I review gaming handhelds for a living — and these are the 3 I would buy with my own money
I'm a tech reviewer and lifelong gamer, so reviewing the best handheld gaming consoles is one of the best parts of my job. These machines let you play some of the best PC games on the go, and can cost significantly less than the best gaming PCs. I'm overjoyed whenever a new device arrives at my desk so I can see how well (or poorly) it performs in our lab tests and everyday use.
While I get plenty of joy testing gaming handhelds, I get more fulfillment recommending them to readers and the people I meet. This isn't always easy, as there is no single handheld that's perfect for everyone. However, given the number of handhelds currently available, some are ideal for specific users. If you're looking for the right handheld for you, I've got you covered.
Here are the three handheld gaming consoles I would recommend right now. Whether you're looking for the best overall handheld for most people, a device with an OLED panel, or the versatility of Windows 11, there's a device for you.
Quick list
Lenovo Legion Go S: $829 @ Best Buy
Steam Deck OLED: $549 @ Steam Store
MSI Claw 8 AI+: $999 @ Best Buy
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS)
The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is the gaming handheld I've been waiting for and the first one I now recommend to most people. The main draw is SteamOS, which is an operating system specifically built to work with handhelds, unlike Windows. Thanks to SteamOS, you get the same user-friendly experience as on the Steam Deck.
In addition to SteamOS, the Legion Go S has a vivid 8-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD panel that helps games look great and run smoothly. Its ergonomic design, intuitive button layout, trigger locks and rounded D-pad also make it easy to hold and use for long stretches. And if you get it configured with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, you'll enjoy performance that's comparable to the Asus ROG Ally X — which is very good indeed.
Though the Legion Go S starts at $599, I recommend the $829 configuration with the Z1 Extreme chip and 32GB of RAM. Yes, that's pricier, but if you're serious about handheld gaming, then the added cost is more than worth it. Right now, the Legion Go S with SteamOS is hard to top for the majority of people looking for a gaming handheld.
The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is a true Steam Deck rival and arguably puts Windows 11 handheld to shame thanks to its snappy interface and strong performance. While its fans can get overly loud and its battery life isn't great, SteamOS alone makes up for any shortcomings.View Deal
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is the oldest handheld listed here. Though its competitors pack better and more updated specs, this Valve handheld has something that its main rivals lack. As you might have guessed by the name, this Steam Deck has an OLED panel.
Like I said in my Steam Deck OLED review, the OLED panel is a wonder to behold. It's brighter than before, and the contrast between dark and light elements makes the vibrant colors really pop. Thanks to the thinner bezels, the display size is 7.4 inches wide compared to 7 inches, which gives you more to view. It's one of those things you need to see for yourself to truly appreciate. It's that good.
Again, you won't get the best performance from this handheld compared to the other two in this post. But despite its aged components, you'll still have a good time playing on this device, so long as you set games to low or medium graphical settings. If you value image quality above everything, then the Steam Deck OLED is the one to get.
The Steam Deck OLED impresses thanks to its vibrant display, lighter design, faster Wi-Fi and improved cooling. The original model was great, but this latest iteration demonstrates that Valve can improve on perfection. The Steam Deck OLED has set a new standard for competitors to follow.View Deal
MSI Claw 8 AI+
If you've read any of my handheld-related articles or watched any of our handheld videos on the Tom's Guide YouTube channel, then you know I'm not a fan of Windows 11 on handhelds. Microsoft's OS is perfect for the best Windows laptops (for example), but the same isn't true for handhelds. That said, if you want the versatility of Windows for your handheld, then I suggest the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is Intel's second attempt at a handheld gaming PC and is a big improvement over its predecessor. It has a larger 8-inch display, longer battery life, and the powerful Intel 'Lunar Lake' chip inside. Toss in its ergonomic design, upgraded and responsive joysticks and shoulder buttons, and you have what's arguably the best Windows 11 handheld out there.
Like the Legion Go S, the Claw 8 AI+ isn't cheap, with its current price of $999*. However, if you want a Windows machine and don't mind dealing with that OS' clunkiness on handhelds, you'll be more than happy with the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ packs a larger 8-inch display and a solid 10-15% performance boost over its AMD rivals, proving Intel's handheld ambitions are taking shape. But at $999, it's among the priciest handhelds, edging into gaming laptop territory.View Deal
*Handheld prices are in flux due to the ever-changing tariff situation in the United States. This MSI Claw 8 AI+ configuration was originally $899 and is now $999, but that could change by the time you're reading this article.
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