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. The Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11, unveiled at CES 2025, further expand your on-the-go gaming options. Whether you prefer the Steam Deck or a top alternative, we've curated a selection of excellent 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 a compact alternative to bulky gaming laptops, delivering powerful performance for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Compatibility with docking stations allows for larger screen gaming on a gaming TV.
Our experts have reviewed several top contenders. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 (ideal for indie games), there's a device to suit every need.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru
Detailed reviews of each device follow, including specifications and pros/cons. (Note: The detailed reviews for each device are omitted here to maintain brevity, but the original text provides this information.)
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ:
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Handheld vs. Gaming Laptop: The choice depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but their specifications are more limited. Gaming laptops offer superior specs but often compromise on battery life, thermals, and portability. Laptops also offer broader functionality beyond gaming.
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Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation, offering a user-friendly interface, exceptional performance, and a sleek design. Its Windows 11 OS provides access to a wider range of games.
The article then concludes with a brief discussion of upcoming handheld gaming PCs, including the Lenovo Legion Go S, Acer Nitro Blaze 11, and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
