Best overall 2024 Steam Deck alternative: Lenovo Legion Go, for its large 8.8-inch screen, detachable controllers and kickstand. Choose the ASUS ROG Ally X instead for a larger battery, more memory and a more portable Windows handheld; consider the original ROG Ally Z1 Extreme when discounted. If you mostly play Steam games and prize a console-like interface, the Steam Deck OLED may still suit you better than any alternative.
This guide is a 2024 buying comparison, not a ranking of every handheld released since. Prices below are US launch MSRPs where given; they are historical reference points, not current quotes.
What counts as a Steam Deck alternative?
Here, the main alternatives are handheld PCs that run games locally: the Windows-based Legion Go, ROG Ally models and MSI Claw, along with smaller boutique Windows devices. They target players who want access to PC launchers beyond Steam, Windows-only games, higher-refresh displays or different hardware.
A Nintendo Switch OLED is a different gaming ecosystem, with Nintendo games and a simpler console experience. PlayStation Portal is primarily a PS5 Remote Play device, not a standalone PC gaming handheld. Both can be good choices for their own purposes, but neither is a direct Steam Deck PC replacement.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- ALL GAMES, ALL PLACES, ALL YOURS – Get ready to game on the 8" 120Hz Lenovo PureSight display and launch any title using Legion Space. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and AMD Radeon graphics deliver incredible gaming performance.
- SEE EVERY DETAIL – Make every scene pop with 500 nits of stunning brightness and 100% sRGB color accuracy. And with 10-point touch support, your interactions are as precise as your aim.
- PLAY YOUR WAY – Play hundreds of high-quality PC games with your complimentary 3 months of PC Game Pass and EA Play. With new games added all the time, there’s always something new to play.
- POWER-UP AND GO – When it comes to gaming on the go, battery life is everything. The Lenovo Legion Go S is built with a robust 55.5Whr battery that delivers the long-lasting power you need for extended play sessions.
- TAKE FULL CONTROL – Get ready to dominate with the ergonomic Legion TrueStrike Controllers, designed for all-day comfort and precision. With their anti-slip texture, you’ll stay in control during even the most intense battles.
Quick comparison: leading 2024 choices
| Device | System and processor | Memory and storage | Display | Battery | Weight | 2024 US launch price | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme configuration) | Windows; AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Not stated in the cited comparison source | 8.8-inch, high-resolution, high-refresh display; exact values not stated in the cited comparison source | Not stated in the cited comparison source | Large and heavier than the Deck and Ally; exact value not stated in the cited comparison source | Not stated in the cited comparison source | Large screen, tabletop play and detachable controls | Bulk and less polished handheld software |
| ASUS ROG Ally X (2024) | Windows 11 Home; AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 24GB LPDDR5X; 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz, VRR | 80Wh | 678g | $799.99 US MSRP announced in June 2024 | Premium Windows gaming, battery capacity and demanding games | Windows setup friction; no built-in trackpads |
| ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (2023) | Windows 11; AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 16GB; 512GB | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | 40Wh | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | $699.99 US launch MSRP | Discounted Windows performance, especially near a charger | Smaller battery and less memory than Ally X |
| ASUS ROG Ally Z1 (2023) | Windows 11; AMD Ryzen Z1 | 16GB; 512GB | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | Not stated in the cited launch announcement | Only buyers who find it at a compelling discount and verify the model | Not equivalent in performance to the Z1 Extreme |
| Steam Deck OLED | SteamOS | 512GB or 1TB configurations listed by Valve | 7.4-inch, 1280×800 HDR OLED, up to 90Hz | 50Wh; Valve states 3–12 hours depending on content | Not stated here | Varies by region and configuration; check Valve’s product page | Steam library, trackpads and console-like interface | Less peak performance and more limits with some non-Steam games |
| MSI Claw A1M | Windows; Intel Core Ultra platform | Not stated in the cited comparison source | 120Hz; exact size and resolution not stated in the cited comparison source | Not stated in the cited comparison source | Not stated in the cited comparison source | Not stated in the cited comparison source | Buyers specifically interested in Intel or a substantial clearance deal | Launch-era performance and efficiency were less competitive than AMD rivals |
Official specification sources: ASUS ROG Ally X specifications, ASUS’s June 2024 Ally X announcement, ASUS’s original Ally launch announcement, and Valve’s Steam Deck page. Legion Go and MSI details in this comparison are limited to what the cited coverage establishes: Digital Trends’ alternatives guide and PCWorld’s CES 2024 comparison.
Best overall alternative: Lenovo Legion Go
The Legion Go is the strongest all-round pick if the screen and flexible controls matter more than compactness. Its 8.8-inch display is the largest among the mainstream 2024 rivals compared here, and its high resolution and refresh rate make games, video and desktop use feel spacious. Detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand also let you set it on a table and play without holding the full device.
