Have you ever wanted to play AAA quality games on-the-go? Thanks to advancements in technology, dreams like these can finally become a reality! Check out this article to find out what the best handheld gaming PC is for you!
Until recently, the only way to really play games with high-quality graphics, elaborate animations, and overall AAA experiences was to invest in an expensive gaming desktop or an uncomfortably bulky gaming laptop. Without those, large swathes of the gaming market were generally inaccessible.
This is no longer the case, however! Compared to how the technology was 5 years ago, integrated graphics have come a very long way, allowing smaller and smaller devices to be manufactured while still retaining the ability to provide incredible gaming experiences.
In this buying guide, we’ll be going over a few of the best handheld gaming PCs that we think are worth your time and are available to buy right now. Keep reading towards the end as we have a number of benchmark results for system and gaming performance to compare the latest handheld PC’s with.
Best Handheld Gaming PC Video
The Best Handheld Gaming PC’s
#1. GPD WIN 4 2024 – Best Handheld Gaming PC
The GPD WIN 4 2024 is a compact handheld gaming PC that boasts impressive technical specifications. Measuring 8.6 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches and weighing just 598g, it features a 6” H-IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a refresh rate of 40Hz and 60Hz. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, clocking up to 5.1GHz, paired with an AMD Radeon 780M GPU.
The portable gaming PC supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 4TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. Connectivity options include USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and Oculink ports, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The GPD WIN 4 2024 also incorporates dual analogue sticks, a D-pad, game buttons, an optical finger mouse, and a slide-up QWERTY keyboard.
In terms of benchmarks and performance, the GPD WIN 4 2024 excels in various tests. In PCMark, it achieved a score of 7,018, making it suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing and 3D rendering. Cinebench results highlight its superior single and multi-core performance compared to its predecessors. The 3DMark tests reveal high scores for both internal and external GPU setups, particularly when paired with the GPD G1 2024 eGPU docking station.
In gaming benchmarks, titles like Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Street Fighter VI showcase noticeable performance improvements, particularly in multi-core and GPU-intensive scenarios. The device maintains low temperatures and fan noise even under heavy loads, ensuring a smooth and efficient gaming experience. Read our GPD WIN 4 2024 review here for the full benchmark results.
Prospective buyers should consider the GPD WIN 4 2024 for its excellent portability, robust performance, and versatile connectivity options. It is especially appealing for gamers seeking the best handheld gaming PC with the convenience of a physical keyboard, albeit being fine for short messages rather than long ones. The device’s compatibility with eGPU setups via the Oculink port such as the GPD G1, making it a future-proof choice for both current and upcoming titles. Its lightweight design, impressive battery life, and low operational temperatures add to its appeal, making the GPD WIN 4 2024 a top recommendation for portable gaming enthusiasts.
#2. GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 Runner Up Best Handheld Gaming PC
The GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 is a robust handheld gaming PC, offering both performance and portability. It features a 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen with a native resolution of 1920×1200, which can be scaled up to 2560×1600, making it ideal for both gaming and work tasks. The device is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, reaching speeds up to 5.1GHz, and it is paired with an AMD Radeon 780M GPU.
Available configurations include 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 4TB of M.2 NVME SSD storage. Additional features include a backlit keyboard, hall sensor analogues for gaming controls, a Microsoft Precision TouchPad, a fingerprint sensor, and a variety of ports including USB 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and an Oculink port for eGPU connectivity.
In performance benchmarks, the GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 demonstrates impressive capabilities. It scored 7,085 on PCMark, indicating strong performance in everyday tasks such as web browsing and video editing, surpassing the GPD WIN 4 2024. Cinebench tests revealed single and multi-core scores of 1,768 and 12,997 respectively, showcasing a solid improvement over the previous year’s mobile gaming PC. In 3DMark tests, the device delivered competitive results, with scores of 3,114 in Time Spy, 27,221 in Night Raid, and 7,307 in Fire Strike.
