Best Handheld Gaming PCs in 2025: Complete Buyer's Guide

Handheld gaming PCs have revolutionized portable gaming, offering the power of a desktop PC in a device you can take anywhere. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or just prefer gaming on the couch, these powerful handhelds let you play your entire Steam library, Xbox Game Pass titles, and more without being tied to a desk.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best handheld gaming PCs available in 2025, compare their specs and features, and help you find the perfect device for your gaming needs and budget.

Quick Comparison: Best Handheld Gaming PCs at a Glance

Here's a quick overview of the top handheld gaming PCs currently available:

Device	Processor	Display	RAM	Storage	Price	Best For
Steam Deck OLED	AMD APU	7.4" OLED 90Hz	16GB	512GB-1TB	$549-$649	Best Value
ASUS ROG Ally X	AMD Z1 Extreme	7" IPS 120Hz	24GB	1TB	$799	Best Performance
Lenovo Legion Go S	AMD Z1 Extreme	8" IPS 144Hz	16GB	512GB	$450-$650	Best SteamOS Alternative
Lenovo Legion Go 2	AMD Z2 Extreme	8.8" OLED	16GB	512GB-1TB	$799+	Best Premium
MSI Claw 8 AI+	Intel Core Ultra 7	8" FHD 120Hz	32GB	1TB	$899	Best Intel Option
Steam Deck LCD	AMD APU	7" LCD 60Hz	16GB	256-512GB	$319-$449	Best Budget

Top Handheld Gaming PCs in 2025: Detailed Reviews

1. Steam Deck OLED - Best Overall Value

The Steam Deck OLED remains one of the best handheld gaming PCs you can buy in 2025. Valve's portable gaming machine combines excellent value with a gaming-first operating system that makes it incredibly easy to use.

Key Features:

• Stunning 7.4-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate and HDR support
• Improved battery life compared to the original LCD model (up to 12 hours for lighter games)
• SteamOS provides a seamless, console-like gaming experience
• Excellent ergonomics with comfortable grips
• Easy to repair and upgrade storage
• Massive game compatibility through Proton compatibility layer

Pros:

• Best value for money in the handheld gaming market
• SteamOS is user-friendly and gaming-optimized
• Beautiful OLED display with vibrant colors
• Strong community support and verified games program

Cons:

• Less raw performance than some Windows alternatives
• Some Windows-only games require workarounds
• 720p native resolution (upscaled to look great on the OLED panel)

Price: Starting at $549 for 512GB, $649 for 1TB

2. ASUS ROG Ally X - Best Windows Performance

The ASUS ROG Ally X is the ultimate Windows gaming handheld for those who want maximum performance and access to the full Windows gaming ecosystem.

Key Features:

• AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with RDNA 3 graphics
• 24GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM (industry-leading)
• 1TB SSD with room for expansion
• 7-inch 120Hz IPS display with VRR support
• 80Wh battery for extended gaming sessions
• Full Windows 11 access for any PC game or application

Pros:

• Top-tier gaming performance
• Generous 24GB RAM for future-proofing
• Full Windows compatibility for any game
• Xbox Game Pass integration is excellent
• New Xbox Experience UI makes navigation easier

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Windows can be fiddly for handheld gaming
• Battery life could be better under heavy load

Price: $799 (frequently on sale for $699)

3. Lenovo Legion Go S - Best SteamOS Alternative

The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is the first non-Valve handheld to run SteamOS out of the box, making it a compelling Steam Deck alternative with some hardware improvements.

Key Features:

• AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
• 8-inch IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate
• Hall effect analog sticks (no drift issues)
• SteamOS pre-installed for seamless gaming
• Better screen-to-body ratio than Steam Deck

Pros:

• Larger, higher refresh rate display than Steam Deck
• Hall effect controls for long-term durability
• SteamOS provides familiar gaming experience
• Competitive pricing, especially on sale

Cons:

• Heavier than Steam Deck
• Shorter battery life than OLED model
• Less established than Valve's offering

Price: $450-$650 depending on configuration

4. Lenovo Legion Go 2 - Best Premium Option

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 represents the premium end of handheld gaming with its large OLED display and detachable controllers.

Key Features:

• AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor (latest generation)
• Massive 8.8-inch OLED display
• Detachable controllers for tabletop play
• Built-in kickstand
• Premium build quality

Pros:

• Largest and best display on any handheld
• Detachable controllers add versatility
• Latest AMD silicon for best performance
• Can function as a mini tablet/PC

Cons:

• Heavy at over 2 pounds
• Premium pricing
• Bulkier than competitors

Price: Starting at $799

5. MSI Claw 8 AI+ - Best Intel Option

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the best Intel-powered handheld gaming PC, featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with impressive efficiency.

