With the recent launch of devices like the Xbox Ally X, it’s clear that handheld gaming PCs are here to stay. For many of us, myself included, these compact gadgets have become the preferred way to dive into our Steam and other PC game libraries when away from our main desk. They’ve even started to fill the role that gaming laptops once did for quick gaming sessions or travel.
This evolution begs the question: why invest in a gaming laptop in 2025 when handheld gaming PCs are steadily increasing in power and portability? If your primary need is an alternative device for gaming on the move, gaming laptops might seem less appealing. However, as handheld PCs become pricier, the distinction between these two categories grows increasingly blurry.
Handheld Gaming PCs Have Come a Long Way
While handheld gaming PCs aren’t a brand-new concept – some might even trace their origins back to devices like the Linux-based Pandora in 2010 – it was truly the Steam Deck that ignited their widespread popularity. Its affordability and intuitive user experience made PC gaming on a handheld accessible to everyone, not just tech enthusiasts.
In the few years since the Steam Deck debuted, nearly every major computer manufacturer has rushed to develop their own handheld gaming devices. Unlike Valve, companies such as Lenovo don’t have the luxury of offsetting hardware costs with software sales, which explains why many of these newer handhelds come with a steeper price tag than the original Steam Deck.
No matter which modern handheld you choose, you can generally play a vast library of games. Just be prepared to adjust your graphics settings. The good news is, you no longer need to carry a bulky gaming laptop just to enjoy titles like Path of Exile 2 during your travels.
The Pricing Problem
Gaming laptops aren’t just less convenient than handheld PCs due to their size; they also typically come with a higher price tag. While devices like the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2 have raised eyebrows with their premium costs, gaming laptops have always been a significant investment. For instance, an entry-level Acer Nitro V with an RTX 5050 and Core i7 processor might start around $900 – and that’s just the starting point. High-end gaming laptops can easily soar into several thousands of dollars.
Consider a top-tier gaming laptop like the Razer Blade 16, known for its sleek design and powerful performance. While visually appealing, its price begins at $1,899 for an RTX 5060 configuration, significantly surpassing the cost of even advanced handhelds like the Legion Go 2. Opting for an RTX 5090 model could set you back $4,499. While undeniably more powerful than any current handheld, this highlights a substantial financial difference.
Historically, handhelds were envisioned as complementary devices, perfect for gaming on the side of a main desktop PC or laptop – a role I personally embrace. The original Steam Deck, launched at a more accessible $529 with a 256GB SSD, embodied this perfectly. It wasn’t about raw power matching a high-end PC, but about convenience, letting me play indie games in bed while listening to podcasts. Many current gaming PCs fit a similar usage pattern. However, as much as I appreciate modern handhelds, I doubt I would have initially invested in one if the Steam Deck had cost upwards of a thousand dollars.
In contrast, gaming laptops are designed as primary computing devices. They offer superior power, enabling you to play most games at higher resolutions and with better visual fidelity compared to handhelds. Crucially, their capabilities extend far beyond just gaming.
Gaming Laptops Aren’t Going Anywhere
Despite spending considerable time reviewing handheld devices, I consistently find myself returning to my main PC. It’s the versatility that draws me back – the ability to seamlessly switch from a demanding game like World of Warcraft to a productivity task in Adobe Premiere. This all-in-one capability is a core strength of gaming laptops, and it’s where handheld PCs still fall short, even as their price points begin to rival traditional laptops.
Many new handhelds ship with a full version of Windows, yet they’re still far from replacing gaming laptops as primary machines. Frankly, some even struggle to offer a truly seamless gaming-only experience. While interfaces like the Xbox Full Screen Experience attempt to improve controller navigation for launching games or browsing, their functionality for anything beyond basic tasks remains limited.
Attempting serious work on a device like the Xbox Ally X is technically feasible, but it demands significant effort. You’d need to navigate to the desktop, connect external peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, and likely an external monitor, just to comfortably use most productivity applications. While a handheld can mimic a traditional PC, the numerous extra steps involved often make it more trouble than it’s worth.
Ultimately, for individuals who need a single, versatile PC, a gaming laptop remains the more practical choice. This is especially true as the price difference between high-end handhelds and entry-to-mid range gaming laptops shrinks. Laptops not only deliver a superior gaming experience but also handle everyday productivity tasks with ease, freeing you from the hassle of connecting multiple accessories just to get things done.
Handheld gaming PCs truly shine as companions to an existing main gaming setup, particularly for those with extensive Steam libraries. It’s questionable whether manufacturers like Lenovo and Asus should position these secondary devices at price points comparable to full-fledged gaming laptops, given the inherent limitations.