Why it stands out
- More screen: Its large panel is useful for games with small interface text and for Windows desktop tasks. Higher resolution does not mean demanding games should always render at native resolution.
- Flexible play: Detachable controllers and the kickstand support tabletop use; the right controller also has a trackpad.
- Windows access: It can run PC launchers and Windows games without relying on Proton compatibility.
- Strong plugged-in option: The Ryzen Z1 Extreme configuration can deliver a better performance ceiling when allowed more power, with the usual trade-off in heat, noise and battery drain.
What to give up
The same screen and controls make the Legion Go physically large and heavy. That can be tiring during long handheld sessions and inconvenient on a commute. Legion Space has also been less polished than SteamOS, so Windows flexibility does not equal a seamless console interface. Digital Trends selected it as its best overall Steam Deck alternative; the recommendation makes most sense for players who actually value the large display and detachable design (Digital Trends; see also TechRadar’s Legion Go versus Ally X comparison).
Rank #2
- High-Performance Computing: Harness the power of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor to effortlessly handle demanding tasks. Enjoy reliable, high-performance computing wherever you go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
Best premium Windows alternative: ASUS ROG Ally X
The Ally X is the more balanced premium choice for buyers who want Windows compatibility without the Legion Go’s size. ASUS lists a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, an 80Wh battery and a 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz VRR display. Its listed weight is 678g. ASUS announced a US MSRP of $799.99 in June 2024; that is a launch price, not a statement of today’s street price. See the official specifications and launch announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Reasons to choose it
- The 80Wh battery has greater capacity than the original Ally’s 40Wh battery and the Deck OLED’s 50Wh battery. Capacity alone does not establish a specific runtime.
- More memory and storage give demanding games and large installations more room than on the original Ally configuration listed here.
- The 120Hz VRR panel can make supported games feel smoother when frame rates fluctuate.
- ASUS lists two USB-C ports, including USB4 support, useful for docks and peripherals.
Reasons it may not be right
It is a premium purchase, and its 1080p panel can push demanding games to lower render resolutions, upscaling or reduced settings. Windows 11 expands launcher access, but navigation, updates and suspend behavior can feel less unified than SteamOS. The Ally X also lacks the Deck’s trackpads. Battery runtime still varies with the game, brightness, frame rate and power mode; the larger cell is not a promise of all-day AAA play.
ASUS markets the device as compatible with Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG and other libraries on its ROG Ally X product page. Individual game performance and anti-cheat compatibility still need checking.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Best value when discounted: original ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The original Ally Z1 Extreme remains worth considering if a meaningful discount separates it from newer premium hardware. It pairs the Ryzen Z1 Extreme with 16GB of memory and 512GB storage in the configurations described by ASUS; its 40Wh battery is substantially smaller than the Ally X’s. ASUS’s historical US launch MSRP for the Z1 Extreme was $699.99 (ASUS launch announcement).
Do not confuse it with the lower-tier original Ally using the standard Ryzen Z1. ASUS’s product page covers both variants, but they are not performance-equivalent (ROG Ally 2023 product page). Before buying discounted, used or refurbished stock, confirm the processor variant, battery condition, return window and warranty. The Z1 Extreme is most appealing to someone who wants Windows and VRR at lower cost and often plays plugged in—not to a buyer paying close to Ally X pricing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Legion Go or Ally X: choose the screen or the balance
| Priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Largest display and tabletop play | Lenovo Legion Go | Its 8.8-inch panel, detachable controllers and kickstand favor shared-space and stationary play. |
| More portable mainstream Windows option | ASUS ROG Ally X | At 678g, it is still a substantial handheld but smaller than the Legion Go; it has no detachable controllers. |
| Battery capacity | ASUS ROG Ally X | Its 80Wh battery is larger by capacity; real playtime depends on settings and workload. |
| High-resolution presentation | Lenovo Legion Go | Its 8.8-inch high-resolution screen gives more pixel area, though native-resolution gaming can be demanding. |
| Less setup for a Steam-first player | Steam Deck OLED | SteamOS and Steam integration are more console-like; this is a software choice rather than a Windows hardware win. |
Neither a higher refresh rate nor a larger battery settles the buying decision by itself. Weight, controls and whether you play near a charger can matter more than headline specifications.
Rank #4
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Is the Steam Deck OLED a better buy?
It can be. The Steam Deck OLED is the better fit for a Steam-focused player who wants a coherent handheld interface, reliable-feeling suspend and resume, and trackpads for mouse-driven games or desktop navigation. Valve lists a 7.4-inch 1280×800 HDR OLED screen with refresh rates up to 90Hz, a 50Wh battery and a claimed 3–12-hour gameplay range depending on content. That range is a manufacturer estimate, not a guaranteed runtime (Valve Steam Deck).
