Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally?
I'm interested in buying one of the new PC gaming handhelds, and I'm torn. If I went for the Steam Deck I'd be buying the 512GB version, so the price difference between it and the ASUS is only about £50/£100 more. The ASUS seems to do a lot better in benchmarks, has a nicer screen, and comes with Windows 11. I love Linux but there's several games I'd want to play on it that the anti cheat just won't work with Linux. I know you can dual boot the Steam Deck, so that could also be an option. The main thing that is making the decision more difficult is that the Steam Deck has touchpads, and the ASUS apparantly has inferior thumbsticks and D-pad. But then again the ASUS is sleeker and lighter, so potentially more portable? Sorry for the ramble, I just wanted to express my thoughts so far, and hear what you all think. Help me decide!
Not to sound like a fanboy, but I'd go with the Steam Deck purely based on the fact that it's guaranteed to get lots of support for the foreseeable future. This includes software updates and developer incentive to make sure games work on it.
Yes! Here's the problem with the Ally: ASUS is a company that sells you hardware. They make their money when you buy the Ally and not after. Valve sells the SteamDeck basically at cost, and they make their money when you buy games. If ASUS wants to make more money, how do they do it? They make an Ally 2 and give it some advantages to make you want to buy it. If Valve wants to make more money, they need to make sure you're still having a good time with the SteamDeck so that you'll want to buy games.
I could easily imagine these two different motivations leading to two completely different experiences for the user. ASUS is not incentivized to continue supporting the Ally when the Ally 2 comes out, and, if this product category is successful, you can bet that will be pretty soon. Valve is incentivized to keep the SteamDeck love coming for a long time to come.
But isn't this basically a Linux machine? It's going to get updates for all of time if it runs the steam deck OS right?
The Ally? No, it runs Windows. Windows will get updates, but not the Ally-specific software on top.
The Deck? Actually even more no, updates are pushed by Valve. Even if you use pacman instead of the SteamOS update mechanism, it uses Valve's snapshotted mirror of Arch repos, which are only updated on Valve's schedule.
Interesting, I thought it ran steam OS. I don't know why anyone would buy it without.
Exactly this. I view this the same as the Raspberry Pi versus almost every other single board computer. You can get more performance and a better price but you lose the critical mass community. If you're willing to do a lot of finagling to get the less common device working, go for it. For anyone wanting to just use pre-canned solutions to common problems, get the Pi/Steam Deck.
This is completely valid. The core of the matter is that unlike Asus or the other manufacturers who are making PC hardware in this form factor are not put together to provide the support that Valve does. If you buy the ROG Ally or others like it there is going to be a small amount of support for a short while after they start selling it, but to get continued support after that you will have to purchase a replacement device, which doesn’t guarantee that the software will be dramatically better in that iteration.
The Steam Deck is a good value based on the hardware alone, but the software on it and the frankly otherwise unheard of amount of effort they put into it makes it absolutely invaluable.
Yeah, there's definitely going to be support. Steam OS is built from the ground up to be a UI for these kinds of devices and it works quite well. The big downside being it doesn't tie into competing storefronts. I did hear rumours of a native windows implementation which could be quite competent assuming it doesn't try and force use of the Microsoft store.
I also think I would miss the trackpads in other handheld devices, they've been invaluable for more UI based games where the analogue sticks would be annoying to use. The performance benefits the ROG ally has are notable, and it won't have issues with proton not being 100% perfect yet which might be important to some people.
I can't speak to the qualities of the devices themselves, but I've personally not had a great experience with ASUS, particularly with their software being terrible. They don't have a great repuation for customer service either, as far as I'm aware, so this is something I'd keep in mind if I were looking at buying one of these two.
I see the appeal of ROG Ally. It is the first one after Steam Deck that I would consider buying - it has good power/price ratio. Yet I would still go for Steam Deck. Two reasons: 1) I'm long time Linux user and I love to support Valve's decision to do Linux PC and SteamOS (so this is just personal reason); 2) I have heard and read multiple times that ROG Ally doesn't have that great of user experience - Windows are not ready to be made portable in this kind of sense and Asus can't develop Windows to their liking, so Ally depends on Microsoft and how they approach this new challenge. ¨
Oh, and one thing - Steam Deck can allegedly go much lower in brightness which I actually love when playing before sleep in the bed, it really doesn't strain my eyes.
