The Next Generation PC Handheld

This Techtober we will be seeing the battle of the PC Handhelds. On one corner is the much-anticipated ROG Xbox Ally X and the other corner is the underdog Legion Go 2. Both will be using the next generation AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme Processor on the high-end models. If you were looking for the next level performance, you have to get the Z2 Extreme chip, because the lower-end model’s performance is comparable to last year’s Z1 Extreme.

You may be wondering, what about the Steam Deck 2? I have bad news for you, the Steam Deck is not Windows (it’s Linux), so you can’t run certain Windows games, such as Destiny or Call of Duty, that requires anti-cheat and DirectX. Also, Steam isn’t even considering working on their next version until 2028. I would not group Steam Deck (or Nintendo Switch) with PC Handhelds.

Anyway, the biggest problem with these upcoming PC handhelds is the eye-watering price. It’s partly due to Trump’s tariffs, and everyone will agree that the tariffs made everything more expensive.

The pre-order information for the Legion Go 2 shows the price of $1,350. At that price range, why not just get a nice, sleek laptop with the same, if not better, performance? Plus, you’ll get a bigger screen, a physical keyboard, extra ports, and other amenities that comes a laptop.

Xbox has not released their prices, but based on UK price leaks, it suggests the better model will cost about $900… although, I suspect it will be closer to $1,000 (or more), based on the trends I’m seeing. I think they will charge way more, just to make the slower model more attractive with that entry price. As much as I want all the devices, but it’s just too much money.

If money is no object, let’s take a look at the two devices and why you would want one or the other.

Screen Size
I own the original Rog Ally and Legion Go and I can tell you that the larger screen (8.8-inch screen) makes such a big difference to me. I prefer larger, not only for the high resolution, but also navigating on Windows is better. However, Xbox promises their device will use a custom Xbox launcher that was specifically designed for smaller screen. Personally speaking, I still prefer a larger screen – so the winner goes to the Legion Go 2.

Software
Both runs Windows 11, but the ROG Xbox Ally promises a custom launcher that will disable some Windows functionality (that you don’t need for games), and so you’ll have access to more RAM and CPU. Theoretically, it’ll run better and faster. I am assuming Windows will eventually make their software available for all handhelds… but for now, the winner is the ROG Xbox Ally X.

Design
Some people think the ROG Xbox Ally looks ugly with the two giant grips, but I think it was designed for gaming comfort. It won’t look as sleek, but I would trade functionality for looks anytime. Gripping it is nice, but the Legion Go 2, like its previous version, you can detach the controllers and play it as a traditional controller or use it as a vertical mouse (FPS mode). You have more options with the Legion Go… but that Xbox Grip seems nice too. I guess I would say it’s a tie.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you want. If you can afford it, get both! For me, they just priced me out of the hobby… and I’ll just have to be content with my original ROG Ally and Legion Go.

Yours,

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