Gaming benchmarks showed the GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 performing well across various titles like Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare III, particularly at higher resolutions and TDP settings, although there were some minor drops in performance at lower settings. You can find the full benchmark results in our GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 review here.
Prospective buyers should consider the GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 for its combination of a large, high-resolution screen, powerful hardware, and extensive connectivity options. This handheld gaming PC is perfect for users who need a device capable of handling both demanding work tasks and immersive gaming experiences.
Its robust build, excellent performance, and versatility make it an outstanding choice for gamers and professionals alike. The inclusion of an Oculink port for eGPU docking significantly enhances its gaming potential, providing desktop-like performance in a portable form factor. Whether you prioritise work, gaming, or a mix of both, the GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 offers a compelling blend of functionality and power.
#3. GPD WIN Mini 2024 Best mid-size handheld gaming PC
The GPD WIN Mini 2024 is a versatile handheld gaming PC with impressive technical specifications. It features a compact design, measuring 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.02 inches and weighing 520g. The device includes a 7-inch LTPS touchscreen display with a 1920×1080 resolution and variable refresh rates of 60Hz and 120Hz. Under the hood, it is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, offering 8 cores and 16 threads, with a maximum clock speed of up to 5.1GHz.
The integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU supports up to 2700MHz, and the device can be configured with either 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. Connectivity options include USB4, USB Type-C, and a USB A port, along with a micro SD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. The device is equipped with a 44.24Wh battery, promising up to 6-8 hours of average usage.
In terms of benchmarks and performance, the GPD WIN Mini 2024 delivers solid results across various tests. In PCMark, it achieved a score of 6,841, placing it in the higher end of performance results, though slightly below the GPD WIN 4 2024. The Cinebench tests revealed impressive single-core scores of 1,717, comparable to the WIN 4 2024, but multi-core performance was somewhat lower at 11,554. In 3DMark, the Time Spy and Night Raid scores were slightly underwhelming compared to expectations, reflecting a marginally lower performance.
Gaming benchmarks showed mixed results; while Forza Horizon 5 performed well at lower resolutions and TDP settings, higher TDP settings resulted in decreased performance. Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Call of Duty Modern Warfare III also exhibited lower frames per second compared to the WIN 4 2024, though Street Fighter VI maintained competitive performance. You can read the full benchmark results on our GPD WIN Mini 2024 review here.
Prospective buyers should consider the GPD WIN Mini 2024 portable gaming computer for its balance of portability and performance in the best handheld gaming PC market. Although it falls short in some benchmarks compared to its counterpart, the GPD WIN 4 2024, it remains a solid choice for gamers seeking a slightly larger screen and a device that bridges the gap between the compact WIN 4 and the larger WIN MAX 2. The inclusion of a full QWERTY keyboard, despite its small size, adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both gaming and light productivity tasks. Overall, the GPD WIN Mini 2024 stands out as a strong contender for those looking for a portable gaming solution with decent performance and a flexible form factor.
#4. ONEXPLAYER X1 Best handheld gaming PC for work and gaming
The ONEXPLAYER X1 is a versatile handheld gaming PC that combines a large display with powerful specifications. Measuring 9.9 x 6.4 x 0.52 inches and weighing 789g without controllers, it features a 10.95-inch LTPS touchscreen with a 2560×1600 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device includes an AI camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, two USB 4 ports, a USB 3.2 port, a micro SD card slot, an Oculink port for external GPUs, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The X1 is powered by either the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or Ultra 5 125H processors, paired with Intel Arc graphics. It supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. A 65.02Wh battery provides ample power, delivering 1 hour and 50 minutes of life during intensive benchmarking tests.
