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

The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competition is heating up. The Asus ROG Ally X now tops our list, surpassing the Steam Deck with superior performance, faster memory, and longer battery life. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled 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

Valve Steam Deck

Lenovo Legion Go

Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

GPD Win 4

Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

Asus ROG Ally Z1

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 experiences.

Our experts have reviewed several top contenders. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 (ideal for indie games), there's an option for every gamer.

Contributors: Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

Detailed Reviews:

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

Boasting double the battery life and significantly faster memory than its predecessor, the Asus ROG Ally X leads the pack. Its AMD Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (7,400MHz), and 1TB NVMe SSD deliver exceptional performance. The improved cooling 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 a significant upgrade.

2. Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck

Running SteamOS with Proton compatibility for a wide range of games, the Steam Deck features a 7-inch display and robust internals. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version offers improved visuals and battery life.

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

The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its large 8.8-inch 1600p display and AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset. While its size might be a drawback for some, its performance and screen quality are top-notch. In-game settings adjustments may be needed to optimize performance at the native resolution.

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

A Windows 11 powerhouse, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme features an AMD Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU, offering excellent performance with a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD. While the Armoury Crate software could use improvement, its raw power makes it a strong contender.

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

Blending a mini-laptop design with gaming capabilities, the GPD Win 4 features a built-in keyboard, a 6-inch 1080p screen, and an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU with AMD Radeon 780M GPU. Its compact size and keyboard make it unique in the market.

6. Ayaneo Air: The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

The Ayaneo Air prioritizes portability with its 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen, AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, and AMD Radeon GPU. While less powerful than others, its compact size and weight make it a compelling choice.

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

A more budget-friendly option than the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 still delivers solid performance for indie games. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 APU and 120Hz FHD screen provide a good gaming experience, although AAA titles may require lower settings.

(Images are included as per the original input, maintaining their original format and positions.)

Upcoming Handhelds & FAQ: The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows versions), Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 are also discussed, along with a comparison of handheld PCs versus gaming laptops. The Asus ROG Ally X is highlighted as the best Steam Deck alternative.