To sum it up:
Ally = great power/price, Windows (little to no problems with compatibility)
Steam Deck = overall user experience, lower price (lower power though)
FWIW, you can install Windows on the Steam Deck. It doesn’t include the license, of course, and the experience with Windows is also vastly inferior on devices like this, but it’s absolutely possible. IIRC Valve actually had to write some of the drivers for it since the chip on it is a custom job.
I know you can. But it was designed Linux-first, which is what I like about it.
Does the sound in Windows work yet? I know the built-in speakers/headphones jack didn't work due to non-exostent drivers. At least Windows people got graphics drivers so they ca actually run games on it. Also I heard suspend isn't as good as on SteamOS. But that's what I heard, I haven't tried Windows on Steam Deck and I don't plan to.
Last I had heard everything worked fine on Windows, but I personally wouldn't waste my time testing it out.
Windows is famously bad at suspend on every system.
I find myself emulating on the deck more than actual games. Use my PC which also runs Linux for gaming. Bought the deck mostly to support valve push Linux gaming but I use it here and there.
This is the thing - I want to use it about 70/30 for emulation, but I still just can't justify spending $400-$600 USD on an emulator machine. I have a good laptop (as in, can run modern console releases which shan't be named but rhyme with Fears of the Fingdom) but it's really inconvenient to have to pull it out, pull out my charger, plug it in, whip out a controller, get everything booted, start playing, then have to do the reverse. Especially if I'm just on break at work. I'd love to just whip it out and start playing whatever I feel like playing.
But I just can't justify spending the money on it and my head hurts from constantly debating it.
I honestly had no idea that Switch emulation was so good until that nameless game of yours came out. I kept seeing all these videos on YouTube that my husband was watching and it took me a while to realize why their games looked slightly nicer and so much more smooth.
That's definitely what I think of it as, I just have emulated a lot more recently than I've played native apps. It being connected to my Steam library is a huge draw, it's just hard to spend money - but I definitely have been on the idea that it's either the $400 with SD card or the $500 (and still get the SD anyway because the extra space is valuable). Just depends on if I ever get the mentality to buy it.
I do actually have plenty of tools, and I've done plenty of niche repairs on electronics, so I'm not afraid to break into it or anything. I'm not super worried about the screen either, anti-glare is nice and all, but I'm also all for saving a buck.
Honestly it's more of just being hard to justify because I grew up broke and don't like spending money on myself, but I'm more and more genuinely thinking I'll do it soon enough. Appreciate the NVMe recommendation as well - I haven't used Sabrent, but that's a good deal for sure!
I have the 64GB model and upgraded to a 1TB internal SSD myself for significant cost savings so can confirm it works. About a 20 minute job if you go slow and have all the tools you need right by you. The deck seems to be designed pretty modular so lots of options to customize and lots of guides online to help you out.
I will say that some people have problems getting the thermal cover moved from the old drive to the new one, but my thermal cover just had a glued seam I could gently pull open and then wrap around the new drive.
Only the 512GB model includes a nicer screen. And looks like there are options to maybe even upgrade that on the base models in the future. https://www.pcgamer.com/the-first-aftermarket-steam-deck-screen-upgrade-is-here-but-it-sure-seems-like-a-bad-idea/
Overall I love my deck and some games, like Vampire Survivors, I vastly prefer on there. I also partitioned off the drive so I could dual boot Windows and bought a little dock for it so I can use it as a regular PC in a pinch when traveling.
What systems are you looking to emulate? I know you mentioned TOTK on your laptop, but if it's anything up to - say - Dreamcast, then there are plenty pocketable, budget handhelds out there. While the Steam Deck is a great catch-all in that regard, I wouldn't buy it just for emulation (although I do consider $400 a bargain for what you get).
The primary reason, for me, was simply having access to my Steam library on a handheld for no extra cost. Gone are the days of buying ludicriously expensive Switch ports. It adds up. I've used it for some PS3, PS2, GameCube, Wii, WiiU, etc., but anything older I play on my Miyoo Mini or RG405M, which are easy pick up and play devices.
