I Replaced My PC with Handheld Gaming PCs.

Summary

In this detailed video, the creator evaluates various handheld gaming devices in 2025, including the Steam Deck, MSI Claw, Legion Go, F1 Pro, and others. The review spans six categories: display quality, controls, aftermarket support, performance, battery life, and software. The creator discusses each device's strengths and weaknesses, focusing on factors like display resolution, ergonomic controls, software customization, and performance benchmarks. The final verdict highlights the MSI Claw and Alli X as top performers, with the Steam Deck OLED and other competitors closely following. The video emphasizes that the best handheld depends on personal needs and preferences, encouraging viewers to make an informed decision based on their priorities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Steam Deck, initially bought without high expectations, exceeded expectations by offering a powerful portable gaming experience with a large game library.
• 😀 The market for handheld gaming PCs has evolved significantly, with major companies entering the space, creating a wide variety of competitors to choose from.
• 😀 Displays are critical in handhelds, and the best displays are high-resolution OLED screens, with the F1 Pro standing out with a 1080p, 144Hz OLED screen.
• 😀 Performance varies significantly across handhelds, with Windows-based devices offering higher raw power, but the Steam Deck remains a solid option for lighter indie titles and efficiency.
• 😀 The Steam Deck OLED’s display, despite its lower resolution compared to other devices, delivers excellent contrast, color reproduction, and brightness, making it one of the best displays.
• 😀 Handheld controls are vital for comfort and ergonomics, and while many devices feature rear paddles and customizable layouts, the Steam Deck stands out for its flexibility in control options.
• 😀 Aftermarket support and repairability are crucial, and while many companies offer replacement parts and guides, Valve's Steam Deck has the best long-term reliability.
• 😀 Battery life is a major consideration, with larger devices like the MSI Claw and Alli X offering longer game times, while the Steam Deck excels in efficiency despite a smaller battery.
• 😀 The software experience is crucial, with Steam OS offering a simpler, more user-friendly interface than Windows-based handhelds, which may feel more unpolished despite frequent updates.
• 😀 There is no single 'best' handheld; the right choice depends on individual preferences, such as display quality, performance needs, and portability, with several devices excelling in different categories.

Q & A

What was the initial expectation of the reviewer when they bought their first Steam Deck?

The reviewer had no high expectations when buying the Steam Deck, purchasing the cheapest model with the intention of potentially returning it. However, it ended up surprising them with its portability and ability to access their entire Steam library on the go.

What are some key differences between the Legion Go and other handhelds in terms of display?

The Legion Go features a 1600p 144 Hz LCD panel, which looks fantastic, while other handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 and the Legion Go S have 1200p 120 Hz screens. Despite the larger screens, the Legion Go S and Asus's Ally offer smoother gameplay, especially with variable refresh rates.

Why is the Steam Deck OLED screen considered one of the best displays in handheld gaming?

The Steam Deck OLED screen offers vibrant, inky black levels, exceptional color reproduction, and full HDR support. It has a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, significantly brighter than most other devices, and the OLED technology enhances the perceived clarity and contrast despite a lower resolution.

How does the F1 Pro's display compare to other handhelds?

The F1 Pro's display is a standout with its 7-inch 1080p 144 Hz OLED screen. While it's the most expensive handheld on the list, it offers an excellent display quality, making it the best in the category according to the reviewer.

What factors make the controls of the Legion Go stand out from other handhelds?

The Legion Go features trigger locks for quicker actuation and detachable controls similar to the Nintendo Switch. It also has rear paddles and programmable buttons, which makes it a versatile option, especially for larger hands.

Which handheld has the most comfortable and controller-like thumb sticks?

The Asus Ally X has the most comfortable, controller-like thumb sticks. The reviewer particularly appreciates the improvement in thumb sticks over the original Ally, which felt loose and less refined.

How does the Steam Deck's aftermarket support and repairability compare to other handhelds?

The Steam Deck stands out for its strong aftermarket support, with Valve partnering with iFixit for easy access to parts. The reviewer also praises the Steam Deck's modular design and overall reliability. Other handhelds, like the MSI Claw and Asus Ally, have had issues in the past but have shown improvements.

What impact does the performance of the AMD Z1 Extreme chip have on handheld gaming?

The AMD Z1 Extreme chip, used in devices like the Legion Go and Ally, has been the standard for flagship handhelds, offering excellent performance for gaming. However, at lower TDPs, like below 10 watts, the Steam Deck's performance is notably superior, outpacing many other handhelds.

How does the battery life of different handhelds compare?

The MSI Claw and Ally X are the best in terms of battery life, thanks to their 80+ Watt batteries. The Legion Go and original Ally offer decent battery life, while the Legion Go S has poor battery performance. The Steam Deck performs efficiently due to its custom OS and efficient APU, offering longer game time even at lower power usage.

What is the major difference between Steam OS and Windows on handheld devices according to the reviewer?

The reviewer favors Steam OS for its simple, frictionless user experience, which allows for easy setup and use, while also offering some tinkering options. In contrast, Windows provides more customization but can feel like a grittier, less polished experience. Valve’s focus on gaming compatibility and ease of use is a key advantage for Steam OS.