The OLED model improves display quality, wireless connectivity, battery capacity and efficiency over the earlier Deck, but it does not fundamentally change the performance class. SteamOS is especially convenient with Steam games, while non-Steam launchers and certain anti-cheat games may need workarounds or may not work reliably. Compatibility can differ by game, launcher and Proton or anti-cheat implementation; check the particular title rather than treating a compatibility badge as a universal guarantee.
Windows handhelds reverse that trade: they make PC launchers and Windows-only software more accessible, but desktop-oriented controls, updates, background processes and inconsistent sleep or launcher behavior add friction. Windows improves access; it does not guarantee that every game will run well or without setup.
Best Value
- XBOX EXPERIENCE BROUGHT TO LIFE BY ROG The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- XBOX GAME BAR INTEGRATION Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- ALL YOUR GAMES, ALL YOUR PROGRESS Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- NEVER STOP GAMING Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- GAME-READY STORAGE AND FAST MEMORY Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
How much faster are Windows alternatives?
There is no reliable single percentage that describes how much faster an Ally or Legion Go is than a Deck. A Ryzen Z1 Extreme can outperform the Deck when given more power, particularly while plugged in, but the result depends on the game, TDP, thermal limits, driver, resolution, memory allocation and upscaling. A benchmark at 25–30W is not a prediction of battery-powered play at a lower power setting.
When comparing performance figures, look for the specific handheld configuration, game, resolution, graphics settings, upscaling or frame-generation use, driver version, power limit and whether the device was plugged in. A 1080p or 1600p screen is not a guarantee that a demanding game should be rendered at native resolution: 720p/800p or upscaled output may be the more practical choice for frame rate and battery life.
MSI Claw and boutique handhelds: niche alternatives
MSI Claw A1M
The Claw matters as a major 2024 Intel-based entrant, but its launch-era specifications did not make it an automatic winner. Contemporary coverage found AMD rivals more competitive on performance and efficiency, while Intel’s Arc integrated graphics and driver maturity were important variables. PCWorld’s CES 2024 comparison provides context, not a substitute for model-specific gaming tests (PCWorld; Tom’s Hardware alternatives guide). Consider it if you specifically prefer Intel or find a substantial discount, and check current driver status and independent tests for the games you play.
AYANEO and GPD
AYANEO Air Pro, AYANEO 2S, AYANEO Kun, GPD Win Mini and similar devices offer designs not found in the mainstream choices: compact bodies, OLED displays, physical keyboards or unusually large batteries. Their trade-offs can include higher prices for comparable silicon, limited retailer availability, international shipping or import costs, and more complicated warranty, returns and repair logistics. A small device can also compromise cooling, battery capacity or controls. Digital Trends included the AYANEO Air Pro as a portability-oriented option (Digital Trends); check regional support and repair terms before ordering through boutique makers such as AYANEO or GPD.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose by the way you play
- Mostly Steam, minimal setup: Steam Deck OLED. SteamOS, trackpads and integrated library navigation are central advantages.
- Xbox PC Game Pass or several launchers: A Windows handheld such as Ally X or Legion Go. Xbox PC Game Pass is a separate subscription whose catalog and terms vary by region and date (Xbox Game Pass).
- Demanding games near a charger: Ally X or Legion Go with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, provided you accept more heat, fan noise and power use at higher performance settings.
- Frequent travel or long handheld sessions: Favor a device you can comfortably hold; test weight and grip if possible. The Legion Go’s screen comes with a size and weight trade-off.
- Large-screen tabletop play: Legion Go, for its kickstand and detachable controllers.
- Lower-cost Windows gaming: Original Ally Z1 Extreme only if discounted enough to make its smaller battery and 16GB memory acceptable; verify it is not the standard Z1 model.
- Compact specialist device: AYANEO Air Pro or GPD Win Mini if the form factor solves a specific need and support arrangements work for your country.
- Nintendo exclusives or PS5 streaming: Switch OLED or PlayStation Portal respectively, recognizing that neither is a local PC game handheld.
Buying a used or clearance handheld
With 2024 models, value may depend on clearance or used availability rather than original launch pricing. Check the exact processor, storage configuration and condition before comparing offers. For a used device, inspect battery health, sticks for drift, screen for defects, microSD behavior, SSD health, included charger, return window and whether the warranty transfers in your region.
Storage needs can grow quickly: some AAA games exceed 100GB, and usable space is lower than the advertised SSD capacity after the operating system and recovery partitions. Compare the internal SSD size and replaceability with microSD support; card performance and slot reliability are model-specific. Do not assume that a Steam Deck dock will satisfy every Windows handheld’s charging, display-output and USB needs. Check charger wattage and USB-C Power Delivery requirements, dock output and accessory compatibility before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
