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

Valve revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market is now brimming with competitors that offer stiff competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck as our top choice, thanks to its superior performance, rapid memory, and extended battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, the options for gaming on the go are more diverse than ever. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or one of the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've curated a selection of outstanding handheld gaming PCs that are perfectly 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 are far more compact than the best gaming laptops, making them ideal for gaming on the go. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are packed with enough power to run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks work seamlessly with most handhelds, allowing you to connect to a gaming TV.

We're on the cusp of a handheld gaming PC revolution, and our experts have hands-on experience with many of these devices. Below are the seven we consider worthy of your consideration. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, there's something for everyone.

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 much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has surged ahead to become the best handheld gaming PC on the market. Its impressive performance and thoughtful design 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 inchesPROSMore and faster memory than original ROG AllyHuge 80Wh battery means gaming for hoursCONSStill using an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, which we reviewed last year, uses the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor but boasts significant enhancements that propel it to the forefront of handheld gaming. The Z1 Extreme is now paired with 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, running at 7,400MHz, a substantial upgrade from the original's 16GB. This faster RAM results in a noticeable performance boost, averaging around 12-15% in our tests.

The device is slightly thicker and heavier, a design choice that accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery twice the size of the original. This allows for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. The enhanced cooling also addresses the overheating issues of the previous model, ensuring a more comfortable gaming experience.

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 we've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, we'll keep you updated on any hardware issues that arise. Despite some customer service concerns with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the premier handheld gaming PC experience available today.

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 robust internals ready to tackle games optimized for it.

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 lifeThe Valve Steam Deck sparked the handheld gaming PC revolution with its unique SteamOS, which, thanks to the Proton API, supports a wide range of games 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 compatibility. The Steam Deck also boasts one of the best input controls available for portable gaming. For a detailed comparison, see our full review of the Steam Deck vs. Rog Ally.

For those seeking a richer visual experience, the Steam Deck OLED model offers a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen at the same 1200x800 resolution. It also provides improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the standard LCD version.

Be sure to check out the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks to enhance your gaming experience.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go is a compelling Steam Deck alternative that runs Windows 11 and features a large QHD display, making it a standout choice for gamers.

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 largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a perfect balance between performance and aesthetics, making it a top pick for any gaming PC enthusiast. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart from other handhelds like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally Z1, which draw inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. Despite its size, the Legion Go is relatively lightweight at 1.41 lbs, though it may be challenging for those with smaller hands.

The high-resolution display can pose challenges for some games running on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve this. The Legion Go is ideal for seasoned PC gamers who appreciate the flexibility and visual quality it offers, making it the go-to handheld for hardcore gaming enthusiasts.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3With an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 gaming portable offers solid performance and 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 inchesPROSSeven inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateSpeedy performanceCONS Armoury Crate software is a bit clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a top choice for those seeking a Windows-based handheld that outperforms the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS. Running Windows 11, it seamlessly integrates with various PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. While the Armoury Crate software can be a bit clunky, the Z1 Extreme's powerful 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics deliver impressive performance. With some adjustments, it can handle games at high or ultra settings, though this impacts battery life, making a power bank a wise addition.

The ROG Ally's sleek design and vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate enhance the gaming experience. While the controllers have responsive buttons, the D-pad feels slightly cheap, and a touchpad for mouse-based games would be a welcome addition. Nonetheless, the ROG Ally is a versatile mini Windows PC ideal for gaming on the go.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This mini laptop-style gaming handheld features 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 inchesPROSHandy keyboard built-inCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4, which we reviewed, resembles Sony's PSVita but packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU behind a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its standout feature is the sliding Windows keyboard, making it easy to use the desktop operating system on the go. Available in multiple configurations, ranging from 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, the GPD Win 4 is a versatile choice despite its higher cost.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3With its compact size and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, the Ayaneo Air offers impressive performance 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceStorage expansion via Micro SD slotCONSLower performance than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU. Despite its compact size and lighter weight of 2.6 lbs, it offers robust performance and storage expandability via a Micro SD slot. While it may not match the power of other handhelds, its portability makes it an excellent choice for gamers on the move.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1$100 cheaper and slightly less powerful than the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for playing indie titles.

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 1080pFor those interested in the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. Running Windows 11 with a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs, it may struggle with AAA games at high settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display. However, lowering the settings can improve performance, and it excels at running indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we eagerly await the next generation of handheld gaming PCs, several exciting models 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 another compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, though it will initially launch with a Windows 11 version. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major manufacturer.

Lastly, the upcoming Switch 2, to be revealed during the Nintendo Direct in April, promises to bring new innovations to handheld gaming, including mouse-like Joy-Con controllers.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?

The decision between a handheld gaming PC and a best gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and the types of games you play. Handhelds excel in battery life, portability, and thermal management, but they are limited to games within their performance specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can handle the most demanding games with their advanced GPUs, CPUs, and RAM, though they may compromise on battery life and portability. For more on this, check out our guide on the 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 an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and a sleek design. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.