For decades, gaming PCs have grown increasingly powerful, delivering gorgeous graphics and new technology that outpace their console counterparts. However, the most fascinating trend in the gaming PC market is the move toward smaller, more portable computers. Handheld PC gaming devices combine the strength and flexibility of a full-fledged computer with the ease and convenience of a device small enough to slip into a bag or cargo pants pocket. This isn't a new category, but the Steam Deck, an Editors' Choice winner, helped usher it into the mainstream in 2022. Since then, many rivals have given Valve's device a run for its money, with some like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go S arguably surpassing it. So, which portable should you purchase? Check out the best handheld gaming PCs we've tested to find out.
Overview
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![Valve Steam Deck OLED]()
Best for SteamOS GamingValve Steam Deck OLED
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![Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)]()
Best Steam Deck AlternativeLenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)
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![Asus ROG Xbox Ally X]()
Best Xbox HandheldAsus ROG Xbox Ally X
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![Asus ROG Ally]()
Best Entry-Level Windows HandheldAsus ROG Ally
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![Lenovo Legion Go 2]()
Best Legion Go With WindowsLenovo Legion Go 2
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![Lenovo Legion Go S]()
Best ErgonomicsLenovo Legion Go S
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![MSI Claw 8 AI+]()
Best for Big-Screen GamingMSI Claw 8 AI+
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Valve Steam Deck OLED]()
Best for SteamOS GamingValve Steam Deck OLED
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Steam Deck OLED helped kick off this new wave of handheld gaming PCs, and it's easy to see why. It gives you easy access to Steam (the best PC gaming store), and is a generally well-built piece of tech featuring a vivid OLED display, an enhanced battery that delivers one to four extra hours of juice compared with the now-defunct LCD model, and speedy downloads thanks to Wi-Fi 6E.
Who It's For
PC gaming novices: The Linux-based SteamOS offers a wonderfully approachable interface that puts the Steam store and its rich library at the forefront. Get Valve's official Steam Deck Dock for additional perks, including easier firmware updates and the ability to output to a screen without a power supply.
OLED enthusiasts: Raw horsepower isn't the only thing that makes games look beautiful. The Steam Deck's dazzling 720p OLED display (7.4 inches) delivers rich colors and high contrast that make game graphics pop.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.9 by 11.7 by 4.6 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1200 by 800 Operating System Steam OS 3 Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD APU RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 90 Screen Size 7.4 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.41 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Valve Steam Deck OLED Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)]()
Best Steam Deck AlternativeLenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a worthwhile handheld gaming PC when it runs Windows, but it's even better with SteamOS. The operating system enhances game performance and makes navigation easier on the 8-inch display. The SteamOS model also maintains the Legion Go S's existing strengths, like the excellent screen and comfortable build.
Who It's For
Steam gamers seeking more power and better ergonomics: The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is arguably a better Steam Deck than the Steam Deck itself. It runs titles faster than Valve's own device (we saw a 21% increase in frame rates during testing), and it feels better in the hand. It's an awesome alternative way to enter the SteamOS gaming ecosystem.
Legion Go fans who want better frame rates: The Legion Go S proves how much of an albatross that Windows can be on a handheld PC. By ditching the OS, the Go S runs games better across the board: the Steam-based Go S averaged 39fps in our tests, a 69% increase over the Windows version featuring the same hardware.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.8 by 11.7 by 5 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System SteamOS Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen Z2 Go RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 8 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 1.61 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Asus ROG Xbox Ally X]()
Best Xbox HandheldAsus ROG Xbox Ally X
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X isn't quite a dedicated Xbox handheld, but the partnership between Asus and Microsoft has resulted in an appealing device. The system delivers big power, comfortable grips, and an efficient battery for long play sessions. The OS minimizes more annoying aspects of Windows to boost performance, supports multiple game stores, and provides useful data on game compatibility.
