You do not need to spend $400 or more on a Steam Deck to play your favorite PC games on the go. Thanks to PortMaster—an open-source project that now supports over 1,100 titles—budget Linux handhelds priced between $40 and $100 can run full-fledged PC games natively. This turns devices originally bought for 16-bit and PS1 emulation into surprisingly capable modern indie machines.
Instead of relying on cloud streaming or heavy emulation layers, PortMaster compiles native Linux binaries that run directly on efficient ARM-based hardware. Popular handhelds from brands like Anbernic, Powkiddy, and TrimUI running custom firmware like ArkOS or Rocknix can run major commercial releases, retro remakes, and beloved indie titles natively, stretching your gaming dollar significantly further.
- Massive game selection: With over 1,100 compatible titles, PortMaster brings hits like Celeste, Stardew Valley, Undertale, and classic 3D shooters directly to ultra-cheap hardware.
- Leverage your existing library: Most ports require game assets from the PC versions you already own on Steam, GOG, or itch.io, meaning you rarely have to rebuy software to play it portably.
- Low power, long battery life: Because these games run natively on low-power mobile chipsets (such as the RK3566), you get smooth frame rates and long battery life without loud cooling fans.
- Broad device support: The platform works across dozens of budget-friendly horizontal and vertical retro handhelds, requiring only an active micro-SD card and standard custom firmware.
Bottom line: If you want the absolute most affordable way to take your indie PC backlog on the road without paying premium prices for an x86 handheld, picking up a cheap Linux handheld with PortMaster capability is an unbeatable value.
