Weekly Roundup: The Best Handheld Gaming Devices of the Week

In this weekly roundup, we explore notable handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Valve's Steam Deck, diving into their features, performance, and pricing.

Weekly Roundup: Exploring the Latest in Handheld Gaming

The world of handheld gaming continues to flourish, serving gamers with a diverse array of choices that cater to various preferences and budgets. In this week’s roundup, we’ll dive into a closer look at some of the most talked-about devices in handheld gaming, including the ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Valve’s Steam Deck. Each device offers unique features and specifications, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Handheld Systems Chart

ASUS ROG Ally X: No Compromises Handheld PC Gaming

The ASUS ROG Ally X emerges as a powerhouse in handheld gaming, rectifying concerns users had with its predecessor. The revamped model features an impressive 24GB of RAM and a massive 80-watt battery—marking it as the largest battery ever in a gaming handheld. This upgrade allows for up to three hours of high-performance gaming when in Turbo mode, though most titles run smoothly with more conservative energy consumption.

Pricing for this elite device is as follows:

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: Big Screen, Big Features, Big Price

Next up is the Lenovo Legion Go—a device designed for those who want an immersive visual experience. Sporting a stunning 8.8-inch high-resolution display, it stands out among its competitors. This handheld also features detachable controllers, enhancing its versatility and playability. The IPS LCD promises vibrant visuals and supports a peak brightness of 500 nits, making it ideal for gaming in diverse environments.

Its price points include:

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

MSI Claw: Intel-Powered Portable PC Gaming

MSI’s Claw distinguishes itself with the power of an Intel Core Ultra processor under its hood, making it a strong contender amongst Intel-powered devices. With impressive multi-core performance and a fingerprint reader for quick login, this device provides a sturdy gaming experience. A standout feature includes a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen display capable of 120Hz refresh rates.

Pricing for the MSI Claw Handheld is:

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

Valve’s Steam Deck: The Most Console-Like PC Handheld

Finally, we have the beloved Valve’s Steam Deck, which offers an almost console-like gaming experience rich with options. The Steam Deck’s functionality blends seamlessly with its Arch Linux-based SteamOS, allowing for easy play of Windows titles through Proton. The recent OLED model offers heightened performance with HDR capabilities, elevating the gaming experience.

Pricing for the Steam Deck:

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

Conclusion

In this vibrant market, consumers now have access to a wide range of handheld consoles that can suit various gaming needs—from the performance-centric ASUS ROG Ally X to the visually stunning Lenovo Legion Go. Whether players are seeking the latest Intel power in the MSI Claw or the familiar comforts of the Steam Deck, there’s never been a better time for handheld gaming.

Gaming Device Showcase An overview of the latest handheld gaming devices.