Best Handheld Gaming PC South Africa: ROG Ally vs Steam Deck & More

Tired of being chained to your desk for a proper PC gaming session? Imagine crushing a few rounds of Apex Legends or exploring the vast world of Baldur's Gate 3 during load-shedding... all without leaving the couch. The dream is now a reality. The battle for the best handheld gaming PC South Africa has officially kicked off, with giants like the ASUS ROG Ally and Valve’s Steam Deck leading the charge. Let's dive in and find your perfect portable powerhouse.

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock

Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable - SXW-00002

R649.00In Stock

FORCE GC300 Wireless Gaming Controller - Black / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 20 hours (w/o vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Windows 10 & later, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0180-EC4

R799.00In Stock

MARVO GT-88 WIRELESS GAMING GAMEPAD / Compatible With PC / Analog Mini Sticks With Xbox Positioning / Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers / Rapid Fire With Turbo Mode / Dual Motors For Vibration Feedback / Soft, Sweat-resistant Coating / GT-88

R499.00In Stock

ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00H2-M003E0

R18999.00In Stock

PowerA Advantage Wired Xbox Controller - Sonic Style / 3-Way Trigger Locks / Officially Licensed for Xbox Series X|S / XBGP0229-01

R699.00In Stock

Why Handheld Gaming PCs are Taking Over

For years, portable gaming meant compromising. You either had a Nintendo Switch with its amazing exclusives or a gaming laptop that, let's be honest, isn't exactly "lap-friendly" for long. Handheld gaming PCs have smashed that barrier. ⚡

These devices are fully-fledged computers that run the same games you already own on Steam, Epic Games, or Xbox Game Pass. They offer the ultimate freedom: your entire PC library, in the palm of your hand. It’s a fundamental shift in how we can enjoy high-fidelity gaming, whether we're travelling, commuting, or just want to play in a different room.

The Main Contenders: ROG Ally vs Steam Deck

While many brands are entering the market, the conversation in South Africa is dominated by two titans. Choosing the best handheld gaming PC often comes down to understanding the core differences between the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.

Xbox Series X/S Wireless Controller - Pulse Red / Enhanced Comfort / New Hybrid D-pad / Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth Technology / 3.5mm Audio Jack / QAU-00012

R1599.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller: Licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC - 6 Remappable Buttons - Fast Triggers - Customizable Thumbsticks - Wired Tournament Mode - Black / RZ06-05200100-R3M1

R4999.00In Stock

ASUS ROG Ally Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - White / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support (DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 60Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00G1-M000L0

R12999.00In Stock

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

R1599.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

R1599.00In Stock

The Powerhouse: ASUS ROG Ally

The ASUS ROG Ally landed in South Africa with a massive splash, and for good reason. It’s built around the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and runs Windows 11 out of the box.

• Performance: The Z1 Extreme chip generally offers more raw graphical power than the Steam Deck's custom APU, leading to higher frame rates in demanding titles.
• Display: Its 7-inch 1080p screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, making gameplay look incredibly smooth and vibrant.
• Compatibility: Because it runs Windows, it works with everything. Xbox Game Pass, the Epic Games Store, Battle.net... you name it, it runs. This is arguably its biggest advantage for gamers who aren't exclusively tied to Steam.

The Pioneer: Valve Steam Deck

The Steam Deck effectively created this market. Valve’s masterpiece is a marvel of hardware and software integration, designed from the ground up for a seamless gaming experience.

• Software: SteamOS is the star here. It’s a custom Linux-based operating system with a console-like interface that’s incredibly intuitive. It boots right into your game library, making it simple to just pick up and play.
• Controls: The dual trackpads are a unique feature, allowing for mouse-like precision in strategy games or first-person shooters that you just can't get with only thumbsticks.
• Value: While official availability in South Africa is tricky (often requiring imports), the Steam Deck typically offers incredible performance for its price point.

For many, the biggest hurdle is storage space. AAA games can easily top 100GB, so upgrading to a larger NVMe SSD is one of the first and most effective improvements you can make to your new handheld.

Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller V2 / Wrap-Around Rubberized Grip / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Shorter Hair Trigger Locks / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / FST-00004

R4999.00In Stock

Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable - SXW-00002

R649.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Atom Mobile Game Controller with Bluetooth for Cloud Gaming on Android Mobile Devices with Compact Shape, Console Style Controls, Low Latency Bluetooth - Red / TBS-0766-05

R2499.00In Stock

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

R1599.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Shock Blue / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10, Android And iOS / QAU-00010

R1599.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

R2999.00In Stock

Choosing the Best Handheld Gaming PC for You

So, which one should you get? It boils down to your priorities.

If you want the highest possible performance, the best screen, and the flexibility to play games from any launcher (especially Xbox Game Pass), the ASUS ROG Ally is the clear winner in South Africa. Its official availability and local support from Evetech make it a straightforward and powerful choice.

If you value a polished, console-like software experience above all else and your library is primarily on Steam, the Steam Deck is a phenomenal device. Just be prepared to navigate the complexities of importing one.

To truly get lost in your game worlds, the built-in speakers won't cut it. Pairing your device with a quality gaming headset is essential for immersive audio and clear communication in multiplayer matches. ✨

Optimising Your Handheld Experience

Your handheld gaming PC is more than just the device itself; it’s the centre of a portable ecosystem. To get the most out of it, you’ll want a few extras. Docking your device to a monitor turns it into a capable desktop PC for productivity or big-screen gaming. Consider grabbing a dock, a wireless controller, and other key gaming accessories to create a truly versatile setup.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

R1599.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC Wireless Controller / Hyper Polling Technology / Swappable Thumbstick Caps / 4 Back Paddles / RZ06-05540100-R3M1

R4699.00In Stock

MARVO Monka Contra PS4 Wireless Game Controller / Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS13/Android / 6 hour battery life / 6-axis sensor with 3D-Sensor and G-Sensor / Dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience / Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-96

R349.00In Stock

ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00H2-M003E0

R18999.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

R1599.00In Stock

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller: Licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC - 6 Remappable Buttons - Fast Triggers - Customizable Thumbsticks - Wired Tournament Mode - Black / RZ06-05200100-R3M1

R4999.00In Stock

And what about playing during extended load-shedding or on a long trip? Battery life is the Achilles' heel of these powerful machines. Investing in one of the many high-capacity power banks compatible with your device is a non-negotiable for any serious portable gamer.