The Asus ROG Ally would be the Steam Deck’s first actually worthy opponent, with extra highly effective {hardware} and a aggressive value as well. Nonetheless, these two components alone aren’t sufficient to determine which system comes out on high. With that in thoughts, we’re right here that will help you determine which handheld PC is finest for you with in-depth comparisons between the 2.
Whereas the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck might share some similarities, every gaming PC is kind of dissimilar from the opposite. As an example, each gadgets allow to take your library of video games on the go, however use various software program and silicon that every add as much as completely totally different experiences – which we’ll cowl beneath.
That will help you navigate our information, listed below are just a few helpful shortcuts that hyperlink to particular sections:
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck specs
Given the spec sheet, it might seem Asus engineers have been requested how a lot better they may make the ROG Ally than the Steam Deck, they usually responded “Sure”. It actually appears designed as a next-gen Deck (or Steam Deck 2).
Listed here are the ROG Ally vs Steam Deck specs:
Asus ROG Ally | Steam Deck | |
APU | AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive | AMD Van Gogh |
Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 4 / 8 |
GPU | 12 RDNA 3 CUs | 8 RDNA 2 CUs |
RAM | 16GB (2x8GB) 6,400MHz LPDDR5 | 16GB (4x4GB) 5,500MHz LPDDR5 |
Show | 7-inch IPS 1080p 120Hz (VRR) | 7-inch IPS 800p 40-60Hz |
Storage | 512GB NVMe (PCIe 4.0 x4) SSD microSD |
64GB eMMC (PCIe 2.0 x1) 256GB NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x4) SSD 512GB NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x4) SSD microSD |
Weight | 608g | 669g |
OS | Home windows 11 | SteamOS |
Worth | $699 / £699 | $399 / £349 (64GB) $529 / £459 (256GB) $649 / £569 (512GB) |
On paper, the Asus ROG Ally runs rings across the Steam Deck, with extra succesful graphics and processing {hardware}. Nonetheless, this does come at the next value and the software program expertise isn’t fairly as seamless as Valve’s handheld, which we’ll contact on later.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck options
Alongside the additional grunt supplied by the Z1 Excessive, one of many standout options of the ROG Ally is its 1080p 120Hz show with VRR (variable refresh fee), permitting for crisp and buttery clean visuals and not using a hint of stuttering or display tearing. The display’s 500 nits of brightness actually permits your video games to pop too, however that is on the expense of battery life.
The Steam Deck could also be dimmer and lack VRR capabilities, however its refresh fee may be manually adjusted between 40-60Hz. It does have some benefits over its competitors too, with its taller 16:10 display of the Deck that also impresses and makes it really feel comparatively a lot larger and extra immersive regardless of its decrease decision.
For those who want a simple mouse enter to your favourite video games, then the Steam Deck’s trackpads are right here to save lots of your day. Whereas initially a bit odd o get the dangle of, they rapidly open up a wealth of strategy-oriented video games and even one of the best FPS video games when used at the side of the gyro controls.
Asus’ Armoury Crate is its personal resolution to match SteamOS for controller navigation of Home windows to entry video games and launchers from one place. It’s admittedly a bit funky for the time being, however this may seemingly enhance going ahead. Additionally included is the XMG port, Asus’ proprietary connector that you may hook as much as an eGPU with full PCIe 4.0 throughput, enabling the ROG Ally to behave as a desktop alternative (offering you’re keen to purchase into the ecosystem).
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck design
Each the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally are made out of plastic, and their weight and measurement are fairly related, too. The ROG Ally shares the ‘gamer’ design language of the remainder of its merchandise, with its white chassis amd all of the RGB aptitude and angular fonts you possibly can ask for.
The Steam Deck comparatively is a muted affair, choosing wise blacks and darkish greys which additionally goes some method to reduce the impact the thick bezels have. The Deck does benefit from time on its aspect and since its launch, it has seen innumerable Steam Deck equipment, Steam Deck Dock, circumstances, backplates, and skins that imply it may be absolutely personalized for a extra personable look.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck dealing with
Whereas the Steam Deck might look unwieldy, given its large physique, it’s truly extraordinarily snug to deal with, even for prolonged intervals of time. It’s, nevertheless, noticeably louder than the Asus ROG Ally, which means you possibly can very properly annoy these round you when taking part in demanding video games like Cyberpunk 2077.
The ROG Ally alternatively is whisper quiet however has barely stubbier grips, which means that regardless of its lighter weight, it’s not fairly so snug. This will probably be amplified when you have bigger arms, leaving you with much less to grip onto. It’s nonetheless very nice within the hand, nevertheless, and it’s possible you’ll desire the uneven format of the joysticks if you’re a fan of Xbox-style controllers.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck video games
Out of the field, the ROG Ally is working Home windows 11 which means you received’t have any working system compatibility points with any of your favourite video games. You’ll additionally have the ability to entry Xbox Video games Cross, and received’t require any particular launchers for Epic Video games Retailer or GOG Galaxy, streamlining the operation of taking part in a recreation from a service aside from Steam.
By advantage of Linux, the Steam Deck (until you put in Home windows on it) will categorically not have the ability to play as many video games. An ace up Valve’s sleeve, although, is its skill to tailor video games to its platform. An amazing instance of that is with the ability to circumvent Elden Ring’s Steam Deck Stutter totally, making the Deck the most effective methods to get a clean expertise.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck value
The Asus ROG Ally retails for $699 (£699) and is accessible for pre-order within the US by way of Greatest Purchase. Within the UK, you’ll be able to pre-order it from Asus immediately. The Asus ROG Ally will probably be launched on June 13 with delivery anticipated to take 2 to three days.
The Steam Deck is accessible in three SKUs, 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB for $399 (£349), $529 (£459), or $649 (£569) respectively from Valve itself. Within the US you’ll be able to anticipate your Deck inside 1 to 2 weeks time, whereas within the UK Steam at the moment lists the 64GB and 256GB fashions as out of inventory with the 512GB mannequin taking the identical one to 2 weeks to achieve your door.
Do you have to purchase the Asus ROG Ally?
- Sure: The ROG Ally is extra highly effective
- Sure: The ROG Ally has a next-gen design
- No: The ROG Ally prices extra
In case you are after pure efficiency, you then actually can’t do higher than the Asus ROG Ally for the worth. Home windows 11 affords higher compatibility, however its quirks can get in the best way of merely having fun with your video games, with UI that’s not intuitive to make use of by way of a controller or by contact.
With higher recreation compatibility total and specs that outmatch the Deck on paper, it does make sense to seize the ROG Ally over the top-end Deck in case your favourite video games don’t work with the Linux-based SteamOS.
Is the Steam Deck higher for you?
- Sure: The Steam Deck is cheaper
- Sure: The Steam Deck has trackpads
- No: Might be outdated extra rapidly
The open-ended nature of Linux and consumer mods for the Deck actually permit it to shine too, in addition to the massive marketplace for equipment, to not point out the Deck’s innate repairability, guaranteeing an extended lifespan.
Equally, Linux can get in the best way too. If video games comparable to Fortnite and Roblox are in your most-played checklist, then maybe the Steam Deck isn’t one of the best transportable gaming PC for you. Then you must ask your self whether or not you wish to make investments cash into an older system, particularly if a Steam Deck 2 is on the horizon.
Total, if you’re after a less expensive however nonetheless very succesful handheld gaming PC machine, don’t play video games with compatibility points, or wish to play video games requiring mouse controls, the Steam Deck is a good selection, particularly when you go for a lower-end mannequin and improve the storage your self with the finest microSD card for Steam Deck.