The ROG Ally X is the follow-up to ASUS’ handheld gaming PC from last year, and it comes with enough features that make it a compelling option even over the Steam Deck.
While handheld gaming PCs have been a thing for years, Valve’s Steam Deck arguably set the standard for the segment. As such, any new device in the market is inevitably compared to it.
Last year’s ROG Ally was already an intriguing option for gamers who want a Windows device. Now, ASUS’ new contender might just convince new buyers to go with the Ally X instead of the Steam Deck. Its features might also convince some to make the switch.
Of course, that’s not to say that the Steam Deck is no longer recommended as this device is still the standard for handhelds, especially for players who have most of their games on Steam. But it’s fair to say that the ROG Ally X does a couple of things better than the Steam Deck.
So, if you’re in the market for a new gaming handheld, here are five things that the ROG Ally X does better than Valve’s signature device.
ASUS’ ROG Ally X Still has Max Performance
With the arrival of the Steam Deck OLED came a new 6nm AMD APU that offers better performance than the first generation. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X is powered by the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor as last year’s ROG Ally.
Even though the processor isn’t new, the ROG Ally X should still outperform the Steam Deck OLED when plugged in. This is thanks to the fact that the Ally X’s processor can run with a max TDP of 30W in its Turbo Mode. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED is limited to just 15W, meaning even when plugged in, Valve’s handheld just isn’t as powerful.
Sure, you’d want to only stick with the 15W Performance mode on the Ally X when on battery power (given how fast Turbo mode will drain the battery), but for users who want to do all their PC gaming on one device, the Ally X can be a better option, especially if they’re at home and want to play on higher settings while plugged in (when connecting to a TV for example).
The ROG Ally X Screen is Faster and Higher-Res
Last year’s ROG Ally was a pretty nice handheld, and with the latest model, ASUS ROG retained the 7-inch screen that has a Full HD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
For the new Steam Deck OLED, Valve went with an OLED screen that has vibrant colors, though it still only has a 90Hz refresh rate. What’s more, its resolution is still only 720p.
Of course, which is better depends on a player’s preference. But for those who want a faster screen with higher resolution, the ROG Ally X is no doubt the winner. After all, even in the gaming handheld category, a 1080p screen looks much sharper than a 720p display.
As a bonus, the ROG went big as it doubled the Ally X’s battery to 80Whrs from 40Whrs. Thanks to this, the Ally X is now a great choice for gaming on the go.
Even when playing in Performance mode and at 1080p, you should be able to run even triple-A games for around 3 hours before running out of battery. You can go longer if you run on Silent Mode and play less demanding games.
More Games and Launchers on the ROG Ally X
Technically, you can run Windows on the Steam Deck, though it’s a bit of a hassle to run, not to mention that you’ll need a license. That’s not an issue with the Ally X as it runs Windows 11 out of the box.
Sure, Windows 11 still needs improvements before it can match the polish and usability of SteamOS, but the flip side is that having Windows means you have a wealth of launcher options.
With the Steam Deck, you’re pretty much stuck with your Steam library. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X means you have access to all other launchers, including Xbox, Epic Games, GOG, and more. This is definitely nice to have for players who have games on their Epic account (thanks to Epic’s free offers) or a PC Game Pass subscription. Again, the key here is more flexibility.
That’s not even counting the fact that some games are not compatible with the Steam Deck, including titles like Destiny 2.
The ROG Ally X is Still a Better Desktop Replacement
Again, the Windows experience could still use polish, but the fact that the Ally X runs on Windows means it’s a compelling desktop replacement. After all, if you have a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, you can very much use an Ally X as your desktop. Given that its performance is akin to an entry-level gaming laptop, you can do work or even some light content creation when using it as a desktop.
It also helps now that the Ally X has two USB Type-C ports instead of just one on last year’s model. Thanks to this, you can keep the device plugged in while having the other one reserved for a USB hub with connections for display and peripherals. For reference, the Steam Deck OLED still only has one USB Type-C part.
The Steam Deck Still Lacks Official Support in Many Countries
Perhaps the biggest dealbreaker for many when it comes to buying a Steam Deck is the lack of official support. For instance, Valve’s handheld is not officially available in the Philippines. Of course, while you can order a Steam Deck even in unsupported countries, you’ll be hard-pressed to have it serviced if you run into some issues.
Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X has wide availability. So, if you’re in the Philippines, if you buy an Ally X, you should be able to have it fixed or looked at if some issues pop up. Having a proper warranty and a service center is still very much an important thing to have, especially for tech which you plan to use daily.
ROG Ally X – Price and Availability in the Philippines
Thanks to its performance and battery life, the ROG Ally X is a more powerful and longer-lasting handheld gaming PC option. Coupled with the fact that it runs on Windows for compatibility and desktop replacement duties, the Ally X is no doubt a solid Steam Deck alternative.
The ROG Ally X is priced in the Philippines at PHP 56,995. As a bonus each purchase comes with a complimentary 3-month PC Game Pass subscription, the ASUS 4A Quality and Service warranty package, and the ASUS Preventive Maintenance Service
Given that support for these devices is key, it’s recommended to buy from official ROG stores so you can get the aforementioned warranty and maintenance packages. Click here to find out where to buy the ROG Ally X officially.