Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally - which is better?


Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally - which is better?

The world of handheld gaming PCs is about to get even more exciting with the upcoming release of the ASUS ROG Ally. So we thought a Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally showdown would be fun.

As gaming enthusiasts gear up to choose their next portable gaming device, it's crucial to understand the key differences between Valve's and ASUS' handheld gaming PCs to make an informed decision.

We have already done Steam Deck vs GPD Win 4 and Steam Deck vs Razer Edge comparisons. Today, we are going to compare the Steam Deck with the ROG Ally in a head-to-head match.

Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally

When it comes to handheld gaming PCs, the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck are two devices that are generating a lot of buzz. While both devices offer a portable gaming experience, they have distinct differences that could impact your decision on which one to choose.

So let's take a look at what makes these two devices different.

Processor and operating system

The ASUS ROG Ally uses a custom chip based on AMD's Zen 4 architecture called Z1 (Extreme), more powerful than the Steam Deck's custom AMD APU. The ROG Ally also can plug in an external GPU, giving it an even greater advantage in terms of processing power.

The ASUS ROG Ally runs on the recently released Windows 11, while the Steam Deck runs on a custom SteamOS. However, it is worth mentioning that you can install Windows on Valve's handheld PC.

Battery

The Steam Deck's battery life is between 2-8 hours, depending on usage and screen brightness. This may not be the longest battery life for a portable gaming device, but it's still reasonable given the device's powerful hardware and capabilities.

ASUS ROG Ally offers a battery life of up to 2 hours of gaming and 6.8 hours of video playback. The 2 hours of gaming may seem limited, but it is expected as ASUS ROG Ally is designed to deliver high-performance gaming experiences with its powerful components.

Display and Design

The ROG Ally features a 7-inch touchscreen with a 16:9 ratio 1080p display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the Steam Deck has a 16:10 panel that only manages 800p and 60Hz.

In terms of design, both devices have a sleek and modern look. However, the ROG Ally is narrower, thinner and slightly lighter than the Steam Deck. This makes it easier to carry around, especially if you're always on the go.

Price

The Steam Deck starts at a very competitive price point of $399, which is relatively affordable for a gaming device of its calibre. The $399 model comes with 64GB of eMMC storage, while the 256GB and 512GB NVMe SSD models are priced at $529 and $649 respectively.

On the other hand, the standard version of ASUS ROG Ally is priced at $599, while the top model costs $699. It is worth noting that both models are equipped with a generous 512GB of NVMe storage.

Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally - which is better?

Based on the specifications, the ASUS ROG Ally clearly has an edge over the Steam Deck in terms of processing power and display quality. You will have a better overall gaming experience on the ASUS ROG Ally.

Ultimately, the choice between the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally will come down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize processing power and overall gaming experience, the ASUS ROG Ally may be the better choice.

However, if you prioritize affordability and battery life, the Steam Deck may be the way to go (or wait for the Steam Deck 2). Regardless of which device you choose, both the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck offer an immersive gaming experience on the go.

If you are going for the ASUS ROG Ally, you can sign up for an alert when pre-orders begin at Best Buy. It's recommended to wait for more comprehensive reviews and hands-on experiences with the device before making a final decision.

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