Handheld gaming PCs are exciting gift options for gamers who want the freedom to play beyond a traditional desk or TV setup. These devices combine built-in controls with many of the capabilities of a gaming PC, giving players more ways to enjoy compatible games at home, while travelling, or whenever they find time to play.
Whether you’re shopping for an XBOX fan, someone with a large Steam library, or a PC gamer who wants more portable ways to play, the right gift depends on how that person already plays. Start with their games and preferred platform, then consider display, portability, storage, and budget.
In this guide
- What is a handheld gaming PC?
- Handheld gaming PC gifts at a glance
- Handheld gaming PCs to consider as gifts
- Why handheld gaming PCs make great gifts
- Accessorize for the full experience
What is a handheld gaming PC?
A handheld gaming PC is a portable Windows- or Linux-based computer with a screen and built-in controls, designed to run compatible PC games without requiring a desk, monitor, or full-size gaming setup.
The operating system matters when choosing one as a gift. It can affect which games, storefronts, and features the recipient can use, so knowing where they already play is one of the best ways to narrow your choices.
Handheld gaming PC gifts at a glance
Not sure where to start? Match the handheld to the recipient’s existing games and how they like to play. This quick comparison can help narrow the choices.
| Handheld | Best gift for | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| ROG XBOX Ally | First-time handheld PC gamers | Windows 11, portable design, 512GB storage |
| ROG XBOX Ally X | Frequent players with growing game libraries | 24GB memory and 1TB storage |
| ROG XBOX Ally X20 | Handheld gaming enthusiasts | 7.4-inch 120Hz OLED and premium hardware |
| Lenovo Legion Go S | Steam-focused gamers | SteamOS, 8-inch 120Hz display, 1TB storage |
| Lenovo Legion Go 2 | Big-screen handheld gamers | 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED and detachable controllers |
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | Windows gamers interested in Intel | 8-inch 120Hz display, 32GB memory, 1TB storage |
Handheld gaming PCs to consider as gifts
The right handheld can give someone more opportunities to enjoy games they already love, whether they’re relaxing on the couch, travelling, or away from their main gaming setup. Here’s what makes each one worth considering.
The ASUS ROG Ally family offers several ways to get into handheld PC gaming, with options that span different performance, storage, and display needs.
ASUS ROG XBOX Ally: an approachable first handheld gaming PC
The ROG XBOX Ally is an approachable way to bring compatible XBOX and Windows PC games beyond the desk or TV.
Windows 11 provides access to compatible games and major PC gaming storefronts, while the built-in controls keep everything together in one portable device. That makes it a thoughtful gift for a console gamer curious about PC gaming or someone buying their first handheld PC.
Best for: An XBOX or Windows gamer getting their first handheld gaming PC.
ASUS ROG XBOX Ally X: more room for a growing game library
The ASUS ROG XBOX Ally X gives frequent players more room for their games. Its 1TB SSD doubles the storage of the ROG XBOX Ally, while 24GB of memory steps up from the Ally’s 16GB. Its 80Wh battery also makes the X worth considering for longer play away from an outlet.
More built-in storage means more room to keep favourite games installed and ready to play. For someone who already knows they’ll use a handheld regularly, that extra capacity can make the X a more practical long-term gift.
Best for: An XBOX or Windows gamer who wants more storage, memory, and battery capacity.
For a closer look at the experience, read our hands-on review of the ASUS ROG XBOX Ally X. You can also compare the two models in ASUS ROG XBOX Ally vs. Ally X: Which one is right for you?.
ASUS ROG XBOX Ally X20: premium OLED gaming for an enthusiast
The ASUS ROG XBOX Ally X20 steps up the visual experience with a 7.4-inch 120Hz OLED display. An AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD make it a high-end option for someone who keeps up with the latest handheld gaming hardware.
The OLED display is the standout gift benefit, offering rich colour and contrast in a portable screen. Windows 11 also provides access to compatible games across XBOX, Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts.
Best for: A handheld gaming enthusiast who values an OLED display and premium hardware.
