Handheld gaming PCs are changing the game for mobile PC gamers. While Valve’s Steam Deck kicked off this revolution, a growing number of powerful competitors are now on the scene. The Asus ROG Ally X briefly held our top recommendation with its impressive performance, fast memory, and long battery life. However, our new favorite is the Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS). With the upcoming Xbox Ally X also announced, you’ll soon have even more fantastic options for taking your games anywhere. Whether you’re interested in the original Steam Deck or one of its best alternatives, we’ve carefully picked out the best handheld gaming PCs that can handle even the most demanding PC games – just don’t expect them to effortlessly run titles like Doom: The Dark Ages.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Handheld Gaming PCs:
Forget lugging around a bulky gaming laptop; handheld gaming PCs offer a much more portable way to play from virtually anywhere. Don’t let their smaller size fool you – these devices are surprisingly powerful, capable of running demanding AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 with ease. And if you ever want a bigger screen experience, a good Steam Deck dock can effortlessly connect most handhelds to your gaming TV.
We’re truly at the dawn of a new era for handheld PC gaming. We’ve had the chance to rigorously test many of these impressive devices, and here are our top four recommendations.
1. Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS)
The Best Handheld Gaming PC
When the Lenovo Legion Go S first launched in February 2025, it faced a rocky start. The initial version struggled with the underpowered Z2 Go processor and Windows, making it costly without delivering adequate performance. However, Lenovo has since made a smart recovery by releasing the Go S with the powerful Z1 Extreme and the optimized SteamOS, turning it into a formidable contender.
Despite its $829 price tag, which is slightly more than the Asus ROG Ally X, the Lenovo Legion Go S proves its worth. My tests showed this SteamOS-powered handheld outperforming the Ally X in synthetic benchmarks by up to 9%, a significant achievement given the Ally X previously held the performance lead.
Of course, the Steam Deck remains a strong presence. Three years on, it’s still incredibly popular, offering ease of use and a price point half that of the Go S. However, the Legion Go S delivers a higher resolution display and up to double the performance. For instance, I achieved a consistent 60fps in Baldur’s Gate 3, a feat unattainable on the Steam Deck. The value of this performance boost at a higher cost ultimately depends on individual priorities.
Beyond raw power, a truly great handheld gaming system must offer comfort. Despite its larger size, the Lenovo Legion Go S excels in ergonomics, featuring rounded edges for a secure grip and a textured finish that prevents slipping during long gaming sessions.
The Go S boasts one of the most stunning LCD displays I’ve encountered, demonstrating that exceptional visual quality isn’t exclusive to OLED panels in 2025. While not as vibrant as the Steam Deck OLED, it makes every game look fantastic. As we anticipate the Microsoft and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X later this year, the Legion Go S currently sets the standard for PC gaming handhelds.
2. Asus ROG Ally X
The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC
While the Asus ROG Ally X, reviewed last year, retains the AMD Z1 Extreme processor from its predecessor, Asus has implemented subtle yet impactful upgrades. A significant leap to 24GB of faster LPDDR5 7,400MHz memory, up from 16GB, translates into a noticeable 12-15% performance boost in our tests, establishing it as the top Windows handheld gaming PC available.
Asus also opted for a slightly thicker and heavier chassis, a deliberate choice with significant benefits. The ROG Ally X features an enhanced cooling system and a battery double the size of the original, allowing for hours of uninterrupted gaming. The improved cooling also prevents the touch display from overheating during extended play. Personally, when paired with a gaming pillow, the added weight becomes virtually unnoticeable.
The original Asus Mobile XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port, offering Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. Furthermore, the problematic MicroSD card slot, which caused customer service issues with the previous ROG Ally, has been upgraded to a more robust version, hopefully addressing past durability concerns.
3. Valve Steam Deck
The Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC
The Valve Steam Deck is credited with igniting the handheld gaming PC trend. Unlike its Windows-based counterparts, it runs on Valve’s proprietary SteamOS. Thanks to the Proton compatibility layer, the Steam Deck boasts support for a vast library of games optimized for portable play, including major titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.
