What To Know
- The world of handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with the arrival of powerful devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck.
- The display is a crucial element of any handheld gaming device, and both the Ally and the Steam Deck offer compelling options.
- The Ally features a 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
The world of handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with the arrival of powerful devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck. Both offer the promise of playing your favorite PC games on the go, but which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of each device, helping you decide which is the perfect fit for your gaming needs.
Performance: Powerhouse vs Efficiency
Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck are formidable gaming machines, but they approach performance in different ways.
ASUS ROG Ally: Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, the Ally boasts impressive raw power, capable of running demanding games at high frame rates. Its custom-designed AMD Radeon GPU delivers smooth visuals and impressive performance in demanding titles. The Ally’s focus is on delivering a desktop-like experience, aiming to deliver the highest possible fidelity and frame rates.
Valve Steam Deck: The Steam Deck, on the other hand, opts for a more balanced approach. Its AMD Zen 2 CPU and custom Radeon GPU are optimized for power efficiency, allowing for longer battery life without sacrificing performance. While it may not match the Ally’s raw power in every scenario, the Steam Deck excels at delivering consistent performance and impressive battery life.
Display: Vivid Colors vs Immersive Size
The display is a crucial element of any handheld gaming device, and both the Ally and the Steam Deck offer compelling options.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally features a 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The display is also incredibly bright and vibrant, boasting a wide color gamut and excellent contrast.
Valve Steam Deck: The Steam Deck’s 7-inch LCD display offers a resolution of 1280 x 800, which is slightly lower than the Ally’s. However, the Steam Deck compensates with a larger screen size, offering a more immersive gaming experience. The display is also capable of displaying a wide range of colors and offers excellent viewing angles.
Software: Customization vs Simplicity
Both devices offer unique software experiences tailored to their strengths.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally runs Windows 11, giving you access to a vast library of PC games and applications. You can customize the Ally to your liking, installing your favorite games, emulators, and software. The Ally’s Windows experience is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and manage your games.
Valve Steam Deck: The Steam Deck runs SteamOS 3.0, a customized Linux-based operating system specifically designed for gaming. SteamOS offers a clean and streamlined interface, with a focus on game discovery and accessibility. The Deck’s software is optimized for gaming, offering features like controller remapping, gamepad profiles, and seamless integration with the Steam library.
Design and Features: Ergonomic vs Modular
Both devices prioritize a comfortable and functional design, but they take different approaches.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally boasts a sleek and modern design, with a comfortable grip and ergonomic layout. It features physical buttons for volume and power, as well as a dedicated button for accessing the ROG Armoury Crate software. The Ally’s design is focused on portability and ease of use.
Valve Steam Deck: The Steam Deck adopts a more rugged and modular design. Its large size and sturdy build make it feel like a small laptop. The Deck features a removable rear panel, allowing for access to the internal components for upgrades and repairs. The Deck’s design prioritizes durability and customization.
Price: Value for Money vs Premium Experience
The price is a significant factor for many gamers, and both devices offer different value propositions.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally is priced at a premium, offering a powerful gaming experience at a higher cost. While its price might seem steep, it’s justified by its impressive performance and features.
Valve Steam Deck: The Steam Deck offers a more affordable option, providing a compelling gaming experience at a lower price point. The Deck’s value proposition lies in its versatility, long battery life, and extensive software features.
The Verdict: The Best Handheld PC for You
Ultimately, the best handheld PC for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the ASUS ROG Ally if you prioritize:
- Raw power and performance: The Ally delivers the best performance in demanding games.
- High-resolution display: The Ally’s vibrant 1080p display offers a crisp and detailed gaming experience.
- Windows experience: The Ally’s Windows 11 operating system provides access to a wider range of games and applications.
- Portability and ease of use: The Ally’s sleek and ergonomic design makes it easy to carry and use.
Choose the Valve Steam Deck if you prioritize:
- Battery life and efficiency: The Steam Deck offers longer battery life and more balanced performance.
- Immersive gaming experience: The Deck’s larger screen size and comfortable design provide a more immersive gaming experience.
- Software features and customization: The Steam Deck’s SteamOS 3.0 offers a streamlined and customizable gaming experience.
- Affordability: The Steam Deck provides a compelling gaming experience at a lower price point.
Beyond the Battle: A Look at the Future
The handheld gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new devices and advancements emerging regularly. Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck are leading the charge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile gaming. While they may be competitors in the present, they are also paving the way for an exciting future where handheld gaming becomes even more powerful, immersive, and accessible.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What games are available on the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck?
A: Both devices can play a wide range of PC games, including AAA titles, indie games, and emulated titles. The Ally runs Windows, giving you access to a vast library of games from Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and other platforms. The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, which is primarily focused on Steam games but can also play games from other platforms with some configuration.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Valve Steam Deck generally has better battery life than the ASUS ROG Ally. This is due to the Deck’s more efficient hardware and optimized software. However, the Ally’s battery life can be extended by adjusting power settings and lowering graphical settings.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on either device?
A: Both devices offer expandable storage options. The Ally supports microSD cards, while the Steam Deck features a microSD card slot and an open M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs.
Q: Which device is better for emulating games?
A: Both devices are capable of emulating games, but the ASUS ROG Ally has a slight edge due to its more powerful hardware and compatibility with Windows emulators. However, the Steam Deck‘s Linux-based operating system also offers a growing number of emulators and compatibility with popular emulation platforms.
