ASUS ROG Ally vs the Steam Deck: Which handheld gaming PC is right for you?

Packing an AMD Z1 Extreme chip, super quiet fans and an excellent 1080p display, the ASUS ROG Ally is the Steam Deck’s biggest rival yet. And thanks to a platform based on Windows instead of Linux, it has way better game compatibility too. So to see which handheld PC is right for you, we pitted both systems against each other to see which portable gaming machine reigns supreme.

[goldfingerhardcore]

I have both and I love both. Steam Deck has a much better software experience, but the better screen on ROG Ally always brings me back.

[petermarkstone]

8:10 "i can game while watching tv with my wife " best selling commercial in existence

[rebekahbass]

I prefer the steam deck because it has the touchpads, the long battery life is nice too. It took some getting used to using Linux because I've always used windows, but it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

[thejoyghost]

Personally i feel that if you already have a killer pc set up that has alot steam games get a deck. It turns your library completely portable and it's very seemless, a good alternative then buying a gaming laptop for portability imo.just to play while in the comfort of your living room or laying down in your bed. If you don't have a killer pc set up get an ally because it can potentially be a good alternative to a PC as well

[SmartFool]

I have both and the Ally is what I carry in my bag now but I don’t plan on getting rid of my Deck and 9 times out of 10 I recommend the Deck. It’s just easier for most people.

[seangx]

Was going to get a steam deck at first then found out about the ROG Ally and been having great emulation experience as well as started my steam library with the past sale this week. I agree the battery life is sub par on the Ally.

[GArvelo]

Steam deck is a Console handheld and ROG Ally is a Windows handheld.

[johnnydomol]

This is an extremely balanced, fair review of both devices. Best, most-informed comparison video I've seen.

[MrPnutt]

Love them both but I keep leaning towards my Steam Deck. The Ally still feels like a work in progress, but it’s obvious that given more time it’s gonna get better and better….. just keep those updates coming Asus🤞🤞

[heartofdawn]

What I want is a Steam Deck 2- refining the hardware (especially the fans), but keeping the same software and track pads.

[aslamdriver]

After watching your video, I decided to cancel my order for the Rog Ally and place one for the Steam Deck instead. Your insights really helped me make the best choice. Thanks a lot!

[gs]

After a lot of back and forth I went for the Steam Deck, basically it came down to battery life and what I saved I bought a dock, power bank, and a 1tb nvme drive. That said it wasn't an easy decision, the screen on the Ally side by side with the entry level Deck looks even more superior and it was that more than anything that made it a tough decision, maybe in the future I'll look at the Ally when it's been around the block like the Deck.

Either way two superb devices. That screen though...

[thestarvoice]

The ROG is 5x better than the steam deck when it’s plugged in but that kinda takes a big part of the portable handheld out. If you just home and playing I recommend the ROG but if you travel I recommend the Steam Deck.

[visionofgrey]

How about the new OLED screen from the Steam Deck? Is it closer in comparison to the Ally?

[JimblobYork]

I ordered a steam deck yesterday. I just think it’s more polished overall from everything I’ve read and from what all my gaming buddies have said who have tried both.

[IRY]

I've already made my decision in the first 2 minutes. The steam deck comes with a case and even when getting the highest speced steam deck it's still cheaper than the other one!!

[Persivahl]

This comparison review is REALLY helpful and informative. The reviewer REALLY knows what he's talking about and has put significant time and effort to test both devices, and it shows. Having said that, I'm REALLY leaning more into the Steamdeck

[WiseGuy]

It's great to see competition in the portable PC space. Prices are getting driven down due to healthy competition.

[hairypancake]

As a previous Deck owner currently playing on Ally, Just save tons of headache and grab yourself a 64GB Deck and $70 2230 SSD.

Update: I didn’t return my Ally although my SD card reader is fried at this point. Got myself a refurbished Deck, upgraded to 2TB and planning to get myself a DeckHD & whole shell replacement.

[xgameenthusiast]

I'm happy I got a Deck about nine months ago and am not tempted to get an Ally. From what I've read it seems the Deck will remain a more polished device, even when Asus catch up with updates. I don't play that many big AAA games and the extra battery life the Deck has is more important to me than the Ally's performance edge. Also, I'm no Microsoft hater, but I believe they could do with some more competition, so happy to do a bit to support Linux by buying a Deck. I might even install Steam OS 3.x on my spare laptop when it is made officially available for laptops/desktops.