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

The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but it now faces fierce competition. Asus ROG Ally X snatched the top spot with superior performance, blazing-fast memory, and impressive 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're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring the best alternatives, we've curated a selection of exceptional handheld gaming PCs capable of tackling top PC games.

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 compact alternative to bulky gaming laptops, enabling gameplay virtually anywhere. Despite their smaller size, they pack the power to handle AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And for those who prefer larger screens, compatibility with docking stations allows connection to gaming TVs.

We've reviewed several high-performance handheld gaming PCs. From the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 (ideal for indie games), there's an option 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 superior performance thanks to its doubled battery life and significantly 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 (speed and capacity)Extended battery lifeCONSStill uses an IPS displayThe Asus ROG Ally X utilizes the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, but key improvements elevate it to the top. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (clocked at 7,400MHz) – a substantial upgrade from the original's 16GB – results in a noticeable 12-15% performance boost. A thicker chassis houses an improved cooling system and a battery with double the capacity of the original, enabling extended gaming sessions. The improved cooling also mitigates the overheating issues of the original model. The addition of a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port and a redesigned MicroSD card slot further enhance usability. While initial testing has been positive, ongoing evaluation will monitor for potential hardware issues. Despite past customer support concerns, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an exceptional handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Running SteamOS, this handheld features a 7-inch display and powerful internals, excelling in Steam-optimized 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 inchesPROSPowerful performanceExcellent Steam game compatibilityCONSPoor battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck, a pioneer in handheld PC gaming, utilizes SteamOS and Proton API 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 a superior screen and improved battery life. Consider pairing it with accessories and docks 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 Steam Deck competitor running Windows 11, features 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 performanceHigh-quality displayCONSBulky sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go balances performance and premium design. Its standout feature is its large 8.8-inch 1600p display, although this contributes to its larger size. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset delivers excellent performance, some games may require resolution adjustments. This handheld is ideal for experienced PC gamers comfortable with in-game settings tweaking.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3This Windows 11 handheld boasts a powerful AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA 3 GPU, delivering strong performance with 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 120Hz displayExcellent performanceCONSSomewhat clunky Armoury Crate softwareThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, a Windows 11 handheld, offers seamless access to PC games from various storefronts. Its powerful Z1 Extreme processor handles many games at high settings. While battery life is impacted by higher settings, a power bank is recommended. The device features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, responsive buttons, and reliable joysticks.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This mini-laptop style handheld features a built-in Windows keyboard, solid 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 price tagMore laptop-like than a traditional handheldThe GPD Win 4, resembling a Sony PS Vita, packs an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, AMD Radeon 780m GPU, and a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its key feature is a sliding keyboard, simplifying desktop OS use. Multiple configurations are available, ranging in price.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3This ultra-portable handheld features a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and a powerful processor.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 expansion slotCONSLower performance than other optionsThe Ayaneo Air, one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, boasts a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU with AMD Radeon graphics. Its compact size and 512GB SSD (expandable via MicroSD) make it a compelling option, despite slightly lower performance compared to others on the list.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1A more budget-friendly alternative to the Z1 Extreme, this Windows handheld excels in indie games.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 inchesPROSAffordableEasy-to-use interfaceCONSStruggles with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1, a more affordable option than the Z1 Extreme, features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics. While AAA games may require lower settings, it shines with indie titles. Its 7-inch 120Hz FHD display and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for casual and indie gamers.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Anticipation builds for the next generation of handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go S (launching February 14th, first with Windows 11, then SteamOS), and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 with its large 11-inch screen. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, while not a PC, warrants mention due to its potential mouse-like controls.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Handheld Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop?

The best choice depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds offer better portability, battery life, and thermal management, but are limited in terms of performance. Gaming laptops provide superior power but may compromise on battery life, thermals, and cost. Laptops also offer broader functionality beyond gaming.

Best Steam Deck Alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X is our top pick, offering a user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and a sleek design. Its Windows 11 OS provides access to a wider range of games.