By Melania 
The Steam Deck has revolutionized handheld gaming, offering a powerful and portable way to play PC games. However, it’s not the only option on the market. Whether you’re looking for different specifications, a more affordable choice, or an alternative operating system, there are several Steam Deck alternatives worth considering.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best alternatives, comparing their features, performance, and pricing to help you find the perfect handheld gaming PC for your needs.
Why Consider a Steam Deck Alternative?
The Steam Deck is an impressive device, but it’s not perfect for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might look for a Steam Deck alternative:
- Better Performance: Some alternatives offer higher resolution screens and more powerful processors.
- Different Operating Systems: If you’re not a fan of SteamOS, you might prefer a Windows-based handheld.
- Portability & Battery Life: Some devices are more compact and offer better battery efficiency.
- Budget-Friendly Options: If the Steam Deck is out of your price range, there are cheaper alternatives available.
Now, let’s dive into the top Steam Deck alternatives available today.
1. ASUS ROG Ally – The Premium Steam Deck Alternative
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme
- Display: 7-inch Full HD 120Hz
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable)
- Operating System: Windows 11
The ASUS ROG Ally is one of the strongest contenders as a Steam Deck alternative. It features a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a Full HD display, providing a superior gaming experience.
Unlike the Steam Deck, which runs on SteamOS, the ROG Ally operates on Windows 11, allowing you to install and play games from various platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and more.
Pros:
✔ Better display and refresh rate
✔ More powerful processor
✔ Runs Windows 11 (supports more games)
Cons:
✖ More expensive than Steam Deck
✖ Battery life isn’t significantly better
2. AYANEO 2 – A High-End Handheld PC
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
- Display: 7-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen
- RAM: 16GB/32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
For those seeking a premium Steam Deck alternative, the AYANEO 2 is an exceptional choice. It offers a higher resolution display, better build quality, and more RAM options. The Ryzen 7 6800U processor delivers outstanding performance for even the most demanding games.
However, the AYANEO 2 is quite expensive, often costing significantly more than the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a powerful and stylish handheld, and price isn’t a major concern, this device is worth considering.
Pros:
✔ High-end display
✔ Superior build quality
✔ Powerful AMD processor
Cons:
✖ Very expensive
✖ Battery life is average
3. GPD Win 4 – Compact and Powerful
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
- Display: 6-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen
- RAM: 16GB/32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 1TB/2TB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
The GPD Win 4 is a compact and powerful Steam Deck alternative that comes with a built-in keyboard, making it a unique option for those who want both gaming and productivity features. Its smaller size makes it more portable than the Steam Deck while still delivering high performance.
Despite its small form factor, it houses a Ryzen 7 6800U processor, making it capable of running most modern PC games efficiently.
Pros:
✔ Ultra-portable design
✔ High performance
✔ Built-in keyboard
Cons:
✖ Small screen size might not suit everyone
✖ More expensive than the Steam Deck
4. ONEXPLAYER Mini – A Versatile Handheld PC
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1260P / AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
- Display: 7-inch 1920×1200 IPS
- RAM: 16GB/32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB/1TB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
The ONEXPLAYER Mini is another strong Steam Deck alternative, offering multiple processor choices, allowing users to pick between Intel or AMD configurations. It has a high-resolution display and runs Windows 11, making it compatible with a wide range of games and applications.
For those who prefer a versatile and powerful handheld gaming device, the ONEXPLAYER Mini is a great option.
Pros:
✔ High-resolution screen
✔ Multiple processor options
✔ Windows 11 compatibility
Cons:
✖ Expensive compared to Steam Deck
✖ Battery life could be better
5. AYN Loki – A Budget-Friendly Steam Deck Alternative
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 6600U
- Display: 6-inch 1080p
- RAM: 8GB/16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
For those looking for an affordable Steam Deck alternative, the AYN Loki is a great choice. It comes in different configurations, with budget-friendly options featuring lower specs and premium versions with better performance.
While it may not be as powerful as the ASUS ROG Ally or AYANEO 2, the AYN Loki is a solid entry-level handheld gaming PC for those who don’t need ultra-high performance.
Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly pricing
✔ Compact and lightweight
✔ Windows 11 for game compatibility
Cons:
✖ Weaker hardware compared to competitors
✖ Limited availability
How to Choose the Right Steam Deck Alternative
When selecting a Steam Deck alternative, consider the following factors:
- Performance Needs:
- If you play AAA games, opt for high-end processors like the Ryzen 7 6800U.
- For casual gaming, a budget-friendly alternative may suffice.
- Operating System:
- Windows-based devices offer better game compatibility.
- SteamOS provides a streamlined gaming experience.
- Portability & Battery Life:
- Smaller devices are easier to carry but may sacrifice screen size.
- Some models have better battery efficiency than the Steam Deck.
- Budget:
- High-end devices like AYANEO 2 are expensive.
- Budget options like AYN Loki provide affordable alternatives.
Conclusion: Which Steam Deck Alternative is Best for You?
Choosing the right Steam Deck alternative depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a quick recap:
- Best Overall: ASUS ROG Ally – Superior display and performance with Windows 11.
- Best High-End Choice: AYANEO 2 – Premium build and powerful hardware.
- Best Compact Option: GPD Win 4 – Small form factor with a built-in keyboard.
- Most Versatile: ONEXPLAYER Mini – Multiple processor options.
- Best Budget Alternative: AYN Loki – Affordable entry into handheld gaming.
Each of these Steam Deck alternatives has unique advantages, so pick the one that best fits your gaming style and budget.