Asus has recently released its first handheld PC, the ROG Ally, which boasts AMD’s latest Ryzen Z1 Extreme mobile processor. This new device aims to provide a high-performance gaming experience while on the go. Given its impressive specifications, we wanted to see how well it stacks up against the highly anticipated Steam Deck.
First, let’s delve into the specs. The ROG Ally is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. It comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and a 1440p 7.2-inch OLED screen. In comparison, the Steam Deck has an AMD Ryzen APU with RDNA 2 graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 512GB of onboard storage. The display is slightly smaller, at 7 inches, but with a 1280×800 resolution.
In performance benchmarks, the ROG Ally obtained impressive scores, delivering top-notch gaming performance with triple-A titles running smoothly at high graphics settings. As for battery life, the ROG Ally has a 90Wh battery, which can last up to 5 hours of gameplay with the performance mode enabled. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck’s battery life is estimated to last between 2-8 hours, depending on the usage and game’s demands.
Another feature that sets the ROG Ally apart from the Steam Deck is its design. The Ally has an ergonomic design with a built-in kickstand, allowing users to adjust the screen to their desired angle. It also has two touchpads on the back, similar to the Nintendo Switch, which provides additional control options for games that require touch input. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has a traditional handheld console design with built-in thumbsticks and a D-pad.
In terms of storage capacity, the ROG Ally comes with 512GB of onboard storage. Still, it also has an additional MicroSD card slot that can be used to expand storage capacity up to 2TB. The Steam Deck, however, only has onboard storage, with no options to expand.
In conclusion, the ROG Ally delivers impressive gaming performance and stands out with its ergonomic design and additional touchpad controls. The Steam Deck may have a more traditional handheld console design, but the ROG Ally excels in providing a more versatile gaming experience. With the added bonus of expandable storage, the ROG Ally is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a top-performing portable gaming experience.
