Since the release of the Nintendo Switch back in 2017, the race to become the best handheld gaming device has quickly heated up. While it looked like the Steam Deck was set to become the king of handheld gaming PCs, it was quickly met with fierce competition from some of the best Steam Deck alternatives out there.
Although the Steam Deck might be one of the most popular handheld gaming devices out today, it’s not without flaws. And thanks to its Linux-based operating system, some users might find it a little too complicated, which is where a Steam Deck alternative comes in handy, especially if you don't want to go for a full gaming laptop.
From simple cloud-based solutions to Windows devices, there are plenty of options out there, each with its own unique features that set it apart from the rest.
Display: 7-Inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS | CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Network: Wi-Fi 6E | Weight: 608g
Pros:
Cons:
The ASUS ROG Ally was one of the first real Steam Deck competitors. Not only did it manage to capture everything that made the Steam Deck special in the first place, but also managed to work it into Windows 11.
As someone who owns both a Steam Deck and an ASUS ROG Ally, I have quickly found the ASUS ROG Ally has become my go-to handheld gaming device, thanks to its easy-to-use interface, wide compatibility, and frankly gorgeous RGB design.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, thanks to the Ryzen Z1 extreme processor, the ASUS ROG Ally is one of the most powerful handheld consoles around and reviewed highly by IGN thanks to its gaming benchmarks which surpassed that of the Steam Deck.
Display: 7-inch, 1280x720 OLED | CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Memory: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 61lbs
Pros:
Cons:
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch, boasting an upgraded, 7-inch vibrant OLED display.
Unlike the Steam Deck, or many of the best Steam Deck alternatives out there, the Nintendo Switch OLED only plays games designed for the Nintendo Switch, sadly it cannot run Steam or any other third-party gaming platform.
If Nintendo games are your thing, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers an impressive range of games from the Nintendo Store, a colorful OLED screen, and innovative removable JoyCon controllers that make party games a blast.
If you’re not sure if the Nintendo Switch OLED is the Steam Deck alternative for you, why not have a look at IGN's own review of Nindendo’s flagship handheld gaming device?
Display: 8-inch, 1920x1080 LCD | CPU: Snapdragon 680 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 2.6lbs
Pros:
Cons:
Sony decided to take a different route with the PlayStation Portal. Instead of working like a portable PC, as you see from most other Steam Deck alternatives, the PlayStation Portal instead acts as a streaming device for the PlayStation 5.
The PlayStation Portal features a large 8-inch screen, connected to half a DualSense Wireless Controller on each side, and streams your PS5 games in 60fps at 1080p resolution.
In short, the PlayStation portal is the ultimate handheld gaming device for parents. Fed up of cartoons on the TV all day instead of rampaging as Kratos in God of War Ragnarok, no problem, stream your game to the PlayStation Portal, keeping you and the kids happy at the same time.
Still undecided? Take a look at IGN’s hands-on review of the PlayStation Portal.
Display: 8.8-Inch IPS, 2560x1600 | CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Storage: 512GB/1TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Weight: 854g
Pros:
Cons:
If you’re of the mindset that bigger is better, the Lenovo Legion Go might just be the Steam Deck alternative for you. Not only does it feature a whopping 8.8-inch IPS display, it also boasts an impressive 2560x1600 resolution.
The 144Hz refresh rate, coupled with the higher resolution, gives the Lenovo Legion Go one of the best displays out there on a Steam Deck alternative at the moment.
Just like the ASUS ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, making it capable of handling most games with ease, while also offering innovative features such as removable controllers.
Display: 6-inch, 1920x1080 | CPU: AMD Radeon 780M | GPU: AMD Radeon 760M | Memory: 16GB DDR5 | Refresh Rate: 44/60Hz | Storage: 512GB / 2TB / 4TB M.2 SSD | Network: Wi-fi 6 | Weight: 570g
Pros:
Cons:
The GPD Win 4 is a unique Steam Deck alternative that comes with a sliding screen that makes way for a full qwerty keyboard. With Windows 11 and a built-in keyboard, it’s easily one of the easiest handheld gaming PCs to use so far.
The only thing that could make this device any better would be a bigger, better screen. With a smaller 6-inch screen, lower 1080p resolution, and lower refresh rate, the screen certainly isn’t the most impressive feature of the GPD Win 4.
If you are curious as to how well the GPD Win 4 runs, take a look at IGN's hands-on review of the GPD Win 4.
Display: 7-inch IPS, 1920x1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Storage: 64GB | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 463g
Pros:
Cons:
Much like the Razer Edge, the Logitech G Cloud is another Steam Deck alternative that runs on a mobile chipset. It comes pre-installed with a range of Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and gives you access to the Google Play Store.
With Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link functionality, you can even remotely play your Xbox and Steam games straight from the handheld console. And with 12+ hours of battery life, you can comfortably take the Logitech G Cloud with you to keep you entertained throughout the day.
