In the world of handheld PC gaming, a new contender has emerged with the release of the Asus ROG Ally, offering stiff competition to Valve’s Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally is now available for purchase, exclusively at Best Buy.
Distinguishing itself from its competitors, the Asus ROG Ally operates as a full-fledged Windows machine. This means that users can run virtually any game on Steam, as well as popular games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Destiny 2, which are not supported by the Steam Deck. The device also promises less hassle in running games from various launchers such as Epic Games Store, Battlenet, and more.
Priced at $50 more than the top-tier Steam Deck configuration, the Asus ROG Ally provides superior power and flexibility, giving gamers more bang for their buck. Despite this, it doesn’t necessarily mean a better overall user experience. Since the initial review, Ally’s software has been updated, eliminating some of the previous issues.
The Ally features a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme processor. A less powerful Z1 model is slated for release in Q3, priced at $599.99. Running on the Windows 11 operating system, the Ally allows players to load their games from various sources such as the Epic Games Store, Steam, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and others, offering a gaming experience similar to that of a gaming laptop or PC. This is a significant advantage over the Steam Deck, which requires additional steps to run games from non-Steam launchers due to its Linux-based SteamOS.
The Ally’s compatibility with Windows also ensures seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass, which includes hundreds of games, including first-party Microsoft titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and the forthcoming Starfield, due in September.
The Asus ROG Ally is not without its drawbacks, however. Unlike the Steam Deck, the Ally does not always allow games to be suspended and the display to be turned off. Moreover, it lacks the trackpads that are present on the Steam Deck.
Conclusion
for those seeking a powerful and relatively affordable Windows gaming handheld, the Asus ROG Ally is a strong choice. It offers an impressive balance of power and affordability, allowing gamers to play their favorite PC games on the go.