Valve's Steam Deck emphasizes the essential aspects of gaming, with exceptional graphics taking a secondary role.
The gaming landscape has seen a significant shift in the past year, with the emergence of a new wave of handheld gaming PCs. These devices, each offering unique features and operating systems, are vying for a piece of the market once dominated by the Valve Steam Deck.
One of the most anticipated additions to this roster is the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS, a compact device boasting an 8-inch screen, comfortable grips, and the lightweight SteamOS, optimized for gaming. While the author found the Lenovo Legion Go S appealing after trying it, they still preferred the Steam Deck due to its integration with Steam's ecosystem.
Another contender is the Asus ROG Ally X, running on Windows 11 and powered by AMD's Z1 Extreme chip and 24GB of RAM. This device offers a 1080p display and can run a wide range of Windows games and applications, although it comes at a higher price point and may suffer from software bugs.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is another Windows-based option, providing extra game compatibility and value for money compared to more powerful devices. On the other hand, the OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro, currently one of the most powerful handhelds available, offers high performance but faces debates over its value compared to other options like the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
The Ayaneo 3, a modular device with a Ryzen chip, faces challenges in software and build quality, despite its unique modular design. On the other hand, the ONEXPLAYER G1, equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, offers high-speed connectivity and a stunning display, making it a versatile device for gaming and other tasks.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck continues to reign supreme, with Valve having shipped over 3.7 million units as of the end of 2024. The device's all-mighty verified badge lends a great sense of confidence in the stability of each title, and its visual resolution, while lower compared to other handheld gaming devices, is offset by its OLED refresh, providing it with a visual edge.
The author finds joy in spending less time obsessing over settings and more time playing on the Steam Deck, appreciating its console-like pick-up-and-play mentality. The device's third anniversary was celebrated on Tuesday, and it remains exclusively available for purchase at store.steampowered.com for $399.
The success of the Steam Deck has paved the way for devices like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw to follow, each offering a follow-up to their initial models. In 2024, the Steam Deck accounted for 48% of all handheld gaming PC hardware sold, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
In conclusion, the handheld gaming PC market is more vibrant than ever, with a variety of devices catering to different needs and preferences. While each device offers unique advantages and challenges, the Steam Deck continues to stand out, offering a balance between performance, price, and accessibility that appeals to many gamers.
- The Lenovo Legion Go S, a SteamOS-operated device, delivered a pleasant gaming experience, although the author still favored the Steam Deck due to its integration with Steam's ecosystem.
- The Asus ROG Ally X, running Windows 11 and boasting AMD's Z1 Extreme chip and 24GB of RAM, offers 1080p display performance, but may encounter software bugs and is pricier.
- The MSI Claw 8 AI+, another Windows-based option, provides better game compatibility and value compared to more powerful devices, offering a more wallet-friendly entry into handheld gaming PCs.
- The OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro, currently one of the most powerful handhelds, offers high-performance gaming, yet some question its value compared to more budget-friendly alternatives like the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
- The Ayaneo 3, featuring a Ryzen chip and modular design, struggled with software and build quality issues, despite attempting to differentiate itself from other devices.
- The ONEXPLAYER G1, equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, offers high-speed connectivity and a stunning display, making it a capable, versatile device for both gaming and other tasks.
- The Steam Deck, with over 3.7 million units shipped as of 2024, continues to lead the handheld gaming PC market due to its balance of performance, price, and accessibility, accompanied by a stable gaming ecosystem and console-like user experience.
