Unleash the Ultimate Gaming Experience: Top 3 CES 2025 Handheld Gaming Consoles for PC Powerhouses
Handheld Gaming PCs at CES 2025: The Future is Exciting!
CES 2025 was all about spoiling gamers with choice, and nowhere was that more evident than in the realm of handheld gaming PCs. Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series GPU lineup stole the spotlight, but it’s the advancements in handheld gaming that have us most excited. From Asus’s mid-generation ROG Ally to Valve’s Steam Deck, competition is heating up. In this article, we’ll dive into the top three handheld gaming PCs that caught our eye at CES 2025.
1. MSI Claw 8 AI+
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has been making waves since its announcement last December, and its presence at CES 2025 was undeniable. With its powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, 32GB of RAM, and efficient Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU, this handheld gaming PC is shaping up to be one of the best in recent times.
MSI showcased the Claw AI 8+ running CD Projekt Red’s graphically demanding Cyberpunk 2077 with the ray tracing ultra preset enabled using Intel’s XeSS upscaling method. The frame rate remained consistent at around 40fps.
Pre-orders are now available on MSI’s storefront in the US for $899.99, with no news on UK and Australia availability or pricing.
2. Lenovo Legion Go S
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a mid-generation upgrade to the original Lenovo Legion Go. It boasts a 1920×1200 120Hz VRR 8-inch display, 32GB of RAM, and a choice between SteamOS or Windows 11. The processor options include the Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme chip.
While the lower display resolution and screen size might seem like a negative, it will serve players well with both processors likely capable of handling the 1200p resolution with relative ease.
Pre-orders for the Windows 11 Z2 Go models are available at Best Buy starting at $729.99, shipping this month, with the SteamOS models launching in May.
3. Acer Nitro Blaze 8
Acer’s Nitro Blaze 8 is an alternative to the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, which is simply too large for a handheld gaming PC. While it may share the same specifications as its larger counterpart, the Nitro Blaze 8 boasts a more portable and comfortable design.
Using AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, an 8.8-inch 144Hz display, and 16GB of RAM, this handheld option appears to be Acer’s attempt to catch up with current handhelds. Availability is set for Q2 this year, starting at $899.
As the handheld gaming PC landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for enthusiasts. From MSI’s impressive Claw 8 AI+ to Lenovo’s upgraded Legion Go S and Acer’s portable Nitro Blaze 8, there’s never been a better time to join the handheld gaming PC revolution.
