Choosing between the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED can be a tough decision for any gamer. Both devices have garnered attention for their capabilities, but there are important differences that may sway your decision one way or the other. Having spent considerable time with both, I’ve developed my own insights and preferences. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of each, along with my personal take on which one is worth your time and money, depending on your gaming needs.
The Immediate Difference: Battery Life
Let’s get one of the most glaring differences out of the way first—battery life. If you’re hoping for a gaming experience where you can lounge around for hours without plugging in, neither of these devices will give you that freedom in every situation. However, one of them does perform better than the other.
The Steam Deck OLED, with its vibrant screen, has slightly better battery performance, but it’s not a huge leap. Expect around 2-3 hours of intensive gaming before you need to plug in. The Asus ROG Ally, on the other hand, struggles more in this area, especially if you’re running graphically intensive games. You’ll find yourself tethered to an outlet far more often than you might like.
In my experience, the Asus ROG Ally drains at a faster rate when pushing higher settings, even with brightness turned down. On games like Spider-Man or FIFA, I could barely squeeze out an hour of gameplay at high settings before needing to plug in. If you can manage your gaming around frequent charging, then this won’t be a deal breaker, but it’s worth considering.
Portability and Playability: More than Just Size
Despite battery limitations, these devices are marketed as portable gaming solutions. But does portability just mean playing away from home? I’d argue it’s also about the convenience of gaming in different parts of your home or on the go, even if that means you occasionally need a charger nearby.
For a while, I had my Asus ROG Ally set up in various rooms, simply moving the charger around the house. It’s a lighter device compared to the Steam Deck, making it easier to carry. But the bulkier Steam Deck OLED compensates with a better grip and ergonomics, particularly for longer gaming sessions. If you plan to play at a desk or connected to a TV, the weight difference doesn’t matter as much.
When I tested both for extended playtimes, I found the Steam Deck OLED much more comfortable to hold for long stretches. The Asus ROG Ally felt a bit sharper around the edges, and after playing for a while, I noticed some discomfort in my hands. Not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind for those marathon gaming sessions.
Screen Quality: The OLED Factor
Now let’s talk about something both devices get praise for—their screens. The Steam Deck OLED has the clear advantage when it comes to display quality. That OLED screen is an absolute beauty. Blacks are deeper, colors pop, and HDR support means modern games look phenomenal on this display. Playing Resident Evil 4 on the Steam Deck OLED felt immersive, almost like a miniaturized console experience. Even darker scenes were crisp and vivid, which is a testament to OLED technology.
The Asus ROG Ally has a very respectable screen too, but it doesn’t hold up as well next to the OLED. Yes, the Asus screen is bright, has a high refresh rate, and holds its own, but it just lacks that deep contrast and vibrancy. For fast-paced games or anything bright and colorful, you may not notice a significant difference. But once you move into moody, atmospheric titles, you’ll see where the Steam Deck OLED shines.
Performance: Power on Paper and in Practice
In terms of raw performance, the Asus ROG Ally edges out the Steam Deck OLED on paper. It packs a more powerful processor and graphics capabilities, meaning it can run newer and more graphically demanding games slightly better. However, this power comes at a cost—not just in price, but in how it affects usability.
When I put both to the test with modern AAA titles, the Asus ROG Ally handled them better at higher settings, but it also generated a lot more heat. After long sessions, the Asus would noticeably warm up, especially around the exhaust areas. The Steam Deck OLED stayed relatively cooler during similar tests, but performance would dip if I tried to push it too hard on ultra settings.
For most games, both devices do great with medium to high settings, but if you’re someone who needs the highest performance possible, Asus ROG Ally is the stronger contender. That being said, the Steam Deck OLED is more than capable of handling most modern games without major issues.
Operating Systems: Linux vs. Windows
One of the biggest functional differences between these two devices is the operating system. The Steam Deck OLED runs on a Linux-based system known as SteamOS, while the Asus ROG Ally uses Windows 11.
The Steam Deck OLED is very much designed for gaming and is extremely easy to use right out of the box. The SteamOS interface is smooth, intuitive, and built with gamers in mind. If you’re someone who primarily plays Steam games or likes using a dedicated gaming device with little customization needed, SteamOS will feel like a dream. There’s no messing around with drivers or troubleshooting, just download, play, and enjoy.
On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally benefits from the flexibility of Windows 11, making it more than just a gaming device. You can install a wide variety of applications, emulators, or use it like a small, portable PC. However, this freedom comes with the occasional headache—drivers sometimes don’t work right, or certain games may need some tweaking to run smoothly. If you’re tech-savvy, this won’t bother you too much, but if you want a seamless, no-fuss experience, it’s worth noting.
Sound Quality and Miscellaneous Features
If you value sound, the Asus ROG Ally offers a more immersive experience. The speakers are impressive for a handheld device, delivering clear audio with decent bass, which adds a lot to the gaming experience. The Steam Deck OLED is no slouch either, but the sound is less impactful, especially if you’re in a noisy environment.
Another thing to mention is the trackpad on the Steam Deck OLED, a feature that I’ve grown to love. It’s incredibly handy for navigating through the interface or using the device for tasks outside of gaming. Unfortunately, the Asus ROG Ally doesn’t include this, which is a shame because it’s a great little addition that I find myself missing when I switch between the two.
Comparison Table: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Asus ROG Ally | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Shorter battery life, especially with higher settings | Slightly better battery performance overall |
| Portability | Lighter and easier to carry | Bulkier, but better ergonomics for longer sessions |
| Screen Quality | Bright screen with high refresh rate | Vibrant OLED display with deep contrast |
| Performance | More powerful, handles AAA titles well | Strong performance but may struggle with ultra settings |
| Operating System | Windows 11, flexible but occasional driver issues | SteamOS, streamlined for gaming |
| Sound Quality | Excellent speakers, immersive sound | Good, but less impressive sound |
| Miscellaneous Features | No trackpad, but customizable features | Includes handy trackpad for navigation |
Final Thoughts: Which One is for You?
At the end of the day, choosing between the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you value a flexible, PC-like system with more power under the hood, the Asus ROG Ally might be the better fit. It’s great for those who enjoy tinkering, want to run emulators, or use their device for more than just gaming.
On the other hand, if you’re primarily focused on gaming, especially if you’re deep into the Steam ecosystem, the Steam Deck OLED is hard to beat. The screen is gorgeous, the software is polished, and it just works. Plus, it’s better for those who want an easy-to-use, gaming-first handheld with minimal fuss.
In my personal experience, the Steam Deck OLED feels like the better all-around option for pure gaming. The OLED screen is a showstopper, and the device feels more refined. However, for those who want to push the boundaries of handheld gaming and performance, the Asus ROG Ally is a powerful alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked.
