I’m a huge handheld nerd - here are the Steam Deck alternatives I’ll be watching this Prime Day (2024)

The Steam Deck has no doubt changed handheld PC gaming as we know it, but with Prime Day creeping up, many of you are no doubt considering alternatives. With so many different options on the battlefield right now, Amazon’s sale could be the perfect chance to grab something that’s better for your playstyle. So, to save you from being overwhelmed by a sea of different specs, price points, and game store options, I’ve whipped together a shortlist of devices worth checking on July 17.

Before we get started, there’s no guarantee that all the best gaming handheld options will show up on Amazon’s sale. Sure, we’re bound to see Prime Day Steam Deck deals pop up in some form, whether they apply to accessories or discounts direct at Valve, but actual device discounts aren’t a given. At the same time, sometimes unexpected record-low prices can pop up on even the latest gadgets, meaning it’s well worth consistently checking in on any desirables regardless.

My intention behind this roundup isn’t just a handheld deals watchlist – I also want to get players thinking about the kind of portable that’d benefit them the most. That’s not to say I’d hold back on shouting about the Steam Deck OLED if it drops to a record low, but I think it’s crucial to weigh up potential discounts alongside what the device will offer you specifically. For some, being able to reach higher frame rates will matter most, while many of you out there will prefer having access to the right library of games. Keep that in mind when perusing my list down below and we’ll be on track to getting you an excellent portable pal for less that’s an exact fit for your preferences.

1. Nintendo Switch

I’m starting off vanilla, but if I’m being honest, I think a majority of you out there will get more from the Switch than any other handheld. Nintendo’s legendary handheld hybrid has been around since 2017, and it’s starting to show its age a little performance-wise. Still, we’re talking about a system that’ll run the latest Mario romps, provide access to the expanse of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and serve as the perfect party prop for some summer Mario Kart tournaments.

As for which Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals to look for specifically, I’d keep an eye out for the OG version first and foremost. Chances are it’ll still come in at $299 / £259, but sale events normally create free game bundles that’ll help you save around $50 in total. If you’ve switched your main living room screen to one of the best gaming TVs, then you might also want to consider the Nintendo Switch OLED, as it’ll meet your newfound contrast and color standards in handheld mode and potentially dip below $300.

2. Asus ROG Ally

One of the first premium Steam Deck rivals to enter the scene, the Asus ROG Ally adds spice to Valve’s handheld PC formula. At a glance, both portables offer an extremely similar experience, especially if you primarily use Steam to access the latest games. However, Asus’ beefy alternative boasts a faster 120Hz 1080p display and a higher-spec AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU that can reach much higher frame rates without compromising on settings. Simply put, if you always try to boost fps in the latest games, it’s well worth considering the Ally, even if SteamOS feels much more refined than shoehorned Windows 11.

Amusingly, the Prime Day Asus ROG Ally deals worth considering will most likely be at Best Buy, as the big box store is an official retail partner. At the moment, there are two models available over there; the top-spec Ryzen Z1 Extreme edition and the watered-down Ryzen Z1 variant. Based on previous discounts and sales, I reckon the former will drop to around $549.99, while the cheaper tier is already down at $399 thanks to a $100 discount.

If you do stick with the $400 ROG Ally, you’ll end up with a handheld that’s slightly less impressive than the Steam Deck but makes up for it through Windows 11 versatility and nicer screen specs. Using Microsoft’s OS is a double-edged sword since its UI isn’t really portable-friendly, but it’s a cheaper option for those of you with a Game Pass subscription or chonky Epic Game Store collection. Of course, some of you might also want to go grab an Asus ROG Ally X pre-order instead, as the upcoming version promises greater battery life and various improvements.

3. Super Pocket

I have a habit of finding ways to chat retro, and some of you will argue that the Super Pocket isn’t a Steam Deck rival. However, I firmly believe it’s a handheld that’ll appeal to almost everyone, and it might sway players who only want to play the classics. At $59 / £49, it’s already incredibly cheap, especially since it’s a Game Boy-shaped portable that runs Evercade cartridges and comes with games built in. That means you’ll have access to over 500 classics across various retro consoles, and you’ll soon even be able to play 3D capers like Tomb Raider thanks to fancy new Giga Carts.

