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

The Steam Deck may have revolutionized portable PC gaming, but the market is rapidly expanding with compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X, with its impressive performance, speedy memory, and long battery life, has even surpassed the Steam Deck in our rankings. New contenders like the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, unveiled at CES 2025, further bolster the options for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling even the most demanding PC games.

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 BuyHandheld gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative to bulky gaming laptops, providing compact dimensions for gaming on the go. Despite their smaller size, these devices boast impressive power, easily handling AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Furthermore, compatibility with docking stations allows for seamless connection to larger screens, like gaming TVs.

Our experts have extensively tested several high-performance handheld gaming PCs. Below are seven models worthy of consideration, ranging from the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, catering to diverse gaming needs and preferences.

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

20The Asus ROG Ally X boasts significantly improved performance over its predecessor. With double the battery life and much faster memory, it's now the top handheld gaming PC on the market.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 utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original ROG Ally, but key improvements set it apart. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (clocked at 7,400MHz) represents a substantial upgrade, resulting in a 12-15% performance boost. A larger, 80Wh battery provides extended playtime, and an improved cooling system addresses the overheating issues of its predecessor. While the Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C port, and the microSD card slot redesigned, the overall experience is significantly enhanced. Despite past customer support concerns, the ROG Ally X delivers a superior handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Running on SteamOS and leveraging Proton for compatibility, the Steam Deck provides a powerful 7-inch handheld gaming experience.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, a pioneer in the handheld PC gaming revolution, runs on SteamOS and uses Proton to support a wide range of games, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. While Windows can be installed via USB-C boot, the native SteamOS experience is optimized. The device features excellent controls. An OLED version is also available with improved battery life, screen quality, and storage. Consider pairing it with the best Steam Deck accessories and docks for an enhanced experience.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go balances high performance with a premium design. Its large QHD display is a standout feature.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 balance between powerful performance and a premium feel. Its most notable feature is its large 8.8-inch 1600p display, although this does contribute to its larger size. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset may require some in-game setting adjustments to optimize performance on the high-resolution display, the overall experience is impressive. This handheld is ideal for seasoned PC gamers who appreciate high-quality visuals and performance.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3A powerful Windows 11 handheld with a 120Hz 7-inch FHD display and a speedy AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.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 stands out with its Windows 11 operating system, providing seamless access to a vast library of PC games from various storefronts. Its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers excellent performance, capable of handling many games at high settings. While the Armoury Crate software could use improvement, the overall gaming experience is top-notch. The vibrant 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances the visuals. However, high settings can significantly impact battery life.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3A unique blend of mini-laptop and gaming handheld, featuring a built-in 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 inchesPROSHandy keyboard built-inCompact designCONSHigh price tagThe GPD Win 4 stands out with its integrated keyboard, making it ideal for users who need desktop functionality on the go. Its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU provide solid performance. However, its higher price point and design, more akin to a mini-laptop, might not appeal to all gamers.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3Ultra-portable with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, offering a balance of power and portability.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 prioritizes portability with its compact size and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. While its performance is not as high as some competitors, it offers a good balance of power and portability. The inclusion of a microSD slot allows for storage expansion.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1A budget-friendly option, ideal for indie games, with a 7-inch 120Hz FHD display.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 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a more affordable alternative to the Z1 Extreme, excelling in indie game performance. While it may struggle with AAA titles at 1080p, it provides a smooth experience for less demanding games. Its user-friendly interface and budget-friendly price make it a compelling option for casual and indie gamers.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Future releases include the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows 11 versions), the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (with an 11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 (with potentially mouse-like controls).

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

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

The choice depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but are limited in performance. Gaming laptops offer superior power but often compromise on battery life and portability. Laptops also offer broader functionality beyond gaming.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The ASUS ROG Ally X is our top pick for a Steam Deck alternative, offering excellent performance, a user-friendly interface, and a sleek design. Its Windows 11 compatibility provides access to a wide range of PC games.