Steam Deck vs. ASUS ROG vs. Lenovo Legion: Which Handheld Console Has the Best Resale Value?

With handheld gaming consoles gaining rapid popularity, enthusiasts and casual gamers alike have found themselves navigating a vibrant resale market. Three standout devices—the Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go—have particularly drawn attention. But when it comes time to upgrade or cash out, which handheld retains its value best?

Valve Steam Deck: Proven Popularity

Since its launch, the Steam Deck quickly carved out a niche, thanks to Valve’s strong brand recognition and an extensive library of PC games. The Deck’s open platform and high customization potential mean that demand remains consistently high in the secondary market. Typically, a Steam Deck maintains around 70-85% of its retail price within the first year, especially for well-kept, higher-capacity models.

Another reason for its strong resale performance is the constant evolution of SteamOS and ongoing hardware updates by the community. Modding potential and compatibility with a wide range of accessories have turned the Steam Deck into more than just a handheld—it’s viewed by many as a portable PC. This perception boosts long-term desirability, particularly among tech-savvy buyers and those looking for flexibility in a compact gaming device.

Additionally, Valve has been consistent with community updates, bug fixes, and developer outreach, all of which foster trust and continued interest in the product. The availability of multiple configurations also means that buyers at various price points can find a Steam Deck that suits their budget, increasing the size of the second-hand customer pool.

ASUS ROG Ally: Powerful but Price-sensitive

ASUS entered the handheld arena with the ROG Ally, emphasizing superior performance and a sleek, gamer-centric design. Its popularity surged initially due to its powerful internals and strong visual identity that resonated with fans of high-performance gaming. However, the resale market response has been mixed.

While it offers a Windows-based experience, which theoretically increases compatibility with PC titles and services, the Ally has seen more price fluctuation on resale platforms. One contributing factor is its frequent promotions and bundle deals, which often undercut the secondary market value. Furthermore, as a newer player in the handheld scene, ASUS is still building out the software ecosystem to match the hardware quality.

Typically, the ROG Ally retains approximately 60-75% of its original value after a year, contingent on specifications and current market dynamics. Buyers and sellers should also factor in the rapid release cycles in the tech space—newer, more powerful devices often lead to steep devaluation of earlier models. Still, for users prioritizing raw performance and looking for a hybrid between handheld and mini-PC, the Ally presents a compelling resale case in the short term.

Lenovo Legion Go: The New Challenger

Lenovo’s Legion Go is the newest contender, blending unique detachable controllers and excellent versatility with Lenovo’s brand power. Its modular design mimics the appeal of the Nintendo Switch, offering both handheld and docked experiences. Being relatively fresh to the market, initial resale value remains high, though speculative.

Current trends show Legion Go devices hovering around 65-80% of their retail value in resale markets. However, longevity and community support remain question marks. The device’s build quality, user experience, and long-term software updates will all play significant roles in determining whether it becomes a mainstay in the resale ecosystem.

Because Lenovo is a well-established name in laptops and workstations, their entry into gaming handhelds generated buzz. Still, maintaining resale value will depend on consistent firmware updates, user satisfaction, and third-party accessory development. Early adopters seem optimistic, but it remains to be seen whether the Legion Go will have staying power.

Factors Influencing Resale Values

Several factors significantly influence handheld resale value:

1. Brand and Community Support: Valve’s Steam Deck has a passionate and engaged community that continues to grow, providing buyers confidence that support and new innovations will persist. ASUS and Lenovo are still building this kind of trust in the handheld space.

2. Performance and Specs: Devices with cutting-edge performance tend to attract premium resale prices. However, they are also susceptible to faster depreciation as newer models outpace them.

3. Software Ecosystem: A robust operating system, frequent updates, and developer support can significantly improve a device’s long-term appeal. SteamOS is a standout here, whereas Windows-based handhelds sometimes struggle with optimization.

4. Design and Versatility: Detachable controllers and hybrid functionality, as seen in the Legion Go, can generate strong early interest, but buyers may prioritize reliability and simplicity in the long run.

5. Market Timing and Supply: The availability of new stock, promotional discounts, or competing products can shift demand and affect second-hand pricing considerably.

Conclusion: Which Console Wins the Resale Race?

Ultimately, the Steam Deck holds a clear edge in sustained resale value due to its robust community, open ecosystem, and Valve’s strategic market approach. The Deck’s proven popularity, consistent support, and mod-friendly design make it a standout for long-term ownership and resale.

However, the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go present strong resale opportunities, particularly for short-term investors or those leveraging promotional pricing to turn a profit. Their higher specs and innovative designs offer appeal, but market volatility can make them riskier bets over time.

For buyers looking at long-term value retention, Valve’s Steam Deck currently offers the safest bet. Enthusiasts seeking immediate or short-term flipping potential may find worthwhile opportunities in ASUS and Lenovo’s devices—especially if timed strategically around hardware announcements, promotions, or limited edition releases.

As the handheld gaming space evolves, resale dynamics will shift. But for now, the Steam Deck remains the most consistent performer in the secondary market, making it a favorite among both gamers and resellers alike.