The handheld gaming scene is on fire! I’ve been putting the Asus ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED through their paces, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride.
The Steam Deck OLED is a perfect upgrade from the original Deck, but Asus has released the Rog Ally X as more of an upgrade compare to the original.
If you are looking to buy a PC gaming handheld, which one should you choose?
Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into this portable gaming face-off.
Summary of the Asus ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED
| Feature | Asus ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads) | Custom AMD APU (4 cores, 8 threads) |
| Graphics | AMD RDNA 3 | AMD RDNA 2 |
| Display | 7″ 1080p IPS, 120Hz | 7.4″ 1280×800 OLED, 90Hz |
| TDP | 25W | 15W |
| Storage | 1TB (expandable) | 512GB/1TB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Steam OS |
| Battery | 80Wh | 50Wh |
| Weight | 678g | 640g |
| Price | $799 | $549/$649 |
| Performance (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Display Quality (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Battery Life (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
You can buy your handheld PCs below!
Rog Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED Performance Face-Off: Power vs Efficiency
Let’s dive into the heart of these gaming beasts! The Asus ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED both pack some serious heat under the hood.
First up, the processors.
The ROG Ally X flexes its muscles with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, opts for a custom AMD APU with 4 cores and 8 threads. The Deck is less powerful, but Valve has designed it with efficiency in mind and it uses everything really well.
Now, here’s where things get interesting – the TDP (Thermal Design Power). The ROG Ally X runs at a beefy 25W, while the Steam Deck OLED sips power at 15W.
What does this mean for you?
Well, the ROG Ally X is like a sports car – it’s got the power to burn rubber, but it’ll guzzle more fuel.
I put the Rog Ally X and Steam Deck OLED through their paces with some real-world gaming benchmarks.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: ROG Ally X hit a smooth 57 FPS, while Steam Deck OLED managed a respectable 45 FPS.
Horizon Zero Dawn: ROG Ally X soared to 79 FPS, with Steam Deck OLED trailing at 60 FPS.
Cyberpunk 2077: Both devices struggled a bit, but ROG Ally X maintained a playable 30 FPS, while Steam Deck OLED hovered around 25 FPS.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Steam Deck OLED actually delivered a smoother experience and better frame pacing despite lower average FPS. So, it’s not always about the raw power!
The ROG Ally X is your go-to for maximum performance, but don’t count out the Steam Deck OLED. Its efficiency might surprise you in longer gaming sessions.
Winner: It Depends
Display Showdown: OLED Brilliance vs LCD Clarity
The ROG Ally X rocks a 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a zippy 120Hz refresh rate. It’s like looking through a crystal-clear window into your game world.
On the flip side, the Steam Deck OLED flaunts a 7.4-inch 1280×800 OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s slightly bigger but with a lower resolution. Compared to the original LCD Steam Deck, the OLED version offers a noticeable shift in color schemes and design similarities, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal.
So, which one’s the winner?
Well, it’s not that simple. Let’s break it down:
Color accuracy and contrast: This is where the Steam Deck OLED shines. Those deep blacks and vibrant colors make games pop like you wouldn’t believe. It’s like the difference between watching a movie on your phone vs a high-end TV. The ROG Ally X’s IPS panel is no slouch but can’t match the OLED’s contrast ratio.
Refresh rates: The ROG Ally X takes the cake with its 120Hz display. It’s buttery smooth, especially in fast-paced games. The Steam Deck OLED’s 90Hz is still great, but you might notice the difference if you’re a stickler for smoothness.
Gaming experience: The ROG Ally X’s higher resolution means sharper images, which is great for spotting enemies in the distance. But the Steam Deck OLED’s richer colors can make games feel more immersive.
I tested both with Hades 2, and let me tell you, the Steam Deck OLED made those underworld colors look absolutely otherworldly. But when I switched to a competitive shooter, the ROG Ally X’s crispness gave me a slight edge. The original Steam Deck looks very similar to the Asus handheld.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Do you want razor-sharp clarity and smoothness? Go for the ROG Ally X.
Craving rich, vibrant visuals that pop? The Steam Deck OLED is calling your name.