Lenovo Legion Go S: a natural fit for a Steam library
For someone who spends most of their PC gaming time on Steam, the Lenovo Legion Go S puts that ecosystem at the centre of the experience. SteamOS supports features including quick resume, Steam Cloud, Chat, and Game Recording.
Its 8-inch 120Hz display provides plenty of viewing space, while 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD give the recipient generous capacity for a growing game library.
Best for: A Steam-focused gamer who wants a handheld built around the Steam ecosystem.
Lenovo Legion Go 2: big-screen gaming with flexible controls
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is designed for someone who wants a spacious handheld display. Its 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED screen combines a large viewing area with smooth motion and OLED contrast.
The detachable Legion TrueStrike controllers add another benefit. Players can switch between handheld, tabletop, and other supported play modes depending on where and how they want to game.
Best for: A gamer who prioritizes a large OLED display and flexible controls.
MSI Claw 8 AI+: an Intel-powered Windows alternative
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM gives a PC gamer another way to take compatible Windows games beyond their main setup. Its Intel Core Ultra 7-258V processor makes it a distinct alternative to the AMD-powered ASUS and Lenovo handhelds in this guide.
An 8-inch 120Hz touchscreen, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD give it a useful combination of screen space and capacity for someone who wants a well-equipped Windows handheld.
Best for: A Windows PC gamer who wants an Intel-powered handheld with generous memory and storage.
For more shopping advice, read what you need to know before gifting a handheld gaming PC.
Why handheld gaming PCs make great gifts
There’s more to a great handheld gaming PC gift than the hardware inside. Portability, flexibility, access to familiar gaming ecosystems, and a growing range of options can make these devices appealing to different types of gamers.
Gaming on the go
Handheld gaming PCs give players more freedom to fit gaming into their day. Instead of needing a desk, monitor, or TV, they can enjoy compatible games on the couch, while travelling, or wherever they have time for a gaming session. For someone with a busy routine, that portability can mean more opportunities to play the games they already enjoy.
A flexible PC gaming entry point
A handheld gaming PC can also be an appealing way to experience PC gaming without dedicating space to a full desktop setup. Its compact design works especially well for students, apartment dwellers, or anyone with limited room. Compatible models can also connect to external displays and accessories, giving players more ways to expand their setup at home.
More ways to play with the ROG XBOX Ally lineup
The ROG XBOX Ally family combines handheld portability with Windows 11, giving players access to compatible XBOX and PC gaming experiences away from their main setup. For someone already invested in the XBOX ecosystem, that familiarity can make a ROG XBOX Ally especially appealing. XBOX Game Pass Ultimate can also provide access to a catalogue of compatible games, subject to subscription and internet requirements.
A trending holiday gift
The growing variety of handheld gaming PCs gives gift shoppers more ways to find a device that feels tailored to the gamer on their list. Current choices span Windows and SteamOS, different display sizes, storage capacities, and hardware options. That makes it easier to choose around what matters most to the recipient instead of treating every handheld as interchangeable.
Accessorize for the full experience
Handheld gaming PCs can become even better gifts with the right accessories. A protective travel case can help on the go, while a compatible dock can connect supported devices to a larger display. Headsets, chargers, expandable storage, screen protectors, and thumbstick accessories are other practical ideas.
Check compatibility with the recipient’s exact handheld before buying. Cases, docks, chargers, and storage options are not necessarily interchangeable between models.
Give the gift of handheld gaming PCs
If you want to truly impress a gamer this holiday season, a handheld gaming PC can make an exciting gift. These devices offer power, portability, and an incredible amount of excitement, all in one compact package. With models like the ASUS ROG XBOX Ally, ROG XBOX Ally X, ROG XBOX Ally X20, Lenovo Legion Go S, Lenovo Legion Go 2, and MSI Claw 8 AI+, players can enjoy PC gaming from anywhere—whether that’s the bed, the bus, a dorm room, or the living room couch. This versatility makes handheld gaming PCs an exciting and practical entertainment gift for gamers in 2026.
You can explore the complete lineup of handheld gaming PCs and accessories at BestBuy.ca and find the perfect device to level up someone’s holiday.
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