Who It's For
Xbox fans: According to Microsoft, "everything is an Xbox." However, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is still ultimately a PC; it can't play games you’ve bought for your Xbox console unless they support Xbox Play Anywhere. However, the device is ideal for anyone who wants to play Forza Horizon 5 on the go.
Gamers who want maximum power: Even if you couldn't care less about Xbox, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X impresses with its raw power. The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip runs the graphically intensive Cyberpunk 2077 at nearly 60fps while squeezing out a terrific 3 hours of battery life. All handhelds sacrifice strength for portability, but this is the device to get for the most cutting-edge gaming performance on the go.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.9 by 11.4 by 4.7 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme RAM (as Tested) 24 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 7 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 13:42 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support AMD FreeSync Premium Weight 1.5 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Review -
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![Asus ROG Ally]()
Best Entry-Level Windows HandheldAsus ROG Ally
Pros & Cons
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
Gamers who want a streamlined Windows UI: The Windows OS is what makes the ROG Ally so versatile. 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, which presents your games in a single, tidy menu.
People who want to take their full PC library with them: Regardless of your preferred interface, the Ally offers portable, full HD access to the broadest array of PC gaming marketplaces. Windows 11 may have its drawbacks, but its convenient compatibility and mod support are huge strengths.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.83 by 11 by 4.4 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1,920 by 1,080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 7 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 8:37 Touch Screen Weight 1.34 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus ROG Ally Review -
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Credit: Joe Maldonado
![Lenovo Legion Go 2]()
Best Legion Go With WindowsLenovo Legion Go 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is another flagship product in Lenovo’s expanding Legion line. A premium model, the Go 2 impresses with a beefy AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU and gorgeous OLED display.
Who It's For
Legion fans who prefer Windows: Our other favorite Lenovo Legion Go model (the Go S) ditched Windows for Valve’s own SteamOS. However, the Legion Go 2 is a Windows 11 handheld, with all the benefits (compatibility, mods) and drawbacks (Windows bloat, performance hits) that come with it.
Switch fans curious about PC gaming: The Legion Go 2 isn't wildly different from its predecessor. In fact, it even brings back detachable controllers, a Switch-esque hardware feature that lets you play games in new ways.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.66 by 11.6 by 5.4 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 144 Screen Size 8.8 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 2:11:32 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 2.03 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E -
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![Lenovo Legion Go S]()
Best ErgonomicsLenovo Legion Go S
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion Go S streamlines the original model, keeping what worked while ditching the extra bulk. Additionally, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor enhances performance, and the 8-inch screen features VRR to minimize lag and screen tearing.
Who It's For
Players who want comfortable gaming sessions: Some gamers may be disappointed to see the Legion Go S lose some of its more creative and experimental features, such as detachable controllers. However, the end result is a handheld that's smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic than its predecessor.
Gamers who need a long battery life: If you have to recharge your portable device every 30 minutes, then it's not very portable. Fortunately, the Legion Go S's improved battery lasted nearly 9 hours in our video test and more than 90 minutes in our gaming test. It's great for long Fortnite sessions.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 5.02 by 11.7 by 0.8 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1900 x 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen Z2 Go RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 8 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 3:09 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 1.61 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Lenovo Legion Go S Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![MSI Claw 8 AI+]()
Best for Big-Screen GamingMSI Claw 8 AI+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The improved MSI Claw 8 AI+ supports the speedy Wi-Fi 7 and runs many games thanks to its Windows 11 operating system. It's a capable device that delivers on the dream of high-end PC gaming on the go, something considered impossible just a few years ago.
Who It's For
People who want to play on a big screen: The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is ideal for anyone who doesn't mind a large mobile gaming setup. The redesigned model's sheer size may impact comfort, but it makes good use of that bulk with an improved 8-inch, 16:10 screen and an 80WHr battery capable of about 2 hours of high-end gaming.