Definitely Switch emulation is the highest level of it - though I've been known to emulate almost anything. The other big thing is that it does still have access to my Steam Library (all, like 600 games) so it would be a really good thing to just have handy. I mostly emulate, but it's not exclusively that.
That's part of why I'm so torn, especially because $400 is an amazing deal even if I have to invest in a high capacity microSD card
I have just over 600 games on Steam myself. In my case it completely usurped my Switch, at least with respect to third-party titles. In the long run it's saved me a lot of money between sales, buying keys, Humble Bundles, games just costing less on PC in general, already owning the game, or if you're super stuck... Arr!!!
I got mine Q3 last year and I'd say it's where I've spent the majority of my time gaming, even though I have a dedicated PC, other consoles, etc.. It's also gotten me to play many a game from said library I otherwise wouldn't be interested in playing at my desk. It's also cool to just install something like Left 4 Dead and be playing that on a handheld. That never gets old!
For me I'd say it's about 40/60 Emulation/Games on my Deck. I've found it works very well for me with platformers, side scrollers, and metroidvania games that I don't usually enjoy playing at my computer desk. And being able to play vast catalogs of PS2, GameCube, DS, and other old games via emulators is a great boon to my clearing of items off my great video game backlog checklist.
What did Asus do with their motherboards?
Disclaimer: As an owner of the Steam Deck, I am biased.
Personally, the aggressive "The ROG Ally is the Steam Deck killer!" marketing backed up by at times dubious if not outright misleading claims has... let's say dampened my enthusiasm, which is especially disappointing given that it is apparently a very competent device without needing to resort to dishonest marketing.
Ultimately, I still prefer the Steam Deck for all the reasons outlined by the other comments here, and because my game library mostly doesn't have high spec requirements and has a good compatibility with Linux, so I do not need the performance increase that the Ally brings to the table. Definitely something to consider if your games do call for higher specs, though. Additionally, I use my Steam Deck as a mobile computer and not just a gaming device, and I believe the Deck's controller layout, especially its dual touchpads, lends itself better to it.
Steam deck - just the base community support outshines the ally.
The state of ASUS support is also best left unsaid - absolutely shambolic and likely to result in much frustration, if any resolution at all
Echoing what others have said; long-term support is important, both from the company producing the device and from the community. The Steam Deck is part of Valve's core business now, whereas the ROG Ally is probably never going to be ASUS' core business.
The ROG Ally is a very strong contender to the Steam Deck. I have a Steam Deck myself and the while Windows can work, it's extremely finicky at times. You might spend longer trying to get a game to work on Windows than actually playing the game. I did play Modern Warfare II with minimal issues though. The touch pads are extremely nice and if you plan on playing games that heavily make use of a cursor, they can be much better than the thumbsticks. All in all, if you want games to just work, you should look at the Ally more. If you don't mind tinkering a little bit for a little more flexibility and support then maybe the Deck is better for you.
What issues did you have getting Windows on the Deck? I didn't encounter any at all and haven't had any issues with any of the games I installed on the Windows side.
I haven't used Windows on my Deck in a few months but SWICD would work for a while then it wouldn't. Some games worked fine but trying to play Xbox Game Pass games worked about half of the time out of the box. Steam games generally worked fine but anything outside of Steam was a hassle generally
Will you be using this at home or on the go mostly? I read that battery life is commensurately lower on the ally since it is more powerful. Might be another factor if your primary goal is out of the house usage.
It sounds like it's better than it was at launch and still might improve more, but the steam deck has an edge in that direction
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/31/23743656/asus-rog-ally-battery-life-launch-galip-fu-interview
I'm weighing the same options currently. I got my steam deck only recently and I have a rog ally coming to me now, but I have to say that I like the steam deck so much that I've debated cancelling the rog ally a few times, but I missed the deadline before it was shipped. I'm so impressed with how well the steam deck handles games, from Hogwarts Legacy to Diablo 4 (which you can add as a non-steam game), that I don't think I need much else. My use cases are mostly around traveling, which the steam deck does surprisingly well.
As someone with a 512GB steam deck, I'd actually highly recommend you get one of the cheaper models and just pop a high capacity SD card into it. Something I didn't consider when buying mine was that most of the games that work well and feel good on the Steam Deck are relatively small. I've gotten a lot of use out of mine both playing steam games and emulated games, and I still have a ton of space left over even without deleting things. Just something to consider.
