Top Handheld Gaming PCs for Mobile Gaming

Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but the market for handheld gaming PCs is rapidly expanding, offering fierce competition. The Asus ROG Ally X has taken the lead, outperforming the Steam Deck with its remarkable performance, swift memory, and extended battery life. With the recent announcements of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, gamers have more options than ever for on-the-go gaming. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or exploring the best Steam Deck Alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-notch handheld gaming PCs ready to tackle 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 offer a compact alternative to the best gaming laptops, allowing you to play anywhere with ease. Despite their smaller size compared to the best gaming PCs, these devices are far from underpowered, capable of running AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those times when you prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks can seamlessly connect most handheld gaming PCs to a gaming TV.

Our experts have hands-on experience with many of these powerful devices and have selected seven standout handheld gaming PCs. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the Asus ROG Ally Z1, perfect for indie games, there's something 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

20With double the battery life and significantly faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out as the premier handheld gaming PC on the market. Its enhancements make it an unbeatable 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 for extended gaming sessionsCONSStill using an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, shares the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original ROG Ally, but Asus has made significant improvements. These enhancements position the ROG Ally X as the top gaming handheld available today. It's equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, running at 7,400MHz, a substantial upgrade from the 16GB in the original model. This increase in RAM speed delivers an impressive performance boost, averaging around 12-15% in testing.

The slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery that's twice the size of the original. This design allows for extended gaming sessions without needing to recharge, and the enhanced cooling system prevents the touchscreen from overheating, a common issue with the original model.

The original 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. After a week of testing, the Asus ROG Ally X has proven itself as the best handheld gaming PC experience currently available, despite some past concerns with Asus's customer support.

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, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceIdeal for Steam-optimized gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck sparked the handheld gaming PC revolution with its custom SteamOS, supported by the Proton API, which enables it to run a wide range of optimized games.

For those interested in running Windows, it's possible to boot directly from the USB-C port, offering access to the best input controls available in a portable gaming device. Explore our detailed comparison between the Steam Deck and Rog Ally for more insights.

The Steam Deck OLED version enhances the experience with a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen. While maintaining the 1200x800 resolution, it offers improved clarity, better battery life, a higher refresh rate, and increased storage compared to the traditional LCD model.

Enhance your Steam Deck experience 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

7The Lenovo Legion Go, a powerful Steam Deck alternative, runs Windows 11 and features an expansive QHD display, making it a standout choice for serious 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 inchesPROSOutstanding performanceSuperior display qualityCONSLarge sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes the perfect balance between performance and premium design, setting it apart in the handheld gaming PC market. Its size is immediately noticeable, measuring 11.76 inches long and 5.16 inches tall with controllers attached, primarily due to its large 8.8-inch 1600p display.

Unlike other handhelds inspired by the Nintendo Switch, the Legion Go's display makes it resemble a Windows 11 tablet with an attached controller. Despite its size, it's 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 using the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve this issue. For experienced PC gamers comfortable with tweaking settings, the Lenovo Legion Go offers a versatile and stunning gaming experience, making it ideal for the hardcore gaming community.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3Featuring an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, this Windows 11 gaming portable delivers solid performance with a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD display.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 inchesPROS7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateHigh performanceCONSArmoury Crate software can be clunkyFor those seeking a Windows-based handheld superior to the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent choice. It runs Windows 11, enabling seamless access to various PC games and storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic, without the limitations of the Steam Deck.

Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally delivers top-tier performance. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the ROG Ally Z1. During testing, the Z1 Extreme managed high or ultra settings in many games with commendable frame rates, though this impacts battery life significantly, making a power bank a wise investment.

The ROG Ally's sleek design includes a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with adjustable resolution from 1080p to 720p and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the controllers offer responsive buttons, the D-pad feels slightly cheap, and a touchpad is absent for mouse-based games. However, a wireless mouse can be connected if needed. Overall, the ROG Ally is a mini Windows PC disguised as a gaming handheld.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This device combines the functionality of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring 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 inchesPROSIntegrated keyboardCompact designCONSHigh costThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles Sony's PSVita at first glance 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 a sliding Windows keyboard, enhancing the desktop operating system experience on the go.

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

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3This compact device boasts a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and packs significant power, making it an ultra-portable option for gamers on the move.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 sizeExpandable storage via Micro SD slotCONSLess powerful than other handheldsThe Ayaneo Air is one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs available, featuring a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU deliver substantial performance despite its compact size. Weighing just 0.87 lbs, it includes 512GB SSD storage with the option to expand via a Micro SD slot. While it may not match the power of other Windows-based handhelds, 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

1Priced $100 less than the Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is perfect for indie games, offering a budget-friendly yet powerful gaming experience.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 interfaceCONSChallenges with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an attractive option for those who appreciate the Z1 Extreme's design but seek a more affordable alternative. It runs Windows 11 with a 30W AMD APU featuring a Zen 4 processor and an RDNA 3 GPU. While it may struggle with AAA games at their highest settings on its 120Hz FHD seven-inch display, adjusting settings can improve gameplay. The device truly excels with indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we anticipate the next iteration of the Steam Deck, the handheld gaming market is set to see new entries powered by AMD's latest chipset. The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching 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. Another exciting announcement from CES 2025 is the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, featuring an impressive 11-inch screen, the largest yet from a major manufacturer.

Additionally, the upcoming Switch 2 from Nintendo, to be detailed in April during a Nintendo Direct, while not a PC gaming device, introduces mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, hinting at a gaming experience akin to PC 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 preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, though they are limited to games within certain specifications. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer the latest in GPU, CPU, and RAM technology, ideal for graphically intensive games, but may compromise on battery life and portability. They also provide additional functionality for tasks like editing. For more insights, see our guide on Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top recommendation and one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It boasts an intuitive interface, swift performance, and a sleek design. Running on Windows 11, it grants access to your entire PC gaming library, making it a versatile and powerful choice for gamers.