Embark on a Gaming Odyssey: The Best Handheld Gaming PCs

Over the last two years, a trend has emerged that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, anytime soon: handheld gaming PCs. From Valve’s Steam Deck to the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and upcoming MSI Claw, there are plenty of options on the market for consumers. The worry becomes that it can start to get overwhelming when deciding which option is the best for your needs.

A new era of portable gaming

To help you figure out what best suits you, we’ve taken a look at the available devices and put together reasons to either purchase or avoid each handheld gaming PC.

Steam Deck

The Steam Deck was the first major player to the market, and it remains one of the best. A Linux-based device, the Steam Deck doesn’t have the same drawbacks that other handheld PCs available have to deal with. There’s no Windows bloat that takes up space, and it’s a lot more friendly to get set up right out of the box.

The Steam Deck doesn’t have the same drawbacks that other handheld PCs available have to deal with.

It’s not the most powerful device, and some games will struggle. But that’s to be expected for a price as low as $399. Some games won’t be able to run at full settings, and there are extra steps for games to be labeled as “Steam Deck Verified”. I will say though, most games I’ve played like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Lords of the Fallen, and more have had no problem running.

If simplicity and a quick setup are high on your list, then the Steam Deck is a no brainer. And with the OLED version available, one of the biggest problems I have is no longer the cast. The only other real problem I still have with it is its battery life. Depending on the game, I’m lucky to get 90 minutes out of a full charge. You’re also limited to playing just Steam games if you don’t want to learn how to get Battle.net, PlayStation Plus, etc. up and running on your machine. So that could turn some people off.

The Steam Deck, a pioneer in handheld gaming

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go may be the most underrated of the available handheld PCs. To me, it’s the most comfortable of the devices available. The way it just sits in your hands and feels natural helps make longer game sessions feel like nothing. For me, it was hard to go back to the Steam Deck because of the comfort level I had with the Legion Go.

It gives off major Nintendo Switch vibes.

What sets it more apart from other handheld PCs are the detachable controllers. It gives off major Nintendo Switch vibes. It gives more flexibility in how you want to play, which helps those who can’t sit there holding the handheld.

It’s a Windows 11 machine, meaning you have to do your standard login and utilize the Windows task bars, menus, etc. in order to get to your games. That said, because it’s Windows, getting Battle.Net, Ubisoft Connect, and other launchers installed and set up is a piece of cake. It’s a great option for those that have games on different launchers and want the flexibility of the detachable controllers.

Comfort and flexibility in one package

One thing to be aware of is how bulky the Legion Go is. It’s not heavy, but it’s big, sitting at 11.76 inches long. That said, it’s not a turnoff unless you have really small hands or, maybe, want this for a child. Also, it features a 1600p display which may require you to mess with in-game settings quite a bit to get your games to look the way you want.

ASUS ROG Ally

It’s been on the market for a year now, and the ROG Ally X is here, showing that ASUS isn’t playing around with its effort on the market. Another Windows 11 system, the ROG Ally offers the same features from a software standpoint as the Legion Go. What will set it apart is your preference of the above specifications and the feel of the device.

A year old, but still a contender

Each handheld PC has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your gaming needs.

In conclusion, each handheld PC has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your gaming needs. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, comfort, or raw power, there’s a handheld gaming PC out there for you. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a gaming odyssey today!