The world of handheld gaming PCs continues to change and evolve in exciting new ways. The biggest change comes from powerful gaming handhelds that can play the vast majority of modern games. Devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, new ROG Xbox Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go have redefined what it means to game on the go.
Whether that person on your gift-giving list is a long-time PC gamer or a console player looking for a portable alternative, these devices offer an enticing blend of portability and power, making them one of the most exciting tech gifts of the year.
Steam Deck vs ROG Ally vs Legion Go: Here’s a quick comparison
Here’s a quick comparison table outlining their key features, together with their ideal users.
| Device and OS | Game Store Access | Display | Battery life | Ideal For |
| Steam Deck SteamOS (Linux) | Steam (best), others with workarounds | 7″, 60Hz | Moderate | Budget-friendly PC gamers (Steam-focused) |
| ROG Ally Windows 11 | Steam, Xbox, Epic, Game Pass | 7″, 1080p, 120Hz | Shorter | Gamers who want flexibility |
| ROG Xbox Ally X Windows 11 | Steam, Xbox, Epic, Game Pass | 7″, 1080p, 120Hz | Improved | Game Pass users, Xbox fans, better battery and power |
| Lenovo Legion Go Windows 11 | Steam, Xbox, Epic, Game Pass | 8.8″ QHD+, 144Hz, detachable controllers | Moderate | Tech enthusiasts, hybrid gamers |
Steam Deck: Great for Steam-centric gifting
Valve’s Steam Deck remains a fan favourite and at the top of many holiday lists for a reason. Running SteamOS, it offers seamless access to your entire Steam library and delivers impressive performance in a compact, affordable package. Regular software updates and a passionate community ensure Steam Deck continues to improve over time.
The trade-off is that it’s less flexible when it comes to non-Steam launchers, such as Epic or Xbox Game Pass, which require Linux workarounds to function properly. Still, for players who live inside the Steam ecosystem, it’s an unbeatable value and one of the best portable gaming PC gifts of the season.
ROG Ally + ROG Xbox Ally X: Windows handhelds with versatility
ASUS has taken the handheld world by storm with its ROG Ally line. Running Windows 11, both the original Ally and the newer Ally X can access all major game libraries, including Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Game Pass. The experience feels much closer to a full PC in your hands, giving gamers maximum flexibility for how they play.
The ROG Ally is known for its lightweight design, sharp 1080p display, and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The newer ROG Xbox Ally X refines that experience with a larger 1TB SSD, 24GB of RAM, better battery life, and improved cooling that keeps things quiet during long sessions. It’s also more comfortable to hold, with subtle ergonomic tweaks that make a big difference. With Xbox branding and Game Pass integration, the Ally X is an ideal choice for gamers deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem.
For anyone who wants a powerful Windows handheld that can do it all, from indie titles to AAA blockbusters, the Ally X is one of the most impressive portable gaming PCs available today.
Lenovo Legion Go: The premium hybrid option
If you’re shopping for the ultimate portable gaming powerhouse, the Lenovo Legion Go is a great option. Its massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display offers stunning clarity and a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. What truly sets it apart, though, are the detachable controllers that give it a hybrid feel similar to a Nintendo Switch, while still delivering full Windows 11 functionality.
The Legion Go also includes an innovative FPS mode, allowing the right controller to double as a mouse for precise aiming in shooters. This makes it a versatile machine that can shift seamlessly between handheld gaming, desktop play, and even light productivity tasks. While it’s bulkier than the Steam Deck or Ally X, that extra size comes with benefits like a larger screen and more flexibility overall. For tech enthusiasts who love high-end displays and hybrid functionality, the Legion Go is a standout gift option.
Which one should you gift?
Before deciding which handheld PC to wrap up this holiday season, consider a few key factors:
1. The platform do they already use
Think about what platforms they use most often: Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or Epic Games. Depending on their preferences, if they use all three services, a device like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X could be the best fit, as it is designed to organize titles from multiple platforms with its custom user interface. If they use just a Steam library, the Steam Deck is likely the best option for their use case.
2. Set up and customization preferences
Consider how comfortable they are with a PC-style setup and customization. Are they the type who enjoys tweaking settings, or do they prefer a more “turnkey” experience? Each handheld approaches this differently. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, Steam Deck, and Legion Go all offer varying levels of flexibility, from plug-and-play simplicity to deep personalization.
When it comes to ease of use, the Steam Deck stands out with its curated library and intuitive interface, making it the most streamlined option to navigate. The ROG Ally family strikes an appealing balance, pairing an excellent UI with broad support for multiple gaming services. These are all brought together in a single, unified hub through Armoury Crate SE. These interfaces aim to consolidate titles from across PC platforms into a clean, controller-friendly layout, making it easy to jump into your games, regardless of their origin.
3. Portability and performance considerations
It also helps to know which aspect they value most: portability, performance, or display quality. Frequent travellers may appreciate the lighter, smaller form factor of the ROG Ally or Steam Deck, both of which slip easily into a backpack and are comfortable for long play sessions on the go. The Steam Deck feels a bit more rugged, while the ROG Xbox Ally models offer a more modern footprint that mimics an Xbox controller, making them especially easy to use.
Meanwhile, for gamers who play at home more often or prioritize a more cinematic portable experience, they might prefer the expansive 8.8-inch display of the Legion Go. Though larger and heavier, it delivers excellent screen real estate for strategy games, RPGs, and media consumption. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the gamer’s habits, preferences, and tech confidence level.
Accessories to consider
To make the most of a handheld gaming PC gift, it’s worth adding a few thoughtful extras that show you really went the extra mile.
Travel case
A protective carrying case, like the ROG Xbox Ally 2-In-1 Premium Travel Case, along with a good screen protector, keeps their new handheld safe from bumps and scratches.
External dock
For gamers who love versatility, an external dock such as the ROG Bulwark (built specifically for the ASUS ROG family of handhelds) unlocks a full, big-screen, desktop-style setup in seconds, adding more I/O options like an HDMI port.
High-capacity microSD card
You can also level up their storage with a high-capacity microSD card, so they have more room to play. And if you want to give the gift of choice, consider a digital gift card for Steam, Xbox, or Epic Games. This way, they can start building (or expanding) their library the moment they power on the device.
Match the handheld gaming PC to the gamer
No matter which handheld you choose, each of these devices delivers an incredible portable gaming experience that rivals many full-sized PCs. The Steam Deck is ideal for players rooted in Steam’s ecosystem who want the best value. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and Ally offer unbeatable flexibility and performance for Xbox and Game Pass users. And the Lenovo Legion Go stands out for its premium screen, detachable controls, and hybrid capabilities.
When in doubt, a Best Buy gift card can also be a smart move, allowing them to pick the model that fits them best. Whichever direction you go, this year’s lineup of handheld gaming PCs offers some of the most exciting and versatile gaming gifts you can give.
