Unleash the Ultimate PC Gaming Experience: Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally Showdown
Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: Which PC Gaming Handheld Reigns Supreme?
The world of PC gaming has evolved significantly in recent years, and one of the most exciting developments is the rise of dedicated PC gaming handhelds. Since the launch of Valve’s Steam Deck, other manufacturers have released their own takes on the concept, including the Asus ROG Ally. But how do these two devices stack up against each other?
Design and Build
The Steam Deck boasts a sturdy design with a comfortable grip and a 7-inch touchscreen display. It’s a bit bulkier than the Asus ROG Ally, but it’s still portable enough to take on the go. The Ally, on the other hand, is a sleek and lightweight device with a 7-inch FHD display. It’s designed to be more compact and easy to carry around.
Specifications
The Steam Deck is powered by an AMD Zen 2 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe SSD. It’s a solid performer, but it’s not the most powerful device on the market. The Asus ROG Ally, however, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 2230 SSD. It’s a more powerful device overall, with better performance and faster loading times.
Performance
The Steam Deck is capable of running demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, but you’ll need to keep the settings down to achieve smooth performance. The Ally, on the other hand, can handle more demanding games like Ghostrunner with ease. It’s also capable of running DirectX 11 and 12 games, although the latter can be a bit finicky.
Operating System
The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS 3.0, which is a custom operating system designed specifically for the device. It’s fast, intuitive, and easy to use. The Ally, on the other hand, runs on Windows 11, which can be a bit of a mixed bag. While it offers more flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of games, it can also be slower and more prone to crashes.
Price
The Steam Deck starts at around $400 for the base model, while the Asus ROG Ally starts at around $300. The Ally is a more affordable option, but it’s also a more stripped-down device with fewer features and less powerful specs.
Verdict
So which is the better PC gaming handheld? Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a more powerful device with better performance and a more affordable price tag, the Asus ROG Ally is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more portable device with a more intuitive operating system and a wider range of games, the Steam Deck is the better choice.
Key Specifications
Steam Deck
- CPU: AMD Zen 2
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Display: 7-inch touchscreen
- Battery Life: 2-8 hours
- Price: $400+
Asus ROG Ally
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB M.2 2230 SSD
- Display: 7-inch FHD
- Battery Life: Approximately 3 hours
- Price: $300+
Comparison Table
| Feature | Steam Deck | Asus ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Zen 2 | AMD Ryzen Z1 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe SSD | 512GB M.2 2230 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch touchscreen | 7-inch FHD |
| Battery Life | 2-8 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Price | $400+ | $300+ |
Conclusion
The Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally are both excellent PC gaming handhelds, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Steam Deck is a more powerful device with a more intuitive operating system, while the Ally is a more affordable option with better performance and a more compact design. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
