With the Steam Deck, Valve has introduced a handheld PC. We at MeinMMO present you 9 alternatives to the Steam Deck.
What is the Steam Deck? Valve officially unveiled the Steam Deck handheld console in June 2021. Valve aims to provide a mobile gaming PC, as you can install and play anything you want on the device. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck has been officially released.
In this article, we present: In our article, we have listed the best Steam Deck alternatives for you at MeinMMO. This could be especially interesting for those of you who either did not want to pre-order the Steam Deck or are looking for an alternative, high-performance gaming console. The Steam Deck relies on Steam OS as the operating system, so you won’t get Windows.
The most exciting alternatives to the Steam Deck at a glance:
- Lenovo Legion Go
- ASUS Rog Ally X
- Zotac Zone
- AYA Neo
- AYA Neo Next (Advance)
- GPD Win 4 (2024)
- One Xplayer
- Streaming: Logitech G Cloud or Razer Edge
- Nintendo Switch (OLED)
Updates: 15.01.25, 22.11.2024, 02.02.24, 10.01.23
Lenovo Legion Go
What kind of device is this? The Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld console that was presented by the manufacturer Lenovo at the end of 2023. The device is significantly bulkier than the Steam Deck but aims to impress gamers with a high resolution, a fast 120Hz display, and other features.
What hardware is in the device? The Lenovo Legion Go is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, has 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It features an AMD Radeon 780M as the graphics chip with a TDP of 30 watts.
What does the device cost? The starting price for the Lenovo Legion Go is 799 Euros for the version with 512 GB. Thus, the device is about 100 Euros more expensive than the most expensive option of the Steam Deck (679 Euros). You can get the device directly at retail or via Amazon.
| Lenovo Legion Go | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 780M (30 Watt) |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Display | 8.8 inches |
| Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Weight | 854 grams |
| Price | Starting at 799 Euros (512 GB) |
What the testers say: MeinMMO has already reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go. The model scores with good workmanship and a solid package. Windows 11 works quite well, and the LCD display is genuinely outstanding.
On the other hand, the short battery life and the whiny fans in idle mode are bothersome. It’s also a pity that there’s no VRR like in the ASUS Rog Ally.
ASUS Rog Ally X
What kind of device is this? The ASUS Rog Ally X is a handheld console that was released by the manufacturer ASUS in 2024. It is a slightly improved model of its predecessor, the ROG Ally. The device uses Windows as its operating system and comes with a Full HD display. All important information about the ASUS Rog Ally X can be found on MeinMMO.
What hardware is in the device? The technology is more or less identical; the biggest and most important difference is the significantly larger battery that ASUS has installed in the X model. The ROG Ally X still employs an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with an AMD Radeon 780M (GPU). The RAM has been increased compared to the previous model (16 vs. 24 GB), and the battery has even doubled in comparison to the old model (40 WHrs vs. 80 WHrs).
What does the device cost? The starting price for the ROG Ally is 899 Euros for the version with 1 TB of storage. The device is available directly at retail or via Amazon.
ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally comparison:
| ASUS ROG Ally X | ASUS ROG Ally | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon:12CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops | AMD Radeon:12CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDRX5 | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD | 500 GB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD |
| Battery and power supply | 80 WHrs with 65-Watt power supply | 40 WHrs with 65-Watt power supply |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax, Triple band 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax, Triple band 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 |
What the testers say: At MeinMMO, we have already discussed the tests of the ROG Ally X in detail: Many testers explain that ASUS has significantly improved the successor and addressed many points of criticism. Especially the battery life represents a large improvement and distinguishes the Ally X from the competition.
However, criticism remains for the non-intuitive Windows operating system, which is still significantly more difficult to use than the comparable Steam OS used on the Steam Deck. Others criticize that at the high price of 900 Euros, neither a carrying case nor a case is included in the price.
Zotac Zone
What kind of device is this? The Zotac Zone was released in September 2024 and comes from the manufacturer Zotac, known primarily for Nvidia graphics cards. The Zotac Gaming is a gaming handheld with a Windows operating system, but its appearance and design are more reminiscent of the Steam Deck. In particular, the two trackpads again provide the ability to function like a mouse.
What hardware is in the device? The Zotac Zone features a 7-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz and Full HD resolution. Inside the handheld is an AMD RYZEN 7 8840U processor with a Radeon 780M. Additionally, it has 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.
