Unleash Mobile Gaming Prowess: The Ultimate Handheld PCs Revealed

The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competition is heating up. The Asus ROG Ally X now leads the pack, surpassing the Steam Deck with superior performance, faster memory, and extended battery life. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 debuting at CES 2025, the handheld PC market is booming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling demanding AAA titles.

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 Buy

Handheld gaming PCs offer superior portability compared to bulky gaming laptops, delivering powerful performance for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Many are compatible with docking stations, enabling connection to larger displays.

Our experts have thoroughly tested several leading handheld gaming PCs. The following seven stand out, 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

Detailed Reviews:

1. Asus ROG Ally X – The Best Handheld Gaming PC

7 Images

Boasting double the battery life and significantly faster memory than its predecessor, the Asus ROG Ally X sets a new standard for handheld gaming. Its AMD Z1 Extreme processor, coupled with 24GB of high-speed LPDDR5 RAM, delivers a noticeable performance boost. The improved cooling system and larger battery ensure extended playtime. While the Mobile XG port is gone, replaced by a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, the overall package is exceptional.

2. Valve Steam Deck – The Best Steam Deck

29 Images

Running SteamOS and utilizing Proton, the Steam Deck provides access to a vast library of Steam games. While lacking Windows, its excellent controls and optional OLED version (with improved battery life, refresh rate, and storage) make it a compelling choice.

3. Lenovo Legion Go – The Best High-Performance Handheld Gaming PC

6 Images

The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its large QHD display and powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. While its size might be a drawback for some, the impressive performance and screen quality cater to hardcore PC gamers.

4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme – The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

7 Images

Running Windows 11, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers seamless access to various game stores and provides excellent performance, though battery life can be a concern at higher settings.

5. GPD Win 4 – The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

12 Images

Blending a mini-laptop form factor with gaming capabilities, the GPD Win 4 features a built-in keyboard, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity.

6. Ayaneo Air – The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

20 Images

The Ayaneo Air prioritizes portability with its compact size and 5.5-inch OLED display, offering a balance of power and convenience.

7. Asus ROG Ally Z1 – The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

7 Images

A more budget-friendly option than the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 excels in indie games, though AAA titles may require lower settings.

Upcoming and FAQ:

Information on upcoming handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go S, Acer Nitro Blaze 11, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is included, along with a comparison of handheld gaming PCs versus gaming laptops. The Asus ROG Ally X is highlighted as the best Steam Deck alternative.