Steam Deck and Beyond: The Best Handheld Gaming Devices for 2025

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For decades, gaming PCs have grown increasingly powerful, delivering gorgeous graphics and new gameplay styles that outpace their console counterparts. However, the most fascinating trend in today’s gaming PC market doesn’t think bigger—it thinks smaller. Handheld PC gaming devices combine the strength and flexibility of a full-fledged computer with the ease and convenience of a device just small enough to slip into a bag or cargo pants pocket. This isn’t a new category, but the Steam Deck, an Editors' Choice winner, helped usher it into the mainstream in 2022. Check out our top portable gaming PC picks to explore this expanding hardware type.

What Is a Handheld PC Gaming Device?

A handheld PC gaming device is a computer designed for playing video games on the go. We're not talking about laptops or tablets. Instead, they're fully functional computers in a Nintendo Switch-like body. However, while the Switch is a locked-down console, a handheld gaming PC does almost everything you expect a PC to do.

That's because they typically run the Windows operating system or, in the Steam Deck's case, Linux. You can install mods, experiment with accessories and peripherals, or tap the various gaming marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store or Xbox Game Pass. Many handheld gaming PCs also have custom interfaces that make purchasing and launching games easier. Think SteamOS' panel-driven front end, for example. With it, you can quickly access titles and menus tailored for the smaller screen.

That said, handheld gaming PCs also offer a traditional full desktop. However, navigating them on a small screen creates a familiar but somewhat awkward user experience. These options satisfy newcomers migrating from consoles and hard-core PC gaming veterans.

How Powerful Are Handheld PC Gaming Devices?

Let's be frank: A handheld PC gaming device can't compete with a top-of-the-line gaming desktop. In fact, it's sometimes better for a manufacturer to intentionally limit a handheld's power to extend its battery life. Still, these portables can run many current, graphically stunning games in various visual settings. Valve verifies Steam games to let you know which ones are Steam Deck compatible. The verified list includes top releases such as Baldur's Gate 3 and UFO 50.

With this much power, handheld gaming PCs are also spectacular retro gaming handhelds. They also shine as better remote play devices than, say, a mobile phone with a paired controller. Remember, these are just computers as open as any other, so let your tech-tinkering imagination run wild. Whatever you think you can do, you can at least attempt it with these portable PCs.

As more handheld PC gaming devices make their way onto store shelves, we expect more innovation in this space. Have you scored one and need a recommendation on what to play? Check out our picks for the best PC games.