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 heating up, offering more competition than ever before. The Asus ROG Ally X has taken the lead from the Steam Deck, thanks to its stellar performance, fast memory, and impressive battery life. With the announcement of the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025, the options for on-the-go gaming are expanding rapidly. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck or exploring best Steam Deck Alternatives, there are plenty of powerful handheld gaming PCs available that can handle 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 bulkier best gaming laptops, making gaming on the go a breeze. Despite their smaller size compared to best gaming PCs, these devices are equipped with the power to run AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. For those who prefer a larger screen, the best Steam Deck docks are compatible with most handheld gaming PCs, allowing you to connect to a gaming TV.

Our experts have thoroughly tested many of these devices, and here are the seven that stand out. From the high-performing Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, there's something for everyone.

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 a doubled battery and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has solidified its position as the best handheld gaming PC available. Its enhanced performance and extended playtime make it a top choice for gamers on the move. 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 hours of gamingCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, shares the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original ROG Ally, but with several key enhancements that propel it to the forefront of handheld gaming. The Z1 Extreme is paired with 24GB of LPDDR5 memory, clocked at 7,400MHz, a significant upgrade from the 16GB of RAM in the original model. This boost in memory speed contributes to a performance increase of around 12-15% in my tests.

The slightly thicker and heavier chassis accommodates an improved cooling system and a battery twice the size of the original model, allowing for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. The enhanced cooling also addresses the issue of overheating, ensuring a more comfortable gaming experience.

The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt 4, and the controversial MicroSD card slot has been upgraded for increased durability. Although I've only tested the Asus ROG Ally X for a week, I'll keep you updated on any potential hardware issues. Asus faced some challenges with customer support for the original ROG Ally, as highlighted by YouTuber Gamers Nexus, but the Asus ROG Ally X offers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5With Steam OS and a seven-inch display, the Valve Steam Deck is a powerful portable designed for games optimized for its platform. 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 gamesCONSTerrible battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck kickstarted the handheld gaming PC revolution with its custom SteamOS, which, thanks to the Proton API, supports a wide range of optimized games from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.

For those interested in running Windows, it's possible to boot directly from the USB-C port, offering access to one of the best input controls available in portable gaming. For a detailed comparison, see our full analysis of the Steam Deck vs. Rog Ally.

The Steam Deck OLED model offers a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen, still at 1200x800 resolution, but with enhanced clarity and visual experience. It also boasts improved battery life, a higher refresh rate, and more storage than 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 stands out as a Steam Deck alternative with Windows 11 and a large QHD display. 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 performanceBest display in a handheld gaming PCCONSLarge sizeWhen selecting a gaming PC, balancing performance and aesthetics is crucial. The Lenovo Legion Go excels in this regard. Its large 8.8-inch 1600p display sets it apart from competitors like the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally Z1, which draw inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. Despite its size, the Legion Go weighs a manageable 1.41 lb, though it may be challenging for users with smaller hands.

The high-resolution display can pose challenges for some games, but adjusting in-game settings can resolve these issues. For seasoned PC gamers, the Legion Go's flexibility and stunning visuals make it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance handheld gaming PC.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3With an AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme delivers robust performance on 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 inchesPROS7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rateImpressive performanceCONSArmoury Crate software can be clunkyThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, reviewed in 2023, is a top choice for Windows-based handheld gaming, offering seamless access to a wide range of PC games and services, including Xbox Game Pass and Epic. Unlike the Steam Deck, there are no significant limitations when playing non-Steam games. However, the Armoury Crate software was found to be somewhat cumbersome during our review.

Powered by the Z1 Extreme mobile processor with an 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally is one of the most powerful handhelds available. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the ROG Ally Z1. The Z1 Extreme can handle many games at high or ultra settings with commendable framerates, though this impacts battery life, making a power bank a worthwhile investment.

The ROG Ally features a sleek design with a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen, adjustable from 1080p to 720p, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers have responsive ABXY buttons, though the D-pad feels slightly cheap. While a touchpad would be beneficial for mouse-based games, the joysticks are reliable, and a wireless mouse can be connected if needed. Overall, the ROG Ally is a compact Windows PC designed for gaming on the go.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3The GPD Win 4 combines the convenience of a mini laptop with a gaming handheld, featuring a Windows keyboard and solid processors. 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 priceThe GPD Win 4, reviewed previously, resembles Sony's PSVita at first glance but offers much more. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and AMD Radeon 780m GPU, with a 6-inch 1080p screen. The standout feature is its sliding Windows keyboard, making it easy to use the desktop operating system on the go.

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

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3The Ayaneo Air offers a compact form factor with a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, delivering powerful performance in a highly portable package. See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROSPowerful performanceExpandable storage 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. It's powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon GPU, offering significant performance in a device that's just under two inches thin and weighs 2.6 lbs. With 512GB SSD storage and the option to expand via Micro SD, the Ayaneo Air is an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a budget-friendly option that's ideal for indie games, offering a slightly less powerful but still capable alternative to the Z1 Extreme. 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 interfaceCONSCan struggle with AAA games at 1080pIf you're interested in the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme but looking for a more affordable option, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a great choice. It runs Windows 11 and features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and four RDNA 3 CUs for the GPU. While it may struggle with AAA games at their highest settings on its 120Hz FHD display, lowering settings can enhance performance, making it perfect for indie games.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

As we await the next iteration of the Steam Deck, the gaming industry is set to see new handhelds 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. Additionally, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, announced at CES 2025, boasts an 11-inch screen, the largest seen on a handheld from a major manufacturer.

Finally, the upcoming Switch 2, to be detailed in the April Nintendo Direct, may feature mouse-like Joy-Con controllers, potentially bridging the gap between traditional handhelds and PC gaming devices.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

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

Your choice between a handheld gaming PC and a best gaming laptop depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but they are limited to games within their performance capabilities. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, offer the latest in GPU, CPU, and RAM technology, often at the expense of battery life and thermals. They are more versatile for tasks beyond gaming, like editing. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The ASUS Rog Ally X is our top recommendation and stands out as one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. It features a user-friendly interface, speedy performance, and a stunning design. Importantly, it runs Windows 11, giving you access to your entire PC gaming library.