You don’t need a desktop or laptop to play the top PC titles. The top handheld SteamOS and Windows gaming PCs we’ve tested give you the power of a full-size computer in a highly portable package.
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.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.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.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.