What does the device cost? The recommended retail price is 849 Euros, and the docking station costs 79.99 Euros, while a transport case costs 29 Euros.
| Zotac Zone | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD RYZEN 7 8840U |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 780M (30 Watt) |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Display | 7-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz and Full HD resolution |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Weight | 629 grams |
| Price | Starting at 849 Euros (512 GB) |
What the testers say: GameStar.de describes the Zotac Zone in their test as “the best alternative to the Steam Deck OLED.” In particular, the display, performance, and ergonomics impressed in the test. The major issue with the Zotac Zone, as with other handhelds, is the battery life with demanding titles.
In our first demo session with the Zotac Zone at Gamescom, we were particularly impressed by the very good, vibrant display because, thanks to the AMOLED technology, the colors appear beautifully vivid and almost striking. Windows 11 also feels little intuitive and sluggish with the Zotac Zone. Valve’s SteamOS simply feels better and more polished.
AYA Neo
What kind of device is this? The AYA Neo is a handheld console that was successfully funded through crowdfunding. The developers promise that you can easily play all AAA titles and that the AYA Neo offers “gaming without compromises.”
What hardware is in the device? The AYA Neo features an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U APU, 16 GB of RAM, and either 512 GB or 1 TB of hard drive storage. The Vega 6 iGPU is responsible for the graphics. The device runs Windows 10.
What does the device cost? The price for the AYA Neo is significantly higher than that of the Steam Deck. For the model with 512 GB, you pay 789 US dollars, and for the “1 TB” model, 869 US dollars. Shipping fees are not included here.
| AYA Neo | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U |
| GPU | Vega 6 graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Display | 7 inches |
| Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Weight | 650 grams |
| Price | 789 US dollars (512 GB) or 869 US dollars (1 TB) |
What the testers say: Derek Sullivan from ultrabookreview has extensively tested the device (via ultrabookreview.com). In his test, he particularly praises the good form factor of the device and decent performance. Sullivan also explains that the device remains cool under load.
He shows little impression of the weak speakers and the high price. He also struggles with backlight bleeding on his model.
AYA Neo Next (Advance)
What kind of device is this? The AYA Neo Next is a handheld that comes with pre-installed Windows. The device has been available in stores since February 2022. It was financed through crowdfunding and is already the next success of the manufacturer Ayn Technologies. The device is also offered in a high-performance Pro version, which is significantly more expensive.
What hardware is in the device? The AYA Neo Next uses the Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Vega 8. This is a processor with an integrated graphics unit. The device offers a 7-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1280×800. The AYA Neo Next weighs 720 grams, making it heavier than the Steam Deck (699 grams). Additionally, the handheld offers 2 USB-C ports.
What does the device cost? The device is officially advertised in its basic configuration for 1100 to 1200 Euros. Thus, the handheld is significantly more expensive than the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch.
| AYA Neo Next | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen 7 5825U |
| GPU | Radeon Graphics Vega 8 |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR4x |
| Display | 7 inches, 1280×800 |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB SSD storage |
| Weight | 720 grams |
| Price | Starting at 1200 Euros |
What the testers say: Sam Byford from the online magazine TheVerge has already tested the Aya Neo Next (via theverge.com). In the test, he states that the handheld offers a good ergonomic and compact design. Also, top titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 can be played smoothly at 30 FPS with the device. However, the device offers overall less performance than the Steam Deck.
The AYA Neo Next also feels more mature in software than the Steam Deck, but navigating through Windows feels not intuitive at all. The tester additionally criticizes the weak battery life and the high price. The AYA Neo Next costs more than double that of the Steam Deck but offers less performance.
GPD Win 4 (2024)
What kind of device is this? The GPD Win 4 is a gaming handheld that has been funded through crowdfunding (Indiegogo), among other means. The special feature is mainly the design of the device: it comes with an integrated keyboard, resembling a notebook more than a handheld.
What hardware is in the device? The GPD Win 4 in the 2024 version relies on AMD: you get an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U with integrated AMD Radeon 680M. Additionally, the device features a 6-inch touchscreen display with H-IPS technology.
It comes with up to 32 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of storage. The device runs Windows 11.
What does the device cost? According to the manufacturer, prices start at a minimum of 987.12 Euros. In addition, you typically have to consider customs fees and import VAT when importing. Therefore, you will pay significantly more than 1,000 Euros for the device.
| GPD Win 4 (2024) | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 6800U |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 680M |
| RAM | Up to 32 GB |
| Display | 6-inch H-IPS |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB |
| Weight | 1600 grams |
| Price | At least 987.12 Euros |
What the testers say: Both the magazine Droix.net and the portal IGN have already tested the 2024 model. Praise goes especially to the very good performance, as you currently won’t find faster hardware in a handheld. Another plus is the compact size of the handheld.
