So, what is the best steam deck alternative? We can’t pretend we weren’t disappointed when the Steam Deck from Valve sold out in less than a week. We were excited because it seemed one of the most cutting-edge pieces of portable technology in a generation. Sure, it looks similar to the Nintendo Switch. However, it packs a surprising amount of power, as well as nice additions like the haptic pads and a slew of customization options and gaming freedoms in the PC gaming industry.
There are a few alternatives to the Steam portable machine if you don’t get your hands on one of the few that are still available. This article will discuss all of them.
Roundup of the Best Steam Deck Alternatives
| Overall Best Steam Deck Alternative | Nintendo Switch |
| Steam Deck Alternative With Best Sound Quality | ONEXPLAYER 1S 8.4 Inch Portable PC Windows10 Hand-held Game Console |
| Best Budget Steam Deck Alternative | JXD New 5.1 inch 32GB Retro Handheld Video Game Console |
| Steam Deck Alternative With Best Battery Life | Sony PlayStation Vita WiFi |
| Steam Deck Alternative With Most Intuitive User Experience | GPD Win 3 |
| Steam Deck Alternative With Most Powerful Processor | AYA Neo 2021 PRO |
Is There Something Better Than the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is an outstanding addition to the gaming world. However, there are alternatives present to the Steam Deck. With that being said, it comes down to personal preferences and bias. So, you are the better judge!
Things to Consider When Looking for Steam Deck Alternatives
Portability
The primary function of a handheld PC is to enable gamers to take their experience with them wherever they go. Hence, you should consider the size and weight of your portable, whether you are a regular traveler or a casual gamer. For example, a bulky portable console might cause hand fatigue. In contrast, a lengthy and cumbersome console is more difficult to carry into a suitcase.
Games You Want to Play
Next, you must determine what games you want to play on your portable device. While some gamers choose to play the latest AAA games on their devices, others prefer emulation and retro gaming. If that is the case, your choice of a portable PC will also be affected. It would be best to consider how often you’ll use it. Your need for a battery backup will also vary based on this factor.
Battery Life
Battery life is important if you spend much time outside, such as at school or traveling. Otherwise, a standard backup on a portable console will do.
Internal Storage
The next factor includes considerations regarding internal storage and expandability. For example, bigger games need more capacity, so you’ll want to look for handhelds with a Micro SD card port or at least a decent quantity of internal storage.
Budget
Last but not least, before making a portable purchase, think about how much money you’re ready to pay. Finding the perfect portable console in your budget range with the correct mix of features may be daunting. Hence, finding the right one might be difficult since so many possibilities exist.
Top 6 Steam Deck Alternatives
1. Nintendo Switch
Overall Best Steam Deck Alternative
- Impactful visuals
- Can run almost any compatible game
- Compact and portable
- Enhanced battery life
- Excellent speaker quality
- Incredible colors and big screen
- Expandable storage
- We couldn’t find any flaws in this product
The most apparent and easily accessible Steam Deck replacement is the Nintendo Switch. While smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck, the Switch has the same dimensions and form when coupled to its controllers in portable mode. At this price point, it’s also less costly than the Steam Deck.
The detachable, wireless Joy-Con controllers and HDMI-outputting dock make it possible to use the Switch as both a handheld and a home console, in addition to playing Nintendo’s first-party titles. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, supports HDMI and DisplayPort but lacks a simple dock like the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is not a gaming PC. But, the Switch is the only place to play consistently high-quality first-party Nintendo titles. Also, the independent game scene on the platform is strong. On the other hand, Switch’s third-party marquee titles are also a complete package.
With a built-in kickstand and TV dock, the Nintendo Switch is one of the market’s most adaptable handheld gaming PC. This factor makes it one of the most amazing portable game consoles.
In conclusion, Nintendo Switch offers a unique experience as a portable and home console simultaneously, compared to other devices included in this list. All those games and plenty of others are yours if you purchase a Switch. The price may seem high at first, but consider that you might save money and time by not having to purchase two different consoles.
