Top Handheld Gaming PCs for Mobile Gaming

Valve's Steam Deck has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of mobile PC gaming, yet the market is now brimming with compelling alternatives that challenge its dominance. The Asus ROG Ally X has dethroned the Steam Deck as our top pick, boasting superior performance, rapid memory, and an impressively long-lasting battery. The recent CES 2025 announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 promise even more options for gamers on the move. Whether you're set on the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck alternatives, our curated list of handheld gaming PCs is ready to tackle the top PC games with ease.

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 bulk of the best gaming laptops, allowing you to play from virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are far from underpowered, capable of handling AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those times when you crave a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks seamlessly integrate with most handheld gaming PCs, enabling you to connect to a gaming TV.

As we stand on the brink of a handheld gaming PC revolution, our experts have hands-on experience with a variety of these powerful devices. Here are seven that stand out. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, perfect for indie games, there's something for every type of gamer.

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 catapulted itself to the forefront of handheld gaming PCs. 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, shares the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, but with significant enhancements that make it the premier gaming handheld on the market. It boasts 24GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 7,400MHz, a notable upgrade from the original's 16GB. This, coupled with faster RAM, delivers a performance boost of around 12-15% in our tests.

The chassis 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 mitigates the hot touchscreen issue that affected the original model.

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. We've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for about a week, but we'll keep you updated on any future hardware issues. Despite past customer support challenges with the original ROG Ally, the Asus ROG Ally X stands as the pinnacle of handheld gaming PC experiences.

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 optimized for its game library. 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, which sparked the handheld gaming PC revolution, runs on Valve's custom SteamOS rather than Windows. Thanks to the Proton API, it supports a wide range of optimized games, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

For those who prefer Windows, it's possible to boot it directly from the USB-C port. The Steam Deck's input controls are among the best in portable gaming. For a detailed comparison, see our Steam Deck vs. Rog Ally analysis.

The OLED version of the Steam Deck offers a brighter, more vibrant screen, improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than the traditional LCD model, despite maintaining the same 1200x800 resolution.

For the best experience, consider pairing your Steam Deck with the best Steam Deck accessories and Steam Deck docks.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7This Steam Deck alternative runs Windows 11 and features a large QHD display, making it a standout choice. 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 premium design. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart from competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally Z1, though it may be challenging for users with smaller hands due to its size and weight of 1.41 lbs.

The high resolution can pose challenges for some games, requiring adjustments to in-game settings. However, for seasoned PC gamers, the Legion Go's flexibility and stunning visuals make it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance handheld.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3Equipped with 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, reviewed in 2023, is a top choice for those seeking a Windows-based handheld. It effortlessly handles a wide range of PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations faced by the Steam Deck with non-Steam games. However, the Armoury Crate software can feel a bit clunky.

Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme delivers impressive performance. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the ROG Ally Z1 offers a slight step down in power. High settings can impact battery life, so consider investing in a power bank.

The ROG Ally's design is sleek and lightweight, featuring a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the controllers' ABXY face buttons are responsive, the D-pad feels slightly cheap, and the lack of a touchpad may be a downside for some. A wireless mouse can be connected for mouse-based games. Overall, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a powerful mini Windows PC in a gaming handheld's form.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This mini laptop, disguised as a gaming handheld, features a Windows keyboard, solid 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 combines the form factor of a gaming handheld with the functionality of a mini laptop, featuring a sliding Windows keyboard and powerful components like the AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU. Its 6-inch 1080p screen makes it a versatile choice for on-the-go gaming and productivity.

Available in three configurations, the base model offers 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, while the top-tier version, priced at $1,599, includes 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3Compact yet powerful, this handheld features a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and remains ultra-portable. 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 available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, it offers solid performance in a lightweight package weighing just 0.87 lbs. With 512GB SSD storage and a Micro SD slot for expansion, it's an excellent choice for gamers prioritizing portability over raw power.

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 indie gaming. 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 gamers looking for a budget-friendly option with nearly the power of the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice. It runs Windows 11 and is equipped with a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs. While it may struggle with AAA games at 1080p, adjusting settings can improve performance, making it ideal for indie titles.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we await the next Steam Deck, new handhelds powered by AMD's latest chipset are on the horizon. The Lenovo Legion Go S, set to launch on February 14, will be the first third-party handheld to run Steam OS, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Initially, a Windows 11 version will be available. The Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, features an 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major brand.

Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2, to be revealed during the Nintendo Direct in April, may incorporate mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, adding a unique twist to handheld gaming.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

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

The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming needs and preferences. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, though they are limited to specific game specifications. Gaming laptops, while less portable and often more expensive, offer superior performance with the latest GPUs, CPUs, and RAM, ideal for graphically intensive games and additional tasks like editing.

For a deeper dive, 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 and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. With its user-friendly interface, high performance, and sleek design, this Windows 11 gaming handheld provides access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile choice for gamers.