For many years, gaming PCs have grown more and more highly effective, delivering beautiful graphics and new gameplay types that outpace their console counterparts. Nonetheless, probably the most fascinating development in right now’s gaming PC market doesn’t assume greater—it thinks smaller. Handheld PC gaming units mix the energy and adaptability of a full-fledged laptop with the benefit and comfort of a tool simply sufficiently small to slide right into a bag or cargo pants pocket. This isn’t a brand new class, however the Steam Deck, an Editors’ Selection winner, helped usher it into the mainstream in 2022. Try our prime moveable gaming PC picks to discover this increasing {hardware} kind.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
Greatest General
Valve Steam Deck OLED
Execs & Cons
Implausible OLED display
Improved battery
Sooner downloads
Runs quietly
Wonderful emulation assist
Can barely deal with the most recent AAA releases
Anti-glare display solely out there for highest tier mannequin
Why We Picked It
The Steam Deck remains to be the hand held gaming PC to beat, and Valve has made it much more enticing with a refreshed mannequin. Video games look their finest due to a stunning 720p OLED show (7.4 inches) that makes colours pop. Different stealth enhancements embody enhanced battery life that delivers one to 4 further hours of juice in contrast with the unique mannequin, and two to a few instances quicker downloads due to Wi-Fi 6E.
Who It is For
Anybody seeking to dabble in PC gaming. The Linux-based SteamOS is a splendidly approachable interface that pushes the Steam retailer and its wealthy library to the forefront. Get Valve’s official Steam Deck Dock for extra perks resembling simpler firmware updates and the flexibility to output to a display with no energy provide.
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Valve Steam Deck OLED Evaluate
Greatest for Home windows-Based mostly Gaming
Asus ROG Ally X
Execs & Cons
Improved design and inputs
Bigger battery steeply improves run time
Snappy processing efficiency and 1TB SSD
Runs full Home windows 11
Spectacular customized software program
Restricted graphics potential
We sort of miss the unique design
Price the additional $100 however approaching laptop computer pricing
Why We Picked It
The ROG Ally X is our favourite model of the already spectacular Asus handheld PC line. It improves nearly all points, together with inputs, battery life, and storage. In fact, it retains full Home windows 11 compatibility, which makes it a breeze to run every kind of PC video games (and mods).
Who It is For
The Asus ROG Ally X is probably the most aggressive Steam Deck different. It is for players who need a premium handheld gaming PC and entry to all of their Home windows PC video games with out worrying about SteamOS-related compatibility points. Current ROG homeowners might not have to improve, however it is a nice method to enter the moveable PC scene.
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Asus ROG Ally X Evaluate
Greatest Entry-Stage Steam Deck
Valve Steam Deck
Execs & Cons
Highly effective for its dimension
Steam video games run constantly nicely
Terrific retro sport emulation
Dock compatibility provides TV and monitor assist
Full Linux desktop surroundings
Cool LAN file transfers
Single USB-C port limits connection choices
Unwieldy for a conveyable gaming system
Recreation mods require numerous tinkering
Why We Picked It
The unique Steam Deck remains to be a formidable machine, with specs nearly similar to the newer OLED mannequin. The 7-inch LCD display has the identical 1,280-by-800 pixel decision because the OLED, although you lose Wi-Fi 6E obtain speeds and anyplace from one to 4 hours of battery life, relying on the sport. The true hook is the value, which is considerably lower than the OLED model.
Who It is For
The unique Steam Deck is now solely out there as a base-level mannequin, so it is appropriate for anybody seeking to dabble on this class. And it now gives 256GB of inner storage (up from 64GB earlier than the OLED mannequin’s introduction), supplying you with extra bang for the buck.
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Valve Steam Deck Evaluate
Greatest Entry-Stage Asus ROG
Asus ROG Ally
Execs & Cons
Engaging 1080p 120Hz show
Slick design and durable construct
Regular efficiency in most gaming eventualities
Runs full Home windows 11
Respectable battery life exterior of gaming
Asus software program adjustments modes and remaps controls on the fly
Many video games require decrease graphics settings for easy efficiency
Tremendous brief battery life whereas gaming
Some finicky controls, notably for navigating Home windows
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Ally is a premium Home windows 11-powered moveable that options a lovely 7-inch, 1080p/120Hz display and beefy specs designed to deal with that prime decision. That energy comes with a price, although, to the tune of only one hour of Cyberpunk 2077 gaming when unplugged.