View on Amazon: Nintendo Switch
2. ONEXPLAYER 1S 8.4 Inch Portable PC Windows10 Hand-held Game Console
Steam Deck Alternative With Best Sound Quality
- Built for hardcore gaming
- Stunning display quality
- ALPS joysticks function perfectly
- Supreme gaming performance
- Can be used as a laptop
- Best-in-class sound
- Battery life could be better
The OneXPlayer from Chinese maker One-Netbook may be worth considering if you need extra screen real estate.
There is a large 8.4-inch high-resolution touch screen on the OneXPlayer. The OneXPlayer’s 358 PPI IPS display at 25601600, one of the highest resolutions available on a portable PC, is a welcome complement given the device’s massive size. It’s hard to beat the OneXPlayer’s screen quality if that’s what you want.
Adding a bigger screen to the OneXPlayer 1S implies that it is much larger than the other devices discussed. However, looking at the device from the right angle may be a good development.
The larger the screen, the larger the OneXPlayer’s body has to be. Bigger hands will like the larger buttons and the more convenient button location.
Of course, the OneXPlayer has a lower portability rating than other options on our list. For example, with a width of 11 inches and height of 5 inches, it’s a little larger and heavier than other mobile gaming PCs. However, you won’t get this performance on other devices.
Both versions of the OneXPlayer use Intel’s 11th generation Tiger Lake CPUs, so it’s not a slouch either. Intel Core i7-1165G7 and i5-1135G7 both include Iris Xe graphics processors. Thus, consumers may choose between them.
Storage space varies depending on the model; however, both include 16GB of DDR4 RAM. The i7 has a 1TB SSD, whereas the i5 only has 512GB.
In conclusion, those who want to switch between working and gaming while on the go will find that the OneXPlayer 1S is the ideal solution. The OneXPlayer 1S, which runs on Windows 10, can be used for various purposes, including gaming and productivity, making it a flexible powerhouse with some amazing specifications.
View on Amazon: ONEXPLAYER 1S 8.4 Inch Portable PC Windows10 Hand-held Game Console
3. JXD S192K New 5.1 inch 32GB Retro Handheld Video Game Console
Best Budget Steam Deck Alternative
- Great value-for-money
- Impressive performance
- Ample battery life
- Immersive screen
- Good sound quality
- Build quality could have been better
JXD is a Hong Kong-based Chinese firm specializing in designing and manufacturing electronic components. While the firm creates Android phones, its primary emphasis is on Android game consoles that you can carry with you. The JXD S192, launched two years before the S192k is the forerunner of the S192k.
The predecessor gadget has an NVIDIA K1 CPU and 2 GB of RAM, making it a rather powerful machine overall. JXD recently upgraded the S192. The Singularity 192K, often known as the S192K, is a new portable device from Rockchip with better specifications.
The S192K is extremely similar to the S192 in terms of components. It has the same 7-inch 1920×1200 display, 10,000 mAh battery, microSD compatibility, button arrangement, speaker system, and 5MP front-facing camera as the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
JXD has doubled the RAM and internal storage to 4 GB and 64 GB, respectively, compared to the previous model’s capacity. In contrast, the Rockchip RK3288 SoC with Mali-T764 graphics has replaced the NVIDIA K1.
Emulation is mentioned multiple times on the product website, and the button arrangement resembles that of a console controller. For example, you may download over 10,000 games through the “game download center” that comes with the device (most likely ROMs).
Additionally, the S192K has an HDMI port that may be used for couch gaming, as long as the connection is good enough.
In conclusion, the JXD S192k is the most budget-friendly and value-for-money gaming alternative to the steam deck. It features a good Full HD display with 4 gigs of RAM and Rockchip RK3288 SoC with Mali-T764 graphics. Overall, the JXD S192k will give you the best gaming experience possible for its price point.
