Thinking of Getting a Gaming Handheld PC? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Gaming handhelds are fantastic for squeezing in gaming sessions throughout the day. Unfortunately, they’ve become pricier than ever, thanks to a perfect storm of factors like a memory chip shortage driven by AI, an oil crisis, inflation, and tariffs. But if you’re ready to dive in and grab one before prices potentially rise even further, I’m here to help you navigate this challenging landscape.

Here’s how we’ll tackle this:

* First up, if you want a straightforward recommendation, go for the Xbox Ally X if it’s still priced at $999 when you read this. It’s the handheld I’d choose for myself today, as it’s the only high-end option that hasn’t seen a price increase. It strikes a solid balance between performance, comfort, and battery life.
* Next, let’s explore some bargains. There are a few refurbished and open-box handhelds that are worth considering if you can find them.
* Third, I’ll pose some questions to you. If you’re buying new, what are you after? The most powerful handheld? The one with the best battery life? The most budget-friendly? The best display? The easiest to use? Each of these categories has different contenders, and none of them are the Xbox Ally X.
* Finally, I’ll provide a rundown of other handheld PCs you might encounter while shopping, along with reasons to think twice before purchasing them. I want you to be informed about whether that seemingly great deal is truly worth your cash.

Before diving into the specifics, let’s discuss the operating systems: Windows and Linux. While I’ve critiqued many handhelds for their Windows issues, the landscape has changed. You can now install Bazzite or SteamOS on many devices for a smoother experience. Often, the same handheld performs better and is more stable with Linux, offering instant sleep and resume features that can be hit-or-miss on the original OS.

It’s worth noting that many competitive online multiplayer games still struggle on Linux due to anti-cheat concerns, although some do work. Windows has improved its sleep and resume capabilities on certain devices like the Xbox Ally X. However, it’s a misconception that Linux can’t run as many games as Windows; in fact, thanks to Proton patches and community profiles, Linux can run a broader range of older Windows games more effectively.

Ready? Let’s break down the options from least to most expensive.

**Open Box and Refurb Bargains**

**Refurbished Valve Steam Deck LCD (typically $279-$359)**
If you spot a refurbished Steam Deck LCD, don’t hesitate—grab it! Valve discontinued the original model in December 2025, making these refurbs a great deal. While the Steam Deck OLED has its advantages, it’s not worth the extra $400 over a certified refurbished LCD. Valve’s customer support is top-notch, so you can buy with confidence. The Steam Deck LCD is user-friendly, preloaded with SteamOS, and can handle demanding games like Elden Ring, though expect to play high-end titles at lower settings for under two hours on battery.

**Open-box Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (typically $500-$550)**
At around $500, if you’re okay with installing Bazzite and don’t mind being near a power source, the ROG Ally Z1E is a solid choice. It’s one of the less powerful devices with that chip and has a smaller 40 watt-hour battery, but it features a smooth 7-inch 120Hz VRR screen similar to the Xbox Ally X. When plugged in or during short battery sessions, its turbo mode can outperform the Steam Deck.

**Open-box Lenovo Legion Go (sometimes $600 open box, normally $850)**
The original Legion Go is a bit bulky and has a battery slightly larger than the ROG Ally, but it lacks a variable refresh rate screen. Its 2560×1600 resolution is more than the chip can handle in modern games, though it performs well with lighter titles. Bazzite works well here, and you get an 8.8-inch screen, detachable controllers, and a built-in kickstand. While I’d choose a Steam Deck over it, the Z1 Extreme’s turbo mode makes it faster for short sessions. At $600 open-box, it’s worth considering, but I wouldn’t pay much more.

**Closeout Lenovo Legion Go S Z2 Go with Windows ($550 closeout, normally $1600)**
This model is the opposite of the original Legion Go, featuring a smooth variable refresh rate screen at a more manageable 1920×1200 resolution and comfortable grips. However, it’s powered by a slower AMD Z2 Go chip that doesn’t compete well with the Steam Deck. At $550, it’s worth a look with Bazzite installed, but don’t pay much more, and don’t expect much from its tiny trackpad.

