The Evolution of PC Handhelds
The journey of PC handhelds has been a remarkable one, beginning with an initial wave of prototypes that, while innovative, were often underpowered and riddled with flaws. These early devices were pioneers, testing the waters for what was possible in portable PC gaming. However, it wasn’t until the arrival of the Steam Deck by Valve that the concept truly took off. The Steam Deck’s successful formula catapulted handheld PC gaming into the mainstream, offering a glimpse of the potential these devices held.
Now, we find ourselves in a new era of handheld gaming PCs, marked by rapidly evolving designs and a surge in the number of available options. This year alone has seen a plethora of new releases, including the ROG Ally, OneXPlayer OneXFly, OneXPlayer 2 Pro, Ayaneo Air 1S, Ayaneo 2S, Lenovo Legion Go, Aokzoe A1 Pro, and the Valve Steam Deck OLED. The landscape has shifted from barely having one standout handheld last year to a current state where choosing the best among them is a delightful challenge.
The Rise of the AMD Ryzen Processor in Handheld Gaming PCs
The handheld gaming PC market has been revolutionized by the introduction of the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. This powerful chip has become the heart of most handheld gaming PCs, driving the performance of a wide array of devices. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it has enabled these portable machines to deliver impressive gaming experiences that were once the sole domain of larger, more traditional gaming rigs.
While the Ryzen 7 7840U is the common denominator in many of the devices mentioned earlier, Valve’s Steam Deck stands apart by utilizing a different semi-custom AMD chip. Nevertheless, the Ryzen 7 7840U’s blend of CPU and GPU capabilities makes it a preferred choice for manufacturers looking to balance power and efficiency in their handheld offerings.
The adoption of this processor across the industry underscores AMD’s influence in the gaming sector, particularly in the realm of handheld devices. Its ability to power such a diverse range of gaming PCs is a testament to the chip’s versatility and the innovative spirit of the gaming community.
Nominees for Best Handheld Gaming PC of 2023
The competition for the title of best handheld gaming PC of 2023 is fierce, with three standout nominees each bringing something unique to the table. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptional devices:
Steam Deck OLED – Valve’s latest iteration of the Steam Deck comes with a vibrant OLED screen, offering deeper blacks and richer colors. It also boasts a larger battery, a new carry case, and a 1TB SSD option, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
OneXPlayer OneXFly – This device is a compact powerhouse, featuring the Ryzen 7 7840U processor, up to 4TB of storage, and 64GB of RAM. Its 7-inch screen and slim bezels make it a perfect balance between size and performance, though its premium price reflects its high-end specs.
Lenovo Legion Go – The Lenovo Legion Go impresses with its detachable controllers and large 8.8-inch screen. While it shares the same Ryzen 7 7840U processor as many of its competitors, it distinguishes itself with a QHD+ resolution panel and a competitive price point thanks to Lenovo’s manufacturing capabilities.
| Product | Description | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | OLED screen, larger battery, 1TB SSD | $649.99 | Available on Amazon |
| OneXPlayer OneXFly | Compact, Ryzen 7 7840U, up to 4TB storage | $1,099.00 | Available on Amazon |
| Lenovo Legion Go | Detachable controllers, 8.8-inch QHD+ screen | $699.99 | Available on Amazon |
Stay Tuned for the Best Handheld Gaming PC Award Announcement
The anticipation is building as we approach the reveal of the PC Gamer Hardware Award for the best handheld gaming PC of the year. Each of the three nominees has the potential to take home the coveted prize, and the decision is anything but straightforward. With such a strong lineup, the winner will undoubtedly be a device that sets the standard for portable gaming excellence.
Mark your calendars for New Year’s Eve, when the winner will be announced. It’s an event no gaming enthusiast will want to miss. So, stay tuned to find out which handheld gaming PC will earn the title of the best of 2023!
