In 2025, the Steam Deck remains a popular choice for handheld gaming, but it’s not without its flaws. Many gamers seek alternatives for various reasons, such as more power, better screens, or lighter designs. This article explores five notable alternatives: the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo Switch 2, MSI Claw 8 AI+, and Logitech G Cloud.
The Steam Deck OLED is praised for its balance of performance and comfort. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Ally offers superior Windows-native gaming performance, though it lacks the Steam Deck’s trackpads. The Lenovo Legion Go impresses with detachable controllers, and the Nintendo Switch 2 introduces magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ excels in AAA gaming but is bulkier and more expensive. The Logitech G Cloud caters to cloud gaming enthusiasts with its lightweight design and long battery life.
Despite owning a Steam Deck OLED, some gamers still look for alternatives due to the device’s limitations, such as compatibility issues with certain games. Testing these alternatives revealed that each has unique strengths and trade-offs, making it essential for gamers to choose based on their preferences.
The ASUS ROG Ally stands out for its vibrant screen and compatibility with various gaming platforms, though its navigation can be cumbersome. The Lenovo Legion Go offers a large display and detachable controllers, but its battery life is limited. The Nintendo Switch 2 continues the hybrid console-handheld trend with improved ergonomics and exclusive games, though its battery life falls short compared to the Switch OLED.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a powerhouse with a large screen and extended battery life, but its bulkiness and high price are drawbacks. The Logitech G Cloud, while not matching the hardware of the Steam Deck, excels in cloud gaming and battery longevity.
In conclusion, there is no definitive winner among these devices; each caters to different gaming needs. Gamers should consider their priorities, whether it’s performance, battery life, or exclusive features, when selecting a handheld gaming device.
