The Battle for Handheld Gaming Supremacy: Steam Deck OLED vs Asus ROG Ally
The world of handheld gaming has never been more exciting, with two powerhouses vying for dominance: the Steam Deck OLED and the Asus ROG Ally. Both devices promise an unparalleled gaming experience on-the-go, but which one reigns supreme?
Price and Storage
The Steam Deck OLED starts at £479 for the 512GB model, with an optional upgrade to 1TB of storage for £569. The Asus ROG Ally, on the other hand, comes in at £599 for the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model, making it a slightly more expensive option.
Design and Screen
Both devices boast a similar design, with a screen sandwiched between controller pads reminiscent of an Xbox controller. However, the Steam Deck OLED takes the cake with its stunning 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen, boasting a peak brightness of 1000 nits. The ROG Ally’s 7-inch screen, while still impressive, pales in comparison with a maximum brightness of 500 nits.
The Steam Deck OLED’s stunning HDR OLED screen
Specs and Performance
When it comes to raw power, the Asus ROG Ally takes the lead with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, featuring a Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 integrated graphics. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, sports an AMD chip with a Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 integrated graphics. Benchmark results show the ROG Ally offering a 10fps boost for Horizon Zero Dawn and a 13fps advantage for Cyberpunk 2077.
Software
The Steam Deck OLED runs on its own Linux-based SteamOS software, making it incredibly easy to install and access Steam games. The ROG Ally, on the other hand, runs on Windows 11, which can be a pain to navigate on a 7-inch touchscreen without a keyboard and mouse. However, this does provide easier access to third-party services like the Epic Games Store and Xbox Game Pass.
The Asus ROG Ally’s sleek design
Verdict
Both the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally are top-notch handheld PC systems, but which one is right for you? If you prioritize a stunning OLED screen, superior battery life, and a more affordable price point, the Steam Deck OLED is the way to go. However, if you’re craving a higher performance ceiling, the ROG Ally might be the better option.
Gaming on-the-go has never been easier
