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

Valve's Steam Deck revolutionized portable PC gaming, but the market is exploding with compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X, with its superior performance, blazing-fast memory, and impressive battery life, has even surpassed the Steam Deck in our rankings. The recently announced Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025 further expand the options for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling the most demanding PC games.

TL;DR – Top 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 a compact and portable gaming experience. Despite their smaller size, many boast the power to handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And for those who prefer a larger screen, compatibility with docking stations allows connection to gaming TVs.

Our experts have rigorously tested several leading handheld gaming PCs. Below are seven standout devices, ranging from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ideal for indie games.

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 double the battery life and significantly faster memory than its predecessor, solidifying its position as the top handheld gaming PC.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 elevate its performance. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (7,400MHz) represents a substantial upgrade from the original's 16GB, resulting in a 12-15% performance boost. A larger, 80Wh battery doubles the playtime, and an improved cooling system addresses the overheating issues of its predecessor. The revised design includes a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port and an improved microSD card slot. While initial testing is positive, long-term reliability will be monitored.

Despite past customer support concerns, the Asus ROG Ally X currently delivers the best overall handheld gaming PC experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5The Steam Deck, running SteamOS, features a 7-inch display and powerful internals, excelling at Steam 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 inchesPROSMighty powerfulPerfect for running Steam gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Steam Deck, a pioneer in the handheld PC gaming revolution, utilizes SteamOS and Proton API for broad game compatibility, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. Its excellent controls are a highlight. An OLED version offers a larger, brighter display, improved battery life, and increased storage. Consider pairing it with compatible accessories and docking stations.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go, a Steam Deck alternative running Windows 11, features a large QHD display and excellent 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 inchesPROSExcellent performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSVery largeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display is a standout feature, although it makes the device quite large. Despite its size, it remains relatively lightweight (1.41 lbs). The high resolution may require in-game settings adjustments for optimal performance. This handheld is ideal for hardcore PC gamers who appreciate a large, high-quality screen.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, a Windows 11 handheld, offers strong performance thanks to its AMD Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU.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 (reviewed in 2023) provides a compelling Windows 11 alternative to the Steam Deck. Its powerful AMD Z1 Extreme processor enables high- or ultra-settings gameplay in many titles, although battery life suffers at higher settings. The 7-inch, 120Hz FHD display is vibrant, and the controllers are responsive, though the D-pad feels somewhat cheap. The Armoury Crate software could use improvement.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3The GPD Win 4, a unique blend of mini-laptop and gaming handheld, features 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 tagMore like a mini laptop than gaming handheldThe GPD Win 4 resembles a Sony PS Vita but packs an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, AMD Radeon 780M GPU, and a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its standout feature is the integrated sliding keyboard, enhancing desktop OS usability. Multiple configurations are available, with prices ranging up to $1,599.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3The Ayaneo Air, exceptionally compact with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivers surprising power in a highly portable form factor.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 a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU with AMD Radeon graphics. Its compact size (under 2 inches thick) and lightweight design (0.87 lbs) make it highly portable. 512GB SSD storage is expandable via microSD. While less powerful than some competitors, its portability is a significant advantage.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1A more budget-friendly option than the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is excellent for indie games.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, featuring a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics. While AAA titles may require lower settings, it excels at indie games. The 7-inch, 120Hz FHD display is a highlight.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Anticipation builds for the next generation of handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go S (February 14th release), the first third-party SteamOS device, and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, boasting an 11-inch screen. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, while not a PC, warrants attention due to its potentially PC-like controls.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Handheld Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop?

The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on individual needs and preferences. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, optimization, and thermals but may have limited specifications. Gaming laptops offer superior power and functionality but often compromise on battery life, thermals, and price.

Best Steam Deck Alternative?

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