ROG Ally X or the Steam Deck? In the world of handheld gaming, two consoles have emerged as heavyweights in 2024: Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’ ROG Ally X. Both devices promise portable gaming power that can rival traditional gaming PCs, giving gamers the freedom to play on the go without sacrificing performance. However, each console has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll compare the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally X across several key areas to help you decide which one is better suited for your gaming needs.
Steam Deck vs ROG Ally X: Which Handheld Console is Better?
1. Design and Build Quality
• Steam Deck:
• Valve’s Steam Deck has a sturdy, ergonomic design with large grips that make it comfortable to hold during extended play sessions. Its button layout, while unconventional at first glance, is highly functional. The device is heavier than most handhelds, but it distributes weight evenly, so fatigue is less of an issue.
• The Steam Deck includes touchpads for added precision, which is useful in games that require mouse-like control. It also has a 7-inch LCD screen, which is vibrant but not quite at the level of OLED screens seen on other devices.
• ROG Ally X:
• ASUS’ ROG Ally X, on the other hand, boasts a sleeker and more lightweight design. The Ally X feels more compact, making it easier to carry around. Its build quality is high-end, featuring RGB lighting accents that give it a distinct gaming aesthetic.
• The ROG Ally X also includes a 7-inch display, but this time it’s an OLED, offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast compared to the Steam Deck’s LCD. Its buttons and controls are laid out more traditionally, which may be more familiar and comfortable for most users.
Verdict:
The ROG Ally X wins in terms of portability and visual appeal, especially with its OLED display. However, if you prefer a more ergonomic design for long gaming sessions, the Steam Deck may suit you better.
2. Performance and Hardware
• Steam Deck:
• Powered by a custom AMD APU with Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, the Steam Deck is a beast in terms of performance for a handheld device. It can handle AAA PC games with ease, offering seamless gameplay on medium to high settings for most titles.
• The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. While this works perfectly with games from the Steam library, it can run into compatibility issues with some non-Steam titles, though Proton (a compatibility layer) helps to alleviate this problem.
• Storage options range from 64GB to 512GB, but with modern games taking up significant space, you may find yourself needing to expand storage via a microSD card.
• ROG Ally X:
• The ROG Ally X is equipped with a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, making it slightly superior to the Steam Deck in terms of raw performance. This gives it the ability to run demanding PC games at higher settings and frame rates, even on the go.
• Unlike the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X runs Windows 11 out of the box, giving users access to a broader range of games and software beyond just Steam, including titles from platforms like Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more. This makes the ROG Ally X more versatile for multi-platform gaming.
• The device offers storage options starting at 512GB, giving it an edge over the lower-end Steam Deck models, though both systems support expandable storage via microSD.
Verdict:
When it comes to raw power and versatility, the ROG Ally X edges out the Steam Deck, thanks to its stronger hardware and native Windows support. For those who want the best performance and broader game library access, the Ally X is the clear winner.
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3. Software and Ecosystem
• Steam Deck:
• The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, which is optimized for gaming through Steam. This means that if you’re already heavily invested in the Steam ecosystem, you’ll find a seamless experience here. The interface is user-friendly and provides access to features like Big Picture Mode, Steam Cloud Saves, and the Steam Workshop for mods.
• One downside is that, while it supports other storefronts and emulators, some titles may require additional tinkering or workarounds to run properly, particularly if they use anti-cheat software that isn’t compatible with Proton.
• ROG Ally X:
• Running Windows 11, the ROG Ally X gives you the flexibility to access games from all major platforms without compatibility issues. Whether it’s Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, or even non-gaming apps, the Ally X functions like a full-fledged Windows PC in your hands.
• This makes it more versatile than the Steam Deck, but it also comes with the overhead of Windows updates and the complexities of managing a full desktop operating system on a handheld device.
Verdict:
If you want a streamlined gaming experience tailored for Steam users, the Steam Deck is ideal. However, the ROG Ally X’s Windows environment makes it far more versatile, giving you access to a wider array of games and applications.
4. Battery Life
• Steam Deck:
• The Steam Deck offers decent battery life, lasting around 4-6 hours during light gaming sessions and 2-3 hours when running more demanding titles. The battery drain can be influenced by factors like screen brightness and the graphical settings of games.
• ROG Ally X:
• The ROG Ally X provides similar battery performance, with 3-5 hours of usage depending on the game and performance settings. However, due to its more powerful hardware, it can drain faster when running games at higher settings.
• The Ally X has power management features that allow you to tweak settings to conserve battery, but in terms of overall battery life, it doesn’t significantly outshine the Steam Deck.
Verdict:
Both consoles offer similar battery performance, but neither excels in this area. Gamers will likely need to play close to a power source for longer sessions, making this category a tie.
5. Price and Value
• Steam Deck:
• Starting at $399 for the base model (64GB) and going up to $649 for the 512GB version, the Steam Deck is relatively affordable given its performance. While the lower-end model’s storage is limited, it remains a solid entry point for gamers looking for portable PC gaming on a budget.
• ROG Ally X:
• The ROG Ally X is more expensive, starting around $699, but it comes with a more powerful processor and significantly larger storage options as standard. The higher price tag reflects its superior performance, Windows compatibility, and premium design, but it’s definitely a steeper investment.
Verdict:
If budget is a concern, the Steam Deck offers excellent value for its price, especially for those invested in Steam. However, if you’re willing to spend more for better performance, the ROG Ally X offers superior power and flexibility, though at a higher cost.
Conclusion: Which One Is Better?
Choosing between the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally X depends on what you prioritize in a handheld gaming console:
• Steam Deck is the best choice for gamers who are heavily invested in the Steam ecosystem and want a device that is affordable, ergonomic, and designed specifically for portable gaming with minimal setup.
• ROG Ally X is the clear winner for those who value performance, versatility, and access to a wider range of games beyond Steam. Its superior hardware, Windows environment, and OLED display make it the better choice for gamers who want a more PC-like experience on the go.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for sheer power and flexibility, the ROG Ally X comes out on top. However, if you want an affordable, streamlined gaming experience, the Steam Deck is a fantastic alternative.
