Based on my hours and hours of experience with several different handheld gaming PCs, I can easily boil down everything I know to three major choices — best budget, best mid-range, and best premium handheld.
If you're willing to spring for it, the Xbox Ally X is my top recommendation of all three, and it happens to be the premium handheld on this list. If you don't need the most powerful handheld and want to save some money, then the Steam Deck LCD is an excellent low-cost option.
FAQ
What is the best handheld gaming PC?
This is largely a matter of opinion. If you want a simple interface and want to save money, the Steam Deck is the best budget buy. If you're willing to spend more for a more powerful device that can run more games, then the Xbox Ally X is the ideal premium option. Meanwhile, if you'd like something that isn't as costly but still offers better internals than Steam Deck, then the Legion Go S (SteamOS) is the perfect mid-range handheld.
How much does the Xbox Ally X cost?
The ROG Xbox Ally X has a $999.99 MSRP. There is also a less powerful Xbox Ally (non-X), which sells for $599.99 at various tech retailers, including Best Buy.
How much does Steam Deck cost?
There are currently three configurations for the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck LCD with 256GB sells for $399.00. The Steam Deck OLED with 512GB sells for $549.00, and the Steam Deck OLED with 1TB sells for $649.00 at Steam.
How much does Legion Go S (SteamOS) cost?
There are two configurations of the Legion Go S (SteamOS). The starting price for one with a Z2 Go chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is $649.99 at Best Buy. The more premium offering sells for $899.99 at Best Buy, and has a Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Are SteamOS handhelds better than Windows handhelds?
That depends on preference and how you want to use your handheld. Both operating systems have their pros and cons. SteamOS has a simpler interface and far less bloat, while Windows handhelds make it easier to access other game services other than Steam right out of the box.
Can I put SteamOS on my Windows handheld?
Yes! You can follow our step-by-step guide on how to put SteamOS on a Windows handheld gaming PC.
What is VRR and why is it important for handhelds?
Variable refresh rate makes it so that a device's screen better matches the refresh rate of the source GPU in order to provide smoother gameplay with less screen tearing. Devices with VRR often run games more smoothly than handhelds without VRR.
Do I need a touchpad on my handheld gaming PC?
This really depends on how you like to use your handheld and the kind of games you like to play. Touchpads can make it easier to interact with certain menus, but they aren't exactly ideal for first-person shooters. If you are planning to play a game that benefits from fine cursor controls, then a touchpad might be important for you. Otherwise, joysticks might serve your needs just fine.
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