The Handheld Gaming Battlefield: ROG Ally X, Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Steam Deck Reviewed

An in-depth comparison of the top handheld gaming devices: ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Valve's Steam Deck. Discover their features, pricing, and how they stand out in the competitive handheld gaming market.

Ultimate Handheld Gaming Showdown: ROG Ally X, Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Steam Deck Compared

Are you on the hunt for the perfect handheld gaming device but finding yourself lost amidst the plethora of options? Enter the expansive world of portable PC gaming, where devices like the ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Valve’s Steam Deck stride into the spotlight. Each offers unique facets that cater to diverse gaming styles, making the decision neither straightforward nor simple.

Handheld Systems Chart

Explore the remarkable variety of today’s top handhelds.

ASUS ROG Ally X: The Pinnacle of Handheld Performance

The ASUS ROG Ally X is touted as the ultimate handheld gaming experience. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ally X enhances performance with a significant RAM boost and battery capacity, ensuring gamers can immerse themselves in extended sessions without a hitch. Featuring 24GB of RAM and a phenomenal 80 Watt-hour battery, this device shines against the competition.

Price Points:

ASUS ROG Ally Handheld PC (24GB RAM, 1TB SSD): $799.99 at Best Buy
ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $549.99 at Best Buy
ASUS ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $499.99 at Best Buy

Lenovo Legion Go: A Giant Among Handhelds

For those who appreciate a larger screen in their gaming experience, the Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its impressive 8.8-inch high-resolution display and detachable controls. This handheld combines high functionality with aesthetic appeal, featuring a vibrant IPS-type LCD that boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits and covers 97% of the DCI-P3 color space—a true delight for visual enthusiasts.

Pricing Structure:

Lenovo Legion Go Handheld (512GB SSD): $699.99 at Best Buy
Lenovo Legion Go Handheld (1TB SSD): $749.99 at Best Buy

MSI Claw: The Intel-Powered Contender

In the rapidly evolving handheld market, MSI’s Claw brings the power of an Intel Core Ultra processor to gamers seeking performance. This device touts impressive multi-core capability and comes equipped with a responsive 7” 1080p 120-HZ IPS LCD touchscreen. Security features like a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello further enhance its appeal, positioning it as a robust option.

Pricing Details:

MSI Claw Handheld (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): $699.99 at Best Buy

Valve’s Steam Deck: The Classic Revival

When discussing handheld gaming, Valve’s Steam Deck always surfaces as a frontrunner. Its integration of SteamOS allows users to easily access their expansive library of Windows games through Proton, offering a seamless user interface enriched by dual touchpads and exceptional battery life. With the release of the OLED version, gamers now have a choice that promises enhanced performance, further solidifying the Steam Deck’s reputation as a versatile gaming machine.

Cost Overview:

Valve Steam Deck: Starting from $296 on Steam
Steam Deck OLED: Starting at $549 on Steam

Conclusion: Choosing Your Handheld Hero

The market for handheld gaming devices is vibrant and expanding, with each candidate showcasing distinct strengths. Whether you’re drawn to the uncompromising performance of the ROG Ally X, the luxurious features of the Legion Go, the powerhouse MSI Claw, or the beloved Steam Deck’s user-friendly interface, there’s no shortage of choice. Selecting the right handheld ultimately hinges on your gaming preferences and budget, ensuring that every gamer finds their ideal trifecta of power, portability, and play.

Do you own any of these devices? Share your experiences in the comments below!