Over the last few years, I've been able to regularly use my Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, Nintendo Switch, and Lenovo Legion Go, which are some of the most popular handhelds on the market right now.
Overall, I've found that the ROG Ally X is the best device of them all due to its powerful performance, VRR support, good pricing, and other conveniences.
That said, there are also several other options out there, and each can satisfy your handheld gaming needs in different ways.
The specs of each device sometimes vary drastically, so on this page, I take a look at how the best gaming handhelds differ when it comes to screens, performance, battery life, customization, and software.
Whether you're looking for a system that provides access to exclusive games, is good for kids, plays PC games easily via Windows, offers tons of accessory options to improve the experience, or has a long battery life, making it ideal for long trips, here are the very best gaming handhelds on the market today.
Disclaimer
UPDATE Mar. 25, 2025: I just got done reviewing the MSI Claw 8 AI+, so I've added it to the list. I've also added a new "Upcoming handhelds" section for highly anticipated and unique devices.
I'm a big gaming handheld enthusiast who owns the ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck LCD, Legion Go, Legion Go S, AYANEO 2S, and other devices. I've also tested the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and several other handhelds. Because of my experience, I know what to look for when determining whether a handheld is worth buying and what use case it best serves.
The quick list
Here's a quick look at the best gaming handhelds available right now. Additional information for each device is available further down this page and you can click the 'read more below' link to be taken directly to these details.
The best overall
ASUS released the first Windows 11 handheld and then followed it up with this improved refresh. Thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it basically functions as a small gaming laptop with controllers built into it. While not the most powerful, I love this handheld because it offers sold performance, plenty of setting customization, and isn't as expensive as some other options. You can play any PC game or access any gaming services that you can on a regular Windows PC.
Read more below
The best budget gaming handheld
Valve's Steam Deck is a bit older at this point. It might not offer the very best resolution, processing power, and frame rate, but it does provide a stable platform ideal for playing compatible games from your Steam library. It's very easy to use, and it's designed around home upgrades, so you can more easily customize it the way you want. There's also the new Steam Deck OLED if you want improved battery life and a better screen.
The best gaming handheld for AAA games
Of the PC gaming handhelds currently on the market, the Intel Core Ultra-toting MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers the best performance and allows players to experience games at higher frame rates. If you want a top-tier handheld experience, then this is the device to go with. The starting configuration offers 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Whr battery. Meanwhile, the touchscreen is 8 inches, reaches up to 120Hz, and supports VRR for great motion clarity in games.
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The best gaming handheld for split-screen co-op
Nintendo's handheld is actually a gaming console, which means it runs its own software rather than Android, Linux, or Windows. However, it's more geared toward families, with tons of couch co-op multiplayer games to share with people of all ages. Plus, it comes with a docking station, so you can play on TV, in handheld mode, or in tabletop mode right out of the box. BTW, a Nintendo Switch 2 has been announced, and more details should be coming on April 2nd. We'll update when we learn more.
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The best (and largest) screen on a gaming handheld
Lenovo might have been a little later to the gaming handheld scene, but the Legion Go brought with it several innovative controls that make surfing the web or interacting with certain games a whole lot easier. It has a touchpad, a mouse wheel, a right and left click button, and a special FPS mode for better mouse-like control. Plus, it's got a massive 8.8-inch display with super high resolution and supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate.
Read more below
The best cloud gaming handheld
Not so interested in having a small gaming laptop with controllers built in? The Logitech G Cloud is actually an Android device with a Snapdragon 720G processor rather than being Windows or Linux-based. It's ideal for streaming games via the cloud and comes with Steam, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Xbox Cloud Gaming installed on it. Having fewer internal components makes it very lightweight and easy to hold.
Read more below
The best dual-screen
The AYANEO Flip DS provides a dual-screen handheld in a protective clamshell design. It runs Windows 11 and you can have two different programs displaying on either screen. The top touchscreen is 7-inches and offers 120Hz. Meanwhile, the joysticks are recessed to allow the device to close. It even has a fingerprint reader for easy login.
Best overall gaming handheld
My recommended ASUS ROG Ally configuration:
Due to its performance and features, the ROG Ally X has become the device I reach for the most, even though I have access to several gaming handhelds.