The anti glare screen on the top model is definitely a factor for me as well though. I'd potentially want to use it outside sometimes.
Oh in that case, that's super reasonable. Unfortunate that the anti glare screen is only on the top end model!
Matte screen protectors are also available on Amazon; I put one on my 256 and it's been great. Was reticent to get the mid level due to the lack of it, but no regrets after getting the third party one.
I personally trust Valve much more than Asus to put their expertise towards Proton and upstream it to Wine (therefore benefiting everyone).
I personally would still go Steam Deck unless you are trying to get the best AAA performance and will play plugged in a majority of the time to use the higher TDP settings. The Steam Deck has a lot of customization options. Plus, the sleep mode on the Steam Deck is great for suspending games. It has over a year of polish now at this point too.
The Ally looks really promising, but I couldn't live without the flexibility that Steam Input gives me. The grip buttons are great, the trackpads are a great addition and something as simple as touch detection on the thumbsticks makes such a big difference that I don't even wanna use a regular controller, much less one I can't even swap out. Raw performance is better on the Ally, sure, but I have the deck as a mobile gaming system, not a mobile gaming system. Big difference. Most of the games I play on there are simple enough that the Steam Deck more than keeps up, and even if I wanna run an AAA game on there, like, say, Returnal or Atomic Heart, it performs admirably.
The answer is: depends.
If you're after performance and visuals alone, ROG Ally. Ally also has the added benefit of being able to run Linux hostile games like Valorant (although I don't think it'd play well on Ally, but you could).
If you're after a polished, console like experience and don't really care about games like the one mentioned above not working; Deck. It'll also act better as a controller due to it's addition of touchpads and whatnot.
Personally, I'd go with Deck. That's because I don't trust Asus with software, which determines the entire experience you'll get. Also, I really like Linux and would love if Microsoft had a real compatitor on the market again.
If your looking to strictly use windows then go with the ROG.
I have a 512GB Steam Deck and couldn't be happier. I put Win10 on a 512GB MicroSD and had no problems doing so, getting it to update, or with any games getting installed.
I use the Linux side for Deck compatibles and console emulation, the Windows side for GOG, Epic, and Twitch (now Amazon) games/launchers.
I don't like touchpads at all and I'd be fine if the deck didn't even come with them. I abhor laptops for the same reason (among others). If the Ally and Deck had launched at the same time and ASUS had a well known support system I might have gone with the Ally instead, but a good part of the Deck experience is Valve's pretty top notch support/service.
Out of curiosity, are you looking at the 512GB Steam Deck due to the screen or just the storage? If just the storage, have you considered replacing the SSD yourself?
It seems daunting at first, but between iFixit's guide and videos available on how to go through that, I've done it twice now without any issues and would recommend it if you want to save some up front money to then spend on games ;) (just remember to remove any microsd cards installed before you open it up).
I'm considering it both for the extra storage and the anti glare screen. I wouldn't be opposed to replacing the SSD myself, that's a good idea! But I don't know how well I'd get on with a glossy screen, especially if I want to use it outside.
That’s fair re outside, you might be able to get away with an anti glare screen protector if you wanted to give that a shot? I haven’t ended up really using mine outside as it’d need the brightness cranked up and shorten battery life too much away from a charger for me.
I have a colossal bias against using windows and I've grown used to not having every game work (well over a decade of MacOS and then switched to linux) so the steam deck makes it feel like I can play anything rather than being limiting.
If you already have a gaming desktop then get the steamdeck and just live with the fact that you have to play some games on the desktop.
If you have no desktop and you're looking at using it as a desktop docked plus handheld on the go... ROG Ally.
ROG Ally cons
shitty software for basic device settings (SD makes this stuff easy)
suspend
TDP limit only goes down to 15w
Windows desktop... SteamOS doesn't default to desktop mode for a reason
no trackpads (you may or may not care)
Steam Deck cons
cooling/fan noise isn't as good; ROG Ally is supposed to have better cooling hands down
Ally visually looks better/sleeker
less performance/15w max
docked using it as a desktop computer it feels like its only just barely up to the task of running games on my 1080p screen
Side note. When handheld I almost exclusively run my deck TDP limited to 10w mainly for thermals.