5 Best Steam Deck Alternatives in 2023

The Steam Deck is a superb handheld gaming console that paved the way for a range of new portable gaming devices. Having said that, the handheld’s reliability on Linux can, at times, come in the way of its gaming prowess. Thankfully, buyers looking for a do-it-all portable gaming console are spoilt for choices. And, if you’re looking for the best Steam Deck alternatives, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, you’ll find five impressive handheld gaming devices. The options that follow may offer a better processor, a more pixel-dense display that refreshes at well over 60Hz, or an exhaustive library of exclusive games.

But first, you might be interested in reading about the following topics –

• Confused between the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck? Read our comparison post to make an informed buying decision.
• Want an even wider selection of handheld gaming consoles? We’ve got you covered with superb options that will let you game on the go.
• Check out our review of the Steam Deck console to get a better understanding of its hardware capabilities.

Now, without any further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best Steam Deck alternatives.

1. Nintendo Switch OLED

• Display Size: 7-inches | Screen Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
• Screen Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Weight: 421g | Battery: 4,310mAh
• Processor: Custom Nvidia Tegra

Spec-wise, the console is backed by Nvidia’s custom Tegra processor, which coincidentally powered the original Switch model, too. Clearly, the console’s SoC is in dire need of an upgrade. Having said that, the device can still hold its own, and it has an overwhelming library of excellent indie games. Furthermore, the console is home to some of the most beloved IPs, including Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and the Fire Emblem series.

That’s not all, as the Switch OLED is an excellent co-op console, too. We say this, as the device ships with removable JoyCons that can be used as standalone controllers. Additionally, the Switch OLED features – you guessed it – a 7-inch OLED screen that overturns vibrant hues and showcases intricate details in your favorite video games.

All said and done, the Nintendo Switch OLED’s hardware may not be able to hold a candle to new-age Windows consoles. But the Switch OLED makes up for the same by offering a truckload of exclusives, excellent battery backup, and an ergonomic design that won’t ache your wrist when you’re gaming on the go. And, did we mention that it is the most affordable handheld gaming console on the list?

2. ASUS ROG Ally

• Display Size: 7-inches | Screen Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
• Screen Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Weight: 608g | Battery: 40Wh
• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

That’s not all, as the Ally is backed by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform, which is a fairly powerful SoC based on the company’s Zen4 architecture. Tech jargon aside, the ROG Ally can run demanding games seamlessly. In fact, we were able to play titles like God of War, Cyberpunk 2077, Metro Exodus, and Far Cry 6 on the handheld without running into too many performance niggles.

More to the point, the ROG Ally ships with a much nicer screen compared to the Steam Deck. In fact, the unit packs in a 7-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.

What’s more, the panel boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits, and it even refreshes at 120Hz! As such, you can elevate your gaming experience when playing high-octane games and platformers like Hollow Knight on the device. If anything, much like most other Windows handheld consoles, the ROG Ally’s battery life will leave you wanting more, too.

3. Lenovo Legion Go

• Display Size: 8.8-inches | Screen Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels
• Screen Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Weight: 854g | Battery: 49.2Wh
• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

First and foremost, you should know that the Lenovo Legion Go is also backed by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. The CPU works in tandem with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 7,500MHz and up to 1TB of NVMe SSD. Add to that, the device boots Windows 11, so you should be able to play your favorite PC games on the unit without any hassles.

While all that’s fine and dandy, the Lenovo Legion Go borrows a page from Nintendo’s books and ships with detachable joysticks. What’s more, the unit comes with a foldable kickstand, too, so you can prop it up on a flat surface when you’re traveling. Add to that, the company’s TrueStrike joysticks work in tandem with a proprietary accessory that lets you use the right joystick as a full-fledged gaming mouse!

As such, the Lenovo Legion Go is, quite possibly, the best Windows handheld to play high-octane shooters and other FPS titles. Adding to the list of pros, the Legion Go sports a stunning 8.8-inch QHD display that refreshes at 144Hz. The panel can get quite bright at 500 nits, too. Pool everything together, and the Lenovo Legion Go is right up there with the best gaming handhelds on the market.

4. AyaNeo 2

• Display Size: 7-inches | Screen Resolution: 1200p
• Screen Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Weight: 680g | Battery: 50.25Wh
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U

The AyaNeo 2 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 6800U processor. Much like the Z1 Extreme processor, the 6800U also ships with eight cores and 16 threads. For graphics, the chipset comes with the company’s Radeon 680M GPU, which should suffice for casual gaming sessions. Notably, the AyaNeo 2 features a sharp, bezel-less display, too.

The panel is of the LCD variety, and it can get adequately bright a 400 nits as well. While the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, the 7-inch screen should feel fairly responsive, and it will overturn crisp visuals in your favorite games as well. What’s more, the AyaNeo 2 sports a unibody construction with no exposed screws, which is neat. The design is tailor-made for gamers who like to game for hours on end, thanks to the console’s ergonomic grips and subtle curves.

More to the point, the AyaNeo 2 ships with Hall joysticks and triggers, so you shouldn’t run into instances of stick drift on the console. It even comes with a built-in gyroscope, which should help you aim better in FPS games. Add to that other niceties, like an integrated fingerprint sensor to unlock the console, as well as support for eGPUs, and the AyaNeo 2 makes a strong case for the best Windows handheld out right now.

5. ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro

• Display Size: 8.4-inches | Screen Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels
• Screen Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Weight: 848g | Battery: 65.5Wh
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U

The ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro is backed by AMD’s all-new Ryzen 7 7840U APU with Radeon 780M RDNA 3 graphics. The processor comes with eight cores and 16 threads and can turbo up to 5.1GHz. Additionally, the APU works in tandem with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 7,500MHz. Needless to say, the handheld will be able to run demanding games without a hitch.

As for the display, the handheld ships with an 8.4-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels IPS-level display. The panel covers 118 percent of the sRGB color space and refreshes at 60Hz. Note that at 350 nits, the ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro’s screen doesn’t get as bright as the one on the ROG Ally. Regardless, it should suffice for everyday use.

Speaking of which, the ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro also comes with removable joysticks. As such, the unit can be used as a tablet or a mini-PC, too. Additionally, the console can be hooked up to an eGPU, and its speakers have been fine-tuned by Harman’s Golden Ear team. Naturally, you can expect the handheld to reciprocate a game’s in-game sounds and SFX to a tee. More notably, the console offers a superb battery backup, too.

Per the brand, the unit’s 17,100mAh cell can last up to 5.5 hours in Forza Horizon 5, with the graphics set to the normal quality at 1,280 x 800p resolution. Similarly, more demanding games like Elden Ring could run seamlessly for 162 minutes at 720p resolution.

Game Away!

And, that wraps up our list of the best Steam Deck alternatives on the market. Off the lot, the ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro and the Lenovo Legion Go offer immense promise thanks to their versatile designs and powerful hardware. That said, buyers looking for a reliable handheld from a reputed brand can also consider getting the Nintendo Switch OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally. Do let us know which handheld caught your eye in the comments below.