If you've ever been on holiday or traveling and all you selfishly want to do is game, you're in luck. In the past, this would have been a problem, but now, with one of the best handheld gaming PCs, you can make your dream of gaming anywhere in the world a reality.
Handheld gaming has been around for years with devices like the Game Boy and PSP leading the way. However, PC gaming was mostly confined to laptops and desktops until recently, when a slew of amazing handheld gaming devices launched following Valve's success with the Steam Deck in 2022. These portable gaming PCs now boast powerful CPUs, GPUs, and storage that rival some of the best gaming PCs on the market.
Their rapid advancement makes now a great time to dive into portable gaming. To help kick off your search, we've rounded up the best handheld gaming PCs based on price, reviews, features, and more. So stick around if you're itching to game on the go.
Best handheld gaming PCs
- ASUS ROG Ally - a well-rounded option for most people
- MSI Claw A1M - best pick for battery life
- Steam Deck OLED - an excellent handheld with an even better screen
- AYANEO AIR 1S - a superb lightweight contender
- OneXPlayer OneXFly - best handheld if money is no object
1. ASUS ROG Ally
Best handheld gaming PC overall
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* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the ASUS ROG Ally
For most people, we feel the ASUS ROG Ally is the handheld of choice, as it combines exceptional power, performance, and picture quality for a price that's relatively reasonable compared to what you can end up paying for a portable PC.
First and foremost, it runs on the latest Windows 11 operating system, and it features AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with RDNA 3 graphics. ASUS has said it worked closely with AMD to realize its full potential, allowing it to deliver elite gaming performance wherever you are in the world.
Its 7" screen is great too, boasting a 1080p resolution and, more impressively, a 120Hz refresh rate that'll ensure whatever you're playing looks smooth as silk. It also supports FreeSync Premium, and it boasts upscaling technologies that can boost framerates while retaining excellent image quality.
With all that in mind, we think it's safe to say the ASUS ROG Ally is a very well-rounded handheld gaming PC to consider. However, ASUS does also have the ROG Ally X on its way, which offers slightly more in terms of specs than the original. It's still a little while away though, so for now, the regular ROG Ally remains a top pick.
Reasons to buy:
- It boasts an excellent processor and graphics card
- It has an impressive refresh rate with FreeSync Premium support
- Nice and compact for portable gaming
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2. MSI Claw A1M
Best handheld gaming PC for battery life
Today's best deals *
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the MSI Claw A1M
The MSI Claw A1M is a slightly newer handheld gaming PC, with its best feature being its impressive 53WHrs battery life; the best we have or will feature in this list.
It's still impressive beyond its battery life though, with it featuring up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU (the only handheld featuring Intel in this list), Intel Arc Graphics, and an ergonomic design that remains comfortable to hold no matter how long you use it for.
It features a 7" screen with a 120Hz refresh rate as well, but it also comes with MSI's bespoke Center M to make adjusting your settings even easier, CoolerBoost HyperFlow technology to stop the internals from overheating, and is outfitted with Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, built to provide long-lasting precision.
If all that wasn't enough, it even supports WiFi 7 technology, which means you can enjoy ultra-low latency as low as 2ms when you jump online. This, in turn, can help you stay one step ahead of your competition.
Reasons to buy:
- It has an insane battery life
- Runs on Intel components
- Supports WiFi 7 technology for insane online speeds
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3. Steam Deck OLED
Best handheld gaming PC for its screen
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* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Steam Deck OLED
As mentioned in the intro, the original Steam Deck kind of brought on the handheld gaming PC revolution, however, the device wasn't without its flaws. The follow-up Steam Deck OLED model, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish, featuring a beautiful HDR OLED display as its stand-out feature, allowing your favorite titles to look gorgeous on its 7.4" screen.
It's a little different elsewhere as well because it runs on SteamOS 3, a Linux-based operating system that helps it run PC games as if you were playing them on a console. It also features a custom AMD APU that's optimized for handheld gaming to make AAA titles run at their best.
It's got decent storage, up to 1TB, and, seeing as it's a Steam product, its compatibility with your Steam Library is second to none. Oh, it's lighter and features a better battery life than the original Steam Deck too, making it one of the best handheld gaming PCs on the market today.
Reasons to buy:
- It has a lovely OLED screen
- SteamOS 3 helps it run games as if you were playing on a console
- Plenty of storage
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4. AYANEO AIR 1S
Best lightweight handheld gaming PC
Today's best deals *
- eBay - $1,194.99 / £649.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the AYANEO AIR 1S
If lightness is what you're after, look no further than the AYANEO AIR 1S. This compact handheld gaming PC measures 21.6mm at its thinnest point (18mm if you go for the Ultra Thin model) and weighs just 405g - that's lighter than the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally.
