The Ultimate Guide to Pocket-Sized Gaming Power: Best Gaming Handhelds Reviewed (July 2024)
The dream of a pocketable gaming PC is no longer a fantasy. With a plethora of options hitting the market, the key factor in choosing a portable console is the ability to play nearly any PC game. Here, we dive into the best UMPCs (Ultra Mobile Personal Computers) on the market, offering you the ultimate guide to choosing your perfect portable gaming companion.
What is a Gaming Handheld?
Essentially, these are mini PCs specifically designed for playing video games. They seamlessly blend the compatibility of a traditional PC with the gaming features found in consoles. Like laptops or tablets, they feature an integrated display and battery for on-the-go power. Their ultra-mobile design utilizes processors and graphics chips with low energy requirements, akin to integrated graphics solutions. This translates to smooth frame rates for current PC games in FHD and QHD+ resolutions, even with adjusted settings.
The Ultimate Comfort: Buttons, Joysticks, and Touchscreens
Forget clunky keyboards! These handhelds offer a familiar button and joystick layout, much like a traditional gaming controller. This allows for direct gameplay without external input devices. Most come equipped with touchscreens, perfect for navigation and text input. And, because they're typically Windows-based, you can also utilize productivity software and even connect external monitors and peripherals for office tasks.
Ready to Game? Our Top Picks!
The Best Gaming Handheld PCs Reviewed (New Rating)
| Rank | Test | Rating | Date | Model | Size | Resolution | Weight | Dimensions (WxHxD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (new) | 84.6% | 07/2024 | Asus ROG Ally X | 7.00" | 1920x1080 | 685 g | 280x36.9x111 mm |
| 2 | (new) | 76.9% | 06/2024 | GPD Win Mini G1617-01 | 7.00" | 1920x1080 | 526 g | 168x26x109 mm |
| 3 | (new) | 77.4% | 06/2024 | MSI Claw | 7.00" | 1920x1080 | 672 g | 294x33x117 mm |
The Best Gaming Handheld PCs Reviewed (Old Rating)
| Rank | Test | Rating | Date | Model | Size | Resolution | Weight | Dimensions (WxHxD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (old) | 84.9% | 01/2024 | One-Netbook OneXPlayer 2 Pro AR18 | 8.40" | 2560x1600 | 876 g | 311x43x135 mm |
| 2 | (old) | 85.2% | 01/2024 | Ayaneo Kun | 8.40" | 2560x1600 | 942 g | 325x22x140 mm |
| 3 | (old) | 84.9% | 01/2024 | Lenovo Legion Go | 8.80" | 2560x1600 | 845 g | 299x41x131 mm |
| 4 | (old) | 88.2% | 10/2023 | Ayaneo Air 1S Retro Power | 5.50" | 1920x1080 | 443.8 g | 224x21x90 mm |
| 5 | (old) | 80.1% | 09/2023 | Aokzoe A1 | 8.00" | 1920x1200 | 735 g | 285x21x125 mm |
| 6 | (old) | 86.3% | 11/2021 | GPD Pocket 3 | 8.00" | 1920x1200 | 730 g | 198x20x137 mm |
| 7 | (old) | 79.3% | 08/2021 | GPD Win Max 2021 | 8.00" | 1280x800 | 850 g | 207x26x145 mm |
| 8 | (old) | 88.9% | 02/2024 | Valve Steam Deck 1 TB OLED | 7.40" | 1280x800 | 640 g | 298x49x117 mm |
In-Depth Reviews:
- Asus ROG Ally X: This upgraded version improves on the original Ally with longer battery life, better haptics, and excellent build quality. While it's pricier, it's well worth considering for those seeking a top-tier experience.
- GPD Win Mini (2024) G1617: This clamshell design with an integrated keyboard adds versatility. However, it falls behind in performance and ergonomics compared to competitors like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
- MSI Claw A1M: This handheld disappoints in performance compared to AMD alternatives. While it has some good features like buttons and joysticks, the high price makes it less appealing.
- One Netbook OneXPlayer 2 Pro AR18: A versatile device with great battery life, sound, and ports. It's more expensive than the Legion Go and ROG Ally, but its keyboard and stylus input make it a great hybrid between a laptop and a gaming handheld.
- Ayaneo Kun: A powerful handheld that outperforms the Lenovo Legion Go in many areas. While pricier due to import costs, it offers exceptional performance, a vibrant screen, and modular design.
- Lenovo Legion Go: Solid ergonomics and design with powerful performance, but its battery life falls short compared to competitors. The wobbly stand and software issues also detract from the overall experience.
- Ayaneo Air 1S Retro Power: This compact powerhouse boasts a bright OLED display, impressive performance, and a stable build. However, its small size results in limitations like short battery life and a small display.
- Aokzoe A1: Impressive performance for its compact size, but it lacks the refined features you'd expect at its price point. Issues like difficult shoulder buttons, loud fans, and display quality shortcomings hold it back.
- GPD Pocket 3: A versatile ultraportable device with a comfortable keyboard and bright display. Its performance is comparable to larger laptops, but it could benefit from improved hinges, webcam placement, and faster charging.
- GPD Win Max 2021: A capable handheld, but its 2021 release means it's no longer at the forefront. The build quality and display could use some refinement.
- Valve Steam Deck OLED: The archetype for gaming handhelds, offering a balanced experience with a beautiful OLED display. The processor lags behind some competitors, but it's still powerful enough for a great gaming experience.
Benchmark Performance: Putting the Power to the Test
| Device | Cinebench R23 (Single Core) | Cinebench R23 (Multi Core) | 3DMark 11 (Performance GPU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Netbook OneXPlayer 2 Pro AR18 | 1731 Points | 13224 Points | 12043 Points |
| Ayaneo Kun | 1597 Points | 15074 Points | 13073 Points |
| Lenovo Legion Go | 1733 Points | 13004 Points | 12162 Points |
| Ayaneo Air 1S Retro Power | 1721 Points | 11829 Points | 10671 Points |
| Aokzoe A1 | 1531 Points | 11389 Points | 10741 Points |
| GPD Pocket 3 | 1389 Points | 3634 Points | 2942 Points |
| GPD Win Max 2021 | 1231 Points | 7558 Points | 5397 Points |
Important Considerations
- Price: Gaming handhelds can range widely in price, so set a budget before you start shopping.
- Performance: Consider the CPU, GPU, and RAM for the games you want to play.
- Display: Choose a device with a screen size and resolution that suits your needs.
- Battery Life: How long will the battery last on a single charge?
- Ergonomics: Comfort and control are essential for extended gaming sessions.
- Software: Do you prefer Windows or a dedicated gaming OS like SteamOS?
Beyond the Reviews
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best gaming handhelds available, but the ultimate choice comes down to your individual preferences and needs. Don't hesitate to check out individual reviews and compare specifications to find the perfect device for your portable gaming adventures.
Happy gaming!