AI Users: The MSI Claw 8 AI+ features experimental AI that adjusts your game's settings for optimal performance. While AI remains a controversial topic, these customization features are far more useful than generating online slop.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.94 by 11.8 by 5 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 8 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:04 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.75 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review -
Compare Specs
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4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
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3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best for SteamOS Gaming | Best Steam Deck Alternative | Best Xbox Handheld | Best Entry-Level Windows Handheld | Best Legion Go With Windows | Best Ergonomics | Best for Big-Screen Gaming | Best for SteamOS Gaming | Best Steam Deck Alternative | Best Xbox Handheld |
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Weight | 1.41 | 1.61 | 1.5 | 1.34 | 2.03 | 1.61 | 1.75 | 1.41 | 1.61 | 1.5 |
Variable Refresh Support | None | AMD FreeSync Premium | None | None | AMD FreeSync Premium | |||||
Touch Screen | ||||||||||
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:42 | 8:37 | 2:11:32 | 3:09 | 21:04 | 13:42 | ||||
Screen Size | 7.4 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8.8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 | 8 | 7 |
Screen Refresh Rate | 90 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 144 | 120 | 120 | 90 | 120 | 120 |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 | 16 | 24 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 24 |
Processor | AMD APU | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | AMD APU | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
Panel Technology | OLED | IPS | IPS | IPS | OLED | IPS | IPS | OLED | IPS | IPS |
Operating System | Steam OS 3 | SteamOS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Steam OS 3 | SteamOS | Windows 11 |
Native Display Resolution | 1200 by 800 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1,920 by 1,080 | 1920 by 1200 | 1900 x 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 1200 by 800 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 |
Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Dimensions (HWD) | 1.9 by 11.7 by 4.6 inches | 0.8 by 11.7 by 5 inches | 1.9 by 11.4 by 4.7 inches | 0.83 by 11 by 4.4 inches | 1.66 by 11.6 by 5.4 inches | 5.02 by 11.7 by 0.8 inches | 0.94 by 11.8 by 5 inches | 1.9 by 11.7 by 4.6 inches | 0.8 by 11.7 by 5 inches | 1.9 by 11.4 by 4.7 inches |
Class | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 512 | 1 | 512 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 512 | 1 |
Buying Guide: Steam Deck and Beyond: The Best Handheld Gaming PCs for 2026
What Is a Handheld PC Gaming Device?
A handheld PC gaming device is a computer designed for playing video games on the go. I'm not talking about laptops or tablets. Instead, they're fully functional computers in a Nintendo Switch-like body. That's where the similarities end. The Switch is a locked-down console, while a handheld gaming PC does almost everything you expect a PC to do, from surfing the web to installing mods.
That's because they typically run the Windows operating system or, in the Steam Deck's case, Linux. You can experiment with accessories and peripherals or tap the various gaming marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store, Steam, or Xbox Game Pass. Many handheld gaming PCs also have custom interfaces that make purchasing and launching games easier. 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 creates a familiar but somewhat awkward user experience.
SteamOS vs. Windows: Which Is the Best Handheld OS?
Besides hardware, a handheld gaming PC's operating system greatly impacts the user experience. The Steam Deck uses SteamOS, Valve's custom operating system. It’s based on Linux, so it employs a bespoke compatibility layer called Proton to run Windows games. This can cause some translation issues and lead to many games simply not working. However, because SteamOS is designed specifically for handheld gaming PCs, it offers great performance with an intuitive interface. Valve has begun licensing SteamOS to other hardware manufacturers, so you can enjoy it on a device that isn't a Steam Deck.
Recommended by Our Editors
Still, many handheld gaming PC use a version of Windows, which has far fewer compatibility issues. Games just run. However, Windows isn't specifically designed for these mobile devices, causing issues of its own. For example, Windows' infamous bloat drains batteries and offers slower performance compared with SteamOS. In addition, navigating Windows on a handheld is often a clunky experience because the OS is made for traditional computers.
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 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and UFO 50.
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.
Don't Sleep on the Switch
Not a PC gamer? Check out the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 for more portable gaming.