View on Amazon: JXD S192K New 5.1 inch 32GB Retro Handheld Video Game Console
4. Sony PlayStation Vita WiFi
Steam Deck Alternative With Best Battery Life
- Near PS3-quality 3D graphics
- Great mix of traditional, touchscreen, and motion controls
- Dazzling sub-HD OLED screen
- Strong built-in apps and exciting games line-up
- Quadcore processor
- A bit pricey for a handheld console
The Sony Playstation Vita WiFi is a no-brainer if you’re into independent games. YOu can play several games on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita simultaneously. The initial outlay will be more than you had anticipated. However, Vita’s stellar launch line-up, extensive feature set, appealing software library, slick operating system, and bright future all work in its favor.
Playing on the 5-inch OLED touch screen of the PlayStation Vita, you may enjoy graphics that are almost on par with those of the PlayStation 3. While AAA games are rare, the system’s game portfolio has developed into an independent refuge. In addition, you may download some games (including all first-party releases) on the Vita through the PlayStation Network.
The operating system on the Vita is intuitive to use and blazingly fast. It’s a pleasure to handle, and the standby mode’s battery life is exceptional. You can buy the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita versions of many PSN games for the same price.
As far as portable gaming systems go, the PlayStation Vita is the most refined. Gamers are receiving an incredibly full bundle, despite the deceptive price tag. The Vita’s price tag makes it a strong contender for the best portable platform for independent developers.
In conclusion, the PlayStation Vita is one to consider in terms of alternate steam decks. There are many games to choose from. It’s easy to use and portable. As a bonus, it’s far less expensive than the Steam Deck. So check out the PlayStation Vita for a portable gaming device if you’re in the market! In-store or online, you may choose from over 1,300 PS Vita titles.
View on Amazon: Sony PlayStation Vita WiFi
5. GPD Win 3
Steam Deck Alternative With Most Intuitive User Experience
- Can run most AAA titles
- Has a cool built-in keyboard
- Feature loaded
- Has a fully-functional touchscreen
- Excellent UI
- Battery life could have been better
GPD, also known as GamePad Digital, has been producing portable PCs for a long time. The GPD Win3 has drawn the attention of those who follow consumer electronics’ cutting edge. This ultra-compact device fits in a pocket.
On the other hand, mobile gaming computers are a specialty of GPD. GPD has introduced a new design element in its third generation, the GPD Win 3. When on the move, the GPD Win 3 has a complete keyboard.
It is possible to use the GDP Win 3 like a typical PC without the need for extra devices by lifting the screen. Despite this, the keyboard does not have any tactile keys, instead relies on haptic feedback.
A Core i5 1135G7 and Core i7 1165G7 version of the GPD Win 3 are available. A total of 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 1 TB of NVMe storage are present in both models. You may replace the NVMe disk and a microSD card added to boost storage space.
Battery life depends on what you’re doing, so don’t expect to get the most out of the 57Wh battery on the Win 3. So, for example, if you play Doom Eternal on high settings, you’ll only have roughly two hours of gameplay. Other gadgets on this list have larger screens, but the quality of GPD Win 3 is on point. So the screen is as bright and clear as you could expect.
In conclusion, those who want to play the most recent AAA PC games will be highly satisfied with the GPD Win 3. This monster is fast, thanks to its Intel Gen12 Iris Xe graphics and 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM. A 1TB M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD and an Intel Gen11 Tiger Lake-U i7-1195G7 CPU round out the package if you need more reasons to buy this laptop.
View on Amazon: GPD Win 3
6. AYA Neo 2021 PRO
Steam Deck Alternative With Most Powerful Processor
- Bright screen
- Perfect screen size
- Superb performance
- Powerful processor
- Good battery life
- Costs more than the Steam Deck
When the AYA Neo 2021 Pro emerged on Indiegogo earlier this year, it generated quite a bit of attention. It is a powerful machine, powered by a six-core AMD Ryzen 5 4500U with Radeon graphics and 16 GB of RAM.
With millions of dollars in crowdfunded funds, several doubters were unconvinced that the company could supply such strong specifications at an affordable price. A few months later, the AYA Neo 2021 Pro provides the AAA portable gaming experience that its creators promised.
