Are you looking for a alternative to Steam Deck? Due to its heavy price tag, valve's Steam Deck is not the best cost-effective solution for many users. On the other hand, you may be a more tech-savvy handheld gamer who might want to know if there is something else on the market even more advanced than the Steam Deck.
Valve's Steam Deck provides a unique and powerful handheld gaming experience.
It is a full AMD APU based on the Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture, with a custom AMD processor for efficient performance. Also, it consists of a 7-inch touchscreen display having a resolution of 1280 x 800. The cost of Steam Deck depends on the storage options, such as 64 GB for $399, 256 GB for $529, and 512 GB for $649.
In this guide, we have listed the ten best alternatives to Steam Deck, including their key features and prices.
Please go check them out!
10 Alternatives To Steam Deck
1. Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch is the most readily available and affordable alternative to the Steam Deck. It costs about $350 and has a high-end OLED model. Secondly, the Switch Lite, which costs only $200 and is handheld only, is also quite budget-friendly.
Its fascinating hybrid design makes Switch playable on a handheld computer and even connects it to a TV or tabletop mode.
With a large lineup of games, including Nintendo exclusives, it makes an ideal choice for those who are not hardcore gamers or are young.
Key Features:
⦁ Hybrid design.
⦁ Large library of games (including exclusive titles).
⦁ Affordable pricing.
2. Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud is primarily tailored for cloud gaming players and can run on Android 11. The first Logitech G Cloud is mostly designed for cloud gaming users and is Android 11-enabled.
Further, it runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor and has smooth gaming performance.
It may complement the Steam Deck in sheer strength but is priced at $299.99. Therefore, it is a viable option for those who prioritize this gaming style.
Key Features:
⦁ Designed for cloud gaming.
⦁ Powered by Android 11.
⦁ Affordable pricing for a cloud-centric device.
3. Razer Edge
The Razer Edge is a good competitor for the Steam Deck. It has a removable controller and a 6.8-inch, 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display. However, it provides an impressive visual experience.
It's priced at $399.99 and may be slightly bulkier. Moreover, its display and pricing make it a strong competitor and an affordable gaming handheld.
Key Features:
⦁ Removable controller.
⦁ 6.8-inch AMOLED display.
⦁ Competitive pricing starts at $399.99.
4. Retroid Pocket 3+
Are you interested in emulation and streaming? Then, the Retroid Pocket 3+ comes in at an affordable price of $114.95. Also, it would run on Android and goes well with retro gaming and streaming platforms.
It carries a 720p screen, 4 GB RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage, making it a cost-friendly replacement.
Key Features:
⦁ Suitable for emulation and streaming.
⦁ Affordable pricing starts at $114.95.
⦁ Built-in Micro HDMI port to support external display.
5. Ayn Odin
The Ayn Odin is an Android-based handheld console. It provides an effortless gamer, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor powers it. Its memory is about 4GB.
It is less strong than the Steam Deck but boasts power. It features a 5.98-inch Full HD touchscreen and can install emulators and streaming services. Thus, it provides a diverse gaming environment for beginners.
Key Features:
⦁ An Android-based platform for flexibility.
⦁ Expandable storage via microSD.
⦁ Affordable pricing starts at $258.
6. Ayaneo 2
The Ayaneo 2 runs on a custom Linux kernel and uses Proton software. Thus, it is well compatible with Windows games. Also, it is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor with a 7-inch IPS touchscreen. Moreover, it supports many games and emulators to offer an excellent gaming experience.
Key Features:
⦁ Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 6800U.
⦁ Support for a wide range of games and emulators.
⦁ Priced competitively at $1099.
7. GPD WIN 4
The GPD WIN 4 comes preinstalled with Windows 11 and is a versatile gaming device. It is embedded with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U and is powerful enough to handle modern-era PC games.
Its keyboard and detachable controllers give users a unique gaming experience. Also, it has a pricing starting at $699.
Key Features:
⦁ Preinstalled with Windows 11.
⦁ Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor.
⦁ Unique keyboard and detachable controllers.
8. ASUS ROG Ally
AMD's Z1 Series processors power the ASUS ROG Ally and have a performance boost over the Steam Deck. It has 8.6 TFLOPs of theoretical performance and is priced at $699.99.
Also, the choice between Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme helps users balance performance and budget to use the device effectively.
Key Features:
⦁ Powered by AMD's Z1 Series processors.
⦁ Turbo mode for enhanced performance.
⦁ Competitive pricing starts at $699.99.
9. Ayaneo Air
The Ayaneo Air stands out with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and has a slim design. It would run on the Ayaneo OS and is compatible with Windows games through Proton software. Even though it is not as powerful as the Steam Deck, its size and OLED screen add value to it. It is priced from $549.
Key Features:
⦁ Slim and light design for easy portability.
⦁ AMOLED display for vivid visuals.
⦁ Competitive pricing starts at $549.
10. ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro
The ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro has an 8.4-inch display and AMD's Ryzen 7 7840U chipset. It has detachable controllers and offers a unique gaming experience. The OneXConsole software allows users to customize the settings based on the users' requirements. Its pricing starts at $1259.
Key Features:
⦁ 8.4-inch display.
⦁ AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chipset for raw power.
⦁ Detachable controllers.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to handheld gaming, Steam Deck is not the only player. Many other handheld gaming devices have cloud gaming, emulation, or traditional PC gaming options.
However, your alternative to Steam Deck depends on your preferences and budget.
You have many choices, from the versatile Nintendo Switch to the raw power of ASUS ROG Ally and ONEXPLAYER 2 Pro.
So, start doing in-depth research about each handheld device and ensure your high scores are ever in your favor!