The ability to play the best PC games from anywhere is huge, but when looking for your ideal handheld gaming PC, there's more to consider beyond CPU and GPU, like RAM, storage, controller input type, and software overlays. In this video, we've composed a brief consumer guide and reviewed the top five best handheld gaming consoles currently available. For more information on the products, we've included links in the description box down below. Let's get started!
1. ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is far from perfect but is an exceptional handheld gaming PC that delivers better performance than the Steam Deck. It also boasts full PC compatibility thanks to the fact it's a Windows device, but that's ultimately both a blessing and a curse when it comes to the overall experience.
- Display: 7-inch IPS touchscreen with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme on Zen 4 architecture.
- RAM: 16GB.
- Storage: 512GB SSD (upgradable).
- Graphics: AMD RDNA 3 architecture-based.
- Price: Starting at $599.
The ROG Ally plays it simple with an Xbox-style layout and traditional ABXY face button array. For added security, the handheld also features a fingerprint scanner on the power button. All in all, the ROG Ally is arguably the best Windows 11 handheld, but it's still not perfect.
You Might Like: Meta Quest 3S Review | VR Headset Analysis
2. Valve Steam Deck
The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful portable gaming PC that can fit in your pocket. It offers all the power of a high-end gaming laptop in a much smaller package. With this device, there's a huge amount of Steam games to choose from, and the 16GB of onboard RAM is more than enough power for the majority of games out there.
- Display: 7-inch LCD touchscreen with 1280x800 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate.
- OS: SteamOS (based on Arch Linux).
- Controls: Two thumb-sized analog sticks, ABXY buttons, and two trackpads with haptic feedback.
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD options.
Downsides include some games requiring tweaking to work, and the console runs a form of Arch Linux, which may not be for everyone. However, when playing a Valve-approved game, the Steam Deck delivers incredible performance for its size.
3. Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is a bulky handheld gaming PC with a bright display and detachable controllers. Weighing 1.88 lbs with the controllers attached, the Legion Go is relatively large but feels sturdy.
- Display: 8.8-inch IPS screen with 2560x1600 resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme.
- RAM: 16GB.
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB SSD.
- Price: $699 to $749.
One of the most unique features of the Legion Go is its FPS mode, which turns the right controller into a mouse. The Legion Go runs on Windows 11 and comes with Legion Space software for customization. While innovative, some features may not always be practical.
4. Ayaneo 2
If you're not working on a budget, the Ayaneo 2 is the best handheld gaming PC on the market. It offers incredible performance, sleek ergonomics, and a design that lends itself to hours of play.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U with Radeon 680M graphics.
- RAM: 16GB.
- Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable).
- Price: $1,100.
- Battery: 50Wh.
The Ayaneo 2 comes with customization software called Ayaspace, allowing you to launch games, customize buttons, and update firmware. While expensive, it's a major step forward from its predecessors and delivers excellent performance.
You Might Like: Top Gaming Accessories Worth Buying!
5. Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED fixes some of the flaws of the original Switch, offering a better screen and a more durable kickstand. The new 7-inch OLED display makes games look more vibrant, with improved detail in darker scenes.
- Display: 7-inch OLED with 1280x720 resolution.
- Processor: Nvidia Tegra X1.
- Storage: 64GB.
- Price: $350.
The Switch OLED is still made of plastic but feels far nicer than its predecessor. While the internals aren't groundbreaking, they get the job done, delivering 1080p visuals at 30fps. If you can afford it, the OLED model is the better choice over the original Switch.
You Might Like: Top 5 Gaming Chairs in 2025 | Best Picks for Gamers
Comments
Post a Comment