Key Features:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with Intel Arc Graphics 140V
• 8-inch FHD display with 120Hz refresh rate
• 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
• 1TB NVMe SSD
• Industry-leading 80Wh battery
• Thunderbolt 4 ports for versatile connectivity
• Hall effect analog sticks and triggers

Pros:

• Excellent battery life thanks to efficient Intel chip
• Massive 32GB RAM
• Thunderbolt 4 for eGPU support
• Strong performance at 25W and above

Cons:

• Intel graphics still slightly behind AMD at lower power
• Premium price
• Windows-only experience

Price: $899

Black Friday 2025 Deals on Handheld Gaming PCs

If you're looking to save money, here are some of the best current deals:

• Steam Deck LCD 256GB: $319 (20% off) - Best budget entry point
• Steam Deck LCD 512GB: $337 (save $112)
• ASUS ROG Ally (original): $484 at Amazon (save $166)
• ASUS ROG Ally X: $699 at Best Buy (save $100)
• Lenovo Legion Go: $534 at Amazon (save $166)
• Lenovo Legion Go S: $450 at Best Buy (save $200)

How to Choose the Right Handheld Gaming PC

Consider Your Budget

Budget (Under $400): The Steam Deck LCD is your best bet. It's affordable, runs SteamOS beautifully, and plays most games well.

Mid-Range ($400-$700): Consider the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go S, or look for deals on the ROG Ally. These offer the best balance of features and price.

Premium ($700+): The ROG Ally X, Legion Go 2, or MSI Claw 8 AI+ offer top-tier performance for demanding gamers.

Operating System: SteamOS vs Windows

Choose SteamOS if:

• You primarily play Steam games
• You want a console-like, simple experience
• Battery life is important to you
• You prefer a curated, optimized gaming experience

Choose Windows if:

• You need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
• You play competitive games with anti-cheat software
• You want to use the device as a full PC
• You need specific Windows-only software

Display Considerations

OLED vs LCD: OLED displays (Steam Deck OLED, Legion Go 2) offer deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. LCD displays are more affordable and have no risk of burn-in.

Size: 7-inch displays are more portable, while 8-inch+ displays offer more immersive gaming but add weight.

Refresh Rate: 90Hz or higher provides smoother gameplay, though 60Hz is perfectly fine for most games.

Accessories You'll Want

Enhance your handheld gaming experience with these recommended accessories:

• Carrying Case: Protect your investment during travel
• Screen Protector: Especially important for OLED devices
• Upgraded SSD: The Crucial P310 2230 1TB ($70) or WD_BLACK SN770M are excellent upgrades
• Power Bank: A 65W+ USB-C power bank for extended sessions
• Dock: Connect to your TV or monitor for big-screen gaming
• MicroSD Card: Expand storage for more games (Steam Deck and some others support this)

Important Pricing Note for 2025

Be aware that recent trade tariffs may affect handheld gaming PC prices in the United States. Most devices, including Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Legion Go, are manufactured in China or Vietnam. Prices may fluctuate throughout 2025, so consider purchasing during sales events if you see a good deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can handheld gaming PCs play AAA games?

Yes! Modern handheld gaming PCs can play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3. You may need to adjust settings to medium or low for optimal performance, but most games are playable at 30-60 FPS.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life varies significantly based on the game and power settings. Light games can last 6-12 hours, while demanding AAA titles may drain the battery in 1.5-3 hours. The Steam Deck OLED and MSI Claw 8 AI+ generally offer the best battery life.

Can I connect a handheld gaming PC to my TV?

Yes, all handheld gaming PCs support video output via USB-C. You can use a dock or USB-C to HDMI adapter to play on your TV. Some devices even support 4K output when docked.

Is the Steam Deck still worth buying in 2025?

Absolutely. The Steam Deck OLED remains one of the best values in gaming. While competitors have more raw power, the Steam Deck's combination of price, software optimization, and community support makes it an excellent choice.

Do handheld gaming PCs support cloud gaming?

Yes! Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and PlayStation Remote Play work well on handheld gaming PCs. This is a great way to play even more demanding games without local hardware limitations.

Can I upgrade the storage?

Most handheld gaming PCs support SSD upgrades using 2230 form factor drives. The Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go all support internal storage upgrades. Many also support microSD cards for additional storage.

What's the difference between the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X?

The ROG Ally X features improved RAM (24GB vs 16GB), larger battery (80Wh vs 40Wh), more storage (1TB vs 512GB), and better ergonomics. If budget allows, the X model is the better long-term investment.

Should I wait for Steam Deck 2?

Valve has indicated there's no Steam Deck 2 coming soon. The OLED model is the current flagship. If you want a handheld gaming PC now, there's no confirmed timeline for a successor, so don't wait indefinitely.

Final Verdict: Which Handheld Gaming PC Should You Buy?

Best Overall: Steam Deck OLED - Unbeatable value with excellent software and a beautiful display.

Best Performance: ASUS ROG Ally X - Maximum power for demanding games and full Windows compatibility.

Best Budget: Steam Deck LCD - The most affordable way to get into handheld PC gaming.

Best Large Screen: Lenovo Legion Go 2 - Premium OLED display with innovative detachable controllers.

Best Battery Life: MSI Claw 8 AI+ - Intel efficiency shines with its 80Wh battery.

No matter which handheld gaming PC you choose, you're getting access to the massive PC gaming library in a portable form factor. Happy gaming!