The Future of Handheld Gaming: Top Devices Coming in 2025

By the fall of 2025, PC handheld gaming will have grown bigger than ever. Several companies are competing in this space, each bringing unique innovations and performance improvements. 

Currently, there are five major handhelds worth discussing—each offering something different in terms of hardware, features, and price points.

Zotac Zone 2

Zotac's upcoming handheld is quite interesting. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't feature the Z2 Extreme processor. Instead, it uses AMD's 370 APU with 12 Zen 5C cores and a 7-inch OLED display. For those who have been waiting for OLED on handhelds, this is a welcome addition.

Zotac handheld supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, though it is not upgradeable. Battery life sits at 48Wh, a slight bump over the original ASUS ROG Ally's 40Wh.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E (no Wi-Fi 7 support), Bluetooth 5.2, dual USB4 ports, and trackpads. A quick menu allows full desktop access, and the OS is a Linux-based system, different from SteamOS.

The display runs at 1080p with 120Hz AMOLED, similar to Samsung phones. It also includes Hall effect sticks. Pricing is expected to be around $850 with a release date of September 17.

Lenovo Legion Go 2

Lenovo's Legion Go 2 is one of the most anticipated portable devices of the year. It uses AMD's Z2 Extreme processor and RDNA 3.5 graphics, resulting in a significant performance boost over its predecessor. The 8.8-inch OLED display has a resolution of 2560x1600 at 144Hz, giving a vivid visual experience.

With up to 32GB LPDDR5X memory, 1TB storage, and a 74Wh battery, it stands out as a powerhouse handheld. It comes with Windows 11; however, you can install another OS if you like. Pricing is likely to be around $1,000.

Lenovo's enhancements make this gadget a strong competitor, despite its significantly higher price. Early hands-on tests revealed superb performance, even running demanding games like Spider-Man 2 seamlessly.

MSI Claw Z2

MSI initially struggled with its handheld lineup, as it used Intel processors that underperformed. With the Claw Z2, MSI switched to AMD's Z2 Extreme.

Priced around €975 (about $1050 in the US), the Claw Z2 includes up to 24GB LPDDR5, 1TB SSD storage, and an 8-inch 120Hz display with VRR support.

It runs on an 80Wh battery, providing strong endurance. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, optional Wi-Fi 7, and dual USB-C ports. Windows 11 comes pre-installed. With this third generation, MSI finally delivers a competitive handheld.

ASUS ROG Ally Xbox Edition

The ASUS ROG Ally has already proven itself in the handheld gaming market. The Xbox Edition brings two variants:

Ally X Xbox Edition – Features AMD Z2 Extreme, up to 24GB LPDDR5, 1TB storage, and an 80Wh battery. The 7-inch IPS display runs at 1080p 120Hz.

It includes microSD, a 3.5mm jack, dual USB-C ports, and Hall effect triggers. AI-powered features such as automatic super resolution and AI-generated highlight reels are also included.

Ally Xbox Edition (non-X) – A more affordable version with AMD Z2A (closer to Z1 Extreme), 16GB LPDDR5, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery. The 7-inch Gorilla Glass IPS display remains 1080p. At 670g, it's lighter than many competitors.

The Xbox Edition provides an Xbox-like interface on top of Windows 11, appealing to players who prefer that ecosystem.

The State of PC Handhelds

With Zotac, Lenovo, Abxylute, MSI, and ASUS all entering the race, PC handheld gaming has reached a new level in 2025. Each device caters to different preferences—whether it's portability, raw power, unique features like 3D gameplay, or ecosystem integration.

We can't forget the Steam Deck 2, which is still anticipated. While it may not arrive this year, it's likely to appear soon, further heating up competition.

Handheld gaming has changed drastically in just a few years. The question remains: which one of these new handhelds would you personally pick?

Check our Other Handheld Articles :

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