Valves might have revolutionized cellular PC gaming Steam decknevertheless, increasingly handheld gaming PCs are in the marketplace, giving them powerful competitors. Beforehand, the Asus Rog Ally X knocked Steam’s merchandise from the highest spot due to spectacular efficiency, quick reminiscence and long-lasting battery, however there is a new favourite, Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Excessive, Steamos). With Xbox Ally X being introduced on the Xbox Video games Showcase, there are a lot of choices to have the sport prepared sooner or later. Are you chasing the steam deck itself or Greatest Steam Deck Alternate optionsI selected an excellent handheld recreation PC that is able to chew Prime PC Video games – Doom: Except you attempt to run The Darkish Ages.
TL;DR – These are the perfect handheld gaming PCs:
Somewhat than coping with bulk Recreation Laptop computerhandheld gaming PCs keep rather more compact dimensions and make them straightforward to play from virtually wherever. These gadgets are clearly considerably smaller Recreation PCthat does not imply they’re underpowered. Many handheld gaming PCs pack efficiency expertise to cruise AAA video games like Cyberpunk 2077. Steam deck dock Works seamlessly on most handheld gaming PCs so you may hook up with you Recreation TV.
Whereas within the cusp of the hand-held gaming PC Revolution, we obtained a superb portion of those extremely out there gadgets. Under are 4 present ones price contemplating:
1. Lenovo Legion go S (Z1 Excessive, Steamos)
The perfect handheld gaming PC
When the Lenovo Legion Go S first returned in February 2025, it was a sizzling mess. The configuration of the primary launched Lenovo was upset by the Weak Z2 GO processor, which did not pair effectively with Wined Home windows. Additionally, since I used to be working Home windows 11 and had 32GB of reminiscence, this weak handheld was simply as costly as the unique Legion preceded it, if not Moreso. Nevertheless, Lenovo straightened the ship by firing a Go S with Z1 Excessive and Steamos in-built.
This method remains to be costly. I am taking a look at $829 to get this mannequin, however that is a bit bit greater than the Asus Rog Ally X in my checks if it is a bit slower. Once we reviewed this new Lenovo Legion go S, we discovered that the Steamos-powered handheld beats the artificial benchmark Ally X by as much as 9%. That is not unhealthy contemplating the hand-held had a efficiency crown earlier than this method was introduced.
The elephant within the room is a steam deck. Even three years after its launch, it’s nonetheless an extremely common handheld, and it is not exhausting to see why. It is simple to make use of and is actually half the value of the GO S, however it’s not solely about getting a excessive decision show with this Legion GO, double efficiency. I used to be capable of get strong 60fps enjoying Gate 3 of Baldur and that is what I am Straight up was not doable with a steam deck. Whether or not it is price a better price ticket relies upon totally on what you are searching for.
However an excellent handheld gaming system is extra than simply uncooked efficiency. It additionally must be comfy to make use of. Additionally, regardless of the system being one of many largest issues I’ve used, and I used a lot of them – it’s extremely comfy. The Lenovo Legion go S has rounded edges that present one thing to carry onto, and the textured end makes it tough to get out of your arms.
The Go S has one of the lovely LCD shows I’ve seen shortly, proving that OLED isn’t the one option to take nice images in 2025. It isn’t as colourful because the steam deck OLED, however truthful, however the video games performed are nice. As Microsoft and Asus are ready for the discharge of the Rog Xbox Ally X later this yr, the Legion Go S is a PC gaming handheld that may hit.
2. AsusRog Ally x
Greatest Home windows Handheld Video games PC
The Asus Rog Ally X, reviewed final yr, might use the identical AMD Z1 Excessive processor as the unique Rog Ally, however Asus has made ample modifications to the hand-held to make it the perfect gaming handheld working window in the marketplace proper now. The Z1 Excessive comes with 24GB of LPDDR5 reminiscence clocked at 7,400MHz, which is considerably greater than the unique mannequin’s 16GB of RAM. This time the RAM is quicker, however it produces a tremendous efficiency elevate of round 12-15% on checks.
The Asas additionally made the chassis a bit thicker and heavier. It isn’t sufficient to note normally, however there is a motive behind the madness. The Asus Rog Ally X has a greater cooler and has twice the battery than the unique mannequin. This implies you could play video games for a number of hours earlier than beginning to run the charger. The improved cooler helps lengthy gaming classes by sucking sizzling air from the contact show, avoiding the new contact display points that bothered the unique mannequin. Plus, when paired with a gaming pillow like I do, you do not even discover a extreme improve.
The ASUS Cellular XG port on the unique mannequin has been eliminated and changed with a second USB-C port appropriate with Thunderbolt 4. ASUS hopes it would resist the controversial MicroSD card slot a bit extra injury. (In any case, Asus went into some sizzling water together with the unique Rog Ally due to some inactive buyer help documented by YouTuber Players Nexus.)