Its balance of solid performance, decent price, and customization features makes it the device I recommend above all others.
As you can see in my ROG Ally X review, this Windows 11 handheld is rather impressive with a much better screen than the Steam Deck (higher resolution and VRR support) and the ability to access any game or game streaming service that's offered on a gaming PC such as Battle.net, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more right out of the box.
It offers larger RAM and SSD capacities compared to the original Ally, as well as twice the battery capacity for longer gaming sessions.
The downside to the Ally X is that, just like with any other Windows 11 device, it tends to come installed with tons of bloatware, which you'll want to turn off to get the best playing experience.
This also means you need to be ready to troubleshoot Windows 11 issues if there is a problem, which can be daunting for some people and can make this device more complicated to use. The SteamOS-running Steam Deck offers a far more simplified interface in comparison.
But we can help you with our extensive Windows 11 troubleshooting guides.
That said, SteamOS is coming to more handhelds in the near future. So, it should be possible to put SteamOS on ROG Ally X down the road.
VRR (variable refresh rate) support and the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor help provide solid performance and motion clarity with significantly higher graphics than Steam Deck offers.
• ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally (2023)
• ROG Ally review
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• How to adjust ROG Ally VRAM
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ASUS' gaming software, Armoury Crate, comes installed on the Ally X and makes it easy to adjust various game settings such as FPS (frames per second), resolution, RGB lighting, performance modes (TDP), and more in a side menu that gets brought up by pressing an Armoury Crate button.
That way, I can make changes without having to exit a game. Armoury Crate is very helpful, but sometimes it can be rather clunky and slow to respond.
I love that I can manually adjust VRAM on ROG Ally X to improve performance. If you get this handheld, I also recommend you enable AFMF 2 on ROG Ally X (AMD Fluid Motion Frames) as this can more than double FPS in compatible games.
While the ROG Ally X's 80Whr battery is much larger than many other handheld batteries and can last for a few hours, it typically runs out of juice within about two hours if I'm playing more graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
The original ROG Ally has a starting price of $499.99, but I recommend springing for the $649.99 AMD Ryzen Extreme version if you're going to get it.
Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X has a starting price of $799.99 for 1TB and goes up to $899.99 with a 2TB SSD.
This is somewhat expensive, but the ROG Ally X and its smaller ROG Ally regularly go on sale during big events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and more, so you can get them at significant discounts.
In the end, of the gaming handhelds on the market, the ROG Ally X offers the best balance of solid performance and features without being too costly.
If you want a dependable device that can play a wide range of games, this is the handheld to get.
Best gaming handheld for Steam
My recommended Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED configuration:
I was fortunate enough to be one of the first people to receive my Steam Deck LCD after orders officially opened, and since then, I've put dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into this gaming handheld.
Of course, I'm not the only one who loves Valve's device, as is obvious if you read my colleague's Steam Deck review or go online and look at the large fan base that it has.
It's somewhat old at this point, which is why it shouldn't be too surprising that its lower specs cannot run many of the latest AAA games.
I've personally had issues trying to get it to run STALKER 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, to name a few.
Still, it's an amazing gaming handheld if you tend to play classics or less processor-straining titles.
Plus, there's the new Steam Deck OLED, which improves the screen, storage, battery life, and other features if you're willing to spend a bit more money.
You can see all of the differences between the two versions in my Steam Deck OLED vs Steam Deck LCD comparison.
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The Steam Deck uses the Linux-based SteamOS, a semi-custom processor with limited power, and a lower-resolution 1280x800 display.
It's worth noting that the LCD panel version suffers some significant IPS glow, so certain imagery looks more muddled and pixilated, whereas the OLED version looks a whole lot crisper and more vibrant.
However, both Steam Deck models do provide a stable and reliable way to play Steam Deck verified games from your Steam library and are some of the easiest devices to use right out of the box.
The LCD version's battery life isn't amazing, only being able to reach up to eight hours depending on settings, but it's competitive against several other gaming handhelds on the market right now.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED has a slightly better battery life of between three and 12 hours, so you can play it longer.
What's more, Valve was very conscious in trying to make sure that owners could upgrade the system with better RAM, storage, fans, and other hardware if they were inclined to do so.
