The Handheld PC Gaming Boom
Valve's Steam Deck spawned a whole category. Here are the best alternatives that compete on performance, display quality, and game compatibility.
ASUS ROG Ally X
The refined version fixes the original's biggest complaints. 800Wh battery delivers 3+ hours of AAA gaming. The AMD Z1 Extreme chip runs modern titles at 1080p medium settings. VRR display eliminates screen tearing.
Lenovo Legion Go S
Detachable controllers and an 8.8-inch display make this versatile. The new Ryzen Z2 chip offers 20% better performance. Windows 11 means full game compatibility without Proton layers.
MSI Claw 2
Intel's answer to AMD dominance. The Core Ultra 7 provides competitive performance with better power efficiency. 7-inch 120Hz display and Hall effect triggers. Thunderbolt 4 for external GPU support.
Key Specs Comparison
- Display: ROG Ally X (7" 120Hz VRR), Legion Go S (8.8" 144Hz), Claw 2 (7" 120Hz)
- Battery: ROG Ally X (800Wh), Legion Go S (650Wh), Claw 2 (530Wh)
- OS: SteamOS vs Windows 11 vs Windows 11
- Price: $599 / $699 / $649
Verdict
ROG Ally X leads on battery life and display quality. Legion Go S wins on screen size and versatility. Claw 2 offers Intel fans a solid option with Thunderbolt connectivity.
