The Steam Deck has been making waves in the gaming community since its announcement in July 2021. This handheld gaming device, created by Valve Corporation, promises to bring the full PC gaming experience to a portable device. However, with a price tag starting at $399, not everyone may be able to afford the Steam Deck. But fear not, there are other options available that offer similar features and performance. In this article, we’ll explore the best Steam Deck alternatives in 2023, including the Ayaneo and GPD Win.
Steam Deck Alternatives: Why Consider Alternatives?
While the Steam Deck offers impressive specs and the ability to play PC games on the go, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider alternatives to the Steam Deck.
Price
The Steam Deck starts at $399 for the base model, which may be out of budget for some gamers. The higher-end models can cost up to $649, making it a significant investment for a handheld gaming device.
Steam Deck Alternatives: Availability
The Steam Deck has been in high demand since its announcement, and it may be challenging to get your hands on one. Pre-orders sold out quickly, and there is currently a waitlist for future orders.
Size and Portability
While the Steam Deck is portable, it may not be as compact as some other handheld gaming devices. It weighs in at 1.47 pounds and has a 7-inch screen, making it bulkier than some alternatives.
Steam Deck Alternatives: Ayaneo
The Ayaneo is a handheld gaming device that offers a similar experience to the Steam Deck at a lower price point. It runs on Windows 10 and has a 7-inch touchscreen display. The device also has detachable controllers, similar to the Steam Deck, and can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience.
Specs
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 7-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Price: $799
Pros
- Lower price point compared to the Steam Deck
- Detachable controllers for a more versatile gaming experience
- Can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience
- Runs on Windows 10, allowing for access to a wide range of games and applications
Cons
- Higher price compared to other handheld gaming devices
- May not be as portable as other alternatives
- Limited availability
Steam Deck Alternatives: GPD Win 3
The GPD Win 3 is a handheld gaming device that offers a compact and portable gaming experience. It runs on Windows 10 and has a 5.5-inch touchscreen display. The device also has detachable controllers and can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience.
Specs
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Display: 5.5-inch 1280×720 IPS touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Price: $899
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Detachable controllers for a more versatile gaming experience
- Can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience
- Runs on Windows 10, allowing for access to a wide range of games and applications
Cons
- Higher price compared to other handheld gaming devices
- Smaller screen size may not be ideal for some gamers
- Limited availability
Steam Deck Alternatives: AYA NEO
The AYA NEO is a handheld gaming device that offers a powerful gaming experience in a compact design. It runs on Windows 10 and has a 7-inch touchscreen display. The device also has detachable controllers and can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience.
Specs
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Display: 7-inch 1280×800 IPS touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Price: $899
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Detachable controllers for a more versatile gaming experience
- Can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience
- Runs on Windows 10, allowing for access to a wide range of games and applications
Cons
- Higher price compared to other handheld gaming devices
- Smaller screen size may not be ideal for some gamers
- Limited availability
Steam Deck Alternatives: One Netbook OneGx1 Pro
The One Netbook OneGx1 Pro is a handheld gaming device that offers a compact and portable gaming experience. It runs on Windows 10 and has a 7-inch touchscreen display. The device also has detachable controllers and can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience.
Specs
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1160G7
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Display: 7-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Price: $1,099
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Detachable controllers for a more versatile gaming experience
- Can be connected to a TV for a larger screen experience
- Runs on Windows 10, allowing for access to a wide range of games and applications
Cons
- Higher price compared to other handheld gaming devices
- Limited availability
- May not offer significant performance improvements compared to other alternatives
Conclusion: Steam Deck Alternatives
While the Steam Deck may be the most talked-about handheld gaming device at the moment, there are other options available that offer similar features and performance. The Ayaneo, GPD Win 3, AYA NEO, and One Netbook OneGx1 Pro are all viable alternatives to the Steam Deck, offering a range of prices and features to suit different needs and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a more affordable option or a more compact design, these alternatives are worth considering in 2023. With the gaming industry constantly evolving, it’s always a good idea to explore all your options before making a purchase.