The creators state that their goal was to create a mobile gaming PC “without compromises.” Whether or not they achieved their goals is a matter of opinion.
For example, you may even play a high-end game like Cyberpunk 2077 on the AYA Neo 2021 Pro with the graphics set to Low and the framerate capped at 30. Even the fact that it can run the game, much less play it, is commendable.
The AYA Neo 2021 Pro has a 47Wh battery and a 7″ multi-touch 16:10 1280×800 screen. Our testings say a fully charged battery may last two to six hours, depending on your game and setting. Although the AYA Neo 2021 Pro has excellent specifications, you’ll have to pay for those features with your wallet.
Windows-based Aya Neo 2021 Pro is more expensive than Valve’s Steam Deck. However, suppose you’re looking for a portable PC that can play PC games. In that case, it has the hardware to get the job done and a design that, although not very creative, seems fairly durable considering the absence of a popular manufacturer.
In conclusion, as a portable gaming console, the AYA Neo 2021 PRO has a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 4800U CPU and AMD Radeon GPU. This device is the closest equivalent to a Steam Deck you can acquire without waiting. More space than even the best Steam Deck is available with the AYA Neo 2021 PRO’s remarkable 1TB M.2 SSD, boasting lightning-fast loading speeds for speedy game launches.
View on Amazon: AYA Neo 2021 PRO
Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Deck Alternatives
There are three distinct variations of the Steam Deck. However, they are all comprised of the same componentry on the inside. The quantity and kind of storage used is the only factor that differentiates them from one another. For example, the eMMC storage capacity of the least expensive model, which costs $399, is 64 gigabytes. The model in the middle of the range costs $529 and comes with 256GB of SSD storage.
The most expensive option, which includes a solid-state drive with a capacity of 1 terabyte, costs $649. The pricing structure of the Steam Deck makes it more expensive than the alternatives on this list, particularly when compared to the Steam Deck’s MSRP.
Fewer items are available to purchase, which is the sole drawback of the lower pricing. As was indicated at the beginning of this piece, the Steam Deck is accessible to the general public but is rare.
We anticipate that Valve will increase the production of the Steam Deck shortly. However, those who pre-ordered it will be the only people in specific areas who gained access to it. On the other hand, every one of the alternatives to Steam Deck mentioned before is now in stock and can be bought immediately.
An AMD custom APU is the powerhouse that drives the Steam Deck’s operations behind the scenes. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find anything else on the market that even comes close to matching its technical requirements. So, there’s nothing else we can compare it to. The AYA Neo 2021 Pro is our list’s only Steam Deck option that uses an AMD Ryzen processor. The other Steam Deck alternatives on this list have opted for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor from the 11th generation.
It is difficult to make accurate performance comparisons at this point since Steam Deck is a completely different beast. However, Valve has indicated that its objective is to make the Steam Deck capable of running all of the games that are currently accessible on Steam.
It should be no surprise that all of these options to Steam Deck are comparable. The form factor and design elements are evocative of those seen in similar products. For example, the operating systems used by the gadgets is most likely the only significant distinction you can make between them and Steam Deck. These other options use Microsoft Windows.
However, Steam Deck runs on its own SteamOS operating system, founded on Linux. Even though Valve has said publicly that Steam Deck users can install Windows, the option to do so is not shown to customers by default.
Valve has improved the SteamOS to make the Steam Deck as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. After successfully connecting to the Steam Deck, a user’s complete Steam library will be made accessible for play on the device. People have raised concerns over the platform’s compatibility with games available on Windows only. Valve is working on a remedy. However, it is unknown at this time if there will be any bugs that need fixing.
Final Words – 6 Steam Deck Alternative Options in 2023
So that was all for today. We hope this guide helped you make an informed decision about the best Steam Deck alternatives in 2023. Valve Steam Deck is a beast. However, finding the product is very difficult. The above list was a compilation of the best portable gaming pcs.
Our recommendation and the winner of this review is the Nintendo Switch owing to its popularity and gaming caliber. It is the best Steam Deck alternative in 2023.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the ONEXPLAYER 1S is your best bet.
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