Asus ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck: Our Comparison

Highly anticipated by video game enthusiasts, the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally are consoles that stand out for their performance. Would you like to know which of the two is the best? This article will help you choose. Let’s go for a little comparison.

After the resounding success of the Steam Deck, the manufacturer Asus has launched its turn on the hotly contested market of portable consoles. And the least we can say is that its “ROG Ally” model has serious assets to overshadow the Steam Deck. But does that make this console the best choice? Answers below.

Table of Contents

Asus ROG Ally, A Strong Competitor

First, if we look at the performance aspect, this console displays phenomenal power. It incorporates an AMD Zen 4 processor and 8 (4 Zen 4 cores and 4 RDNA 3 cores) associated with 16 GB DDR5 RAM. To this is added a storage capacity of up to 1 TB. Thanks to these specifications, the Asus ROG Ally easily rises among the most powerful consoles on the market.

The device experiences no slowdown while running the games. The screen is also another strong point of this console. It is a 7” LCD screen with a high-resolution FHD (1920 x 1080p). This is significantly better than the resolution offered by the Steam Deck screen, which is 1280 x 800p. Apart from that, the gamer enjoys a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The screen of the Asus ROG Ally can also reach 500 nits.

Another important point to highlight: the console designed by Asus runs on Windows 11. This is another advantage over the Steam Deck. Thus, the ROG Ally is compatible with most launchers (Ubisoft, Epic Games, EA App, etc.). For this purpose, the user can enjoy a larger range of games. Regarding connectivity, this model benefits from WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 technology.

Therefore, you can easily connect it with other devices. It also has a 3.5 mm jack to plug in your headphones. Finally, it has a USB-C charging system. As for battery life, ROG Ally can last at least 6 hours on a single charge. But you should know that it largely depends on your mode of use. If you launch demanding games, the autonomy is at most 4 hours.

The battery should enjoy a long life thanks to intelligent cooling technology (the same found on laptops). In addition, the device can operate without emitting annoying noises. The console is doing quite well regarding portability, given its weight of around 600 grams and dimensions of 280x111x21.2 mm. ROG Ally is an ideal companion when traveling or commuting on public transport.

The Highlights Of The Asus ROG Ally

A great screen
Great portability and good grip
The absence of noise pollution
Outstanding performance
The Windows environment and compatibility with several games

Steam Deck Is An Impressive Console

Even if it is not a monster of power, the Steam Deck is still a powerful console. It houses a Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 graphics card. Just like the Asus ROG Ally, it has 16 GB DDR5 RAM. From 64 GB to 512 GB. As you will have understood, the Steam Deck does not have to be ashamed in the face of other consoles from the competition.

Regarding display, the Steam Deck’s 7 ” IPS LCD screen suggests a lower resolution than its rival. The refresh rate is also limited to 60 Hz. But despite all this, this console provides a more than adequate gaming experience. Also, this console runs on SteamOS 3.0. It is an interface based on a Linux distribution. Thus, gamers have access to a variety of games on Steam.

However, if we compare it with the Asus ROG Ally (which runs on Windows 11), we must recognize that the number of compatible games could be much higher. On the connectivity side, the Steam Deck has WiFi 5 and benefits from Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This allows a reliable connection that combines stability and speed. In addition, the device has a USB-C port and 3.5 mm jacks dedicated to headphones.

Note that both consoles include a MicroSD card slot. Regarding battery life, the Steam Deck is on par with the Asus ROG Ally. If you play games that consume many resources, the console can last between 2 to 4 hours. Otherwise, the manufacturer announces 8 hours of autonomy for moderate use. But again, it is the mode of use that determines the autonomy of the console.

Finally, the Steam Deck is larger and heavier than the Asus ROG Ally. Indeed, it has dimensions 298x117x49 mm while displaying 669 grams on the scale. As a result, it is less comfortable than its opponent regarding long-term use. Regarding portability, it is clear that the Asus ROG Ally has a small head start. And be careful; the console tends to emit noise when used for several hours.

Steam Deck Highlights

Presence of numerous control interfaces
Very accessible and functional Linux environment
The keys are configurable
Satisfactory performance

And What About The Price?

The price of the Steam Deck varies depending on the version you want (64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB). The console is available for 419 euros. Regarding the Asus ROG Ally, its launch price is 800 euros. As you will have noticed, the latter is a little more expensive than its rival.

Verdict

Choosing between the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck is difficult. It will mainly depend on your preferences. Going for the Asus ROG Ally makes more sense if you are a Windows user and want the best gaming experience. With this console, you have access to a greater number of games. But you have to be prepared to shell out some money.

On the other hand, if you already enjoy the Steam library and Steam OS and your budget is limited, the Steam Deck console is your best option. It’s okay if you can only access a limited number of games. But if you are not too demanding, know that the Steam library has something to satisfy you!

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