Best Handheld Gaming Consoles for 2026 - CNET

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X

$1,000 at Best Buy")

If you prefer running Windows on a PC gaming handheld, the latest and best option for now is the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, a new version of the previous Asus ROG Ally X. It has a new and semi-improved Windows layer for better playback of Xbox games, the start of an effort from Microsoft to improve its handheld gaming chops. It's very expensive at $1,000, but comes with a AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, 24GB of RAM and a 1080p display in a beefy 1.6-pound package with excellent-feeling controls.

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Pros [...] If you prefer running Windows on a PC gaming handheld, the latest and best option for now is the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, a new version of the previous Asus ROG Ally X. It has a new and semi-improved Windows layer for better playback of Xbox games, the start of an effort from Microsoft to improve its handheld gaming chops. It's very expensive at $1,000, but comes with a AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, 24GB of RAM and a 1080p display in a beefy 1.6-pound package with excellent-feeling controls.

The advantage of Windows gaming handhelds over SteamOS devices is the easier capability for playing back games on multiple game stores at once, although Windows 11 performance on handhelds this size remains a mixed bag, and game compatibility is still trial and error in a lot of instances. [...] But I still love the Steam Deck, which remains one of the best-performing and versatile ways to play PC games on the go. The Steam Deck’s a few years old now, but as a vehicle to play tons of interesting and well-optimized games on Steam, it’s a great option. And there doesn't seem to be a new Steam Deck coming next year, although the Steam Frame (a ARM-based VR standalone headset that can play Steam Deck games) is coming in 2026. If you have the money, consider the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X if you want the best way to play games via Windows across multiple game stores, with a better Microsoft Xbox overlay experience than previous Windows handhelds.

Best gaming handhelds of 2026

Scott Stein/CNET

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Best overall gaming handheld

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Pros

Source Insight: This report was curated based on original coverage from cnet.com.

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