Sorry, an Alienware gaming handheld isn’t on the way, but Dell says its looking “pretty heavily” at the space

I’ve been waiting on an Alienware gaming handheld for years now, and Dell just finally explained why it doesn’t exist yet. Before you get too excited, the PC maker isn’t about to release a Steam Deck rival, but it says it’s a “space we are looking at pretty heavily.”

In a recent CES 2025 press briefing, Indian Express (paywalled article) delves into Alienware gaming handheld comments made by General Manager Matt McGowan. Rather than diving straight into portable PCs, the Dell GM first conceded that the Switch has a “clear advantage” within the scene. He then praises the console for featuring a lightweight design and providing a “seamless experience” in terms of games and software – two reasons why it’s still my best gaming handheld pick overall even in 2025.

As for McGowan’s take on handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, he believes that portable PCs don’t “quite meet all those factors.” He then serves up a sort of backhanded comment by stating they “do an okay job,” before proclaiming he isn’t satisfied with that.

Ultimately, the Dell GM shoots down any notion of an Alienware handheld using the current format. He recognizes that “people are willing to accept those deficiencies,” in systems like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but affirms that it’s “not a step we are willing to take yet.” McGowan rounds off the comment with a bit of a quip, suggesting the company doesn’t want to say “Hey, consumer, this is good enough, right?” while presenting a portable PC on par with current options.

Will Dell release an Alienware handheld gaming PC?

Dell hasn’t outright dismissed the idea of an Alienware gaming handheld, but the company appears hesitant to enter the space. It’s clear to me that the PC brand has thought long and hard about the format in general, and all signs point towards it not wanting to come third to the Switch and Steam Deck.