Gift Tip: Want to get a handheld gaming PC this holiday? — Last year’s ROG Ally is cheaper than Xbox Ally X and still plays AAA games

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Finding the right gifts for the holidays can be tough, particularly when the most popular new gadgets are so expensive.

If you’re interested in a portable gaming device like the Xbox Ally X or Legion Go 2, but find them too expensive, I recommend looking at older models. They can be a great way to save money.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown, but generally, the ROG Ally and Legion Go offer a wider range of playable games compared to the white Xbox Ally, and they’re significantly cheaper – by a couple hundred dollars – than the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2.

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This year saw the release of several new handheld gaming devices: the Legion Go 2, Legion Go S, a white Xbox Ally, and a black Xbox Ally X. All of these devices are powered by the newest AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors.

The more affordable white Xbox Ally has a less powerful processor – the Z2 A chip – compared to the original ROG Ally and Legion Go, which both use the Z1 Extreme chip.

The white Xbox Ally is likely more affordable, but it won’t be able to run as many games as the original ROG Ally or Legion Go due to its less powerful processor.

Although the older ROG Ally and Legion Go models are more affordable than the new Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2, they’re still capable of playing many of today’s popular, high-end PC games.

This year’s new handhelds aren’t necessarily the best value

If you believe the person you’re shopping for would prefer a new handheld gaming device this holiday season, here are some of the most popular options. I’ve organized them by price to make choosing easier.

Get the handheld that meets your gaming needs

Ultimately, the best gaming handheld to purchase depends on how you or the person you’re buying it for plans to use it.

If you’re looking for a straightforward device to play retro games, 2D indie titles, or emulators, the white Xbox Ally is a good option.

As a researcher looking at handheld gaming devices, I’ve found the Xbox Ally X and the Legion Go 2 really stand out in terms of power. They’re capable of running a huge range of games, even the latest, most demanding titles. While the Ally X feels the most comfortable to hold for long periods, the Legion Go 2 boasts a beautiful OLED screen and the unique ability to detach its controllers, letting you use it like a traditional console with friends.

Older handheld gaming devices, like the ROG Ally and Legion Go which use the Z1 Extreme chip, are a great option if you want to play recent, demanding games without spending as much as you would on the newest models.

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to check a game’s minimum system requirements to make sure it will run well on any handheld device.

FAQ

Can handheld gaming PCs run modern AAA games smoothly?

Lots of handheld gaming PCs can play games, but the types of games they handle depend on the device’s power and features. If you want to play demanding, high-end games, you’ll need a more powerful handheld.

Will Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or Epic Games library work on handheld gaming PCs?

While the experience is generally good, PC gaming handhelds vary. Some run Windows, offering immediate access to many gaming services. Others, like the Steam Deck, use SteamOS and require some initial setup to use games from platforms beyond Steam. If you’re using a Steam Deck, check out my guide on using Decky Loader to expand its capabilities.

Is the Legion Go S (SteamOS) a good handheld?

The Legion Go S (SteamOS) is popular because it delivers performance comparable to the Steam Deck, but with improvements like a better screen and a more comfortable design.

Is the original ROG Ally worth it in 2025?

Even though the ROG Ally uses an older processor, it still delivers a great experience for playing Windows games on the go. Thanks to an update bringing the Xbox experience, it now feels and works a lot like the Xbox Series X, and can handle a large variety of games.

Is the original Legion Go worth it in 2025?

It depends on what you need it for. The original Legion Go is flexible – you can use it like a portable gaming console or connect it to a screen and play with the controllers, thanks to its detachable design and kickstand. While it’s not as powerful as newer models like the Legion Go 2 or Xbox Ally X, it can still run many games.

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2025-12-12 15:41