Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: Which Handheld Console Wins?

Hardware Specifications Comparison

Performance Analysis

CPU and GPU

• ASUS ROG Ally leads with a more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, which has double the cores and threads of the Steam Deck, plus a newer GPU architecture (RDNA 3 vs RDNA 2).
• Steam Deck is optimized for its hardware via SteamOS, narrowing the gap in real-world gaming for many titles, especially at native resolution.

Gaming Benchmarks (1080p where possible)

• ROG Ally excels in high-end AAA titles, especially when leveraging FSR/XeSS/other upscaling.
• Steam Deck performs well at its native 800p, often requiring lower settings for smooth gameplay.
• For indie and less demanding games, both offer a smooth experience.

Display Quality

• ROG Ally offers a sharper, brighter, and smoother display, ideal for fast-paced and visually rich games.
• Steam Deck‘s 16:10 aspect ratio is great for games that benefit from extra vertical space.

Software Ecosystem & User Experience

Steam Deck

• SteamOS: Linux-based, tailored for gaming with a console-like UI.
• Proton Layer: Enables running most Windows games seamlessly.
• Limitations: Occasional compatibility hiccups with anti-cheat, non-Steam titles require workarounds.
• Modding/Sideloading: Easy to add emulators, non-Steam games, and customizations.
• Game Mode/Desktop Mode: Switch between console UI and full Linux desktop for flexibility.

Example: Adding Non-Steam Games

1. In Desktop Mode, open Steam and click “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
2. Browse to the game’s executable and add it.
3. Return to Game Mode; the game appears in your library.

ASUS ROG Ally

• Windows 11: Full PC experience; runs any Windows game or launcher (Epic, GOG, Xbox, etc.).
• Versatility: Install productivity apps, use as a regular PC.
• Armoury Crate SE: Centralized software for performance profiles, game library, and settings.
• Drawbacks: Windows UI is not optimized for touch or handheld controls; requires configuration for best experience.

Example: Creating a Handheld-Friendly Game Launcher

1. Install a third-party launcher like Playnite.
2. Configure controller navigation (Settings → Extensions → Controller Support).
3. Add all your game libraries (Steam, GOG, Epic, etc.).

Battery Life

• Both devices have similar battery capacity and battery life.
• ROG Ally‘s higher performance can drain the battery faster at high settings.
• Steam Deck offers more aggressive TDP and performance settings for battery optimization.

Tip: Extending Battery Life

• Lower screen brightness.
• Enable frame rate or TDP limits in system settings.
• Use AMD FSR (on Deck) or Radeon Super Resolution (on Ally) for upscaling at lower internal resolution.

Expandability and Accessories

• ROG Ally can connect to ASUS XG Mobile eGPUs for desktop-class performance.
• Both support external displays, controllers, keyboards, and mice via USB-C/BT.

Price & Value

• Steam Deck offers a lower entry price, especially for the 64 GB model.
• ROG Ally is priced closer to the higher-end Steam Deck and offers more raw power and a better screen for the money.

Practical Recommendations

• For Console Simplicity and Steam Integration: Steam Deck is ideal, with a streamlined interface, strong community support, and easy modding/emulation.
• For Ultimate Performance and Flexibility: ROG Ally is superior for users wanting Windows ecosystem access, higher performance, and a premium display, at the cost of a more complex setup.

Quick Setup: Running Emulators

Steam Deck

1. Install EmuDeck via emudeck.com.
2. Follow prompts to install and configure emulators.
3. Add ROMs; EmuDeck auto-populates Steam library entries.

ROG Ally

1. Download and install RetroArch or EmuDeck for Windows.
2. Add ROMs and configure controllers in the emulator UI.
3. Optionally, add shortcuts to Playnite or Armoury Crate.

Firmware Updates & Community Support

• Steam Deck: Frequent updates via Valve, vibrant modding and support community, integrated bug reporting.
• ROG Ally: Regular BIOS and software updates from ASUS, growing but less centralized community, more reliance on Windows troubleshooting.

Summary Table: Best Use Cases