The Complete Barely Average Dude Guide to Choosing Your Next Gaming Handheld
$549
OLED + SteamOS + Long Battery
$830
Z1 Extreme + SteamOS + 32GB RAM
$899
Z1 Extreme + 24GB + 80Wh Battery
$1,199
HX 370 + 32GB + 890M GPU
Select a game below to see real-world FPS performance across all handheld devices. Data compiled from community testing, reviews, and benchmark databases.
Select a game to see performance predictions across all handheld devices
Watch comprehensive reviews and comparisons from the Barely Average Dude YouTube channel. Real testing, honest opinions, and practical advice for everyday users.
Head-to-head comparison between MSI's Claw 8 and AOKZOE's A1X handheld PCs.
Initial thoughts on the Legion Go S and whether you should wait for newer models.
Honest first impressions of the MSI Claw 8 and its performance.
AOKZOE returns with the A1X - first impressions and improvements.
Step-by-step guide to upgrading the SSD in your AOKZOE A1X.
Comparing two premium handheld gaming PCs and their value proposition.
Unboxing and first impressions of the Onexplayer F1 Pro handheld.
Upgrading the SSD in the OneXfly F1 Pro and finding hidden screws.
Discover the best games that run efficiently on low wattage settings.
Personal favorite game and handheld combination from the reviewer.
Performance testing of 10 games on the most powerful handheld PC.
Want more handheld gaming content?
Subscribe to Barely Average Dude| Specification | Steam Deck OLED | Legion Go S | Legion Go | ROG Ally X | MSI Claw 8 | AOKZOE A1X | F1 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $830 | $699 | $899 | $999 | $1,199 | $1,339 |
| CPU | AMD APU (Zen 2) | AMD Z1 Extreme | AMD Z1 Extreme | AMD Z1 Extreme | Intel Ultra 7 258V | AMD HX 370 | AMD HX 370 |
| GPU | RDNA 2 (8 CUs) | Radeon 780M (12 CUs) | Radeon 780M (12 CUs) | Radeon 780M (12 CUs) | Arc 140V (8 Xe²) | Radeon 890M (16 CUs) | Radeon 890M (16 CUs) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 32GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5X | 24GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe | 1TB NVMe | 1TB NVMe | 1TB NVMe | 1TB NVMe | 2TB NVMe | 1TB NVMe |
| Display | 7.4" 800p 90Hz OLED | 8" 1200p 120Hz IPS VRR | 8.8" 1600p 144Hz IPS | 7" 1080p 120Hz IPS | 8" 1200p 120Hz IPS | 8" 1200p 120Hz IPS | 7" 1080p 144Hz OLED |
| Battery | 50Wh | 55.5Wh | 49.2Wh | 80Wh | 80Wh | 72.7Wh | 48.5Wh |
| Gaming Battery | 2.0 hrs | 1.8 hrs | 1.6 hrs | 2.5 hrs | 2.3 hrs | 2.1 hrs | 1.4 hrs |
| OS | SteamOS 3.5 | SteamOS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Weight | 640g | 678g | 854g | 735g | 795g | 730g | 599g |
| TDP Range | 4-15W | 9-30W | 15-30W | 10-25W | 17-35W | 15-54W | 15-40W |
| Best For | Budget Gaming | Best Value | Large Screen | Balanced | Intel Power | Performance | Premium OLED |
Battery life calculated based on realistic AAA gaming at 25W TDP + 10W system overhead (35W total power draw). Performance results compiled from user reports, community testing, and gaming forums.
*Dynamic chart reflects current TDP settings. Steam Deck limited to 15W maximum.
*Consider external power banks for longer gaming sessions
Mature, optimized APU designed specifically for portable gaming with exceptional efficiency.
The workhorse that established handheld PCs, available in Z1 Extreme variants including Legion Go S.
Intel's latest handheld-focused architecture with competitive gaming performance.
AMD's flagship handheld chip offering the best raw gaming performance available.
1080p Medium, FSR Quality
1080p High, FSR Quality
1080p Medium, FSR Quality
Battery life calculated based on realistic AAA gaming at 25W TDP + 10W system overhead (35W total power draw). Performance results compiled from user reports, community testing, and gaming forums.
*Dynamic chart reflects current TDP settings. Steam Deck limited to 15W maximum.
*Consider external power banks for longer gaming sessions
Legion Go S runs SteamOS (like Steam Deck), which has excellent compatibility with most games but cannot run games with certain anti-cheat systems:
Workarounds: Install Windows or use remote streaming from PC
Premium OLED display, mature SteamOS, good game compatibility (some anti-cheat limitations), and solid battery life.
Best If: You want proven quality at the lowest price with premium OLED display
Incredible value with Z1 Extreme performance, 32GB RAM, SteamOS simplicity, and good battery life.
Best If: You want modern Z1 performance with console-like experience
Largest 8.8" screen + detachable controllers, but Windows complexity
Best overall balance with Z1 Extreme, 24GB RAM, excellent 80Wh battery, and mature ecosystem.
Best If: You want the most well-rounded device with best battery life
Intel Lunar Lake architecture with competitive gaming performance and excellent efficiency.
Best If: You want cutting-edge Intel tech and support competition in the market
Fastest performance with AMD HX 370, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage, and best gaming FPS.
Best If: Maximum performance is your priority and you can accept the price premium
Premium OLED display, top-tier performance, lightest weight, but terrible battery life.
Only If: You prioritize display quality and always game plugged in
Warning: 1.4hr battery life severely limits portability
Steam Deck OLED ($549)
Legion Go S ($830)
ROG Ally X ($899)
AOKZOE A1X ($1,199)
Legion Go (8.8" - $699)
ROG Ally X (2.5hrs)
Steam Deck OLED or F1 Pro
MSI Claw 8 ($999)
Gamers who primarily use Steam, want console simplicity, and prioritize battery life and ease of use.
Users who need maximum game compatibility, use multiple game stores, or want full PC functionality in a portable form factor.
After extensive research, user reports, and community feedback, the handheld gaming PC market in 2025 offers compelling options for every budget and use case. The key is understanding what you actually need vs. what sounds cool on paper.
Get the Legion Go S. $830 for Z1 Extreme performance + SteamOS + 32GB RAM is unbeatable. Just accept the shorter battery life.
Get the ROG Ally X. It's the most balanced device with excellent battery, proven software, and reasonable pricing at $899.
Get the AOKZOE A1X. Yes, it's $1,199, but you get 15-25% better gaming performance and a great display.
Pro Tip: Whatever you choose, you're getting a capable gaming device that would have been impossible just 3 years ago. The "worst" device here still plays AAA games at 30-45fps in your hands. That's pretty amazing when you think about it.