As such, many people have customized their Steam Deck to fit their gaming needs better. In fact, if you want, we can help you learn how to install Windows on Steam Deck or even how to upgrade Steam Deck SSD.
There used to be three Steam Deck LCD configuration options, but now there is only one available on Steam's website.
Currently, you can get the Steam Deck LCD with 256GB SSD for $399.00, Steam Deck OLED with 512GB SSD for $549.00, or Steam Deck OLED with 1TB SSD for $649.00 from Steam itself. Older versions can be found selling on Amazon, eBay, and more.
Although these devices are pricey, most of these options cost less than other PC gaming handhelds on the market.
In the end, Steam Deck provides a reliable and steady PC gaming experience at a more affordable price, even if it doesn't have the most impressive specs.
Best premium gaming handheld
My recommended MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ configurations
The original Intel Core Ultra Series 1 MSI Claw A1M that launched in March 2024 was considerably less powerful than the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go.
However, MSI has since launched the next-gen Claw 8 AI+ A2VM and smaller Claw 7 AI+ A2VM, and these two handhelds blast their AMD-toting rivals out of the water in terms of performance.
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• MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X
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As seen in my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I've been able to experience this far-improved handheld firsthand and can attest to the incredibly smooth handheld gameplay it provides.
Of course, we've been told that Z2 Extreme handhelds are on their way, so we'll have to test upcoming next-gen Legion Go and next-gen ROG Ally devices against the Intel Core Ultra 256V MSI Claw AI+s when they do.
The Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch IPS touchscreen that supports VRR and can reach up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
While motion clarity isn't always perfect, this handheld offers less stuttering and can reach higher FPS in intensive games than ROG Ally and Legion Go.
As an example, the Claw 8 AI+ was able to get an average of 59 FPS (frames per second) in Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark testing at Steam Deck graphics defaults, while the Legion Go only did a 36 FPS average, and the ROG Ally X got a 29 FPS average.
The larger 8-inch IPS touchscreen also offers a respectable color gamut and crisp FHD (1920x1200) resolution, which shows off game visuals nicely.
I also appreciate that this handheld actually has Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which is something that both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally handhelds don't offer. The buttons and controls are responsive and feel good to press.
Unlike the other handhelds on this list, this is the only one that features two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, so you can charge it up at faster speeds and use the other port for an accessory at the same time.
There are three main areas where the MSI Claw 8 AI+ might give you reason to choose a different device.
Firstly, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is expensive. It has an $899.99 MSRP, which is $100 more than the starting ROG Ally X price. I
Secondly, while the 80Whr battery is larger than many other handhelds out there (and can last longer too), it still usually runs out of juice within two-ish hours when playing more graphically demanding games. So, gaming sessions might feel cut short.
Thirdly, the handheld's MSI Center M software is simple and easy to navigate, but it doesn't offer as many customization features as ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. I don't even have the option to manually adjust VRAM.
In the end, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a fantastic premium gaming handheld that offers better battery life and intensive gaming performance than other handhelds out there. If you have the money and prefer to play AAA titles on the go, this is the device for you.
Best gaming handheld for couch co-op
My recommended Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED configurations:
While not a PC gaming handheld, the Nintendo Switch has been one of the most successful portable gaming consoles in history thanks to its huge library of games, affordable price point, and innovative hybrid design that makes it both a gaming system for TV and a handheld device.
It's marketed as a gaming system for all ages, and as such, there are several fun exclusive games for it, including multiplayer split-screen games that you can play with family and friends from one device (as long as you have enough controllers to go around).
Simply pull the two controllers off from either side of the screen, turn them sideways, and you already have two controllers to use.
Since the Switch comes with a dock, you can connect it to your TV right out of the box for easy multiplayer game nights, too. Some games can host as many as eight players from one Switch.
In my Nintendo Switch OLED review (on our sister site, iMore), I talk about how beautiful the 7-inch OLED display looks.
Even though Nintendo's handheld technically only supports a 1280x720 resolution, the OLED display makes imagery come through looking a whole crisper than you'd expect and allows for true black in imagery, so colors can really pop.
This also means there's no distracting IPS glow like what's found in many other gaming handhelds.
