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

The Steam Deck revolutionized portable PC gaming, but the market is exploding with compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X currently reigns supreme, surpassing the Steam Deck with superior performance, lightning-fast memory, and impressive battery life. The newly announced Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (CES 2025) further expand the options for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring the best alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling even the most demanding PC titles.

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 portability without sacrificing power. These compact devices deliver impressive performance, easily handling AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And for those who prefer a larger screen, docking stations offer seamless connectivity to gaming TVs.

Our experts have rigorously tested numerous handheld gaming PCs, and below are seven standout contenders. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 (ideal for indie games), there's a perfect fit for every 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

20The Asus ROG Ally X boasts significantly improved battery life and faster memory, solidifying its position as the leading 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 inchesPROSEnhanced memory and speedExtended battery life for hours of gameplayCONSStill utilizes an IPS displayWhile using the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, the Asus ROG Ally X boasts substantial upgrades. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (clocked at 7,400MHz) represents a significant leap from the original's 16GB, resulting in a 12-15% performance boost. A larger, more efficient cooling system and a doubled battery capacity enable extended gaming sessions without overheating or frequent charging. The revised design includes a second Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C port and an improved MicroSD card slot. Despite some past customer service concerns, the ROG Ally X delivers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5The Steam Deck, running SteamOS and utilizing Proton for compatibility, offers a robust 7-inch display and powerful internals for a wide range of 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 powerfulExtensive Steam game libraryCONSSubpar battery lifeThe Steam Deck, a pioneer in the handheld PC gaming revolution, runs on SteamOS and leverages Proton for broad game compatibility, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. The device boasts excellent controls. An OLED version offers improved visuals, battery life, and storage. Consider pairing it with accessories and docking stations for enhanced functionality.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go, a Windows 11 handheld, stands out with its large QHD display and impressive 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 inchesPROSExceptional performanceHigh-resolution displayCONSLarge sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium design. Its substantial size, featuring an 8.8-inch 1600p display, makes it more akin to a tablet with integrated controllers. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers strong performance, users may need to adjust in-game settings to optimize the resolution. This handheld is ideal for experienced PC gamers who appreciate its flexibility and high-quality display.

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, provides exceptional performance and access to a vast game library.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 inchesPROS120Hz 7-inch FHD displayHigh performanceCONSSomewhat clunky Armoury Crate softwareThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, running Windows 11, offers seamless access to PC games from various storefronts, unlike the Steam Deck's limitations. Its powerful Z1 Extreme processor delivers high framerates at high settings, though battery life can suffer. The 7-inch, 120Hz display is vibrant, and the controls are responsive, although the D-pad feels slightly cheap. A wireless mouse might be necessary for some games.

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 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 inchesPROSIntegrated keyboardCompact designCONSHigh price tagMore laptop-like than a traditional handheldThe GPD Win 4 resembles a Sony PSVita but packs a more powerful AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU behind its 6-inch 1080p screen. Its key feature is the integrated sliding keyboard, enhancing desktop OS usability. Multiple configurations are available, ranging from 16GB RAM/1TB SSD to 32GB RAM/2TB SSD.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3The Ayaneo Air, despite its compact 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivers impressive performance for its size.See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROSPowerful for its sizeMicroSD card slot for storage expansionCONSLower performance compared to larger handheldsThe Ayaneo Air, one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, features a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU with AMD Radeon graphics. Its compact size and light weight (0.87 lbs) make it highly portable, although its performance is lower than larger models. 512GB SSD storage is expandable via microSD.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1A more affordable alternative to the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 excels at 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-friendlyUser-friendly interfaceCONSStruggles with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1, a more budget-friendly option than the Z1 Extreme, features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics. While it may struggle with AAA titles at high settings on its 7-inch, 120Hz FHD display, it's ideal for indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Anticipation builds for the next generation of handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go S (launching February 14th), the first third-party SteamOS device, and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (CES 2025 announcement) with its massive 11-inch screen. Also on the horizon is the Nintendo Switch 2, though not a PC, its potential mouse-like controls warrant attention.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Handheld PC vs. Gaming Laptop?

The choice between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on individual preferences and gaming needs. Handhelds offer superior portability, battery life, and thermal management, but their specifications are generally more limited. Gaming laptops provide more powerful hardware, but often compromise on battery life, thermals, and portability. Laptops also offer greater functionality beyond gaming.

Best Steam Deck Alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the top Steam Deck alternative, offering a user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and a stylish design. Its Windows 11 OS provides access to a vast PC game library.