For more than four years, we’ve had a burning passion for writing about handheld devices as an emulation platform. The way gaming consoles have evolved, we can’t just focus on low and mid-range portable emulators anymore—things are changing fast!
Today, let’s dive into the exciting world of handheld gaming PCs! We’ve spent years testing and experimenting with over 200 personal digital assistants and handhelds, so we’re here to share our unique insights with you. If you’re looking for a powerful, portable way to play your favorite PC games, you’re in the right place!
The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs
The Windows portable gaming PC market is getting crowded—and that’s both good and bad. On one hand, we have some absolutely fantastic devices pushing the limits of portable gaming. On the other, there are a few that just don’t live up to expectations.
So, if you’ve been wondering which handheld gaming PC is actually worth your money, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who wants to experience AAA titles on the go, there’s a perfect device out there for you. Let’s explore the best options available right now!
Why Consider a Handheld Gaming PC?
You might be thinking, “Why would I get a handheld gaming PC when I already have a gaming laptop or a console?” Great question! Here’s why:
- Portability Meets Power – Unlike traditional consoles, you can take these gaming PCs anywhere! Long commute? Weekend trip? No problem!
- Full Windows Experience – Unlike the Steam Deck, which runs on SteamOS, these handhelds let you run all your PC games and applications without limits.
- Customizability – Want to tweak settings, install mods, or run emulators? You can do it all with a Windows handheld.
- Multi-Purpose Device – Not just for gaming! Use it for work, media consumption, and more.
1. AYANEO 2S – The Ultimate Powerhouse
If you want the absolute best performance in a handheld gaming PC, the AYANEO 2S is a no-brainer. This beauty is even more powerful than the Steam Deck! It’s packed with a Ryzen 7 7840U CPU, a Radeon 780M GPU, and a whopping 32GB of DDR5 RAM. That’s a beast in your hands!
But what really steals the show is the 7” IPS touchscreen with 500 nits brightness and a crisp 1920 x 1200 resolution. AAA titles like God of War and Destiny 2 run flawlessly.
The design? Sleek, ergonomic, and premium. The front glass panel flows seamlessly into the buttons, and the back has a grippy texture for long gaming sessions. If you’re looking for top-tier performance, this is the one.
2. Steam Deck – The King of Convenience
No list of handheld gaming PCs is complete without the Steam Deck! Made by Valve, this device brings the entire Steam library to your fingertips for just $399.
Inside, you get a 4-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, an 8-core RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB RAM. The 7” 60Hz IPS display (1280 x 800) delivers a smooth gaming experience.
The best part? Seamless Steam integration. You can tweak settings, optimize games, and even use docked mode with an external display and peripherals. For a budget-friendly handheld PC, the Steam Deck is the go-to choice.
3. ROG Ally – ASUS’s Power Move
ASUS jumped into the handheld gaming world with the ROG Ally, and wow, what a debut! It’s priced at around $850 but comes with next-gen Z1 CPUs, a 7” Full HD 120Hz touchscreen, and impressive battery life.
The ergonomics are top-notch, making long gaming sessions super comfortable. Even big-name YouTubers like Casey Neistat swear by it! If you want Windows gaming on the go with premium features, the ROG Ally is a killer choice.
4. AYANEO Air – Compact and Gorgeous
Looking for something ultra-portable? The AYANEO Air is your answer. Weighing just 400g and 21mm thin, this is the smallest gaming laptop in the world!
Despite its size, it’s powered by a Ryzen 7 5825U processor and features a stunning OLED screen with 1080p resolution. Colors pop, and the visuals are breathtaking.
Battery life is its only downside—expect around 1.5 hours of intense gaming. If you need a super lightweight, ultra-sharp handheld, the AYANEO Air is worth considering.
5. AYN Odin – The Budget Champion
At just $199, the AYN Odin is the best budget handheld gaming PC. It’s equipped with a D1000G CPU, an ARM Mali-G57 GPU, 8GB RAM, and a 1080p IPS display.
Sure, it won’t run the latest AAA games, but for retro and older PC games, it’s a fantastic deal. If you want an affordable handheld for nostalgic gaming, this is the one to grab.
6. AYANEO Next – The Minimalist’s Dream
The AYANEO Next is for those who love sleek, minimalist designs. It’s small, stylish, and ergonomic with rock-solid joystick stability.
Under the hood, you get a Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, a Radeon Vega 8 GPU, 16GB RAM, 2TB storage, and a 7” IPS display (1280 x 800). If you prefer a high-end gaming PC with a clean aesthetic, the AYANEO Next is a fantastic option.
7. ONEXPLAYER Mini – Compact Yet Mighty
If the original ONEXPLAYER was too big for you, the Mini version is perfect. It has a 7” IPS display, 16GB RAM, up to 2TB storage, and AMD’s Zen 3 technology.
It retains the comfort and button layout of its larger sibling but in a more compact size. For gamers who want a small but powerful handheld PC, the ONEXPLAYER Mini is a great pick.
8. AYANEO 1 – The Stylish Choice
The AYANEO 1 (or Initium) is the “Apple” of handheld gaming PCs. Launched in 2021, it quickly became a crowdfunding sensation.
It features a 2.3GHz Ryzen 4500U CPU, a 1.5GHz Radeon GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 7” IPS display(1200 x 800).
What sets it apart? Its premium design and backlit buttons. If you care about aesthetics as much as performance, this one’s for you.
9. ONEXPLAYER – The Premium Pick
The ONEXPLAYER is a performance monster! It packs a 4.2GHz Ryzen 4800U, an AMD Radeon 8 Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a gorgeous 8.4” IPS display (2560 x 1600).
It’s bulkier than others, but for hardcore gamers who want top-tier power in a handheld, this is an excellent option.
10. ANBERNIC Win600 – The Entry-Level Handheld
Not everyone needs a powerhouse device. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly handheld gaming PC, the ANBERNIC Win600 is worth considering.
It runs Windows 10 and is compatible with SteamOS. While it struggles with AAA titles, it’s perfect for 2D platformers and older PC games.
Handheld gaming PCs have come a long way, and there’s a perfect device for everyone! Whether you want AAA gaming on the go with the AYANEO 2S, seamless Steam integration with the Steam Deck, or a budget-friendly pick like the AYN Odin, there’s an option for every type of gamer.
As technology keeps evolving, expect even more exciting handheld gaming PCs in the near future. Which one will you choose?
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For me the Legion Go is the best.
Bigger Screen, easy to Upgrade to 2 TB for Drive C:, Detachable Controllers (use it as an Office-Tablett and not odentify u as a gamer, with long battery Life, TDP down to 5W), Kickstand, Very fast Ram, 2k Resolution, Ryzen7 7840/M780, and much more.
Can replace a Desktop PC. Great!!
For me the Legion Go is the best.
Bigger Screen, easy to Upgrade to 2 TB for Drive C:, Detachable Controllers (use it as an Office-Tablett and not identify u as a gamer, with long battery Life, TDP down to 5W), Kickstand, Very fast Ram, 2k Resolution, Ryzen7 7840/M780, and much more.
Can replace a Desktop PC. Great!!