Of course, graphics within Switch games aren't super intensive to begin with, but they usually are optimized to look good on the simpler system, like with the cell-shading art style of Nintendo's award-winning The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Additionally, since the Switch has been out for so long and has been so popular, there are tons of accessories available for it to help improve your gaming experience.
The original Switch launched in 2017 for $299.99, but there's also a handheld-only Switch Lite that sells for $199.99 and then, of course, the larger Switch OLED with its $349.99 price point.
As you can see, these are all less expensive than most of the other options on this page.
Since it's more affordable and has a more cartoony focus (though there are adult games) it's a great gaming handheld for kids.
Of course, a new Nintendo Switch 2 is coming out in 2025, so we'll update this page with more details on that when more is revealed.
Best screen in a gaming handheld
My recommended Lenovo Legion Go configuration:
I've had the Lenovo Legion Go for a while now and have spent several hours playing with it to see how it compares to its closest competitors — the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
As you can see in my Legion Go review, it's proven to be a very enjoyable device that offers unique abilities from the other handhelds.
So what exactly makes the Legion Go so enticing?
For one thing, it offers the largest display of any PC gaming handheld right now at 8.8 inches with an impressive 2560x1600 resolution and excellent 144Hz refresh rate.
In comparison, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch OLED all have seven-inch displays.
Oddly enough, the Legion Go doesn't support VRR, though, which would help provide a more stable frame rate and improve motion clarity.
Because of the lack of VRR, games can look a lot choppier on Legion Go compared to ROG Ally even though Legion Go has a much higher refresh rate.
This was corrected in the new Legion Go S, but I still recommend the original Legion Go over the Legion Go S because it offers better performance and more features while costing less.
Now, this larger screen means that it's currently the largest gaming handheld of them all, as you can see in my Legion Go size comparison.
That said, it will be outdone soon with the reveal of the comically huge 11-inch Acer Nitro Blaze 11.
Due to its bulky shape, the Legion Go can be harder for smaller hands to hold.
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The Legion Go is tall and thick, so if you want to plug it into a docking station, you need to make sure it is designed to fit Lenovo's handheld.
This handheld stands out thanks to its innovative features that we've never seen before on a gaming handheld, such as a mouse wheel and right and left-click buttons.
These functions, combined with the touchpad, make it easier to interact with certain games or surf the web.
Additionally, the TrueStrike controllers can come off like the Switch OLED JoyCon can.
When I was sick with COVID and too weak to hold the handheld, I was able to grasp the detached controllers in my hands, lie down on my bed, and play with the screen propped up on its kickstand.
The right controller can also be put in FPS mode and placed within a small dock to act more like a mouse. I like using this setup when playing first-person shooters or games that rely on a lot of mouse clicks.
Performance-wise, the Legion Go operates similarly to the ROG Ally since it uses the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset.
However, it offers a 512GB version for $699.99 and a 1TB version for $749.99.
The Legion Go's higher prices aren't too surprising given the huge screen, innovative controls, and strong processor, but it will definitely put a dent in your wallet.
Still, if you want a larger screen with a high refresh rate, then this will be the most appealing option.
Considering that screens are a major suck on battery life, I thought the Legion Go wouldn't be able to last all that long.
However, in testing, I was able to get it to run from two hours up to five hours depending on settings, which is longer than the original ROG Ally.
Lenovo also makes it easier to keep playing with the addition of Super Rapid Charge, which allows the device to charge back up to 70% in just 30 minutes. That's really fast.
Best for cloud gaming
My recommended Logitech G Cloud configuration:
If you're looking to save money on a handheld gaming device, but still want to play the latest games then the Logitech G Cloud is the choice for you.
As our own Zachary Boddy mentioned in their Logitech G Cloud review, this cloud gaming handheld holds a place between the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck.
That's because it runs on Android with a Snapdragon 720G, so it can play games streamed from distant servers with decent visuals, but it doesn't have high local processing power itself.
Of course, your gaming experience with any cloud gaming device is dependent upon several aspects usually beyond your control, such as your internet speed, Wi-Fi connection, and how well the host server is operating.
Because of this, there are many points at which your gaming session can be negatively affected when playing via the cloud.
Still, if everything is working well, then the Logitech G Cloud can be an excellent device to play on.
G Cloud comes with game streaming apps like Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Steam all installed and ready to go. You'll just need to supply the subscriptions.
