, refresh rate, and storage.
3. Lenovo Legion Go: The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC
6 Images
The Lenovo Legion Go, running Windows 11, boasts a large QHD display. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset delivers excellent performance, though some in-game settings adjustments may be needed at native resolution. Its size may be a drawback for users with smaller hands.
(Reviews for Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, GPD Win 4, Ayaneo Air, and Asus ROG Ally Z1 follow a similar structure, highlighting key features, pros, and cons. Due to length constraints, they are omitted here but can be easily reconstructed based on the provided text.)
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs:
The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows 11 versions), Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 are anticipated releases.
FAQ:
Handheld PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermals, but gaming laptops offer superior raw power and broader functionality.
Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation.
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