Best handheld gaming PCs 2024

If you've ever been on holiday, travelling, or just anywhere that isn't sat at your PC, then you've probably had that moment where all you selfishly want to be doing is gaming. In the past, that would have been a problem, but with one of the best handheld gaming PCs, you can make that dream of gaming wherever you are in the world a reality.

Now, handheld gaming has been around for years, with the likes of the Microvision leading the way followed by the Game Boy, PSP, and so on. However, PC gaming is something that has been confined to laptops and desktops up until very recently, when a slew of amazing handheld gaming devices launched following Valve's initial success with the Steam Deck in 2022.

Since then, portable gaming PCs have come a long way, boasting powerful CPUs, GPUs, and storage that really does rival some of the best gaming PCs on the market.

Their rise has been impressive, making now a great time to dive into the action. Luckily for you, we've rounded up the best handheld gaming PCs, based on price, reviews, features, and more, to help kick off your search in the best way possible. So stick around if you're itching to game on the go.

Best handheld gaming PCs

1. ASUS ROG Ally - a well-rounded option for most people
2. MSI Claw A1M - best pick for battery life
3. Steam Deck OLED - an excellent handheld with an even better screen
4. AYANEO AIR 1S - a superb lightweight contender
5. OneXPlayer OneXFly - best handheld if money is no object

Credit: ASUS

1. ASUS ROG Ally

Best handheld gaming PC overall

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 realise 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.

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Credit: MSI

2. MSI Claw A1M

Best handheld gaming PC for battery life

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 analogue 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.

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Credit: Valve

3. Steam Deck OLED

Best handheld gaming PC for its screen

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 favourite 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 optimised 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.

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Credit: AYANEO

4. AYANEO AIR 1S

Best lightweight handheld gaming PC

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 customised 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.

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Credit: OneXPlayer

5. OneXPlayer OneXFly

Best premium handheld gaming PC

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 favourite 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 personalised, 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.

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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.