A major criticism, besides the price, is the comparatively small display, which may not be convincing for every game.
One XPlayer
What kind of device is this? The One Xplayer is a handheld console from the Chinese manufacturer One-Netbook. The special feature of this device is mainly the display: it is equipped with an 8.4-inch IPS screen that offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600. This resolution is significantly higher than that of the Steam Deck, which only offers a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels.
What hardware is in the device? The One Xplayer comes either with a Core i7-1165G7 or a Core i5-1135G7 processor. It also has 16 GB of RAM and either 512 GB or 1 TB of storage. You can also use a memory card with the handheld. All variants rely on the Iris Xe G7 iGPU for graphics. The device runs Windows 10.
What does the device cost? Currently, you can only import the devices from China. For the variant with the Core i5, 16 GB of RAM, and the 512 GB SSD, you need to pay 886 Euros. The i7 model comes with a keyboard and bag, currently offered for around 1,082 Euros. However, you should note that import duties of 19 percent will be added upon purchase.
| One XPlayer | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Display | 8.4 inches |
| Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Weight | 825 grams |
| Price | 886 Euros (i5 variant), 1082 Euros (i7 variant) |
What the testers say: Alan Dexter from PCGamer was able to try out the OneXplayer (via PCGamer.com). According to the tester, the device offers a high-quality, high-resolution display and enough power to run games at 60 FPS at 1280 x 720 or 1280 x 800. However, modern games cannot be played at full resolution.
For the high price of over 1,000 US dollars, the performance of the OneXPlayer is too low. Competitive games, such as fast shooters, wouldn’t be enjoyable; however, for games that depend entirely on controller input, it is quite an exciting solution. However, for that money, you could alternatively get a significantly more powerful gaming laptop.
Streaming alternative: Logitech G Cloud or Razer Edge
What kind of devices are these? With the G Cloud from Logitech and the Edge from Razer, there are two handheld systems for gamers. Both do not use Windows or Linux, but instead rely on Android. Therefore, the focus of these models is also on streaming and mobile games. This is also the biggest difference from the Steam Deck, on which you can easily play Steam games.
- Logitech shows with new handheld what Nintendo must do better with the Switch
- Razer introduces a gaming console that resembles the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch
What hardware is in the device? Both devices use a Snapdragon processor: either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (G Cloud) or the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 (Razer Edge). Additionally, they come with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for games and software.
What does the device cost? For the Razer Edge, you will pay 399 US dollars starting January 2023, and for the G Cloud, you will need to spend 349 US dollars.
However, the G Cloud will initially only be available for purchase in the USA; it is still unknown if and when the device will come to Europe.
| Razer Edge | Logitech G Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip (SoC) | Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Display | 6.8 inches with 144 Hz | 7 inches with 60 Hz |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Weight | 263.8 g (display unit only), 400.8 g (with Kishi V2 Pro) | 436 g |
| Price | 399 US dollars | 349 US dollars |
Nintendo Switch (OLED)
What kind of device is this? The Switch is Nintendo’s successful handheld console and has been around for a few years now. With the OLED version, Nintendo introduced a model with an OLED display. The hardware is nearly identical otherwise.
On the Switch, you get a Nintendo-customized system with the company’s proprietary Nintendo e-shop.
What hardware is in the device? Nintendo relies on an Nvidia Tegra X1 as the processor. For graphics, a special Tegra graphics chip is responsible. It also comes with 4 GB of RAM. Compared to the normal model, the OLED variant offers a bit more internal storage (32 vs. 64 GB), which can still be expanded with memory cards.
The Nintendo Switch also offers you a docking station. There is also a weaker version without a docking station called the Switch Lite. By the way, the new docking station of the OLED model offers you a LAN port.
What does the device cost? The standard Switch version with docking station currently costs around 280 Euros. The price has been quite stable for months, and with a bit of luck, you might find the Switch for 250 Euros. For the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch, you generally pay around 320 Euros, including the docking station.
The stripped-down Switch Lite (without docking function) is already available for 190 Euros, making it 100 Euros cheaper than the standard model.
| Nintendo Switch (OLED) | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Nvidia Tegra X1 |
| GPU | Tegra graphics chip |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Display | Touchscreen, 7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280×720 |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Weight | 322 grams |
| Price | 280 Euros (Switch), 320 (OLED), 220 Euros (Lite) |
The introduction of the OLED version was not well received by many fans, as many had wished for a new, more powerful console. Many users are still waiting for the official announcement of a Switch Pro: Nintendo Switch Pro – Everything we know about Nintendo’s new console