The button layout and design feels great in your hands and works well with games that support controllers.
Since it isn't bogged down with as many components, Logitech's device is a whole lot lighter and more comfortable to hold than other handhelds.
Additionally, it can last up to 12 hours on one charge, which is longer than any other device on this list.
Plus, it only costs $349.99, but usually sells for $299.99, making it easier to afford.
If you want to save money and understand that the cloud gaming experience isn't always consistent, then this can be a good gaming handheld for some people.
Best dual-screen gaming handheld
My recommended AYANEO Flip DS configuration:
AYANEO is a handheld brand that focuses on unique designs and experiences unlike those seen by the likes of Valve, ASUS, Lenovo, or even Nintendo.
For example, there are a lot of Windows 11 gaming handhelds on the market, but the AYANEO Flip DS stands out as being the first dual-screen Windows handheld among them.
I personally did our AYANEO Flip DS review, so I know firsthand how useful this device is when it comes to multitasking.
I can play my main game up top on the larger 7-inch, 120Hz 1080p IPS touchscreen and then use the smaller touchscreen to adjust settings and open other programs.
I even made it so I was watching Shrek via Netflix on the top screen while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the small display. There are plenty of different ways to make use of these dual-screens.
I also appreciate that this device features two USB-C ports, which allow me to charge the device back up with one port while keeping the other free for any accessories that I might want to use.
After all, while the Flip DS offers good gaming performance, it doesn't have the best battery life since it is powering two screens, so I ended up playing it while plugged in most of the time.
Arguably, the biggest downside to the Flip DS is that it is extremely expensive and doesn't have as powerful performance as other mainstream handhelds on the market.
The $1,222.99 MSRP makes it cost far more than any other handheld on this page. It can often be found on sale for around $1,151, but that's still really pricey.
Of course, you're paying extra for the convenience of having that second screen, which isn't common at all.
Recently AYANEO announced that production for the Flip DS has paused, but AYANEO says it will still "produce an additional batch of several hundred."
Other gaming handhelds to mention
This page would get way too long if I listed every gaming handheld out there, but there are still some more that are worth mentioning.
Upcoming handhelds
There are several gaming handhelds in the works, but these are the ones you really ought to know about.
Two Xbox gaming handhelds
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
In March 2025, my colleague, Jez Corden, exclusively broke the news that an Xbox-branded handheld is releasing in 2025, codenamed "Kennan."
This device will be made in partnership with an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), so potentially ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, Razer, etc.
We also know that Microsoft plans to release next-gen Xbox hardware, including an Xbox gaming handheld, in 2027. We'll update as we learn more.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch has been insanely popular, but it's lifecycle is almost up.
Nintendo has revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 will release sometime in 2025, with more details coming on April 2.
So far, we know that it is still a hybrid device that can be played while docked to a TV, in tablet mode, or in handheld mode.
Three Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds
Acer is coming rather late to the PC gaming handheld party, but the company is on its way.
So far, we know of at least three Acer handhelds that are in the works including the Nitro Blaze 7 shown off in Fall 2024, and then the Nitro Blaze 8 and enormous Nitro Blaze 11 revealed during CES 2025.
How we test gaming handhelds
Whenever we at Windows Central review gaming handhelds, we run the devices through rigorous testing to see how well they perform.
If they are more complex devices with powerful graphics cards (basically small gaming laptops), we benchmark their capabilities against other similar devices.
This includes getting our own experience of playing graphically or computationally demanding games on them as well as running tests like PCMark Modern Office, 3DMark Time Spy, CrystalDiskMark, Cinebench, and more.
How well we score a device depends on several factors, including how smoothly the device performs, how convenient it is to use, how much it costs, and how customizable it is.
Choosing the best overall gaming handheld was actually a rather close call because each device currently available has some impressive perks as well as some sort of major limitation. Tradeoffs everywhere.
However, the ROG Ally X still managed to beat the others due to its solid performance, good pricing, and fantastic customization options.
The screen and performance are significantly improved over Valve's handheld, and it looks good too.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is the second device we recommend since it provides an easy and stable playing experience.
By far, the Steam Deck is the easiest to use right out of the box and is also one of the easiest to upgrade and customize.
