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Thanks to technological advancements, the best handheld gaming PCs now bring superior performance, decent displays, and support for a wide collection of video games. Owing to their small form factor, you can take out these devices anywhere and enjoy your favorite titles with the same functionalities as a PC.
While there are tons of options available on the market, only a few can be called the best handheld gaming PCs. The best systems are incredibly versatile. They have powerful processors, ample speedy storage, enough RAM, impressive displays, decent batteries, and a huge collection of supporting games you can play on them.
To aid you in the decision-making, we have compiled a list of the best handheld gaming PCs worth investing in right now.
NOTE: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer’s opinion.
What are some of the best handheld gaming PCs available on the market today?
6) Ayaneo Air 1S
The Ayaneo Air 1S is an extremely light and thin console. It comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED screen that can deliver crisp images.
Don’t judge this device by its size. It is quite powerful. You also get two hidden buttons at the top: one brings on the on-screen keyboard, and the other is a desktop shortcut button.
If portability is the priority, the Ayaneo Air 1S is arguably the best handheld gaming PC for you. However, there are tradeoffs. The biggest one is the battery. It doesn’t run much longer away from the power socket. Besides that, it is a bit overpriced.
Pros:
- The design is super compact and portable.
- Impressive gaming performance.
- Massive RAM and storage options.
Cons:
- Battery life is mediocre.
- It is a bit overpriced.
5) Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is one of the best handheld gaming PCs on the market. The reason is simple: its feature-to-price ratio.
The device is available at a low price compared to other machines on this list and offers a very impressive gaming experience. It boasts a seven-inch OLED screen, amazing speakers, and a redesigned kickstand. The TV Mode and Tabletop Mode are the cherry on the cake.
The Switch OLED runs on a proprietary OS, which enhances its capability to run an impressive library of Nintendo exclusives. On the contrary, it limits the console compatibility to run other PC titles.
If you are a fan of Nintendo’s special titles like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, this may be the best handheld gaming PC for you.
Pros:
- Available at a competitive price.
- Significant improvements over the predecessor.
Cons:
- Not much powerful.
- The build is not durable.
4) Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is astonishingly big. It is a little chunky and might feel heavy in long gaming sessions. To get over this disadvantage, you get a rear kickstand that you can put on a table and play with the detached controllers. The experience certainly won't be as comfortable as other devices, but the large screen sets this device apart from other best handheld gaming PCs.
There is nothing much to complain about in terms of performance. To make the console more appealing, Lenovo has given two modes: Power-saving mode and Performance mode. Users can switch between these modes based on their preferences.
You also get a slide-out window on the right side with all the quick settings options. This includes power modes, volume, brightness, controller settings, etc.
Pros:
- It has a glorious screen.
- It comes with a rear stand and detachable controllers.
Cons:
- It is big and heavy.
- Native resolution might not be that useful.
3) ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG Ally features a big touch screen, remapable controls, and sufficient processing power to run a wide variety of PC games on the go. The white color and honeycomb design make it look super appealing. It also has RGB lighting on each of the analog sticks, adding to the beauty of the console.
The device is lightweight. It is also compatible with Xbox Games Pass, Steam, EA App, and Epic Games Store’s libraries. All these features establish its strong position among the best handheld gaming PCs.
The ASUS ROG Ally is focused on raw power and visual fidelity. Boasting a display with a refresh rate of 120Hz ensures smoother visuals and higher frame rates. However, it falls short when it comes to battery life. Plus, the thumbsticks and back buttons feel less polished, but that is a personal opinion.
Pros:
- Exceptional gaming performance.
- It looks stunning.
- Highly compatible with tons of titles.
Cons:
- Average battery life.
- The OS can be finicky.
2) OneXPlayer OneXFly
The OneXPlayer OneXFly has a sleek design, a good screen size, an impressive battery, and pretty decent core hardware specs configurations. It is undoubtedly among the best handheld gaming PCs on the market right now.
The OneXFly is available in various RAM/Storage options, starting from 16GB+512GB to a massive 64GB+4TB option. You can choose whatever suits you the best.
The only drawback of this device is the software. You might face some driver or OS issues initially. However, these problems should be fixed after some updates.
Pros:
- A well-balanced device.
- The build feels premium and comfortable.
- Good range of ports.
Cons:
- A bit expensive compared to its other counterparts.
- Few software hiccups.
1) Steam Deck
The Steam Deck ticks all the boxes that you might look for in the best handheld gaming PC. Moreover, it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Interestingly, Valve has used a Linux-based operating system, SteamOS, for this device. It not only overcomes all the issues that you might face in the Windows OS but notably enhances the smoothness of the console.
The Steam Deck's design is ergonomic. The battery life is also good. Nevertheless, it is really heavy. You might experience discomfort holding it in long gaming sessions. Fortunately, there is no other reason to skip this handheld.
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile system.
- Optimized OS for enhanced gaming experience.
- Available at a very decent price.
Cons:
- It is bulky and heavy.
These were some of the best handheld gaming PCs for me. There are a few other options in the market, like the Switch Lite. I prefer performance and support for the latest titles and don't think they make a solid contender. Do note handheld gaming is still a nascent domain, especially after its revival since the Game Boy and PSP days. These consoles aren't perfect and leave a lot to desire.
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