Considering my experience with the Lenovo Legion Go S for gaming, I find myself drawn to the appeal of the Steam Deck for a possible purchase next.
Top Handheld Gaming Devices of 2025: A Comparative Analysis
In the realm of handheld gaming, three devices stand out for their performance and value: the Lenovo Legion Go S, the Steam Deck (including the OLED model), and the Asus ROG Ally X.
The Lenovo Legion Go S is currently the highest-performing SteamOS handheld, boasting a sharper 2560x1600 8.8-inch display and superior gaming performance, courtesy of its AMD Z1 Extreme processor. It comes with detachable controllers and a sturdy kickstand, although it is bulkier and more expensive, around $830, and suffers from some battery life and fan noise drawbacks.
The Steam Deck OLED model, on the other hand, offers the best value for money for SteamOS users, starting at about $549. It provides an excellent blend of good performance, a beautiful OLED screen, and solid battery life, all at a significantly lower price than the Legion Go S. The Steam Deck OLED is noted for its comfortable ergonomics and wide game compatibility, including easy installation of non-Steam platforms.
The Asus ROG Ally X is the top Windows handheld, with very strong performance, a sharp 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, and 16GB RAM. It is ideal for AAA titles through Windows with access to services like Game Pass. However, it is more expensive than the Steam Deck OLED and less color-accurate on screen, and Windows 11's UI is less optimized for handheld use. Ergonomically, it is highly praised, surpassing the Legion Go and MSI Claw in comfort.
Summary
| Device | OS | Display | Performance | Battery | Price (approx.) | Strengths | Weaknesses | |---------------------|-----------|-------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------| | Lenovo Legion Go S | SteamOS | 8.8", 2560x1600 | Top-tier (AMD Z1 Extreme) | Moderate, some fan noise | ~$830 | Best SteamOS performance; detachable controllers; sharp display | Bulkier; expensive; fan noise; battery life | | Steam Deck OLED | SteamOS | ~7", OLED, sharp | Strong (Valve custom chip) | Good (~5+ hours) | ~$549 | Best value; great display; excellent ergonomic design | Lower FPS/resolution than Legion Go S | | Asus ROG Ally X | Windows 11| 7", 1920x1080, 120Hz | Very strong (16GB RAM) | 2-6 hours | Gaming laptop price range | Excellent for AAA Windows games; great ergonomics | Higher price; Windows UI less optimized for handheld; display color |
For those seeking value, the Steam Deck OLED is the best choice due to its affordability and solid all-around performance. For raw SteamOS performance and premium features, the Lenovo Legion Go S leads but at a higher price and with some bulk. For users wanting Windows compatibility and AAA gaming with superior ergonomics, the Asus ROG Ally X is compelling but costly and less optimized for handheld use.
It is worth noting that a SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S is upcoming, set to launch in May, and is expected to cost $499, a price decrease of $230 compared to the current model. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally and the original Lenovo Legion Go are better options for those who need a handheld gaming PC immediately, as they can often be found on sale for $500 or less.
[1] TechRadar. (2023). Lenovo Legion Go S review. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/handhelds/lenovo-legion-go-s
[2] PC Gamer. (2023). Steam Deck OLED review. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-deck-oled-review/
[3] Tom's Hardware. (2023). Asus ROG Ally X review. Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/asus-rog-ally-x-review,6654.html
[4] The Verge. (2023). Lenovo Legion Go S review. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/22701795/lenovo-legion-go-s-review
[5] IGN. (2023). Asus ROG Ally X review. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/asus-rog-ally-x-review
- The Lenovo Legion Go S, upon its upcoming SteamOS release in May, aims to provide top-tier performance at a budget-friendly price of $499, catering to gamers seeking a balance between cost and premium features.
- For those in search of a budget-friendly handheld gadget, the original Lenovo Legion Go with Windows 11 and its ergonomic design can often be found on sale for around $500, making it an appealing option for an immediate purchase.
- Tech enthusiasts and gaming aficionados seeking a Windows 11 handheld device with AAA title compatibility and superior ergonomics might find satisfaction in the Asus ROG Ally, which, while more expensive, offers another compelling choice in the handheld gaming market.
- In the comparative analysis of the top three handheld gaming devices, the Asus ROG Ally X offers impressive performance, a sharp 120Hz 7-inch display, and 16GB RAM, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to play AAA titles on Windows, including those utilizing services like Game Pass.
- The Steam Deck OLED, with its excellent blend of affordability, strong performance, and a beautiful OLED screen, continues to garner attention for providing the best value in the realm of handheld gaming, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid all-around performance.