In benchmark tests, the ONEXPLAYER X1 showed strong performance in certain areas while lagging in others. It achieved a score of 6,079 in PCMark, indicating solid day-to-day usability, though it was outperformed by some competitors like the ROG Ally and GPD WIN 4. Cinebench results were mixed, with the X1 taking first place in single-core performance but ranking lower in multi-core tests. In 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark, the X1 led with a score of 3,790, though it fell behind in Night Raid and Fire Strike tests.
Gaming benchmarks revealed that while the X1 could maintain over 60 FPS in titles like Forza Horizon 5 at lower resolutions and TDPs, it generally trailed behind AMD-based devices. The Oculink port allowed the X1 to perform well with an external GPU, bringing its performance closer to AMD handhelds in external display tests. You can read the benchmark results in detail on our ONEXPLAYER X1 review here.
The ONEXPLAYER X1 stands out for its large, high-resolution display and versatile connectivity options, making it a strong contender for those seeking a hybrid device that can function both as a handheld gaming PC and a mini desktop. Its Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics ensure competent performance for a variety of tasks, though AMD-based competitors may offer better performance in gaming scenarios.
The X1’s excellent battery life, impressive display, and ability to connect to an eGPU make it an attractive choice as best handheld gaming PC for those with a more work oriented lifestyle but still enjoys games.With its detachable controllers and portable keyboard, the ONEXPLAYER X1 offers flexibility and comfort, appealing to users who want a portable gaming computer that can easily transition between gaming and productivity.
#5. AYANEO Flip
The AYANEO Flip series includes two innovative models: the AYANEO Flip KB and the AYANEO Flip DS. Both devices measure 7.08 x 4.01 x 1.17 inches and weigh 650g. The Flip KB features a 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by a backlit keyboard that can be customised via the AYA Space software. The keys are small, making it suitable for thumb typing rather than extensive use. On the other hand, the Flip DS includes a secondary 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 960×640 resolution that provides system stats and interactive controls, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
Both handheld gaming computers are powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, and the AMD Radeon 780M GPU. They support up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2TB of M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and feature a USB 4 Type-C port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, an Oculink port, and a UHS-II micro SD card reader.
In benchmark tests, the AYANEO Flip KB generally outperforms the DS model. In PCMark, the Flip KB scored higher, indicating better performance in everyday tasks like web browsing and video editing. The 3DMark benchmarks revealed strong performance for the Flip KB, particularly in the Night Raid test, while the DS lagged slightly behind. Cinebench results showed that the Flip KB had superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the DS.
In gaming benchmarks, both models performed well in titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, with the KB model leading in frames per second at higher TDP settings. However, the DS model experienced performance drops when the AYA Space software was running on the second display. The Oculink port allowed both models to excel in external GPU tests, showing impressive scores in benchmarks like 3DMark and Forza Horizon 5 when connected to an eGPU. You can read the benchmark results in full on our AYANEO Flip review here.
The AYANEO Flip KB is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful handheld gaming PC. Its customizable keyboard and strong performance make it ideal for gaming and productivity. The AYANEO Flip DS offers unique dual-screen functionality, useful for multitasking and running additional software alongside games. However, the performance drop due to the secondary display’s software could be a concern for some users.
Overall, the AYANEO Flip series provides robust performance and innovative features, with the Flip KB being particularly appealing for those prioritising gaming performance and versatility. The choice between the two models depends on whether the additional screen of the DS model aligns with your specific needs and usage scenarios. It is the unique dual screen that makes it a consideration for the best handheld gaming PC.
#6. AYANEO Slide
The AYANEO Slide is a well-designed handheld gaming PC that combines portability with robust specifications. Measuring 8.8 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches and weighing 650g, it features a 6-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1080p, ensuring bright and vivid visuals. The screen slides up to reveal a backlit keyboard, which can be angled at 10 to 30 degrees, enhancing usability on a flat surface.