Who It is For
Folks acquainted with Home windows gaming. Nonetheless, a full desktop interface is not at all times the best to navigate whereas on the go. Consequently, Asus consists of the non-compulsory Armoury Crate interface that consolidates your video games in a single, tight menu. No matter your most well-liked interface, the Ally gives moveable, full HD entry to the broadest array of PC gaming marketplaces.
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Asus ROG Ally Evaluate
Greatest Design
Lenovo Legion Go
Execs & Cons
Beautiful 8.8-inch QHD display
Regular efficiency with many AAA video games
Runs full Home windows 11
Two USB-C ports
Included carrying case
Buggy Legion Area software program
Gaming at QHD not often price it
FPS mode is clunky
Detaching controllers is awkward
Heavy
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion Go stands out from the pack with its supersized kind issue that options an 8.8-inch QHD display. It additionally options removable Nintendo Swap-style controllers and an FPS mode that turns the fitting controller into an ergonomic mouse.
Who It is For
Avid gamers who worth innovation. The hefty Lenovo Legion Go has extra creativity than we have seen from different handheld gaming PCs. All of its flashy options do not at all times gel in follow, however experimentation is how innovation occurs.
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Lenovo Legion Go Evaluate
Greatest for Wealthy Audio
MSI Claw
Execs & Cons
Snug design
Wealthy Nahimic-powered audio
Full Home windows 11
Assist for Wi-Fi 7
Full HD contact display
Costly
Spotty sport efficiency, at finest
Nonetheless wants vital driver updates
Glitchy MSI Middle software program
Unimpressive AI features to date
Carrying case offered individually
Why We Picked It
The MSI Claw reveals that each entrant within the handheld gaming PC market nonetheless has lots to supply. The Claw is snug, helps the most recent Wi-Fi 7, and runs loads of video games due to its Home windows 11 compatibility. The gadget even makes use of experimental AI options to regulate settings for optimum efficiency.
Who It is For
The MSI Claw is a succesful gadget that delivers on the dream of high-end PC gaming on the go, one thing thought-about unattainable years in the past. Due to SteelSeries’ Nahimic software program, it has notably nice audio. That is a welcome contact, as immersive sound is much more essential throughout intimate play periods on a conveyable gadget.
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MSI Claw Evaluate
Shopping for Information: Steam Deck and Past: The Greatest Handheld Gaming Gadgets for 2025
What Is a Handheld PC Gaming Machine?A handheld PC gaming gadget is a pc designed for enjoying video video games on the go. We’re not speaking about laptops or tablets. As a substitute, they’re totally practical computer systems in a Nintendo Swap-like physique. Nonetheless, whereas the Swap is a locked-down console, a handheld gaming PC does nearly the whole lot you count on a PC to do. That is as a result of they usually run the Home windows working system or, within the Steam Deck’s case, Linux. You possibly can set up mods, experiment with equipment and peripherals, or faucet the assorted gaming marketplaces, such because the Epic Video games Retailer or Xbox Recreation Go. Many handheld gaming PCs even have customized interfaces that make buying and launching video games simpler. Suppose SteamOS’ panel-driven entrance finish, for instance. With it, you possibly can shortly entry titles and menus tailor-made for the smaller display. That mentioned, handheld gaming PCs additionally provide a standard full desktop. Nonetheless, navigating them on a small display creates a well-known however considerably awkward person expertise. These choices fulfill newcomers migrating from consoles and hard-core PC gaming veterans.How Highly effective Are Handheld PC Gaming Gadgets?Let’s be frank: A handheld PC gaming gadget cannot compete with a top-of-the-line gaming desktop. The truth is, it is typically higher for a producer to deliberately restrict a handheld’s energy to increase its battery life. Nonetheless, these portables can run many present, graphically gorgeous video games in numerous visible settings. Valve verifies Steam video games to let you understand which of them are Steam Deck suitable. The verified record consists of prime releases resembling Baldur’s Gate 3 and UFO 50.With this a lot energy, handheld gaming PCs are additionally spectacular retro gaming handhelds. In addition they shine as higher distant play units than, say, a cell phone with a paired controller. Bear in mind, these are simply computer systems as open as some other, so let your tech-tinkering creativeness run wild. No matter you assume you are able to do, you possibly can a minimum of try it with these moveable PCs.
Advisable by Our Editors
Steam Deck Anniversary: One Yr With Valve’s Highly effective Handheld
As extra handheld PC gaming units make their approach onto retailer cabinets, we count on extra innovation on this house. Have you ever scored one and wish a advice on what to play? Try our picks for the most effective PC video games.