But, in a side-by-side comparison to the Steam Deck, this handheld console is certainly no match. Let down by a subpar 60Hz refresh rate, 1080p display, and mobile CPU, there’s less oomph to make it a big competitor.
As the battle to be the best Steam Deck alternative rages on, we can expect to start seeing even more handheld gaming devices released to consumers, hopefully offering new and innovative ways to enjoy gaming on the go.
The next to be released is the MSI Claw, which will be the first handheld console to use Intel’s new Intel Core Ultra range of CPUs. It will also feature a 7-inch, IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
While you might think picking the best Steam Deck alternative would be easy, it really depends on how you plan to use your new handheld console.
When choosing our selection, we aim to cater to a wide range of needs, such as cloud only for those who only plan to enjoy game streaming services, such as the Xbox Game Pass. But if you’re thinking about ditching the PC and going portable, this is where an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme powered Steam Deck alternative takes the crown.
We also look at screen size and weight, as well as the overall build quality, as these are important to help offer a range of suggestions that are suitable for both at-home and on-the-go use.
Is the Steam Deck the best option?
If Steam is your go-to gaming platform, then the Steam Deck is a great option. But if you plan to add Xbox Game Pass and other gaming platforms, and you’re not Linux savvy, there are better options out there, and with more powerful hardware.
Is Steam Deck OLED worth upgrading to?
You might be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the Steam Deck OLED, with its upgraded screen and vibrant colors. But, with tons of Steam Deck alternatives out there, the upgraded screen alone doesn’t make it worth upgrading too. Especially when devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally out perform the Steam Deck OLED in terms of performance.
Will there be a Steam Deck 2?
Valve has confirmed there will be a Steam Deck 2 (not necessarily with this name). They announced that they plan to make the Steam Deck and SteamOS platform an ongoing line of products, much like the Xbox and PlayStation. However, no release date has been confirmed for the next Steam Deck, nor have there been any official specifications leaked.
Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.
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TL;DR - These are the best Steam Deck Alternatives
Although the Steam Deck might be one of the most popular handheld gaming devices out today, it’s not without flaws. And thanks to its Linux-based operating system, some users might find it a little too complicated, which is where a Steam Deck alternative comes in handy, especially if you don't want to go for a full gaming laptop.
From simple cloud-based solutions to Windows devices, there are plenty of options out there, each with its own unique features that set it apart from the rest.
The Best Steam Deck Alternatives:
1. Asus ROG Ally
The best Steam Deck alternative
Display: 7-Inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS | CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Network: Wi-Fi 6E | Weight: 608g
Pros:
- Incredible performance
- Adjustable modes (Silent, Performance, Turbo)
Cons:
- Not the best battery life
The ASUS ROG Ally was one of the first real Steam Deck competitors. Not only did it manage to capture everything that made the Steam Deck special in the first place, but also managed to work it into Windows 11.
As someone who owns both a Steam Deck and an ASUS ROG Ally, I have quickly found the ASUS ROG Ally has become my go-to handheld gaming device, thanks to its easy-to-use interface, wide compatibility, and frankly gorgeous RGB design.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, thanks to the Ryzen Z1 extreme processor, the ASUS ROG Ally is one of the most powerful handheld consoles around and reviewed highly by IGN thanks to its gaming benchmarks which surpassed that of the Steam Deck.
2. Nintendo Switch OLED
Best for Nintendo Gamers
Display: 7-inch, 1280x720 OLED | CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Memory: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 61lbs
Pros:
- Colorful OLED display
- Detachable controllers (JoyCons)
Cons:
- No internal upgrades from the original
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch, boasting an upgraded, 7-inch vibrant OLED display.
Unlike the Steam Deck, or many of the best Steam Deck alternatives out there, the Nintendo Switch OLED only plays games designed for the Nintendo Switch, sadly it cannot run Steam or any other third-party gaming platform.
If Nintendo games are your thing, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers an impressive range of games from the Nintendo Store, a colorful OLED screen, and innovative removable JoyCon controllers that make party games a blast.
If you’re not sure if the Nintendo Switch OLED is the Steam Deck alternative for you, why not have a look at IGN's own review of Nindendo’s flagship handheld gaming device?
3. PlayStation Portal
Best for PlayStation Gamers
Display: 8-inch, 1920x1080 LCD | CPU: Snapdragon 680 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 2.6lbs
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Decent battery life (compared to other Steam Deck alternatives)
Cons:
- Lacks features like Bluetooth and faster Wi-Fi 6
Sony decided to take a different route with the PlayStation Portal. Instead of working like a portable PC, as you see from most other Steam Deck alternatives, the PlayStation Portal instead acts as a streaming device for the PlayStation 5.
The PlayStation Portal features a large 8-inch screen, connected to half a DualSense Wireless Controller on each side, and streams your PS5 games in 60fps at 1080p resolution.