While it’s possible to install Windows on the 7-inch device by booting directly from a USB-C port, the Steam Deck truly shines with its exceptional built-in input controls, arguably among the best on any portable gaming handheld.
For those seeking a premium visual experience, the Steam Deck OLED variant is a compelling choice. Although it maintains the 1200×800 resolution, its OLED screen delivers significantly brighter, more vibrant visuals and enhanced clarity. This model also boasts superior battery life, a higher refresh rate, and expanded storage compared to the standard LCD version.
Don’t forget to explore the best Steam Deck accessories and docks to further enhance your portable gaming experience.
4. Lenovo Legion Go 2
If You Want OLED
The original Lenovo Legion Go was a pioneering Windows-based handheld from a major manufacturer, and its successor, the Lenovo Legion Go 2, marks a clear shift towards a more premium market.
The Legion Go 2’s price point is notable, starting at $1,099 for the base model (AMD Z2 APU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD). For the full premium experience with its OLED display, the AMD Z2 Extreme and 32GB RAM configuration pushes the cost to at least $1,349. This is a considerable investment for a handheld, especially when a comparably priced gaming laptop could offer superior performance.
Despite the price, the Legion Go 2 is no slouch in performance. My review indicated it was 10-20% faster than the Z1 Extreme in comparable setups. Paired with its stunning OLED display, it delivers a significantly enhanced gaming experience over its predecessor. While the display is now OLED with a 144Hz refresh rate and VRR, the resolution has been adjusted from 2560×1600 down to 1920×1200. This change is logical, as the original Legion Go’s hardware struggled to effectively drive the higher 1600p resolution.
The Go 2 retains the original’s removable controllers but features a more intuitive button layout. The ‘start’ and ‘select’ buttons are now positioned like those on a standard controller, and dedicated buttons provide quick access to the desktop and Task View for seamless app switching. While the long-term utility of these additions will depend on the upcoming Xbox Full Screen Experience, they currently make navigating Windows on the device much smoother.
Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs
With the arrival of the Lenovo Legion Go 2, we’re seeing the first signs of the next generation of handheld gaming PCs. After a somewhat challenging introduction with the AMD Z2 Go, the Z2 Extreme in the Legion Go 2 signals the entry of more high-performance handhelds into the market.
The upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is set to utilize this advanced chip. Having previewed it at Gamescom 2025, we now know it will launch on October 16 with a $999 price tag. Its collaborative development with Microsoft is particularly exciting, as it promises software optimizations that could elevate its performance to rival even the Steam Deck.
I’ve personally experimented with installing the new Xbox Full Screen Experience, intended for the Xbox Ally X, on its previous model. This significantly boosted gaming performance by reducing the load from Windows’ heavier operating system components. I’m eager to get the Xbox Ally X into the lab; its Z2 Extreme processor and optimized software could truly challenge Steam-based handhelds like the Legion Go S.
Handheld Gaming PC FAQ
Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Choosing between a handheld gaming PC and a gaming laptop depends on your gaming style and the types of games you play. Handhelds often excel in areas like battery life, optimization, portability, and thermal management. However, their performance is tailored for specific gaming demands. Gaming laptops, while potentially sacrificing battery life and increasing cost, pack more powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM, making them ideal for the most graphically intensive titles and offering broader functionality for productivity and creative tasks.
For a more detailed breakdown, consult our comprehensive guide comparing the Steam Deck to gaming laptops.
What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?
The Asus ROG Ally X stands out as a prime alternative to the Steam Deck. This Windows 11 gaming handheld boasts an intuitive interface, rapid performance, and a sleek design. Crucially, it provides full access to your entire PC gaming library.
How does the Switch 2 compare to the Steam Deck?
Spec-wise, the Switch 2 offers superior performance compared to the Steam Deck. Dive into our detailed comparison for a full overview.
Jackie Thomas, IGN’s Hardware and Buying Guides Editor and the ‘PC components queen,’ is the author of this article.