One of the most exciting new device categories is that of the PC gaming handheld. Companies like Valve, Lenovo, ASUS, GPD, and many others have begun mainstreaming the tech, inspired by the monolithic efforts of Nintendo with its Switch and other pioneering gaming handhelds. In 2025, we have a vast plethora of options to choose from, and later this year, we'll have even more.
Announced at CES 2025, Valve revealed that Steam OS, developed for the Steam Deck, will go fully device agnostic. The Lenovo Legion Go S will be the first third-party Steam Deck, offering a non-Windows variant of their PC gaming handheld line up for the first time. To that end, Microsoft has doubtless started feeling the pressure, as Steam OS has shone a very bright spotlight on how difficult Windows is to use on devices like this. Maximum compatibility comes with maximum technical debt, and it seems Xbox's VP of Next Gen Jason Ronald agrees.