Inside, you get an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU and RDNA 3 12CUs CPU which are both thin and light, yet powerful enough to make gaming a breeze. Its capacity is impressive too, as you can get a model with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a massive 4TB worth of storage if you want to. That might be overkill, but it's still nice to have the option available.
Its screen is a little smaller than most at just 5.5", but that does help make it even more portable, and means the pixel density on its AMOLED screen is next level.
It also has a customized heat dissipation system to avoid overheating, and we'd say it's probably one of the coolest-looking handheld PCs we've come across. In fact, the only real downside you could argue is its battery life, but it's definitely still good enough to game on the go.
Reasons to buy:
- It's incredibly light
- AMOLED display looks great
- You can get it with up to 4TB of storage
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5. OneXPlayer OneXFly
Best premium handheld gaming PC
Today's best deals *
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the OneXPlayer OneXFly
All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately, we've come to the end of our list. However, we've saved a real powerhouse for last in the OneXPlayer OneXFly. It is one of the most expensive options on the market, but it's got some impressive specs to back it up.
Its combination of processing power, graphical potential, and screen quality make it very well-rounded, with it capable of running most AAA games close to their full potential. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and a staggering 5.1GHz max. clock rate, you really can expect performances similar to that of a gaming PC.
Its display is a triumph too, combining a 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate that matches the ASUS ROG Ally. Plus, it can produce 450 nits peak brightness, ensuring your favorite games look vibrant as well.
Another great aspect of the OneXPlayer OneXFly is its 7" screen with an ultra-thin bezel, which helps create a more immersive experience when gaming on the go. It can be personalized, too, with RGB Flight Wing emblems. It might not help you win more games, but it's a nice and unique touch that helps the OneXPlayer OneXFly stand out from the crowd against its competition.
Reasons to buy:
- One of the most powerful handhelds out there
- 2TB of storage is more than enough
- It has a lovely and bright screen
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying anything, not just a gaming handheld, often comes with questions. Don't panic, because we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
Is buying a handheld gaming PC worth it?
Buying a handheld gaming PC can offer a unique blend of convenience, portability, and gaming power, making it an attractive option for those who simply love to game. However, a lot of the best handheld devices are expensive, which makes deciding whether or not to buy one tricky.
You've got to ask yourself how often will you use it at the end of the day. If you rarely travel and often find yourself with access to your gaming PC, then investing in a handheld device probably isn't worth it. But, if you regularly take long flights and train journeys, or simply want something more portable to game on the go, or in bed for that matter, then you might just benefit from a handheld gaming PC.
It's a tough one to call, and will ultimately come down to your specific needs.
What features should you look for when buying a handheld gaming PC?
Firstly, performance specifications are paramount. This includes the processor (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), RAM, and storage. A powerful CPU and GPU are crucial for running modern games smoothly, especially those with high graphical fidelity. Adequate RAM is necessary, too, for multitasking and ensuring games run without lag, while sufficient and fast storage (preferably SSD) allows for quicker load times and ample space for multiple games and files.
The quality of the display is another critical factor. A screen with a high resolution and refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming experience by providing crisp, fluid visuals. Consider a device with an OLED panel as well for better, brighter visuals. The size of the screen also matters; it should be large enough to provide an immersive experience without compromising the device's portability.
Battery life is arguably the most important factor though, as it determines how long you can play games on the go without needing to recharge. Look for devices with a battery life that suits your needs, keeping in mind that more graphically intense games tend to drain the battery faster. Some devices offer power-saving modes or the ability to swap batteries, which can be convenient for extended gaming sessions away from a power source.
Lastly, the device's operating system and connectivity options add to its versatility. A system that supports a wide range of game stores and platforms will offer a broader library of titles to pick from. Connectivity features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB ports enhance the device's functionality, allowing for online gaming, connecting external devices, and data transfer.
Can you upgrade a handheld gaming PC?
This depends on the model. Some handheld gaming PCs allow for upgrades like increased RAM or storage via SSDs, but many components such as the CPU and GPU are typically not upgradeable.
As a result, you'll need to double-check the product description of whatever device you're thinking of purchasing to see if it explicitly says it's upgradeable. That said, many handhelds are upgradable at the point of buying them, with there often being multiple different storage and RAM options available to you to ensure you're getting something that fits your needs.
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