Can’t find a Steam Deck? Here are 3 handhelds you can buy right now

The Asus ROG Ally (pictured above), features the Armoury Crate app... which is a decent enough launcher but nowhere near as easy to use as SteamOS on Steam Deck. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

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ROG Xbox Ally
Legion Go
Asus ROG Ally
Bottom line

The Steam Deck has been one of the best handheld gaming consoles since it launched, but right now, getting your hands on one is a dicey proposition.

As we recently reported, Steam Deck OLED stock is drying up, and Valve has confirmed that the ongoing global RAM crisis is putting a serious squeeze on production. It’s a frustrating situation for anyone who wanted a Steam Deck — or for those of us who often recommend Valve’s handheld.

I’ve been keeping an eye on this situation since it began. While the Deck is MIA, that doesn’t mean you can’t still find a great gaming handheld. If you don’t want to wait for Valve to resolve its supply chain issues, I’m here to help you out.

I’ve found three alternatives that fall within a similar price range and offer comparable, or, in some cases, superior performance. Note that, because of the RAM crunch affecting new hardware prices, I’m recommending some used and refurbished options to keep them within the same price range as Valve's handheld.

Quick links

Asus ROG Xbox Ally (Ryzen Z2 A): was $599 now $489 @ Amazon
Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme): was $749 now $454 @ Best Buy
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme): was $699 now $549 @ Walmart

Asus ROG Xbox Ally (Ryzen Z2 A)

If you’re looking for the newest alternative that doesn’t break the bank, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally with the Ryzen Z2 A chip is the one to watch. Released late last year as a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, this is a refreshed version of the original Ally that feels like a portable Xbox.

The Z2 A chip is built for efficiency rather than raw power. Because of that, don’t expect performance comparable to the beefier ROG Xbox Ally X with a Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. This entry-level model features a Zen 2-based processor and RDNA 2 graphics, similar to the Steam Deck’s architecture, but with modern optimizations. The real win here is the 60Wh battery, which is a massive 50% jump over the original Ally.

Combined with the Xbox Full Screen Experience that boots you straight into a console-like UI, it feels much more polished than previous Windows handhelds. You get a 7-inch, 120Hz 1080p display with VRR, which helps keep things smooth even if your frame rate dips. This is a great starter handheld for sure.

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go is the big boy of the handheld world, and it offers a very different experience than the Steam Deck. With its massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display, this is the handheld for people who find the Steam Deck’s screen a bit too cramped.

What makes the Legion Go unique is its detachable "TrueStrike” controllers, which function similarly to Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. One of the controllers even has an “FPS mode” that turns it into a vertical mouse for strategy games.

While it’s heavier and bulkier than the Steam Deck, its built-in kickstand and raw Ryzen Z1 Extreme power make it a formidable alternative. It might not exactly be portable in a traditional sense, but it’s a more versatile media machine for watching movies or playing at a desk.

Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme)

If you want the best performance-to-price ratio currently available while the Steam Deck is out of stock, the original Asus ROG Ally with the Z1 Extreme chip is a fantastic alternative. Just like the Steam Deck, this machine might be getting long in the tooth, but it still packs a punch.

The original Ally is much more compact than the Steam Deck, which some players (myself included) might find more comfortable for long sessions. You also get a variable refresh rate (VRR) screen, which helps smooth out gameplay when frame rates dip, something the standard Steam Deck LCD lacks.

The main trade-off is battery life, as the 40Wh cell in this model is its weakest link. However, if you usually play near a power outlet or carry a battery bank, the Z1 Extreme Ally offers a great experience that the Steam Deck can’t quite match in raw specs.

Bottom line

It’s a shame that the RAM crisis has made the Steam Deck so hard to find, but we’re lucky to live in a time where there's a viable Plan B.

Whether you want the console-like simplicity of the ROG Xbox Ally, the massive screen of the Lenovo Legion Go, or the sheer value of a refurbished Z1 Extreme ROG Ally, you can still get a top-tier handheld experience without waiting for a Valve restock.

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Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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