Getting the perfect holiday gifts is a tricky business, especially when the hottest devices of the year want to decimate your wallet.
If you or a loved one has been eyeing one of the latest handhelds (like the Xbox Ally X ($999.99 at Best Buy) or the Legion Go 2 ($1,099.99 at Best Buy) but doesn't want to spend that much, I suggest you consider one of the last-gen handhelds.
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In case you don't know, the Legion Go 2, Legion Go S, white Xbox Ally, and black Xbox Ally X all launched this year with the latest AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors for gaming handhelds.
Thing is, the less expensive white Xbox Ally uses a Z2 A chip, which is actually less powerful than the original ROG Ally and Legion Go's Z1 Extreme chip.
In other words, the white Xbox Ally might be less expensive, but it can't play as many games as the original ROG Ally or Legion Go because its processor is weaker.
Meanwhile, the last-gen ROG Ally and Legion Go cost less than the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2, but can still be used to play many of the latest and greatest AAA PC games.
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Now, if you think your giftee would much rather receive one of the latest handhelds this holiday season, I've included the most popular ones below. They are listed by price to help you make your decision.
Get the handheld that meets your gaming needs
In the end, the gaming handheld you should buy really depends on what you or your gift recipient wants to do with it.
If you just want a simple device that can play some classic games, 2D indie games, and do some emulation, then the white Xbox Ally could suit your needs just fine.
However, the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2 are the powerhouse handhelds that can play the most games this generation, including many of the biggest, most graphically intensive games. The Xbox Ally X has the most comfortable grips available, but the Legion Go 2 has a nicer OLED display, and the controllers can be removed for tabletop play.
At the end of the day, the previous-gen handhelds with a Z1 Extreme chip like the ROG Ally or Legion Go are ideal for those who want a handheld that can play many of the latest AAA games while costing less than this year's newest models.
Just note that you will need to check a game's system requirements before knowing if it can play well on any handheld.
FAQ
Can handheld gaming PCs run modern AAA games smoothly?
Yes, many can, but it depends on the handheld and its configuration (internal hardware) for what kind of games it can run. If you want to play AAA games, you'll need to make sure you buy a more powerful handheld gaming PC.
Will Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or Epic Games library work on handheld gaming PCs?
Yes, but the experience could be different depending on the handheld you get. Some PC gaming handhelds run Windows while others run SteamOS. The devices that run Windows (Xbox Ally X, Legion Go 2, etc.) can easily access a wide range of gaming services out of the box. However, you'll need to do some work on the Steam Deck and Legion Go S (SteamOS) first before you can access more than just Steam.
For help with that, check out my guide on how to use Decky Loader on Steam Deck.
Is the Legion Go S (SteamOS) a good handheld?
Yes, many people love the Legion Go S (SteamOS) since it offers similar performance to the Steam Deck, but it offers a nicer screen and more ergonomic casing.
Is the original ROG Ally worth it in 2025?
Yes, the ROG Ally might have a last-gen chip, but it still offers a good Windows gaming experience in handheld form. It can play a wide range of games and offers a similar UI to the Xbox Ally X now that it's gotten the Xbox Full Screen Experience update.
Is the original Legion Go worth it in 2025?
Yes, depending on how you want to use it. The previous-gen Legion Go offers a versatile user experience since it can be played in handheld mode and tabletop mode thanks to the detachable controllers and built-in kickstand. It might not have as powerful a chip as the Legion Go 2 or Xbox Ally X, but it can still play a wide range of compatible games.
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