In short, the PlayStation portal is the ultimate handheld gaming device for parents. Fed up of cartoons on the TV all day instead of rampaging as Kratos in God of War Ragnarok, no problem, stream your game to the PlayStation Portal, keeping you and the kids happy at the same time.
Still undecided? Take a look at IGN’s hands-on review of the PlayStation Portal.
4. Lenovo Legion Go
Best Steam Deck alternative with a large display
Display: 8.8-Inch IPS, 2560x1600 | CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Storage: 512GB/1TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Weight: 854g
Pros:
- Big and responsive screen
- Detachable controllers
Cons:
- Below average battery life
If you’re of the mindset that bigger is better, the Lenovo Legion Go might just be the Steam Deck alternative for you. Not only does it feature a whopping 8.8-inch IPS display, it also boasts an impressive 2560x1600 resolution.
The 144Hz refresh rate, coupled with the higher resolution, gives the Lenovo Legion Go one of the best displays out there on a Steam Deck alternative at the moment.
Just like the ASUS ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, making it capable of handling most games with ease, while also offering innovative features such as removable controllers.
5. GPD Win 4
Best Steam Deck alternative with a keyboard
Display: 6-inch, 1920x1080 | CPU: AMD Radeon 780M | GPU: AMD Radeon 760M | Memory: 16GB DDR5 | Refresh Rate: 44/60Hz | Storage: 512GB / 2TB / 4TB M.2 SSD | Network: Wi-fi 6 | Weight: 570g
Pros:
- Built-in keyboard
- Expandable storage with MicroSD
Cons:
- Ludicrously expensive
The GPD Win 4 is a unique Steam Deck alternative that comes with a sliding screen that makes way for a full qwerty keyboard. With Windows 11 and a built-in keyboard, it’s easily one of the easiest handheld gaming PCs to use so far.
The only thing that could make this device any better would be a bigger, better screen. With a smaller 6-inch screen, lower 1080p resolution, and lower refresh rate, the screen certainly isn’t the most impressive feature of the GPD Win 4.
If you are curious as to how well the GPD Win 4 runs, take a look at IGN's hands-on review of the GPD Win 4.
6. Logitech G Cloud
Best Android Steam Deck Alternative
Display: 7-inch IPS, 1920x1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Storage: 64GB | Network: Wi-Fi 5 | Weight: 463g
Pros:
- More affordable than the Steam Deck
- Plug-and-play design (easy learning curve)
Cons:
- Let down by its low refresh rate and screen resolution
Much like the Razer Edge, the Logitech G Cloud is another Steam Deck alternative that runs on a mobile chipset. It comes pre-installed with a range of Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and gives you access to the Google Play Store.
With Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link functionality, you can even remotely play your Xbox and Steam games straight from the handheld console. And with 12+ hours of battery life, you can comfortably take the Logitech G Cloud with you to keep you entertained throughout the day.
But, in a side-by-side comparison to the Steam Deck, this handheld console is certainly no match. Let down by a subpar 60Hz refresh rate, 1080p display, and mobile CPU, there’s less oomph to make it a big competitor.
Upcoming Steam Deck Alternatives
As the battle to be the best Steam Deck alternative rages on, we can expect to start seeing even more handheld gaming devices released to consumers, hopefully offering new and innovative ways to enjoy gaming on the go.
The next to be released is the MSI Claw, which will be the first handheld console to use Intel’s new Intel Core Ultra range of CPUs. It will also feature a 7-inch, IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
How We Picked the Best Steam Deck Alternatives
While you might think picking the best Steam Deck alternative would be easy, it really depends on how you plan to use your new handheld console.
When choosing our selection, we aim to cater to a wide range of needs, such as cloud only for those who only plan to enjoy game streaming services, such as the Xbox Game Pass. But if you’re thinking about ditching the PC and going portable, this is where an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme powered Steam Deck alternative takes the crown.
We also look at screen size and weight, as well as the overall build quality, as these are important to help offer a range of suggestions that are suitable for both at-home and on-the-go use.
FAQ
Is the Steam Deck the best option?
If Steam is your go-to gaming platform, then the Steam Deck is a great option. But if you plan to add Xbox Game Pass and other gaming platforms, and you’re not Linux savvy, there are better options out there, and with more powerful hardware.
Is Steam Deck OLED worth upgrading to?
You might be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the Steam Deck OLED, with its upgraded screen and vibrant colors. But, with tons of Steam Deck alternatives out there, the upgraded screen alone doesn’t make it worth upgrading too. Especially when devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally out perform the Steam Deck OLED in terms of performance.
Will there be a Steam Deck 2?
Valve has confirmed there will be a Steam Deck 2 (not necessarily with this name). They announced that they plan to make the Steam Deck and SteamOS platform an ongoing line of products, much like the Xbox and PlayStation. However, no release date has been confirmed for the next Steam Deck, nor have there been any official specifications leaked.
Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.
Continue reading...
