Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market for handheld gaming PCs is rapidly expanding, offering some fierce competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck, claiming the top spot with its exceptional performance, fast memory, and impressive battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers now have even more options to choose from for their on-the-go gaming needs. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or one of the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've compiled a list of top-notch handheld gaming PCs that are well-equipped to handle 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, as many can handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. If you find the screen size limiting, the best Steam Deck docks can connect your handheld to a gaming TV for a larger display.
As handheld gaming PCs continue to evolve, our experts have hands-on experience with a variety of these powerful devices. We've selected seven that stand out, ranging from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the Asus ROG Ally Z1, ideal for indie games.
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 and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has catapulted itself to the best handheld gaming PC on the market. Its impressive performance and enhancements make it a top choice for gamers 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 inchesPROS- More and faster memory than the original ROG Ally- Huge 80Wh battery means gaming for hoursCONS- Still using an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, which we reviewed last year, retains the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original ROG Ally but includes significant upgrades. With 24GB of LPDDR5 memory clocked at 7,400MHz, it offers a substantial performance boost over the original model's 16GB RAM. This upgrade resulted in a performance increase of around 12-15% in our tests.
The chassis is slightly thicker and heavier, accommodating an improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original. This allows for extended gaming sessions without frequent charging and helps keep the device cooler, addressing the issue of a hot touch screen experienced with the earlier model.
The Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port, which supports 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 will keep you updated on any future hardware issues. Despite some past concerns about customer support with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the best handheld gaming PC experience available today.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
2. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Steam Deck
### Valve Steam Deck
5Running on Steam OS, this handheld offers a seven-inch display and robust internals 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 inchesPROS- Mighty powerful- Perfect for running Steam gamesCONS- Terrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck pioneered the handheld gaming PC revolution with its custom SteamOS. Thanks to the Proton API, it supports a diverse array of games, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.
Although it doesn't come with Windows, you can install it via the USB-C port for broader game compatibility. The input controls are among the best in any portable gaming handheld. For a detailed comparison, check out our analysis of the Steam Deck vs. Rog Ally.
For those seeking a superior visual experience, the Steam Deck OLED offers a brighter and more vibrant screen, improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the standard 256GB model.
Explore the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your portable gaming setup.
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 compelling Steam Deck alternative, featuring Windows 11 and a large QHD display that delivers exceptional performance.
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 inchesPROS- Excellent performance- Best display in a handheld gaming PCCONS- Very largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes an impressive balance between performance and premium design. Its 8.8-inch 1600p display makes it almost feel like a Windows 11 tablet with an attached controller. Despite its size, the device is relatively light at 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for users with smaller hands.
The high-resolution display can challenge some games running on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve this. If you're comfortable with tweaking settings, the Lenovo Legion Go offers flexibility and stunning visuals, making it ideal for hardcore PC gamers.
Asus ROG Ally – Photos
7 Images
4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
3This Windows 11 gaming portable combines an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, delivering solid performance 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 inchesPROS- Seven-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate- Speedy performanceCONS- Armoury Crate software can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent choice for Windows-based gaming, offering seamless access to a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. Although the Armoury Crate software can feel a bit cumbersome, the device's performance is impressive.
Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, it can handle games at high or ultra settings with commendable frame rates. However, this performance comes at the cost of battery life, making a power bank a worthwhile investment.
The ROG Ally is sleek and lightweight, featuring a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers are responsive, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. While a touchpad would enhance mouse-based games, the reliable joysticks and the option to connect a wireless mouse make it a versatile mini Windows PC for gaming.
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 blend of a mini laptop and a gaming handheld, featuring a Windows keyboard, powerful processors, 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 inchesPROS- Handy keyboard built-in- Compact designCONS- High price tagThe GPD Win 4 is more akin to a mini laptop than a traditional gaming handheld. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and an AMD Radeon 780M GPU, hidden behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. The standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, which enhances usability on the go.
Available in multiple configurations, the base model comes with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, while the top-tier version offers 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD for $1,599.
Ayaneo Air – Photos
20 Images
6. Ayaneo Air
The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC
### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air
3With a compact 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, the Ayaneo Air offers significant power in an ultra-portable package.
See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROS- Powerful performance- Storage expansion via Micro SD slotCONS- Lower performance than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it delivers robust performance despite its compact size. With 512GB SSD storage and a Micro SD slot for expansion, it's an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability.
Asus ROG Ally Z1
7 Images
7. Asus ROG Ally Z1
The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games
### Asus ROG Ally Z1
1$100 cheaper than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for indie games, offering a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much 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 inchesPROS- Budget-friendly- Easy-to-use interfaceCONS- Can struggle with AAA games at 1080pIf you're drawn to the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but seek a more affordable option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. It runs on Windows 11 with a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs. While it may struggle with AAA games at full settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display, it excels at running indie games.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
While we await the next generation of the Steam Deck, exciting new handhelds 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 compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, a Windows 11 version will be available. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest we've seen from a major manufacturer.
Finally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, to be detailed in April, includes mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially bridging the gap between console and PC gaming experiences.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Your 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 they are limited to gaming within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer superior performance with the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. They are also more versatile for tasks like editing. For more insights, check out our guide on Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.
What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?
The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top pick and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It provides an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and a stunning design. Running on Windows 11, it grants access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