The compact gaming PC is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, offering 8 cores and 16 threads, and is paired with an AMD Radeon 780M GPU. Memory configurations include 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options up to 4TB via M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. Connectivity is well-covered with two USB 4 Type-C ports, a micro SD card slot, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The device also includes shoulder buttons, hall effect triggers, and customizable macro buttons, making it versatile for various gaming and productivity needs.
In performance benchmarks, the AYANEO Slide delivers a mixed bag of results. It scored 5,510 in PCMark, which is below average compared to other handhelds. However, in 3DMark, it performed exceptionally well, especially in the Time Spy and Night Raid tests, indicating strong GPU capabilities. The Cinebench test revealed lower single-core performance but competitive multi-core results, aligning closely with other devices using the same CPU.
Gaming benchmarks showed impressive performance in titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, particularly at lower TDP settings, while higher settings revealed some performance drops. Street Fighter 6 and Call of Duty MW3 tests also highlighted the device’s strengths and limitations, with generally good performance but occasional dips in specific scenarios.
The AYANEO Slide stands out as a strong contender in the best handheld gaming PC market due to its combination of a sleek sliding screen mechanism, a comfortable keyboard, and customizable gaming controls. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and Radeon 780M GPU ensure it can handle both modern games and emulation with ease.
Despite some mixed benchmark results, the device’s overall performance is competitive, making it an excellent alternative to the GPD WIN 4 2023. The AYANEO Slide’s portability, ergonomic design, and robust feature set make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a versatile and powerful handheld gaming solution.
#7. Steam Deck (OLED)
The Steam Deck OLED is an impressive update to Valve’s best handheld gaming PC, retaining the core specifications of its predecessor while introducing significant enhancements. It features a 7.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1200×800, HDR certification, 1000 nits peak brightness, and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The device maintains its familiar dimensions and weight but includes an updated AMD APU for better power efficiency. Connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi 6, improved Bluetooth, and a range of ports. The battery capacity has been increased to 50Wh, promising longer play sessions, while the design incorporates better thermal management with a larger fan and more efficient heat dissipation.
Performance benchmarks for the Steam Deck OLED show consistent results with the original model, reflecting identical gaming performance due to the unchanged internal hardware specifications. However, the OLED screen offers a noticeable visual upgrade, with brighter, more vibrant colours and deeper blacks, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.
Battery life has seen a substantial improvement, with up to 66% longer runtime in some tests. The device runs cooler and quieter, further enhancing the overall user experience. Despite the influx of competing devices, the Steam Deck OLED holds its own, particularly due to the smooth SteamOS interface and extensive game library support.
The Steam Deck OLED is a compelling choice for anyone interested in the best handheld gaming PC. Its upgraded OLED display, improved battery life, and additional minor enhancements make it a significant improvement over the original model without a price increase. The device excels in providing a portable gaming experience with the convenience of the SteamOS interface, offering access to a vast library of games.
While it faces competition from Windows-powered handhelds, the Steam Deck OLED remains an excellent option for those seeking a powerful, user-friendly, and visually stunning portable gaming solution. Its ability to run modern games efficiently and the added storage capacity make it a fantastic investment for gamers on the go.
#8. ASUS ROG Ally
The Asus ROG Ally is a formidable handheld gaming PC, featuring a 7-inch LCD display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring sharp visuals and smooth gameplay. Powered by a new AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor based on Zen 4 architecture, it delivers robust performance for a wide range of Windows 11-based games.
The portable gaming PC weighs 789g and includes dual USB 4 ports, a USB 3.2 port, and a micro SD card slot, providing extensive connectivity options. The ROG Ally also boasts a sleek and comfortable design, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions.
In terms of benchmarks and performance, the ROG Ally excels in some areas but falls short in others. In Geekbench 5, it achieved a single-core score of 1,933 and a multi-core score of 10,614, significantly outperforming the Steam Deck.
