For decades, gaming PCs have grown increasingly powerful, delivering gorgeous graphics and new gameplay styles that outpace their console counterparts. However, the most fascinating trend in today’s gaming PC market doesn’t think bigger—it thinks smaller.
Handheld PC gaming devices combine the strength and flexibility of a full-fledged computer with the ease and convenience of a device just small enough to slip into a bag or cargo pants pocket. This isn’t a new category, but the Steam Deck helped usher it into the mainstream in 2022. If you want to explore this expanding hardware type, check out our top portable gaming PC picks.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Valve Steam Deck OLED
Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The Steam Deck is still the handheld gaming PC to beat, and Valve has made it even more attractive with a refreshed model. Games look their best thanks to a dazzling 720p OLED display (7.4 inches) that makes colors pop. Other stealth improvements include enhanced battery life that delivers one to four extra hours of juice compared with the original model, and two to three times faster downloads thanks to Wi-Fi 6E.
Who It’s For
Anyone looking to dabble in PC gaming. The Linux-based SteamOS is a wonderfully approachable interface that pushes the Steam store and its rich library to the forefront. Get Valve’s official Steam Deck Dock for more perks such as easier firmware updates and the ability to output to a screen without a power supply.
PROS
- Fantastic OLED screen
- Improved battery
- Faster downloads
- Runs quietly
- Excellent emulation support
CONS
- Can barely handle the latest AAA releases
- Anti-glare screen only available for highest tier model
Learn More
Valve Steam Deck
Best Entry-Level Steam Deck
Why We Picked It
The original Steam Deck is still an impressive machine, with specs virtually identical to the newer OLED model. The 7-inch LCD screen has the same 1,280-by-800 pixel resolution as the OLED, though you lose Wi-Fi 6E download speeds and anywhere from one to four hours of battery life, depending on the game. The real hook is the price, which is significantly less than the OLED version.
Who It’s For
The original Steam Deck is now only available as a base-level model, so it’s suitable for anyone looking to dabble in this category. And it now offers 256GB of internal storage (up from 64GB before the OLED model’s introduction), giving you more bang for the buck.
PROS
- Powerful for its size
- Steam games run consistently well
- Terrific retro game emulation
- Dock compatibility adds TV and monitor support
- Full Linux desktop environment
- Cool LAN file transfers
CONS
- Single USB-C port limits connection options
- Unwieldy for a portable gaming system
- Game mods require lots of tinkering
Learn More
Asus ROG Ally
Best for Windows-Based Gaming
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Ally is a premium Windows 11-powered portable that features a beautiful 7-inch, 1080p/120Hz screen and beefy specs designed to handle that high resolution. That power comes with a cost, though, to the tune of just one hour of Cyberpunk 2077 gaming when unplugged.
Who It’s For
People familiar with Windows gaming. However, a full desktop interface isn’t always the easiest to navigate while on the go. As a result, Asus includes the optional Armoury Crate interface that consolidates your games in a single, tight menu. Regardless of your preferred interface, the Ally offers portable, full HD access to the broadest array of PC gaming marketplaces.
PROS
- Attractive 1080p 120Hz display
- Slick design and sturdy build
- Steady performance in most gaming scenarios
- Runs full Windows 11
- Decent battery life outside of gaming
- Asus software changes modes and remaps controls on the fly
CONS
- Many games require lower graphics settings for smooth performance
- Super short battery life while gaming
- Some finicky controls, particularly for navigating Windows
Learn More
Asus ROG Ally (Z1)
Best Entry-Level ROG Ally
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a less powerful (and less expensive) version of the Ally that’ll save you quite a bit of money. This model has the chops to run fairly demanding games, and it retains appealing features like a 7-inch, 1080p screen and the full Windows 11 operating system. PC gamers are used to having multiple hardware tiers at different price points to suit their unique needs, so it’s good to see that in the handheld space.
Who It’s For
Gamers interested in a more affordable Ally and who don’t mind sacrificing power to get one. In our tests, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla ran at 29 frames per second on the ROG Ally Z1 (1080p, medium settings) compared with 43fps (same settings) on the more powerful model. That’s not a bad trade-off if you want to save money.
PROS
- Cheaper than Z1 Extreme model
- Attractive 1080p 120Hz display
- Slick design and lightweight build
- Runs full Windows 11
- Asus software improves game library navigation
- Long battery life (outside of gaming)
CONS
- $100 savings tough to justify
- Battery life remains short while gaming
- Finicky controls, particularly for navigating Windows
Learn More
Lenovo Legion Go
Best Design
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion Go stands out from the pack with its supersized form factor that features an 8.8-inch QHD screen. It also features detachable Nintendo Switch-style controllers and an FPS mode that turns the right controller into an ergonomic mouse.
Who It’s For
Gamers who value innovation. The hefty Lenovo Legion Go has more creativity than we’ve seen from other handheld gaming PCs. All of its flashy features don’t always gel in practice, but experimentation is how innovation happens.
PROS
- Gorgeous 8.8-inch QHD screen
- Steady performance with many AAA games
- Runs full Windows 11
- Two USB-C ports
- Included carrying case
CONS
- Buggy Legion Space software
- Gaming at QHD rarely worth it
- FPS mode is clunky
- Detaching controllers is awkward
- Heavy
Learn More
Buying Guide: Steam Deck and Beyond: The Best Handheld Gaming Devices for 2024
What Is a Handheld PC Gaming Device?
A handheld PC gaming device is a computer designed for playing video games on the go. We’re not talking about laptops or tablets. Instead, they’re fully functional computers in a Nintendo Switch-like body. However, while the Switch is a locked-down console, a handheld gaming PC is a computer that does almost everything you expect a PC to do.
That’s because they typically run the Windows operating system or, in the Steam Deck’s case, Linux. You can install mods, experiment with accessories and peripherals, or tap the various gaming marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store or Xbox Game Pass. Many handheld gaming PCs also have custom interfaces that make it easier to purchase and launch games. Think SteamOS’ panel-driven front end, for example. With it, you can quickly access titles and menus tailored for the smaller screen.
That said, handheld gaming PCs also offer a traditional full desktop. However, navigating them on a small screen makes for a familiar but somewhat awkward user experience. These options satisfy newcomers migrating from consoles as well as hard-core PC gaming veterans.
How Powerful Are Handheld PC Gaming Devices?
Let’s be frank: A handheld PC gaming device can’t compete with a top-of-the-line gaming desktop. In fact, it’s sometimes better for a manufacturer to intentionally limit a handheld’s power to extend its battery life. Still, these portables can run many current, graphically stunning games in various visual settings. Valve verifies Steam games to let you know which ones are Steam Deck compatible. The verified list includes top releases such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Street Fighter 6.
With this much power, handheld gaming PCs are also spectacular retro gaming handhelds. They also shine as better remote play devices than, say, a mobile phone with a paired controller. Remember, these are just computers as open as any other, so let your tech-tinkering imagination run wild. Whatever you think you can do, you can at least attempt it with these portable PCs.
Recommended by Our Editors
Steam Deck Anniversary: One Year With Valve’s Powerful Handheld
As more handheld PC gaming devices make their way onto store shelves, we expect more innovation in this space. Have you scored one and need a recommendation on what to play? Check out our picks for the best PC games.
