Portable Gaming PCs: Top Picks for On-the-Go Gaming

Valve's Steam Deck revolutionized portable PC gaming, but the market is exploding with compelling alternatives. The Asus ROG Ally X, boasting impressive performance, rapid memory, and exceptional battery life, has even surpassed the Steam Deck in our rankings. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 debuting at CES 2025, the choices for on-the-go gaming are expanding rapidly. Whether you're eyeing the Steam Deck or exploring the best alternatives, we've curated a selection of top-tier handheld gaming PCs capable of handling the most demanding PC games.

TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs

Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X

20See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy### Valve Steam Deck

5See it at SteamSee it at Amazon### Lenovo Legion Go

7See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### GPD Win 4

3See it at Amazon### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo ### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyHandheld gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative to bulky gaming laptops, providing portability without sacrificing power. Despite their compact size, many models deliver the performance needed to smoothly run AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. And for those who prefer larger screens, compatibility with docking stations allows seamless connection to gaming TVs.

Our experts have rigorously tested several high-performance handhelds. Below are seven standout devices, ranging from the powerful Lenovo Legion Go to the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1, catering to diverse gaming needs and preferences.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

Asus ROG Ally X

7 Images1. Asus ROG Ally X

The Best Handheld Gaming PC

Our Top Pick### Asus ROG Ally X

20The Asus ROG Ally X boasts superior battery life and significantly faster memory than its predecessor, solidifying its position as the leading handheld gaming PC.See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Z1 ExtremeGPUAMD Z1 ExtremeWeight1.49 lbsRAM24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz SSD1TB NVMe SSD Dimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 – 1.45 inchesPROSEnhanced memory and speed compared to the original ROG AllyExtended 80Wh battery for hours of gameplayCONSStill utilizes an IPS displayWhile using the same AMD Z1 Extreme processor as the original, the Asus ROG Ally X boasts significant upgrades. The 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM (clocked at 7,400MHz) represents a substantial improvement over the original's 16GB, resulting in a 12-15% performance boost. A thicker, heavier chassis houses a superior cooling system and a battery twice the size of the original, enabling extended gaming sessions. The improved cooling effectively addresses the overheating issues of the original model. The addition of a second Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port and a redesigned MicroSD card slot further enhance usability. Despite some past customer support concerns, the Asus ROG Ally X delivers an exceptional handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images2. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Steam Deck

### Valve Steam Deck

5Running SteamOS, this handheld features a 7-inch display and powerful internals, excelling in Steam game compatibility.See it at SteamSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPU4-core, 8-thread AMD Zen 2RAM16GB LPDDR5GPU8-core AMD RDNA 2SSD256GBWeight1.47 lbDimensions11.7 × 4.6 × 1.9 inchesPROSPowerful performanceExcellent Steam game compatibilityCONSPoor battery lifeThe Valve Steam Deck, a pioneer in the handheld PC gaming revolution, utilizes SteamOS and Proton API for broad game support, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. Windows can be installed via USB-C boot. The device boasts excellent control ergonomics. An OLED version offers enhanced visuals, battery life, refresh rate, and storage. Consider pairing it with compatible accessories and docking stations.

Lenovo Legion Go

6 Images3. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

### Lenovo Legion Go

7The Lenovo Legion Go, a Windows 11 handheld, offers exceptional performance and a large QHD display.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5XGPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB SSDWeight1.41 lbDimensions1.6 x 11.76 x 5.16 inchesPROSExceptional performanceHigh-quality displayCONSLarge sizeThe Lenovo Legion Go strikes a balance between performance and premium design. Its substantial size, featuring an 8.8-inch 1600p display, is noteworthy. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset delivers strong performance, users might need to adjust in-game settings for optimal results at the native resolution. This handheld is ideal for experienced PC gamers comfortable with minor configuration adjustments.

Asus ROG Ally – Photos

7 Images4. Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

### Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

3This Windows 11 handheld delivers robust performance thanks to its AMD Zen 4 CPU and AMD RDNA GPU, featuring a 120Hz 7-inch FHD LCD.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeRAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeSSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.24 lbDimensions11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROS7-inch Full HD 120Hz displayHigh performanceCONSClunky Armoury Crate softwareThe Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, a Windows 11 device, offers seamless access to PC games and storefronts, unlike the Steam Deck's limitations with non-Steam titles. Its powerful Z1 Extreme processor handles high settings in many games. However, high settings impact battery life. The device features a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and responsive controllers, though the D-pad feels somewhat cheap. A wireless mouse may be needed for some games.

GPD Win 4 – Photos

12 Images5. GPD Win 4

The Best Handheld Gaming PC with a Keyboard

### GPD Win 4

3This mini-laptop style handheld features a built-in Windows keyboard, a solid processor, and a 6-inch 1080p screen.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 7 CPURAM16GB / 32GB LPDDR5GPUAMD Radeon 780MSSD1TB / 2TBWeight‎1.32 lbDimensions8.66 x 3.62 x 1.1 inchesPROSIntegrated keyboardCompact designCONSHigh price tagResembling a mini-laptop more than a traditional handheld, the GPD Win 4 boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, AMD Radeon 780m GPU, and a 6-inch 1080p screen. Its standout feature is the integrated sliding keyboard, enhancing desktop OS usability. Multiple configurations are available, with varying RAM and SSD storage options.

Ayaneo Air – Photos

20 Images6. Ayaneo Air

The Most Portable Handheld Gaming PC

### Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

3This ultra-portable handheld features a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and delivers impressive power for its size.See it at AmazonSee it at Ayaneo Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 CPURAM16GBGPUAMD RadeonSSD512GB SSDWeight0.87 lbDimensions8.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inchesPROSPowerful performance for its sizeMicroSD card slot for storage expansionCONSLower performance compared to larger modelsThe Ayaneo Air, one of the smallest handheld gaming PCs, features a 5.5-inch OLED FHD screen and a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU with AMD Radeon GPU. Its compact size and light weight (0.87 lb) make it highly portable. While less powerful than some competitors, its size and 512GB SSD (expandable via MicroSD) make it a worthwhile option.

Asus ROG Ally Z1

7 Images7. Asus ROG Ally Z1

The Best Handheld Gaming PC for Indie Games

### Asus ROG Ally Z1

1A more budget-friendly alternative to the Z1 Extreme, this Windows handheld excels in indie games.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1RAM16GB LPDDR5GPUAMD RDNA 3SSD512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMeWeight1.34 lbDimensions0.83 x 11 x 4.4 inchesPROSBudget-friendlyUser-friendly interfaceCONSStruggles with AAA games at 1080pThe Asus ROG Ally Z1, a more affordable option than the Z1 Extreme, features a 30W AMD APU with a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics. While AAA games may require lower settings, it performs admirably with indie titles. The 120Hz FHD screen on this 7-inch handheld provides a smooth gaming experience.

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Anticipation builds for the next generation of handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go S (February 14th release), the first third-party SteamOS handheld, and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, featuring a large 11-inch screen. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, while not a PC, is also generating considerable interest.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Handheld PC vs. Gaming Laptop?

The best choice depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds offer better battery life, portability, and thermal management but are limited in terms of specifications. Gaming laptops offer superior performance and functionality but often compromise on battery life, thermals, and price.

Best Steam Deck Alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X is our top pick, offering a user-friendly interface, high performance, and an attractive design, along with full access to your PC game library via Windows 11.