If you're thinking about picking up the new Asus ROG Ally when it launches, but you're not sure how it stacks up against the Steam Deck, we've got you covered with the main differences between the two devices.
The Asus ROG Ally is an upcoming handheld gaming PC, which isn't only competing with the Steam Deck but could well leave it in the dust when it comes to both specs and available games. However, we don't know for sure what the price and availability of this device will be, or how it'll run in real-life tests, so we'll have to go by the console's current on-paper stats.
We've considered all of the major differences that the Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck debate brings to the table so that you can contrast the two to pick the right handheld for you, including price, specifications and the best PC games available to play on the platforms.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: price and availability
While we don't have official confirmation of the price, there's been an Asus ROG Ally price leak which reveals that the premium model is set to come in at $699 – approximately £560 / AU$1,058, but remember that regional pricing is rarely a straight conversion. That's just $50 more than the premium Steam Deck model and means the base model of the Asus ROG Ally will be even cheaper.
The Steam Deck, on the other hand, comes in at £349 / $399 / AU$599 for the 64GB edition, which doesn't contain an SSD. It's then £459 / $529 / AU$795 for the 256GB NVMe SSD edition and £569 / $649 / AU$975 for the 512GB NVMe SSD version. All Australian prices are rough conversations as the device actually isn't available in Australia and Valve hasn't confirmed plans to change this any time soon.
It seems like the fan reception for the Asus ROG Ally so far has been incredibly positive, suggesting potential stock issues. However, it's hard to confirm whether or not this will be the case as it depends on whether or not Asus has prepared accordingly. The company is holding a launch event on May 11, 2023, but along with the price leak, we got an Asus ROG Ally release date leak which indicates the handheld will launch on June 13, 2023.
We saw massive stock issues for the Steam Deck at launch and for a long while afterwards. However, these have since calmed down, with it being much easier to pick up the console straight from the website, although some editions of the device are still sold out fairly regularly.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: specs and design
The power difference between these two consoles is pretty major based on the specifications. However, we don't have a full breakdown of what the processor featured in the Asus ROG Ally will actually bring to the table so it's had to confirm exactly what performance we can expect.
However, taking into account that the display has been designed to reach a 120Hz output, we can assume that Asus is confident that games will be reaching above a 120fps output at 1080p. Compared to the maximum 720p 60Hz output of the Steam Deck, we should be expecting some pretty crisp gameplay.
In terms of design, both of these devices have been made with ergonomics in mind to ensure minimal hand cramping or strain when gaming for long periods of time and on the go. That includes the controls being on the top half of the device, slanted edges for better grip, and curved shoulder buttons.
The Asus ROG Ally comes in a sleek white casing, with RGB features in certain locations for that pop of colour that we PC gamers hold near and dear. The Steam Deck is more simple, in full black casing. Both of them are near enough similar in weight, however, surprisingly the Asus ROG Ally comes in slightly lighter despite packing more of a punch.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: games
Although you might not think game availability will be the deciding factor in which device you end up going for, it's definitely something you should consider. One of the main selling points of the Asus ROG Ally is the fact that it runs Windows 11, meaning you get access to a whole host of game clients, including but not limited to Steam, Epic Games, EA Play, Ubisoft and Battle.Net.
This means no matter what games you currently play or are hoping to explore, the world really is your oyster and you're not limited to games on a single client. This also allows you to take advantage of more free-to-play titles.
The Steam Deck, on the other hand, limits your options to games which are available on Steam, as the name suggests. This means if your main game is an Epic Games exclusive, then you're out of luck. One issue with the Steam Deck is that not all Steam titles are guaranteed to work either, as some aren't optimised correctly.
Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: verdict
Which unit you pick up will be based on what you're looking for. If you're hoping for your new handheld to be your main system, it may make sense to go for the higher-specification Asus ROG Ally which will give you access to a wide range of games rather than limiting you to one gaming client.
However, if you already have a console or PC that you play on and you're just looking for a cheap and portable addition to your collection then the Steam Deck is a great option, providing you with the ability to play both AAA titles like Elden Ring, and mellow farming sims like Stardew Valley while you're on the go.
It can be hard to come up with a solid pick for which of these devices is the better option, especially considering we don't know how much the Asus ROG Ally will set you back just yet. Sure it might bring better performance to the table, but will it really be worth it if you're spending upwards of a grand on a handheld device?
There are only a couple of weeks left to find out, but on paper, and if the price points are similar, the Asus ROG Ally has my vote due to the sheer versatility and support for multiple game clients. You can even play your Xbox Game Pass titles on it – it's an absolute game-changer.
