The handheld gaming PC market has grown significantly over the past few years, with several new options that cater to different types of gamers. Brands like GPD, and One X Player have made strides, but when you talk about the big names, it’s hard to ignore the heavyweights like Asus, Lenovo, and MSI. What really kicked off this new era of portable gaming was the Steam Deck, an unexpected hit that even took many skeptics by surprise when it launched. With the arrival of the Steam Deck, the stage was set for a new wave of competitive handheld gaming devices.
So, where does that leave us today? With the increasing number of options, it’s not easy to decide which handheld PC is best for your needs. I’ve personally tested three major contenders: the Steam Deck OLED, the Lenovo Legion Go, and the Asus ROG Ally X. I’ll break down their features, pros, and cons so that you can get a better idea of which might be the right choice for you.
Steam Deck OLED: A Reliable Classic?
The Steam Deck, which shook the market upon its release, offers solid hardware and a gaming experience tailored for Steam users. The OLED version brings an improved display compared to the original, with a 7.4-inch OLED screen, 1280×800 resolution, and 90Hz refresh rate. While the 16:10 aspect ratio is a bit unusual (some games don’t support it natively), the screen quality itself is fantastic.
Powering the Steam Deck is an AMD Zen 2 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, offering frequencies from 2.4 to 3.5GHz. The AMD RDNA2 integrated graphics run at 1.6GHz, making it capable of handling most modern games, though at lower settings in more demanding titles. You get 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and for storage, the Steam Deck comes in configurations with up to 1TB.
One downside to the Steam Deck is its relatively low battery capacity—at 50 watt-hours, it gives you about 2-3 hours of gameplay in heavier titles. However, for less demanding games or when tweaking graphical settings, you can push it a bit further.
In terms of portability, the 640-gram weight is on the lighter side compared to its competitors, making it a bit easier to handle for longer gaming sessions. However, the lack of a second USB-C port and limited accessory options are worth noting.
Pros:
- Great display with OLED technology.
- Solid performance for the price.
- Comfortable ergonomics for long sessions.
Cons:
- Battery life could be better.
- Limited to SteamOS, though you can install Windows if you prefer.
Lenovo Legion Go: The Versatile Contender
The Lenovo Legion Go brings a different level of power and versatility to the table. With a Z1 Extreme processor and a 2K resolution 8.8-inch IPS screen, it’s aimed at providing a higher-end gaming experience. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, and the extra screen real estate really shines in more immersive titles.
What makes the Legion Go particularly interesting is the flexibility it offers. Not only does it come with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of NVMe storage, but it also features two Type-C 4.0 ports, allowing for the use of external GPUs. This could be a game-changer for those who want to boost performance further down the line.
One of the standout features is the detachable controllers, which allow you to use the Legion Go almost like a mini desktop setup. You can even use one of the controllers as a mouse and keyboard setup, though I suspect most users won’t bother with this mode all that often. The FPS mode that leverages this setup is a fun addition, but it feels more like a gimmick than a practical feature for most players.
However, the 854-gram weight makes it the heaviest of the three devices, and that’s something to consider if you plan on holding it for extended periods. The 50 watt-hour battery is the same as the Steam Deck’s, but because of the higher performance hardware, the battery drains faster.
Pros:
- Powerful processor and high-resolution display.
- Flexibility with detachable controllers and external GPU support.
- Lots of ports for peripherals.
Cons:
- Heavy compared to other options.
- Windows-based, which can introduce some configuration headaches.
Asus ROG Ally X: The Middle Ground
The Asus ROG Ally X sits somewhere between the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go in terms of both price and performance. It features the same Z1 Extreme processor as the Legion Go, along with 24GB of RAM, which gives it a slight edge in multitasking and heavier games.
Its 7-inch Full HD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate doesn’t match the Lenovo’s 2K display, but it’s a good size for most games and strikes a balance between visuals and performance. The 16:9 aspect ratio is more traditional, which means fewer compatibility issues with games. Additionally, the 80 watt-hour battery is significantly larger than both the Steam Deck and the Legion Go, giving you longer play sessions without needing to charge as often.
One thing that stands out is the Asus’s use of Dolby Atmos audio, although, to be honest, I didn’t find it significantly better than the sound on the other devices. The device itself is quieter and runs cooler than the Lenovo Legion Go, which makes it a good option if fan noise is a concern for you.
In terms of ergonomics, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The 678-gram weight is manageable, but the lack of a trackpad (which the Steam Deck excels at) can make navigating some games a little awkward. However, the build quality is top-notch, and the device feels sturdy.
Pros:
- Excellent balance of performance and portability.
- Large battery for extended gameplay.
- Quieter and cooler than competitors.
Cons:
- No trackpad, which can limit functionality in some games.
- The screen isn’t as sharp as the Lenovo’s.
Comparison Tables
Specifications
| Device | Screen Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | 7.4-inch OLED | 1280×800 | 90Hz |
| Lenovo Legion Go | 8.8-inch IPS | 2K | 144Hz |
| Asus ROG Ally X | 7-inch Full HD IPS | 1920×1080 | 120Hz |
Performance
| Device | Processor | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | AMD Zen 2 | 16GB | 512GB/1TB |
| Lenovo Legion Go | Z1 Extreme | 16GB | 512GB/1TB |
| Asus ROG Ally X | Z1 Extreme | 24GB | 1TB |
Portability and Battery
| Device | Battery | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | 50 Wh | 640g |
| Lenovo Legion Go | 50 Wh | 854g |
| Asus ROG Ally X | 80 Wh | 678g |
Pros and Cons
| Device | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | Affordable, Great OLED display, Comfortable design | Limited battery life, One USB-C port, SteamOS |
| Lenovo Legion Go | Powerful processor, High-res display, Detachable controllers, External GPU support | Heavy, Windows-based, Requires more configuration |
| Asus ROG Ally X | Balanced performance, Large battery, Quiet and cool operation | No trackpad, Screen not as sharp as Lenovo, Higher price |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between these devices really depends on your priorities and gaming habits. If you’re a casual gamer who mostly plays less graphically demanding games or doesn’t mind dialing down settings, the Steam Deck OLED is a fantastic option. It’s affordable, portable, and offers a solid gaming experience, especially for Steam users. Plus, its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for long gaming sessions.
For those who want a bit more power and flexibility, especially if you’re planning on using external peripherals or need higher-end performance for AAA titles, the Lenovo Legion Go is a solid pick. However, be prepared to deal with some additional configuration challenges if you’re not already familiar with using Windows-based systems.
Finally, the Asus ROG Ally X is a great middle-ground option. It’s got more RAM and a better battery than the Steam Deck while still being more affordable than the Lenovo Legion Go. If you want something quieter, with a good balance of power and portability, this might be the perfect device for you.
