30 minutes to your office by MRT. 4 hours to JB Sentral by ETS train. 10+ hours to London on a MAS flight.
So much time, yet so little to entertain the idle PC gamer.
Luckily there’s handheld PCs.
These technological marvels stuff the power of a gaming PC (mostly) into the portability of a phone (or close enough), allowing you game on the go without lugging a desktop or chunky gaming laptop.
However, handheld PCs are a relatively new product line with big question marks on their specifications, benefits, drawbacks of course – price. This is particularly so in Malaysia, where we usually get the latest hardware six months late with hugely inflated prices.
So, Malaysian gamers-slash-travellers, let’s take a look at some handheld PCs available in Malaysia and whether they’re still worthwhile, especially in the hardware and shipping apocalypse of 2026.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally (2025)
Software: Windows 11
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor
GPU: AMD Radeon™ Graphics
RAM: 16-24GB
Storage: 512GB 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD
Screen: 7’’ IPS LCD inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 120Hz
MSRP: RM2,699~ RM4,799
After a well-received entry into the handheld market, the Taiwanese hardware giant Asus has teamed up with Xbox to release the ROG Xbox Ally.
Although it won’t be dethroning market leader Valve and its wildly popular Steam Deck anytime soon (we’ll get to that), the ROG Xbox Ally still tackles plenty of AA and even some AAA gaming without a sweat, with improved battery life and new ergonomic handles to boot.
Still, most reviewers had complaints about its plasticky build and Xbox’s flawed Fullscreen UI.
Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2
Software: Windows 11
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / AMD Ryzen™ Z2
GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: Up to 32GB
Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
Screen: 8”8 inch OLED 1920 x 1200, 16:10
MSRP: 5,489.00
If you’re willing to splurge for a premium workhorse that’ll tackle modern gaming on the road, it’s hard to go wrong with the Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2.
Sporting a large, crisp OLED display, detachable controllers and a generous 32GB RAM option that allows it to fully utilize AMD’s graphics, it’s basically the premium king of 2026’handheld world.
That is, if you’re willing to pay the price! Besides its steep price tag, noisy fans plus a significant heft and weight are drawbacks gamers will have to consider.
MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM
Software: Windows 11
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme Processor
GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 24GB
Storage: 1TB*1 NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4
Screen: 8″ FHD+ LCD IPS, (1920×1200), 120Hz
MSRP: RM4,699 ~ RM4,999
Rounding out our handheld PC journey in Malaysia is the MSI Claw A8, a medium-range challenger to the other brands in price and size.
In terms of screen size, it challenges Lenovo with n similarly large 8” LCD screen but without the shiny OLED. Still, it manages to play most games decently well thanks to its new AMD GPU (its previous Intel incarnations were underpowered). A long battery life is also a plus here.
But, for such a middling and unremarkable performer, it sure asks for a high price tag! Budget-conscious Malaysian gamers will balk and head for ASUS while big spenders will opt for Lenovo instead, leaving the MSI Claw as an awkward third wheel in search of a market.
Honourable Mentions
Though not officially available in Malaysia, these handheld PCs are either standouts or have unique gimmicks that might be worth an import for the diehard mobile gamer.
Steam Deck OLED
Software: Steam OS
CPU: AMD Zen 2 4c/8
GPU: 8 AMD RDNA 2 CUs
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB-1TB NVMe SSD
Screen: 7.4” HDR OLED, (1280 x 800), 90Hz
Prices: RM2500 (used) ~ RM3000 (new)
Born in video gaming’s juggernaut Valve’s labs, the Steam Deck is arguably the de facto face of handheld PC gaming worldwide.
Packed with those sought-after OLED screens, plus solid, if not top-tier performance and above all – a widely-praised custom Steam OS, it’s easy to see why the Deck reigns in this niche space, especially for that competitive price of around RM3,000 (even cheaper if you can find it secondhand).
The only downsides are its dated 2023 hardware compared to the ROG Ally (rumour has it the Steam Deck 2 will be delayed to 2028) as well Valve’s current lack of interest in official Malaysia sales.
Still, if you don’t mind a solid all-rounder and getting one through imports or secondhand, the Steam Deck OLED is a steal!
GPD Win 5
Software: Windows 11
CPU/GPU: AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 / AMD RYZEN AI MAX 385
RAM: 32 – 128 GB
Storage: 1 – 4 TB M.2 NVMe
Screen: 7’’ HDR IPS, (1920*1080 @ 315 PPI)
Prices: ~RM9,000
Hailing from Shenzhen, the GPD Win 5 might just be one of the beefiest handheld PCs out there, all thanks to cutting-edge AMD graphics that powers a surprisingly tiny 7’’ screen. Still, that tiny screen means better portability and a minor performance bump! An optional 80Wh battery pack certainly helps portability too.
But, as always, with sky-high performance comes sky-high pricing…
Ayaneo Flip 1S DS
Software: AYASpace 3.0
CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
RAM: Up to 64GB
Storage: ~2 TB M.2 PCIe
Screen: 7-inch 1620 x 1080p OLED / 4.5-inch (1620 x 1080) touchscreen
Prices: 1499$ (RM6050)
Miss the Nintendo DS? Then you might like the Ayaneo Flip 1S DS.
Boasting a main and mini screen in a compact flip form factor reminiscent of the classic Nintendo handheld, it offers some of the tiniest and portable PC gaming in the market right now. Performance is on par with most
However, users have noted a distinct lack of manufacturer support and troubleshooting with previous Ayaneo models, so buyer beware!
Want somewhere to take that handheld PC to AND save on your 2026 taxes? Then check out some of these Malaysian destinations to maximize your tourism tax relief.
For somewhere further away, there’s also the classic Japanese mountain resort of Nikko too (I highly recommend a 2D1N Nikko visit)!
Links
ROG ally – ROG Xbox Ally X
https://rog.asus.com/my/gaming-handhelds/rog-ally-series
SEA IGN – MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM – Review
https://sea.ign.com/msi-claw-a8-bz2em/236926/review/msi-claw-a8-bz2em-review-the-best-value-z2-extreme-pc-handheld
Notebookcheck.net – Asus ROG Xbox Ally sales stall, with Steam Deck still the preferred handheld gaming PC
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-ROG-Xbox-Ally-sales-stall-with-Steam-Deck-still-the-preferred-handheld-gaming-PC.1230155.0.html
