Best Gaming Handheld
Best PC Gaming Handheld
Not to be mistaken for traditional gaming handhelds like the Nintendo Switch, our Best Gaming Handheld is focused on PC gaming handhelds that started emerging over the last couple of years – kickstarted by Steam’s very own Deck. The Steam Deck is still the gold standard here in our opinion, but its Linux-based OS – SteamOS – can be restrictive, and even overwhelming, for gamers who are not familiar enough with Linux to tinker around with it.
But there are now Windows-based gaming handheld alternatives, and these devices are literally miniaturised Windows PCs, so apart from Steam gamers can also easily install non-Steam launchers such as those from Epic Games, GOG and even Microsoft’s own Game Pass.
Our qualification requirements for the Best Gaming Handheld category are straightforward: They must be from established brands that are available at retail locally, have support for local warranties and services (hence, we did not consider devices from indie brands or from Kickstarter), and of course, these handhelds must be Windows-based. Lastly, our qualification period to assess these gaming handhelds is their release, and availability should be between April 2023 and April 2024.
And the winner is…
The Legion Go takes our cake not only because of its gaming performance (thanks to the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor), but also how Lenovo went with a different approach as compared to other brands. Its Switch-inspired controllers allow players to detach the controllers and use the device in a tabletop mode, giving it a versatility that the Ally and Claw do not by allowing you to enjoy the large screen from a distance. Speaking of screens, the Legion Go also has a more generous 8.8-inch display, which works better than the smaller displays on the Ally and Claw – no thanks to the inherent challenges of Windows gaming on a small screen.
An intriguing feature on the Legion Go is FPS Mode, which is activated by a switch on the underside of the right controller, transforming it into a hybrid of a joystick and mouse. Accompanied by a magnetic stand for stability, this mode allows for swift, mouse-like cursor movements, positioning the buttons in a surprisingly natural position for this grip, which I thought works pretty well for first-person shooter games. Its gaming utility software, the Legion Space app, is also the most polished and user-friendly (the latest May 2024 update makes it even more superior).
The Legion Go is not perfect of course. Its battery life is decent at best, and its bulkiness may not be loved by some gamers – even if the larger screen offers some practical usage for quick productivity work such as web surfing and emails. But all things considered, we think it is the best all-rounded Windows gaming handheld today.
Check out our full review for more details.
| Model | Design | Features | Performance | Value | Overall | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legion Go | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | S$1,151 |
| ROG Ally | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 | S$999 |
| MSI Claw | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | S$1,239 |
For more details on how we rated our nominees and to learn about our experience with each device, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below.
Below, we cover how the other two nominees how they fared in a snapshot.
ROG Ally
Like the Legion Go, the ROG Ally gaming handheld is also powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. This makes the performances of both devices very identical, although the Ally comes with a smaller 7-inch display and slightly better battery life.
In truth, the ROG Ally feels like a more simplified version of the Legion Go and that’s not exactly a criticism. Its form factor is slimmer and more svelte, and we know of gamers who would rather have a lighter and smaller handheld like it. Size and form factor is a matter of personal taste, but we felt that the lack of a back stand and removable controllers (like the Legion Go) makes it less versatile – and tiring to hold for lengthy periods.
But that’s not to say that the ROG Ally isn’t a good Windows-based gaming handheld. It’s only unfortunate for it that Lenovo’s handheld edges it by a little with its overall better functionalities. This outcome still holds true if you're wondering about the soon-to-be-launched ROG Ally X, which is still quite similar to the original Ally.
MSI Claw
The MSI Claw is unique in that it is the first and the only gaming handheld to be powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor and the integrated Arc GPU. Unfortunately, this meant that it launched much later than the ROG Ally and Legion Go to make it an interesting Intel alternative. Intel’s struggle with Arc optimisations for games is well-known, and this has impacted the Claw’s gaming performance out of the door. So not only does it perform the worst in our gaming benchmarks, but it also has the unwanted honour of being the most expensive gaming handheld at S$1,239 at launch too.
It also looks so like the ROG Ally that it has invited unwanted mockery among gamers. That said, the MSI Claw isn’t a bad handheld, it just needs a good price correction that better reflects its performance when compared to the competition out there. It’s impossible for it to be the “best performing” gaming handheld now, but at least there’s an opportunity for the Claw to be a “best” in terms of value -- if MSI repositions its offering.