The Battle of Handheld Gaming: Asus ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck
The world of handheld gaming is ablaze with the clash between the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck. These portable powerhouses are vying for the top spot in the gaming-on-the-go arena. Let’s dive into the heart of this epic showdown and unravel the mysteries behind their performance and features.
Price Wars: Asus ROG Ally Strikes Back
In the realm of handheld gaming devices, price is a critical factor. The ROG Ally, armed with the Z1 Extreme, stands tall at $700, ready to challenge the aggressively-priced Steam Deck. Asus has countered Valve’s offering with competitive pricing, providing a cheaper model with the Ryzen Z1 at $600. On the other side, the Steam Deck starts at $349 but with limited storage. To match the ROG Ally’s 512GB capacity, you’ll need to shell out $449. Valve’s recent move to introduce refurbished models and phase out certain variants signals a shifting landscape. The Steam Deck OLED emerges with storage options of 512GB for $549 and 1TB for $649. While the ROG Ally boasts superior speed, it comes at a premium price.
Jacob Roach
Unveiling the Hardware Secrets
Beyond the sleek exterior, the ROG Ally’s true prowess lies in its internal components. Powered by AMD’s Z1 Series processors, this handheld marvel showcases custom APUs with Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 GPU cores. The Ryzen Z1 model offers six Zen 4 cores and four RDNA 3 cores, delivering up to 2.8 TFLOPS of performance. In contrast, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme unleashes eight Zen 4 cores and a whopping 12 RDNA 3 cores, achieving a staggering 8.6 TFLOPs. The ROG Ally’s hardware superiority is evident when compared to the Steam Deck’s modest specifications.
Performance Showdown: ROG Ally Dominates
In a head-to-head comparison, the ROG Ally outshines the Steam Deck with its blazing speed. Surging ahead by over 50% in performance tests, the ROG Ally’s Turbo mode propels it even further, reaching up to 30W with the charger plugged in. While the Steam Deck holds its ground at 15W, the ROG Ally’s prowess becomes undeniable. However, the Steam Deck’s 1080p display narrows the performance gap, showcasing its resilience in demanding gaming scenarios.
The Rise and Fall of Performance
Despite initial promises, recent updates have brought performance regressions to the ROG Ally. Subsequent BIOS updates have failed to enhance its capabilities, leading to concerns among users. The device’s performance decline, especially when compared to the Steam Deck, raises questions about the impact of software updates on its overall efficiency.
Windows 11 vs. SteamOS: The Operating System Dilemma
A pivotal distinction between the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck lies in their operating systems. While the Steam Deck relies on Valve’s SteamOS, the ROG Ally embraces Windows 11. Each system offers unique advantages and drawbacks, shaping the user experience. SteamOS provides a streamlined interface tailored for gaming, yet grapples with persistent bugs. In contrast, Windows 11 grants access to a broader range of games and services, addressing compatibility issues faced by SteamOS users.
The Verdict: ROG Ally’s Triumph
In the realm of handheld gaming supremacy, the ROG Ally emerges as a formidable contender. With enhanced performance, extended game support, and a superior display, the ROG Ally stands as a premium choice for gaming enthusiasts. However, the Ryzen Z1 model falls short in comparison to the Steam Deck, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right variant based on individual preferences. As the gaming landscape evolves, the ROG Ally’s position remains strong, offering a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck.
FAQs
- Is ROG Ally worth upgrading from Steam Deck? The recent performance regressions in the ROG Ally suggest that upgrading may not be necessary at this time.
- How much is the ROG Ally? The ROG Ally with Z1 Extreme is priced at $700, with occasional discounts available.
- How long does the Asus ROG Ally battery last? Battery life varies based on usage, with up to two hours in demanding gaming scenarios.
