Steam Deck Domination: Are These the BEST Handheld PCs You Can Actually Buy?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Rock Paper Shotgun's James Archer breaks down the best handheld PCs on the market, highlighting the Steam Deck OLED's overall excellence, the MSI Claw 8 AI+'s raw power, and the Asus ROG Ally X's portability, ultimately concluding there's a handheld PC for every gamer's needs and preferences.
Alright, mates, gather 'round! Word on the street (or, y'know, the *internet* street) is that handheld PCs are officially A Thing. Like, a real, honest-to-goodness, 'leave your desktop in the dust' kind of thing. And according to the wizards over at Rock Paper Shotgun, we're living in a post-Steam Deck world now. Fair dinkum!
So, what's the state of the handheld nation? Well, RPS's James Archer has been putting these pocket-sized powerhouses through their paces, and the results are… interesting. He's been benchmarking, battery-testing, and measuring displays like a digital Sherlock Holmes, and he's got some strong opinions. And naturally, I'm here to translate all that techy jargon into something us mere mortals can understand.
**The King Still Reigns: Steam Deck OLED**
Apparently, the Steam Deck OLED is still the top dog. Archer reckons it's the best overall, and honestly, I'm not surprised. It's comfortable, the battery life is surprisingly decent, and SteamOS is a straight-up UX masterpiece. Plus, that OLED screen? Lush colours and a higher refresh rate. It's like someone sprinkled magic dust on the original Steam Deck. (Maybe they did! I wouldn't rule it out.)
But it's not just the pretty screen. The OLED tech means it's lighter, more power-efficient, and runs cooler. Portal 2 for six hours? Elden Ring for over two? That's bonkers! Other handhelds are lucky to get three hours, especially those running Windows (bloody Windows!). Sure, some newer games might push it to its limits, but for overall feel and value, the Steam Deck OLED is hard to beat.
**Muscle Flexing: MSI Claw 8 AI+**
If you're chasing pure performance, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is apparently the handheld to beat. Archer calls it a 'rescue mission,' fixing the original Claw's failings. And it seems like it worked! This thing is a beast, trouncing the competition in some games. Cyberpunk 2077 at 52fps? That's impressive, even if the name is kinda ironic when talking about handhelds.
The Claw 8 AI+ also boasts a hefty battery upgrade, letting it keep up with the Steam Deck OLED in demanding titles like Elden Ring. It's pricier, sure, but if you want the best performance, it sounds like this is the one to watch. (Just don't expect it to actually rescue any children from flooded caves, no matter what Archer says.)
**Bargain Hunter's Delight: The OG Steam Deck**
Don't have a Scrooge McDuck-sized pile of gold? No worries! The original Steam Deck is still an absolute steal. Forza Horizon 5 at 60fps? A workable desktop with enough cables? It's practically highway robbery! (The good kind, where *you're* the robber.) Even with newer, shinier handhelds on the market, the OG Deck is comfy, has decent battery life, and can run pretty much anything on Steam. Plus, SteamOS plays nice with non-Steam launchers, expanding your gaming universe even further.
**Portability King: Asus ROG Ally X**
Want something you can slip into your pocket without looking like you're smuggling a brick? The Asus ROG Ally X is the portable champion. It's not the thinnest, and it's not the longest-lasting, but it balances size and battery life beautifully. It's smaller than the Steam Deck, and the battery upgrade doubles its playtime in games like GTA V. Performance-wise, it's not the fastest, but it's light and compact, making it a great choice for gaming on the go. Just grab a case, because it doesn't come with one.
**Big Screen Dreams: Lenovo Legion Go**
If you're all about that screen real estate, the Lenovo Legion Go is the undisputed king. Its massive 8.8-inch display is perfect for squint-free gaming. The resolution might be a bit too ambitious for the APU, but lowering it to 1920x1200 still provides plenty of detail. And those detachable controllers? One of them even works like a little mouse! It's ambitious, it's weird, and it's undeniably unique. Just don't expect to stuff it in your bag easily.
**So, Should You Actually Buy One?**
Archer argues that it depends on how you like to game. Strategy games and sims might not be the best fit, but platformers, puzzlers, racers, RPGs, and soulslikes are perfect for handhelds. They free you from your desk and let you game on the go. It's not a *need*, but it's definitely a worthwhile experience.
**SteamOS vs. Windows: The Eternal Debate**
Windows might have better game compatibility (Game Pass, anyone?), but SteamOS is better at pretty much everything else. It's easier to navigate, less buggy, has no bloatware, boots faster, and has more gaming-specific features. Plus, there's evidence that games simply run faster on SteamOS. Even Microsoft is producing a custom version of Windows for the ROG Xbox Ally, stripping out non-gaming features. That should tell you something!
**Tinker Time: Can You Customize These Things?**
Yep! You can crack 'em open and tinker with the internals, just like a desktop. But be warned, it's fiddlier, and opening the chassis might void the warranty. Still, if you're feeling brave, you can replace parts and upgrade your handheld.
**Bottom Line:**
Handheld PCs are here to stay, and there's a model for everyone. Whether you prioritize performance, portability, battery life, or screen size, there's a pocket-sized powerhouse out there waiting to be discovered. Just remember to do your research and choose the one that best fits your gaming needs. Happy gaming, mates!
Tags: handheld gaming, Steam Deck, portable PC, gaming hardware, PC gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun