Got your eye on the Asus ROG Ally but not sure if it's worth picking up over a Nintendo Switch? We're covering the key differences between the two devices.
The new Asus ROG Ally is the latest entry to the handheld gaming market, which is majorly competing with the Steam Deck. But handhelds are nothing new for fellow Nintendo fans, so how exactly does this new device hold up against the beloved Nintendo Switch?
At the moment there's no official confirmation of the price or availability for the Asus ROG Ally and despite having information about the specifications available, we don't know exactly how this handheld gaming PC will perform in real-life tests. So we're going to have to use what's on paper to compare with the Nintendo Switch.
We've wrapped up all of the major differences between the Asus ROG Ally and the Nintendo Switch so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into and can make an informed purchase. This includes price, specs and game's available on the platforms. And if you're looking for all of the key points in the Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck debate, then we've covered those too so be sure to check that out.
Asus ROG Ally vs Nintendo Switch: price and availability
We currently don't have official word on the price of the Asus ROG Ally just yet, but based on specifications alone we'd expect it to be relatively high in comparison to the Nintendo Switch. However, we have seen an Asus ROG Ally price leak suggesting that the device will come in at $699, which is around £560 / AU$1,058 when converted. It's always worth noting that leaks should be taken in with a pinch of salt, and that regional pricing is rarely a straight conversion.
The Nintendo Switch on the other hand comes in at £259.99 / $299.99 / AU$469.95 which is much cheaper than the reported Asus ROG Ally price. Due to the console being slightly older now (it did release back in 2017 after all) it's also much easier to find sales and bundle deals which typically include free games when picking it up.
Despite facing some major stock issues in the past, particularly during the pandemic, getting your hands on a Nintendo Switch now isn't a difficult task, with it being stocked at most major gaming retailers. We can't be sure of the availability of the Asus ROG Ally at the moment, but one thing we do know is that the fan reception for the device has been overwhelmingly positive suggesting stock issues could be imminent.
Asus ROG Ally vs Nintendo Switch: specs and design
Based on the specifications set out on paper for the Asus ROG Ally, it seems like the power difference between the Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch is pretty major. However, we don't have a full breakdown of what the processor featured in the Asus device will actually contain meaning it can be difficult to pinpoint performance.
However, the Asus ROG Ally features a 120Hz screen meaning that Asus is clearly expecting games to output around 120fps whilst gaming and the cherry on top is the 1080p resolution. For comparison, the Nintendo Switch features a 720p 60Hz display when in handheld mode, meaning there will likely be a pretty noticeable difference in picture quality.
As to be expected, the hardware in the Nintendo Switch is slightly dated meaning it won't outperform a brand new device which has just entered the market. However, many titles have been optimised to run smoothly on the console still making for a pleasant gameplay experience.
When it comes to design, the Asus ROG Ally has been designed with ergonomics in mind to prevent hand cramping and strains whilst gaming for long periods of time and on the go. The Nintendo Switch on the other hand has more of a flat shape, still boasting curved edges for easier grip but this isn't the most ergonomic casing. But of course you can detach the Joy-Cons to insert into a controller cradle or hold one in each hand, so you can pick the most comfortable experience for you.
In terms of actual aesthetics, the Asus ROG Ally comes in a sleek white casing with RGB in certain places for that lovely pop of colour that we PC gamers adore. The Nintendo Switch on the other hand has a full black casing, but the removable Joy-cons come in a wide range of colours to really allow you to make your console your own.
Asus ROG Ally vs Nintendo Switch: games
Both the Asus ROG Ally and the Nintendo Switch offer extensive game libraries although they're vastly different and so could be the deciding factor for you. The former runs on Windows 11 meaning you'll have access to practically every game available for PC, but whether or not they'll be optimised is another question entirely. You'll be able to access game clients such as Epic Games, EA Play or Activision Blizzard's Battle.net. And even access your Xbox Game Pass library!
This means that no matter what games you currently play or are hoping to pick up, you're free to dip your toes in anywhere as you're not limited to games on a single storefront with the Asus ROG Ally. This also means that you can take advantage of a wide library of free-to-play games which are available through a range of clients.
The Nintendo Switch on the other hand boasts a major selection of both first and third-party exclusives. If you're a big Nintendo fan or just like series like The Legend of Zelda or Super Mario, then picking up a Nintendo console is a must in order to play these titles. Alongside this, you also have access to a wide range of indie titles through the Nintendo eShop, where you can digitally purchase games.
Asus ROG Ally vs Nintendo Switch: verdict
Which unit you decide to go for will be based on what you're looking for. If you're a Nintendo fan with a love for the company's exclusive IP then of course the Nintendo Switch is the better option here. Alongside this, if you're someone who already has a gaming PC and you're just on the hunt for a cheap and cheerful portable gaming device, then the Nintendo Switch is again a solid pick. Especially the Nintendo Switch Lite which is the cheapest entry in the hardware lineup.
But if you're looking for sheer power in a portable device or you're hoping to pick up a handheld which will also be your new main platform then the Asus ROG Ally is the better option as it gives you access to such a wide library of games rather than limiting you to one gaming storefront.
It can be hard to determine which of the two options here is actually the best, especially considering there is still so much about the Asus ROG Ally which hasn't been confirmed, including the full details of the processor, the price and the release date. But the two devices are incredibly different, and ultimately serve different audiences.
If power, performance, and playing pretty much any game you like on a portable handheld is what you're after, then the Asus ROG Ally is the obvious choice. The Nintendo Switch on the other hand isn't trying to outperform other hardware. It's an innovative handheld-hybrid that's the only place to play Nintendo games, like the upcoming Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The price discrepancy is also massive, so that's going to be a deciding factor for a lot of people; although the price for the base Asus ROG Ally model has yet to be revealed (or leaked). We'll find out more at the Asus ROG Ally launch event on May 11, 2023.