3. Valve Steam Deck
Greatest price range handheld gaming PC
Valve Steam Deck, which is answerable for popularizing handheld gaming PC Revolution, doesn’t even have Home windows put in. As an alternative, it makes use of Valve’s customized Steamos, and because of API Proton, Steam Deck helps dozens of video games optimized for moveable use, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5.
There’s a option to boot instantly from the USB-C port and run Home windows on a 7-inch show. Past that, it is among the greatest enter controls out there in a transportable gaming handheld. Try the whole comparability between Steam Deck and Rog Ally.
There may be additionally an OLED model of the Steam deck that’s thought of for customers preferring a bigger, brighter, and extra vibrant display. It’s nonetheless displayed at 1200×800 Steam deck OLED Gives a noticeable distinction and turns into clearer for a greater visible expertise. It additionally improves battery life, has a better refresh charge, and offers you extra storage than the 256GB supplied on the substitute LCD mannequin.
4. Lenovo Legion Go
Greatest Excessive Efficiency Handheld Recreation PC
When you find yourself about to purchase any type of gaming PC, there’s a steadiness you have to discover. You want one thing with unimaginable efficiency, however nonetheless seems to be just like the premium product you paid for. The identical goes for handheld gaming PCs. So the Lenovo Legion Go is such a catch. The Legion is a big measurement of 11.76 inches lengthy and 5.16 inches tall with the controller mounted on it, primarily because of the giant show.
Not like different handheld recreation PCs such because the Asus Rog Ally Z1, which takes numerous inspiration from steam decks and Nintendo Switches, Legion Go options an 8.8-inch 1600p show, making it a Home windows 11 pill with virtually a controller by itself. Fortunately, Lenovo was capable of maintain it down a bit and keep it at simply 1.41lbs. Even when it is lighter than it seems to be, it is tough for individuals with small arms to make use of it.
The 1600p show additionally causes a little bit of hassle. This makes use of the identical AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive chipset as Rog Ally, so some video games can have a little bit of an issue with native decision. This may be simply resolved by tinkering with in-game settings to decrease the decision. When you’re not used to doing hands-on troubleshooting, this is probably not the product for you. However if you happen to’re a longtime PC gamer like me, you may love how versatile and exquisite Lenovo Legion is and the way lovely it’s. This can be a handheld gaming laptop for the group of hardcore laptop video games.
Future Handheld Recreation PC
With the Lenovo Legion Go S right here, you may get the primary glimpse into the following technology of handheld gaming PCs. We had a tough begin with the AMD Z2 Go, however the latest factor within the Z1 Excessive is improbable. I am knocking RogAllyX on the pegs within the rankings. Extra handheld gaming PCs might be popping out for the remainder of the yr with extra highly effective variations just like the Z2 Excessive. Preserve a watch out for Lenovo Legion Go 2.
One handheld that makes use of the up to date chip is the Asus Rog Xbox Ally X. I’ve seen it a couple of instances, together with Gamescom2025. And I do know they will be tremendous cool on October sixteenth. We’ve to attend to see the way it holds up once we get it within the lab, however after placing it into apply, we’re undoubtedly excited.
Past that, we’re nonetheless ready for the hand-held gaming PC to announce the Z2 Excessive. This goes again to CES 2025. There are at present three well-known handhelds. announcement None of them can be found on this chip but. Actually, it is truly a race to see what comes first. I believe it is hilarious when the Xbox Ally X (the final of the introduced Z2 excessive gadget) turns into the primary market.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Ought to I purchase a handheld gaming PC or gaming laptop computer?
Relying on the way you wish to play the sport and which video games you wish to play, Recreation Laptop computer Or a handheld PC. Handheld earns greater factors with lifespan, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermal. Nevertheless, the hand-held is simply designed to play the sport as much as a selected specification. Gaming laptops are full of the newest GPUs, CPUs and RAM, probably on the expense of battery life, thermal and worth. Nevertheless, some are absolute beasts able to tackle even essentially the most graphical intensive video games. Laptops supply extra options relating to enhancing and different duties.
Try the information Steam deck and recreation laptop computer For extra data.
What’s the greatest steam deck various?
Asus Rog Ally X is one among them Greatest Steam Deck Alternate options. This recreation handheld gives an easy-to-use interface, speedy efficiency and gorgeous design. Most significantly, Home windows 11 Gaming Handheld offers you entry to your total PC gaming library.
How does Swap 2 evaluate to a steam deck?
In specs, the Swap 2 gives higher efficiency than the steam deck. Try the detailed comparability to see extra particulars.
Jackie Thomas is the {hardware} and buying information editor for videogameaddicted and PC Part Queen. You may comply with her @jackiecobra