The Evolution of Handheld Gaming PCs: A New Era of Portability
As I reflect on the journey of handheld gaming PCs, I’m reminded of the three distinct epochs we’ve witnessed so far. The initial wave of prototype devices, though flawed, paved the way for the game-changing Steam Deck. This innovative device single-handedly brought handheld gaming into the mainstream, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Today, we’re in the midst of a design revolution, with a plethora of handheld gaming PCs flooding the market. The past year has seen the release of an impressive array of devices, including the ROG Ally, OneXPlayer OneXFly, OneXPlayer 2 Pro, Ayaneo Air 1S, Ayaneo 2S, Lenovo Legion Go, and Aokzoe A1 Pro, to name a few. The common thread among these devices is the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, which has become the go-to chip for handheld gaming PCs.
The handheld gaming PC market is booming
With so many options available, selecting the best handheld gaming PC of 2023 was no easy feat. After careful consideration, our team has narrowed it down to three top contenders.
The Nominees
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is a refined version of the original Steam Deck, boasting a stunning OLED panel that elevates the gaming experience. The new screen offers deeper blacks, richer colors, faster refresh rates, and genuine HDR. The device also features a larger battery, a new carry case, and a 1TB SSD option, making it an attractive upgrade.
The Steam Deck OLED is a significant upgrade over its predecessor
OneXPlayer OneXFly
The OneXPlayer OneXFly is a compact powerhouse, packing a punch with its Ryzen 7 7840U processor, up to 4TB of storage, and 64GB of RAM. Despite its small size, it doesn’t sacrifice screen space, featuring a 7-inch panel with minimal bezels. The device also boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including a full Type-A port and two USB4 sockets.
The OneXPlayer OneXFly is a compact powerhouse
In the end, the best handheld gaming PC of 2023 will depend on individual preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize portability, power, or affordability, there’s a device on the market that’s sure to meet your requirements.
The Future of Handheld Gaming PCs
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative designs, improved performance, and increased accessibility. The future of portable gaming has never looked brighter.
