Alright, so here’s the thing about these new-fangled handheld gaming gizmos, like the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck. Now, if flicking through a bazillion game launchers has your head spinning, the Asus ROG Ally might just be your new best friend. It’s like your regular PC but squished down and — get this — no need to decipher the mysterious ways of Linux. Wild, right?
The Steam Deck was ruling the roost for a hot minute, but here comes the Asus ROG Ally, strutting in all Windows-11-dressed and ready to party. And honestly? That alone might tip the scales. The Deck’s tied to Steam like a clingy ex, unless you’re a Linux wizard, and who has time for all that when the Ally lets you waltz through Epic, Xbox Game Pass, EA — heck, even Steam if you’re feeling nostalgic. All without jumping through flaming hoops.
But, uh, hardware talk. The Ally’s sporting an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and an AMD Radeon graphics card. Tech talk makes my brain hurt, but let’s just say it’s a wild ride for your games. Things ran smoother than I expected, didn’t sound like a jet engine about to take off, and — bonus — it didn’t toast my hands during a marathon session. Okay, so a few hiccups here and there but flicking some settings made most games behave better.
Now, I’m a sucker for a good screen and, boy, does the Ally deliver with that Full HD LCD thingy. And it doesn’t weigh a ton, which is nice when you’re lounging on the couch. Except… It kind of feels like I’m holding a toy. That plasticky vibe can’t be ignored — the Steam Deck feels way more posh in your paws. Plus, the stand? Flimsy as a paper straw, if I’m honest.
I didn’t want to get started on battery life, but here we are. The Ally barely gets through a movie’s worth of game time — two hours, three if it’s just hanging out on the desktop. Compare that to the Steam Deck’s four-plus hours, it’s a bit of a drag. Definitely wired play if you’re in it for the long haul, both charge up fast but still…
Also, no carrying case? Asus asks for nearly 700 bucks, yet you gotta cough up more dough if you want to tote it around safely. Meanwhile, the cheapest Steam Deck strolls in with one for free. Oh, and those back buttons on the Ally? I kept missing ‘em, but maybe that’s just me.
Now, the million-dollar question: Ally or Deck? Honest answer: it depends on what makes you tick. Craving access to a universe of games and more muscle under the hood? Ally’s your pal. Want something that feels swankier, less fiddly with the operating system, and won’t die halfway to nowhere? Deck’s your ticket. Either way, both are kinda awesome in their own chaotic ways.
