With the holiday season approaching faster than expected, many of us are faced with the perennial challenge of gift-giving. If you happen to have a PC gamer in your life, a handheld gaming PC might be the perfect solution to ease that shopping anxiety. These innovative devices offer the excitement of PC gaming in a compact format, making it easy for gamers to indulge in their passion anywhere—from long flights to quick gaming sessions during lunch breaks. After extensive evaluations throughout the year by our dedicated hardware team, here are three exceptional handheld gaming PCs that would bring joy to any gaming enthusiast this holiday season.
1. Steam Deck: The Affordable Powerhouse
The Steam Deck has been a significant player in the handheld market since its debut, and it remains an outstanding choice, especially for those on a budget. Priced at around $399 for the 256 GB model directly from Valve, this device offers impressive value. Although 256 GB may seem limited for larger games, it’s ample storage considering the diverse catalog of indie games available—a favorite among many gamers.
One of the standout features of the Steam Deck is its upgradeability; users can easily increase storage capacity if they have a knack for hardware. Beyond storage, the Steam Deck impresses with its robust build quality and ergonomic design. The controls are responsive, and it consistently performs remarkably well in demanding scenarios, making it a widely recommended choice within the gaming community. Given its combination of performance, versatility, and pricing, the Steam Deck is undoubtedly a worthy contender for anyone seeking a budget-friendly handheld device.
Another noteworthy option is the Asus ROG Ally, particularly since its predecessor can now be found at a more attractive price point due to the release of the newer ROG Ally X. Featuring the powerful AMD Z1 Extreme APU found in its successor, the original ROG Ally remains a formidable device for gamers on the move. Our rigorous testing yielded a commendable score of 86%, which speaks volumes about its capabilities.
This Windows-based handheld is not just a stellar gaming device; it doubles as a portable PC with the addition of a docking station, which elevates its versatility. The ROG Ally also boasts a beautiful display that enhances the gaming experience. Weighing in at a manageable size, it runs quietly even under heavy usage, making it a perfect travel companion. Having a price tag of roughly $459 on Amazon, the ROG Ally offers an attractive and capable solution for gamers seeking both power and portability.
For those looking to invest in something distinctive and multifunctional, the Lenovo Legion Go is an intriguing option. Utilizing the same powerful APU as the ROG Ally, this device stands out with its innovative detachable controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch. This feature allows for relaxing gameplay while taking full advantage of its impressive 8.8-inch screen.
The Legion Go comes equipped with a stunning 144 Hz IPS panel and boasts a native resolution of 1600p, presenting an eye-catching visual experience. However, it’s essential to note that while this high resolution enhances graphics, it may prove demanding for the AMD Z1 Extreme, necessitating performance adjustments in more intensive titles. Moreover, the larger size of the Legion Go makes it less portable compared to other options, which is a consideration for those on the go.
At around $500, the Lenovo Legion Go offers an abundance of features and innovative designs that provide considerable value for PC gamers. Its multifunctional capabilities position it as a unique offering that gamers will happily explore for hours on end.
The rapidly evolving landscape of handheld gaming PCs provides an array of options suitable for every type of PC gamer. Whether it’s the budget-friendly Steam Deck, the versatile ROG Ally, or the innovative Lenovo Legion Go, each of these devices offers unique features and exceptional performance, making them ideal contenders for holiday gifting. This season, delight your loved ones with the gift of gaming convenience and power—any of these handheld PCs will surely light up their gaming experience and make the holidays even more special.