Handheld gaming is changing fast. Just three years ago, the Steam Deck gave gamers a way to enjoy PC games on the go at a low price. Now, in 2025, new systems like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and the ROG Xbox Ally X are pushing the category forward. But they are also much more expensive.
In this guide, we compare Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs ROG Xbox Ally X. We also look at how these new systems stack up against the Steam Deck. If you are planning to buy a new handheld gaming PC in 2025, this article will help you understand the pros and cons in simple language.
Steam Deck – The Affordable Start
Valve’s Steam Deck changed the game in 2022. It started at $399, which was a shockingly low price for a portable PC. It was not perfect — the screen was average, battery life was short, and it was bulky. But it worked, and most importantly, it was cheap.
Even now, in 2025, many gamers still use the Steam Deck. It feels like a bargain when compared to the rising costs of new handhelds.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 – Price and Specs
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is the second generation of Lenovo’s handheld gaming PC.
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Starting Price: $1,099
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High-End Model: Up to $1,479 with AMD Z2 Extreme chip
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Display: OLED screen for rich colors and deep blacks
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Controllers: Removable, similar to Nintendo Switch
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Design: Large, premium build
The OLED screen and detachable controllers make it unique. But the high price puts it in gaming laptop territory.
ROG Xbox Ally X – Price and Specs
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a new handheld made by Asus with help from Microsoft. It follows the popular ROG Ally, which launched at $599 in 2023.
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Price: Not officially confirmed, but expected around $1,049 or higher
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Processor: AMD Z2 Extreme (like Legion Go 2)
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Screen: LCD (not OLED)
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Design: One solid unit with built-in controls
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Xbox Features: Deeper integration with Xbox Game Pass
The Ally X may not have removable controllers or OLED, but Xbox branding could make it more popular.
AMD Z2 Extreme – The New Chip
Both the Legion Go 2 and Ally X use AMD’s new Z2 Extreme chip.
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CPU: Upgraded Zen 4 cores
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GPU: RDNA 3.5 graphics
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Improvement: Better power efficiency, longer battery life
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Gaming: Good for mid-range PC gaming, but still not equal to high-end laptops
The chip adds efficiency, but raw performance gains may be small. The biggest win could be battery life.
Price Shock – Why So Expensive?
One of the biggest stories around these handhelds is the massive price jump.
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Steam Deck started at $399
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ROG Ally started at $599
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Legion Go 1 started at $699
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Now, Legion Go 2 starts at $1,099, and Ally X could match it
That means handheld PCs are nearly double the cost of what they were just two years ago.
For that price, many gamers might choose a gaming laptop instead.
Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs ROG Xbox Ally X – Direct Comparison
| Feature | Lenovo Legion Go 2 | ROG Xbox Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,099 | ~$1,049 (expected) |
| Max Price | $1,479 | TBD, likely ~$1,200+ |
| Chip | AMD Z2 Extreme | AMD Z2 Extreme |
| Display | OLED | LCD |
| Controllers | Removable | Fixed |
| Design | Switch-style, premium | Xbox-style, compact |
| Battery Life | Better than Gen 1 | Better than Gen 1 |
| Xbox Features | Basic | Deep Xbox integration |
Design Differences
The Legion Go 2 looks more like a Switch Pro. Big screen, detachable controllers, and an OLED display. Great for those who want flexibility.
The Ally X looks more like an Xbox controller fused with a screen. It’s compact, all-in-one, and more focused on Xbox Game Pass.
Gaming Performance
Both systems will handle indie games and mid-tier PC games well. Big AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield will run, but not at high settings.
Performance will be close, since both use the same Z2 Extreme chip. The main difference will come from display quality and controller design.
Battery Life
Battery life has always been a weak point for handheld PCs.
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Steam Deck: 2–4 hours
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ROG Ally: 2–3 hours
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Legion Go 1: 2–3 hours
The new Z2 Extreme chip promises better efficiency. We may see 4–6 hours on average. That’s not perfect, but still a big step up.
Value for Money – Who Wins?
If price is your main concern, the Steam Deck still wins. At under $500, it’s unbeatable.
If you want premium design, OLED, and flexibility → Legion Go 2 is your pick.
If you want Xbox Game Pass integration and a compact unit → ROG Xbox Ally X is the better choice.
Future Outlook
The rise in prices could make handheld gaming a niche market again. At $1,100+, many players may skip these devices and buy gaming laptops instead.
But Lenovo and Asus are betting that people will pay for style, premium screens, and the promise of longer battery life.
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Conclusion
The handheld gaming market in 2025 is exciting but expensive. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs ROG Xbox Ally X fight will define the year. Both are powerful, both are stylish, and both are costly.
If you want the cheapest way to play PC games on the go, stick with the Steam Deck. But if you want premium features and can pay the price, the Legion Go 2 or Ally X may be your next gaming machine.