The Steam Deck is still the handheld gaming PC to beat, and Valve has made it even more attractive with a refreshed model. Games look their best thanks to a dazzling 720p OLED display (7.4 inches) that makes colors pop. Other stealth improvements include enhanced battery life that delivers one to four extra hours of juice compared with the original model, and two to three times faster downloads thanks to Wi-Fi 6E.

Anyone looking to dabble in PC gaming. The Linux-based SteamOS is a wonderfully approachable interface that pushes the Steam store and its rich library to the forefront. Get Valve’s official Steam Deck Dock for more perks, such as easier firmware updates and the ability to output to a screen without a power supply.

The Lenovo Legion Go S was a good handheld gaming PC, but ditching Windows for SteamOS makes it even better. Game performance improves, and the Steam operating system is far better suited for a handheld than Windows. The SteamOS model also maintains the Legion Go S’s existing strengths, like the excellent screen and comfortable build.

The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is arguably a better Steam Deck than the Steam Deck itself. It runs games faster than Valve’s own device and feels better in the hand. It’s an awesome alternative way to enter the SteamOS gaming ecosystem.

The ROG Ally X is our favorite version of the already impressive Asus handheld PC line. It improves virtually all aspects, including inputs, battery life, and storage. Of course, it retains full Windows 11 compatibility, which makes it a breeze to run all kinds of PC games (and mods).

The Asus ROG Ally X is the most competitive Steam Deck alternative. It’s for gamers who want a premium handheld gaming PC and access to all of their Windows PC games without worrying about SteamOS-related compatibility issues. Existing ROG owners may not need to upgrade, but this is a great way to enter the portable PC scene.

The Asus ROG Ally is a premium Windows 11-powered portable that features a beautiful 7-inch, 1080p/120Hz screen and beefy specs designed to handle that high resolution. That power comes with a cost, though, to the tune of just one hour of Cyberpunk 2077 gaming when unplugged.

People familiar with Windows gaming. However, a full desktop interface isn’t always the easiest to navigate while on the go. As a result, Asus includes the optional Armoury Crate interface that consolidates your games in a single, tight menu. Regardless of your preferred interface, the Ally offers portable, full HD access to the broadest array of PC gaming marketplaces.

The original Steam Deck is still an impressive machine, with specs virtually identical to the newer OLED model. The 7-inch LCD has the same 1,280-by-800 pixel resolution as the OLED, though you lose Wi-Fi 6E download speeds and anywhere from one to four hours of battery life, depending on the game. The real hook is the price, which is significantly less than the OLED version.

The original Steam Deck is now only available as a base-level model, so it’s suitable for anyone looking to dabble in this category. It now offers 256GB of internal storage (up from 64GB before the OLED model’s introduction), giving you more bang for your buck.

The Lenovo Legion Go S streamlines the original model, keeping what worked while ditching the extra bulk. It’s smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor boosts performance, and the 8-inch screen supports VRR. The improved battery lasted nearly nine hours in our video test and just over 90 minutes in our gaming test.

Gamers who value innovation may be a bit disappointed to see the Legion Go S ditch some of its more creative and experimental features, such as detachable controllers. However, the end result is a rock-solid, and much less hefty, handheld with a great design and a clear sense of identity.

The improved MSI Claw 8 AI+ shows that every entrant in the handheld gaming PC market has plenty to offer. The Claw supports the speedy Wi-Fi 7 and runs many games thanks to its Windows 11 operating system. The device even uses experimental AI features to adjust settings for optimal performance.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is for anyone who doesn’t mind a big piece of gaming equipment. The redesigned model’s sheer size may impact comfort, but it makes good use of that bulk with a long-lasting battery and improved 8-inch, 16:10 screen. It’s a capable device that delivers on the dream of high-end PC gaming on the go, something considered impossible years ago.