EVERYTHING XIAOMI
Get listed

Handheld Companion

Handheld Companion is a free, open-source Windows app for controlling handheld gaming PCs through a touch-optimized interface.

Place
#22 of 31
Score
5.8

What Handheld Companion is

Handheld Companion is a free, open-source Windows app for controlling handheld gaming PCs through a touch-optimized interface. It can translate controller inputs into keyboard, mouse, joystick, trigger, or virtual controller actions, including Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 output for games. Universal Motion Control uses supported motion sensor data for tasks such as aiming, camera control, racing, and emulator input. QuickTools lets users adjust TDP, frame limits, refresh rate, resolution, brightness, volume, and power mode. The app can detect the active game and apply its saved controller, motion, graphics, and power preferences. Listed Windows handheld families include ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Legion Go, MSI Claw, AYANEO, and GPD Win. Steam Deck support is limited to devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11; Handheld Companion is not a SteamOS app. The free public release is for Windows 10/11 on x86 and x64. The installer should be run as administrator to deploy the services and drivers needed for controller handling.

Good

  • Maps controller inputs to several action types.
  • Offers Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 virtual output.
  • QuickTools adjusts performance and device settings.
  • Can apply preferences automatically for detected games.
  • Free public release for Windows 10/11, x86 and x64.

Watch out

  • Not a SteamOS application.
  • Installation requires administrator privileges.
  • Behavior can vary with Windows builds, firmware, and controller software.

Who it suits

Handheld Companion suits Windows handheld PC owners who want configurable controller and motion input alongside device performance controls. Steam Deck users need to be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Verdict

Handheld Companion brings input mapping, motion control, game profiles, and device adjustments to supported Windows handhelds. Its Steam Deck support does not extend to SteamOS.

Plans and prices

From Handheld Companion's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Free public releaseFreeWindows 10/11 · x86 & x64

The facts

Each one read from Handheld Companion's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Compatibility caveat
Device behavior can vary with Windows builds, OEM firmware, and other controller software.checked 8 Oct 2026
Game profiles
The app can detect the active game and automatically apply its controller, motion, graphics, and power preferences.checked 8 Oct 2026
Installation
The documentation says to run the installer as administrator so it can deploy services and drivers needed for controller handling.checked 8 Oct 2026
Motion controls
Universal Motion Control translates supported motion sensor data into input for aiming, camera control, racing, and emulators.checked 8 Oct 2026
Performance controls
QuickTools can adjust TDP, frame limits, refresh rate, resolution, brightness, volume, and power mode.checked 8 Oct 2026
Purpose
Handheld Companion is an open-source, touch-optimized Windows app for handheld gaming PCs.checked 8 Oct 2026
Support
The documentation page links to community support on Discord and bug reporting on GitHub.checked 8 Oct 2026
Virtual controllers
It can present Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 virtual controller output to games.checked 8 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Input mapping
It maps controller inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, trigger, or virtual controller actions.checked 8 Oct 2026
Supported devices
The site lists Windows handheld families including ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Legion Go, MSI Claw, AYANEO, GPD Win, and others.checked 8 Oct 2026

The company

Project maker
The site says Handheld Companion is created by Valkirie and contributors.checked 8 Oct 2026
Steam Deck limit
Steam Deck support is for devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11; Handheld Companion is not a SteamOS application.checked 8 Oct 2026

Alternatives to Handheld Companion

All alternatives
  1. 1

    MemTest86

    Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
    7.5From $76 a year
    Visit
  2. 2

    HCI MemTest

    Free planLinuxWindows
    7.3$5 one-time
    Visit
  3. 3

    CoreCtrl

    Free planOpen sourceLinux
    7.1Free plan
    Visit
  4. 4

    AIDA64

    AndroidiOSWindows
    7.0€59.95 one-time
    Visit
  5. 5ASUS GPU Tweak III logo

    ASUS GPU Tweak III

    Free planWindows
    6.7Free plan
    Visit
  6. 6OCCT logo

    OCCT

    Free planLinuxWindows
    6.6Free plan
    Visit