**Refurbished Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB ($629)**
If you find a refurbished Steam Deck OLED for $629, it might be worth the splurge. Yes, it’s $190 more than before the price hikes, but it’s still a $160 discount compared to a new model today. The Deck OLED remains one of the best handhelds available.

Now, let’s look at new options:

**The Most Affordable Handheld: Asus Xbox Ally**
($600 MSRP, sometimes $500 on sale)
With the Steam Deck OLED now starting at $789, the Xbox Ally has become a more appealing option. It features comfortable grips and a chip similar to the Steam Deck, but it can be pushed to 20 watts for more power, has a smoother 120Hz VRR screen, and a slightly larger battery. While I’ve had issues with its sleep function, Bazzite can enhance its performance, making it competitive with the Deck. However, it lacks some of the Steam Deck’s features, like touchpads and back buttons.

**The Easiest to Pick Up and Play: Steam Deck OLED**
($789 for 512GB, $949 for 1TB, $629 or $759 refurbished)
The Steam Deck OLED is incredibly user-friendly. You power it on, connect your Steam account, download games, and start playing with impressive battery life and a fantastic display. Its controls are highly customizable, and community profiles make setup a breeze. While it’s pricier than before, I’d still recommend a refurb at $629 for its ease of use and ongoing support from Valve.

**The Handheld I’d Buy for Myself: Xbox Ally X**
($999)
The Xbox Ally X has evolved into a fantastic handheld. It features a 7-inch IPS screen, a powerful Z2 Extreme chip, and one of the longest-lasting batteries at 80 watt-hours. It’s comfortable to hold and well-supported with regular updates. I can now trust it to wake and sleep reliably, and it offers better control options than before. However, it’s not significantly more powerful than other handhelds, and some controls could use improvement.

**The Longest Battery Life: MSI Claw 8 AI Plus**
($1,300, often $1,120 on sale)
The MSI Claw 8 impresses with its larger, better screen and faster Intel chip, providing a smoother gaming experience. It also lasts slightly longer on the same battery capacity. However, it lacks the comfort and customization options of other devices, and support from MSI isn’t as robust.

**The Best Screen: Legion Go 2 Z2**
($1500)
If display quality is your priority, the Legion Go 2 boasts the best handheld screen available, featuring an OLED panel with HDR capabilities. It’s comfortable to hold and offers detachable gamepads. However, its high price and reliance on Windows may deter some buyers.

**The Most Powerful: GPD Win 5 or OneXPlayer Apex**
(roughly $2,500 and up)
For those seeking top-tier performance, the GPD Win 5 delivers a console-like experience. However, its portability is questionable due to bulky battery packs or reliance on wall power. Proceed with caution, as I haven’t had the chance to fully review these models.

**Handhelds to Avoid**

**Open-box Asus ROG Ally Z1 (typically $380-$450)**
Don’t be misled by the appearance of the ROG Ally with the weaker Z1 chip. It’s less capable than a Steam Deck and has a small battery that drains quickly. Unless you find it for under $250, skip it.

**MSI Claw 7 ($650 to $750)**
The original MSI Claw is still overpriced and underwhelming compared to the competition. It’s not worth your time or money.

**Lenovo Legion Go S Z2 Go with SteamOS ($990)**
This model is underwhelming compared to its predecessor and not worth the inflated price.

**Ayaneo 3 ($1,183)**
Ayaneo handhelds often launch prematurely, and the Ayaneo 3 is no exception. I can’t recommend it at its current price.

**MSI Claw A8 ($1,300, often $1,200 on sale)**
This model is overpriced for what it offers, especially compared to the Xbox Ally X.

**GPD Win Mini 2025 ($1317)**
While intriguing, the Win Mini’s price hike makes it less appealing, especially given its potential battery issues.

**GPD Win Max 2 ($1494)**
This device struggles as a gaming handheld and is overpriced for its performance.

**Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme with SteamOS ($1580) or Windows ($1680)**
This handheld is overpriced compared to better options available on the market.

**Abxylute 3D One ($1899)**
This device fails to deliver a satisfactory gaming experience, especially with its 3D capabilities.

**Lenovo Legion Go 2 Z2 Extreme ($2,000 to $2,350)**
This model is overpriced for the performance it offers compared to other options.