So, how cheap can a cheap console cheap? After saying that five times fast and having a look at previous discounts, I believe that if the handheld does drop, it’ll likely reach the $40 mark. It managed to drop to $42 earlier this year, so there’s every chance that price tag will return, but I’m hopeful for a new record low. There is a limited edition Atari woodgrain version of the Super Pocket on the way alongside a Technos Edition, and that release might be a nice time to cut the existing Capcom and Taito versions to entice new players.

4. Ayn Odin 2

If you’re into the idea of emulating classic consoles on something Steam Deck-shaped, then the Ayn Odin 2 should be top of your list. Armed with Android and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU, this beast is going to make short work of even those problematic retro romps that made flagship gaming phones struggle just a few years ago. You’ll even be able to mess with other Play Store releases if you desire, and PC gaming isn’t completely off the cards thanks to Steam Link and other streaming services.

As for what Prime Day can do for the Odin 2, I’m hoping the sale will spark off its first discount. At full price, you’re looking at $399, and based on similar device discounts in the past, we could see that drop to $299 or even lower. Ideally, I’d like to see it reach $249, as it is admittedly a hard sell when up against the Steam Deck, even though you’re actually gaining excellent features like anti-drift hall sensor thumbsticks, a 1080p screen, and plenty of other premium perks.

5. Lenovo Legion Go

I have pretty mixed feelings about the Lenovo Legion Go, and I stand by the idea that it feels like a handheld by laptop makers. Still, it wields the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU as the ROG Ally and has a larger 144Hz QHD display on its side – something some of you are going to take full advantage of playing older releases and indie games. Plus, it is technically offering something a bit different with its TrueStrike removable gamepads, even if they do feel pretty rotten compared to PC controllers and other portables.

I’d be pretty surprised if the Lenovo Legion Go doesn’t return to its lowest price during Prime Day, as we’ve got more Windows 11 handhelds waiting in the wings. Just last month, the portable PC dropped from $699.99 to $579.98 at Amazon, and in my opinion, that price puts it back in the running against the Legion Go. Just keep in mind that big specs and flamboyant features don’t always lead to the best gaming experience, and your $600 could get you either something more refined or a cheaper solution that doesn’t arguably feel like a prototype.

6. Razer Edge

I admittedly have a problem with the Razer Edge at MSRP, but it’s actually an incredibly versatile Android handheld for the right price. It might feel more like a phablet considering it uses a separate Kishi mobile controller, and it’s firmly a Steam Deck alternative rather than a fully-fledged rival. Nevertheless, the flexibility of its OS means it can serve as a powerful emulation device, a way to play Play Store favorites like Call of Duty mobile, and even double up as a makeshift PlayStation Portal.

Mentioning the PS Portal is important, as I’m hoping the Edge will drop down to the same $199 price tag as Sony’s remote player. I don’t think that’s too unreasonable given that it dropped down to $249 back in May and stayed at that price until now, and I suspect the extra $50 will make all the difference to units shifted during Prime Day.

Despite possessing an AMOLED screen and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, you ideally don’t want to be paying anywhere near Steam Deck prices for the Edge. It really needs to drop to at least $250 before becoming a valid alternative in my books, and I genuinely think most players will love taking it on your travels for that price.

Handy handheld pointers to consider

The handheld market is an everchanging monster, which makes keeping up with the on-the-go Joneses a pain. We’re on the cusp of finally getting a Nintendo Switch 2, not to mention more companies are entering the portable PC ring to throw punches at the Steam Deck. Therefore, I’d ask yourself the following questions before clicking buy on a handheld, regardless of the price during Prime Day:

Do you use streaming services? - If you’re already paying for a bunch of cloud subscriptions and aren’t fussed about downloading games, picking up a lighter-weight handheld for streaming might be the right option. Portables like the Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge benefit from a longer battery life and light form factor thanks to their mobile innards, which is possible since they don’t have to run games natively.

How often will you actually use it? - This is a question no one asks enough, as I know a few friends who tend to pick up handhelds that end up gathering dust. If you really only need something to keep your hands busy when occasionally traveling, or you’d rather save big adventures for the living room, you may want to just pick up something small and cheap like the Super Pocket or the Anbernic RG35XX Plus. Both of these great value handhelds have a bunch of classic games and cost well under $100, providing a plethora of games for when you occasionally need them.

Looking for more summer offers? Check out Prime Day TV deals and Prime Day monitor deals for big screen savings. Alternatively, swing by Prime Day tablet deals for a bunch of great general-use devices.

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