Handheld gaming PCs have quickly become the hottest trend in video game tech for 2025. These devices deliver the performance of a full gaming setup while giving players the freedom to take blockbuster titles with them wherever they go. Whether you’re shopping for a dedicated gamer or someone who squeezes gaming into a busy lifestyle, handheld gaming PCs are one of the few gifts that will get used constantly and meet a variety of entertainment needs.
With popular models like the ASUS ROG Ally, ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, Steam Deck, and Lenovo Legion Go, this tech has become one of the most exciting and fastest-growing gaming hardware.
What is a handheld gaming PC?
A handheld gaming PC is a portable Windows- or Linux-based device with built-in controls, designed to run modern PC games without a desk, monitor, or full-size hardware.
ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG Ally family of gaming PC’s are among my personal go-to devices. They’re category leaders for many different reasons. They feature vivid displays, impressive performance, and broad platform compatibility with Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and the Epic Games Store. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X stands out as a premium model thanks to its significantly larger battery, expanded storage, improved thermal design, and refined ergonomics that make extended play sessions more comfortable.
Read my hands-on review of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X.
Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go
Other strong options in the category include the Steam Deck, which runs SteamOS and provides a curated PC gaming experience, and the Lenovo Legion Go, known for its detachable controllers and large display. All of these devices offer more power and versatility than a traditional home console, making them ideal for players who want full PC gaming freedom in a portable form.
What makes these devices so popular right now
Several trends have pushed handheld gaming PCs to the top of wish lists. Cloud gaming has exploded in popularity, and both Windows and SteamOS have become more flexible and user-friendly, enabling players to switch between cloud games and installed titles seamlessly. The original ROG Ally became one of the most searched tech gifts, driven by organic and media-based coverage that showcased mods, docks, grips, and cooling setups that personalize each device.
Why handheld gaming PCs are the perfect gift in 2025
If you have an avid gamer on your list, a handheld gaming PC delivers nonstop action anywhere.
Gaming on the go
Handheld gaming PCs let players enjoy powerful gaming experiences without needing a desk, a dedicated setup, or even a TV. With today’s busy lifestyles, it’s harder than ever to carve out time to sit down and play at home. The portability and flexibility of handhelds help create more opportunities to game.
Travellers and commuters can bring premium gaming experiences with them on trains, planes, and hotel stays, while retro gamers will love how handheld PCs support emulators and classic titles with ease. As a simple rule of thumb, anyone who regularly uses Steam or Xbox Game Pass is almost guaranteed to enjoy a handheld gaming PC.
A great PC gaming entry point
The compact nature of these devices has also made them appealing for people who don’t have room for (or don’t want to setup) a full PC gaming station. PC gamers, for example, who want to take their Steam library on the go will enjoy the freedom of playing anywhere without sacrificing performance.
Students and dorm-living gamers benefit from the small footprint, since these devices eliminate the need for a dedicated desk or monitor. But they offer solutions that allow them to be docked and plugged into larger monitors or TVs.
At the same time, the accessories ecosystem for handheld PCs has expanded rapidly, giving users more options for cases, docks, grips, and controller add-ons that enhance the experience.
Greater flexibility and accessibility with the ROG Ally line-up
The ROG Ally, Ally X, Xbox Ally, and Xbox Ally X make Xbox gaming especially accessible. This is thanks to built-in Xbox compatibility and effortless access to Xbox Game Pass, which makes them simple to set up and instantly rewarding for teens, students, and busy adults alike.
A trending holiday gift
Their popularity has surged because they are frequently featured in holiday gift guides, trending TikTok videos, and YouTube reviews that highlight their intuitive use. The Ally X and the newer ROG Xbox Ally X, in particular, feature upgrades to battery life, storage, and design that elevate the experience for any gamer.
If you are looking to compare the devices, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide, ASUS ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X: Which one is right for you?
Who this gift is best for
Handheld gaming PCs are suitable for a wide range of players. Console gamers curious about transitioning to PC gaming will appreciate how Xbox Game Pass serves as a friendly bridge into the PC ecosystem.
The new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are designed to bring a more console-like, streamlined experience to the world of PC gaming. They achieve this by offering native Xbox integration, simplified setup, and an interface that feels familiar to anyone who’s used an Xbox console. The devices boot directly into Xbox-focused menus, support quick resume for supported titles, and provide effortless access to Game Pass libraries right out of the box.
The Lenovo Legion Go is another great choice for gamers who want a more versatile, “switch-style” experience. Its detachable controllers and giant 8.8-inch display make it ideal for players who are looking for comfort, flexibility, and one of the biggest screens in a handheld. The Legion Go also appeals to players who enjoy FPS or precision-heavy games, thanks to its unique FPS mode and modular controls that offer more ways to play than most handhelds. For anyone who values customization and a console-plus-PC hybrid feel, the Lenovo Legion Go is an excellent fit.
Combined with responsive controls, optimized performance profiles, and minimal configuration required, these devices remove the traditional complexity of PC gaming and make the transition feel natural, even for players who’ve never touched a gaming PC before.
Accessorize for the full experience
Handheld gaming PCs become even better when paired with the right accessories. A ROG Gaming charger dock is ideal for players who want to charge their device while connecting to a TV or monitor for big-screen play. A protective travel case and ergonomic grips help keep the device safe and comfortable during longer sessions. A high-capacity microSD card expands game storage for players with large libraries, while Bluetooth headsets and controllers help create a full home or travel gaming setup. Screen protectors and thumbstick caps add durability and help keep the device looking and feeling new.
Give the gift of handheld gaming PCs
If you want to truly impress a gamer this holiday season, a handheld gaming PC is a gift that checks every box. These devices offer power, portability, and an incredible amount of excitement, all in one compact package. With models like the ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox players can enjoy full 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 one of the most buzzworthy and practical entertainment gifts of 2025.
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.
