Key Takeaways
- Asus has unveiled the ROG Ally, a new handheld gaming device that competes directly with Valve's popular Steam Deck.
- The $700 Ally model offers impressive specifications, including an AMD Z1 Extreme APU, 512GB of SSD storage, and 16GB RAM, making it a strong competitor to the Steam Deck.
- The ROG Ally boasts a superior screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 120Hz and is 61 grams lighter than the Steam Deck.
- While the device has been well-received for its overall design and ergonomics, its battery life remains a significant concern, given its powerful specs and competitive pricing.
- The handheld gaming market is experiencing significant growth, and the competition between devices such as the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck will drive further advancements in the industry.
Asus has recently unveiled the ROG Ally, its entry into the handheld gaming market, with the device set to compete directly with Valve’s popular Steam Deck. Boasting impressive specifications and a competitive price tag of $700, the Asus ROG Ally has captured the attention of gamers and industry experts alike.
Asus ROG Ally: An Impressive Package
The Asus ROG Ally offers a Windows 11 operating system and is powered by an AMD Z1 Extreme APU.
There are also indications that a lower-spec version of the Ally may be available at an even more affordable price point, potentially positioning it as a strong competitor to the entry-level $400 Steam Deck.
The $700 Ally model comes with 512GB of SSD storage and 16GB RAM, matching the storage capacity of the most expensive Steam Deck variant.
Both devices feature 7-inch screens, but the Ally’s screen resolution is a superior 1920 x 1080 at 120Hz, compared to the Steam Deck’s 1280 x 800 resolution at 60Hz.
In terms of processing power, the Ally boasts a Zen 4 processor and an RDNA 3 graphics unit, whereas the Steam Deck is equipped with a Zen 2 processor and an RDNA 2 graphics unit.
Despite these superior specifications, the Ally manages to be 61 grams lighter than the Steam Deck.
Enhanced Gaming Experience and Ergonomics
Asus has designed the ROG Ally with a traditional control setup, featuring two analog sticks, a d-pad, four primary face buttons, and triggers.
The device has been well-received in hands-on tests by tech journalists, and early reviews have praised the handheld’s overall design and ergonomics.
Asus has recently unveiled the ROG Ally, its entry into the handheld gaming market, with the device set to compete directly with Valve’s popular Steam Deck. Boasting impressive specifications and a competitive price tag of $700, the Asus ROG Ally has captured the attention of gamers and industry experts alike.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
One significant concern with the Asus ROG Ally is its battery life, given the device’s powerful specs and competitive pricing.
It remains to be seen whether the handheld can provide a satisfactory gaming experience without draining its battery too quickly.
In comparison, the Steam Deck is known for consuming considerable power when running demanding games at higher settings.
When it comes to charging, the ROG Ally is said to charge from 0 to 50 percent in just 30 minutes using the included 65W USB-C power brick.
The Steam Deck’s charging time is slower, but Valve has stated that this is an intentional design choice to preserve the longevity of the battery.
The Future of Handheld Gaming
The handheld gaming market has experienced significant growth, thanks to the success of devices like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck.
As more companies, such as Asus, enter the market with innovative products, consumers will have a wider variety of options to choose from, fostering competition and driving further advancements in the industry.
Awaiting the Full Reveal and Final Verdict
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme models are set to be fully unveiled on May 11. While the device appears to be a strong contender against Valve’s Steam Deck, its ultimate success will depend on key factors such as price, battery life, performance, and storage capacity.
With the full reveal just around the corner, the handheld gaming market is poised for an exciting showdown between these two devices.
The outcome of this competition will determine whether the ROG Ally can successfully challenge the Steam Deck and secure its place in the rapidly expanding handheld gaming market.
