It’s still early days for handheld gaming PCs, and most of the Steam Deck alternatives are using the same AMD Z1 or Z1 Extreme chipset that powers the Asus ROG Ally X. Of course, like gaming laptops before them, the amount of juice these handhelds are able to squeeze out of this AMD chip differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. There’s also a ton of room for improvement for Steam Deck alternatives. Because they’re glorified gaming laptops, the same problems plague these handhelds, chiefly battery life. While handhelds are improving in this regard, you’re still not going to get the same battery life you can get out of the Nintendo Switch. At least not yet. Here’s to hoping the obligatory AMD Z2 chip improves battery life and efficiency a bit.
Asus ROG Ally X
The Best Steam Deck Alternative
With double the battery and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has catapulted itself to be the best handheld gaming PC on the market.
- Display: 7-Inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS
- CPU: AMD Z1 Extreme
- GPU: AMD Z1 Extreme
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Memory: 24GB LPDDR5 @ 7,400MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Weight: 1.49 lb
Much better performance, thanks to faster memory. Double the battery life of the original Asus ROG Ally. Windows 11 is still a little finicky.
Lenovo Legion Go
Best Steam Deck alternative with a large display
The Lenovo Legion Go is a Steam Deck alternative that runs Windows 11 and has a huge QHD display. What’s not to love?
- Display: 8.8-Inch IPS, 2560×1600
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Storage: 512GB/1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Weight: 854g
Big and responsive screen. Detachable controllers. Below average battery life.
GPD Win 4
Best Steam Deck alternative with a keyboard
The GPD Win 4 is an amazing Steam Deck alternative, especially if you don’t like awkwardly typing on a touch screen.
- Display: 6-inch, 1920×1080
- CPU: AMD Radeon 780M
- GPU: AMD Radeon 760M
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Storage: 512GB / 2TB / 4TB M.2 SSD
- Network: Wi-Fi 6
- Weight: 570g
Built-in keyboard. Expandable storage with MicroSD. Bulky design, thanks to built-in keyboard.
Asus ROG Ally Z1
The Best Value Steam Deck Alternative
$100 cheaper and slightly less powerful than ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, this Windows portable is still ready to play all your favorite indie titles.
- Display: 7-Inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1
- GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Network: Wi-Fi 6E
- Weight: 1.34 lb
Affordable. Adjustable modes (Silent, Performance, Turbo). Uses lower-power AMD Z1 chip.
Logitech G Cloud
The Best Android Steam Deck Alternative
The Logitech G Cloud is an awesome Steam Deck Alternative if you don’t mind streaming most of your games.
- Display: 7-inch IPS, 1920×1080
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Storage: 64GB
- Network: Wi-Fi 5
- Weight: 1.02 lb
More affordable than the Steam Deck. Plug-and-play design (easy learning curve). Low refresh rate and screen resolution.
How to Pick the Best Steam Deck Alternative
Selecting the best Steam Deck alternative involves considering several factors such as display quality, CPU/GPU performance, memory capacity, storage options, and overall design. Battery life remains a critical aspect as well, given that most handheld gaming PCs struggle in this area compared to traditional gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
- Your Gaming Needs:
- If you prioritize performance and battery life, consider the Asus ROG Ally X.
- If a larger display is essential, the Lenovo Legion Go is your best bet.
- Your Budget:
- The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers great value without compromising too much on performance.
- Your Preferences:
- If you prefer physical keyboards for typing, the GPD Win 4 is an excellent choice.
- Your Platform Preference:
- If you’re comfortable with Android and don’t mind streaming games, Logitech G Cloud is a solid option.
- Your Usage Environment:
- If you plan to use it mostly at home with access to power outlets, battery life might be less of an issue.
- Your Future Needs:
- A device with expandable storage options like the GPD Win 4 could be beneficial in the long run.
The landscape of handheld gaming PCs is rapidly evolving, and while current models offer impressive capabilities, future iterations promise even greater advancements in performance and efficiency.
