Portable Gaming Power: Unveil the Ultimate Mobile Gaming PCs

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. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled at CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market is booming. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or seeking the best alternative, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld PCs capable of handling even the most 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 impressive power 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 leading handheld gaming PCs. We present seven noteworthy contenders, ranging from the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, ideal for indie games.

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 reigns supreme. The AMD Z1 Extreme processor, coupled with 24GB of 7,400MHz LPDDR5 RAM, delivers a substantial performance boost. The improved cooling system and larger battery enable extended gaming sessions. While the Mobile XG port is gone, replaced by a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, the overall package is exceptional.

2. Valve Steam Deck: The Best Steam Deck

Running SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a 7-inch display and robust internals, excelling in Steam game compatibility. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. An OLED version provides enhanced visuals and battery life.

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

The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its large QHD display and powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset. While its size might be a drawback for some, the performance and screen quality are top-notch.

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

A Windows 11 powerhouse, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers excellent performance and a 120Hz FHD display. While the Armoury Crate software could be improved, its access to a wide range of games is a major plus.

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

Blending a mini-laptop form factor with gaming capabilities, the GPD Win 4 features a built-in keyboard and a 6-inch 1080p screen.

6. Ayaneo Air: The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

The Ayaneo Air prioritizes portability with its compact design and 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen. While less powerful than some competitors, its size makes it a compelling option.

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

A more budget-friendly alternative to the Z1 Extreme, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is well-suited for indie games. While AAA titles may require lower settings, it offers a solid gaming experience at a lower price point.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs:

The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS and Windows 11 versions), Acer Nitro Blaze 11 (with an 11-inch screen), and the Nintendo Switch 2 are anticipated releases.

FAQ:

Handheld Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but gaming laptops offer superior performance and broader functionality.

Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation.