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The Best Handheld Gaming PCs to Take Your Games on the Go
IGN has published its updated 2026 buying guide to the best handheld gaming PCs, a rapidly growing category of portable devices that let users play PC games away from a desktop or laptop. The guide reflects intensifying competition in the space, with Valve's Steam Deck now facing rivals from Asus, Lenovo and MSI, some of which use Valve's own SteamOS, while Microsoft has entered the market via a partnership with Asus to trial a new controller-friendly version of Windows 11.
The top pick is the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, praised for strong gaming performance and its new "Xbox Full Screen Experience" interface, which lets users navigate Windows via a controller and access stores such as Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store without dropping to the desktop, though the interface still needs bug fixes. Other recommended models include the Lenovo Legion Go S running SteamOS, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ priced at $1,799, the standard Asus ROG Xbox Ally, and the Lenovo Legion Go 2. IGN notes these devices, despite their compact size, can handle demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, and can be connected to a dock and TV for a larger-screen experience.
In short
- IGN names Asus ROG Xbox Ally X its top handheld gaming PC for 2026
- Microsoft and Asus debut new controller-friendly Xbox Full Screen Experience on Windows
- Other picks include Lenovo Legion Go S/Go 2, MSI Claw 8, standard Xbox Ally
Explained simply
Handheld gaming PCs are a relatively new category of portable devices designed to play PC games away from a traditional desktop computer or laptop. These machines combine the processing power needed to run demanding games with a compact form factor, offering PC gamers flexibility to play anywhere.
The market has grown rapidly, with several manufacturers now competing. Valve's Steam Deck was an early leader, but now faces competition from Asus, Lenovo and MSI. Several rival devices run Valve's SteamOS operating system, whilst Microsoft has entered the market through a partnership with Asus to develop a version of Windows 11 for handheld gaming.
Despite their compact size, these devices can run demanding modern PC games. Many owners connect them to a dock and television when they want a larger-screen gaming experience.