If the Steam Deck gives you a weird vibe with its limited game launcher access, the Asus ROG Ally might be what you need. It’s like, hey, I’m a full-on PC you can tote around. No need to wrestle with Linux. Which is kinda nice if you’re not into that, right?
And suddenly, the Steam Deck isn’t the lone wolf anymore. Enter Asus ROG Ally—like, bam! First real contender against Valve’s pride and joy. Running on Windows 11? Yeah, that’s a game-changer right there. The Deck tries to tie you down to Steam like it’s the only show in town. Unless, of course, you’re some Linux wizard. But the Ally? It’s a free spirit. Epic? Xbox Game Pass? Bam, bam. Everything’s ready for you, no sneaky workarounds. Even Steam!
Now, the Ally’s got the muscle to back it up. Packing an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with an AMD Radeon graphics card. I mean, it’s kinda wild for a portable, you know? It chews through games like it’s nothing. Mostly. Had a few hiccups while testing it, but tweaking settings helped. Plus, it’s lighter than the Deck, so your hands don’t feel like they’ve been lifting weights after a session. Handy, if you ask me.
But, okay, let’s spill the tea on some downsides. That lightweight vibe? It’s great until it feels a little…cheap. Like, plastic city compared to the premium feel of the Deck. A bit too much “toy” when you’re expecting “gadget.” And the stand? Flew in from Flimsy Town. Also, don’t get me started on battery life. Two hours, maybe three if you’re doing desktop stuff? Deck offers more chill time, even if it’s not winning awards either.
Couple other things ticked me off too. Like, no carrying case? Really, at seven hundred bucks, it feels wrong. Especially since Steam Deck throws in one no sweat. And those back buttons? Seemed like they played hide and seek a bit too low. But hey, different strokes, am I right?
So, which beast to choose? Honestly, it’s your call. Want accessibility, a beefy game library, and hardcore performance? Ally all the way. Want something with a deluxe touch, simpler OS, and for hitting the road with a nicer battery? Steam Deck’s your buddy. Both have their own mojo, and whatever you pick, you’re getting something pretty special.