However, in real-world gaming scenarios, the ROG Ally’s performance varies. It handles games like Doom Eternal smoothly at 720p, with frame rates in the high 50s to low 70s, but struggles to maintain stable frame rates at 1080p, dropping to 35-45 fps. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel’s Spider-Man show similar performance trends, with better results at lower resolutions. Despite its powerful specs, the lack of optimised game support means the ROG Ally doesn’t always fully utilise its hardware potential.
Gamers should consider the Asus ROG Ally for its superior display quality and compatibility with a wide range of Windows games. Its high-resolution screen and 120Hz refresh rate provide a visually stunning experience, while the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor ensures it can handle demanding games.
Although it lacks a dedicated UI like SteamOS, the Armoury Crate app helps organise games across different launchers. The ROG Ally is the best alternative to the Steam Deck for those who prefer Windows-based gaming, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and display quality in a portable form factor.
Benchmark comparisons
3DMARK
| TIME SPY | NIGHT RAID | FIRE STRIKE | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 3058 | 25115 | 7065 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 3096 | 26810 | 7160 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 3102 | 26711 | 7192 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 3158 | 28102 | 7411 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 3114 | 27221 | 7307 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 2953 | 25859 | 7307 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 3790 | 25622 | 5967 |
| ROG ALLY | 2916 | 25594 | 6981 |
| STEAM DECK | 1748 | 16074 | 4419 |
Cinebench
| SINGLE CORE | MULTI CORE | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 1101 | 11530 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 1646 | 11899 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 1139 | 12008 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 1756 | 13184 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 1768 | 12997 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 1717 | 11554 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 1766 | 11275 |
| ROG ALLY | 1759 | 12239 |
| STEAM DECK | 1002 | 4472 |
Forza Horizon 5
This benchmark is performed on their respective resolutions on the lowest graphics settings.
| 1080P 28W TDP | 720P 28W TDP | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 97 | 129 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 97 | 127 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 95 | 125 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 98 | 135 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 94 | 134 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 91 | 114 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 71 | 84 |
| ROG ALLY | 80 | 106 |
| STEAM DECK (15W TDP) | N/A | 83 |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
This benchmark is performed on their respective resolutions on the lowest graphics settings.
| 1080P 28W TDP | 720P 28W TDP | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 68 | 76 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 68 | 76 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 70 | 79 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 76 | 100 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 74 | 99 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 71 | 94 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 63 | 83 |
| ROG ALLY | 63 | 92 |
| STEAM DECK | N/A | 64 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
This benchmark is performed on their respective resolutions on the Minimal graphics settings with no FSR enabled.
| 1080P 28W TDP | 720P 28W TDP | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 63 | 113 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 63 | 114 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 60 | 103 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 63 | 111 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 62 | 109 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 57 | 100 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 38 | 55 |
Street Fighter VI
This benchmark is performed at 720P on the highest graphics settings.
| FIGHTING GROUND | BATTLE HUB | WORLD TOUR | |
| AYANEO FLIP DS | 39.16 | 49.88 | 44.14 |
| AYANEO FLIP KB | 38.60 | 50.03 | 44.67 |
| AYANEO SLIDE | 29.99 | 50.93 | 45.28 |
| GPD WIN 4 2024 | 30.21 | 53.69 | 48.45 |
| GPD WIN MAX 2 2024 | 30.12 | 51.98 | 45.49 |
| GPD WIN MINI 2024 | 40.26 | 41.28 | 41.21 |
| ONEXPLAYER X1 | 58.08 | 48.66 | 45.45 |
| ROG ALLY | 53.86 | 47.09 | 41.26 |
| STEAM DECK | 40.88 | 35.34 | 31.09 |
Where to buy the best handheld gaming PCs?
You can find out more about all of the handheld gaming PCs here. DroiX sell a wide variety of to ensure we cover all requirements and tastes,. So whether you desire a pocketable handheld gaming PC or a big screen display gaming handheld, we have you covered!
If you have any recommendations or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
You can find our recommendations for best handheld gaming PCs for 2023 here.