Winner: It Depends
Battery Life and Portability
The ROG Ally X has an 80Wh battery, while the Steam Deck OLED has a 50Wh battery capacity. You’d think the Ally X would last longer on paper, right?
Well, not so fast!
In my tests, here’s what I found:
Light gaming (Hades 2 at 720p):
ROG Ally X: About 3.5 hours
Steam Deck OLED: Impressive 5 hours
Heavy gaming (Cyberpunk 2077):
ROG Ally X: Just shy of 2 hours
Steam Deck OLED: Around 2.5 hours
The Steam Deck OLED’s efficiency really shines through here. Plus, Valve’s optimization of the Steam OS platform and the lower thermal power usage helps to squeeze more out of the battery life.
Charging
The ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC supports up to 100W fast charging, which can juice it up in about an hour. The Steam Deck OLED, with its 45W charging, takes about 1.5 hours. Both use USB-C.
Portability
As for portability, the Steam Deck OLED weighs in at 640g, while the ROG Ally X weighs 678g.
The Steam Deck OLED feels more comfortable for marathon gaming sessions. Its slightly larger size and thoughtful button placement make it a joy to hold. The ROG Ally X isn’t uncomfortable, but it can feel a bit cramped after a few hours.
If you’re always near a power outlet, the ROG Ally X’s raw power might be worth it. But for true on-the-go gaming, the Steam Deck OLED’s efficiency and comfort give it the edge.
Winner: Steam Deck OLED
Rog Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED: Ergonomics and Controls
When it comes to handheld gaming, comfort is king. After all, you’ll be holding these devices for hours on end. Let’s see how the ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED stack up in the ergonomics department.
Button Layout and Quality
The Steam Deck OLED takes the crown here. Its button layout feels more natural, with everything within easy reach. The analog sticks are precise, and the face buttons have a satisfying click. The ROG Ally X isn’t far behind, but its more compact design means things feel a bit cramped, especially during marathon gaming sessions.
Touchpad and Touchscreen Both devices sport touchscreens, but the Steam Deck OLED’s dual touchpads are awesome. They’re great for games that traditionally require a mouse, like strategy titles. The ROG Ally X lacks these, relying solely on its touchscreen for non-controller input.
Additional Input Options: Both devices feature gyro controls, which are fantastic for fine-tuning your aim in shooters. However, the Steam Deck OLED’s four rear buttons give it an edge for customization. I mapped these to quick saves and inventory management in “Elden Ring,” and it was a total game-changer.
The ROG Ally X is slightly better at pairing Bluetooth keyboards and mice, turning it into a mini PC in a pinch.
After extensive testing, the Steam Deck OLED edges out the ROG Ally X in ergonomics. It’s clear Valve put a lot of thought into how the device feels during long play sessions. It even has better ergonomic grips. The Ally X isn’t uncomfortable by any means, but it’s designed more like a powerful handheld PC than a dedicated gaming device.
Winner: Steam Deck OLED
Gaming Ecosystem: Windows 11 vs Steam OS
It’s not just about the hardware – the software can make or break your gaming experience.
The ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, while the Steam Deck OLED uses the Steam OS operating system. Let’s break that down:
Game library access and compatibility:
ROG Ally X: With Windows 11, you’ve got access to pretty much every PC game under the sun. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG – you name it, you can play it.
Steam Deck OLED: Primarily designed for Steam games, but you can add non-Steam games too. Some Windows-only games might need tinkering to work.
User interface and ease of use:
ROG Ally X: It’s Windows, so if you’re familiar with PCs, you’ll feel right at home. But it can feel a bit clunky for a handheld device.
Steam Deck OLED: Steam OS is built for handheld gaming. It’s slick, intuitive, and gets you into games faster.
Customization and flexibility:
ROG Ally X: You can install any software, tweak to your heart’s content, even use it as a mini PC.
Steam Deck OLED: This is more limited but still customizable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can install a different OS.
The Steam Deck also has a desktop mode which operates like a more traditional PC.
Here’s the kicker:
The ROG Ally X’s flexibility comes at the cost of simplicity. Sometimes you just want to pick up and play, and that’s where Valve’s Steam Deck OLED shines.
In the end, it boils down to this: Do you want a portable gaming PC or a dedicated gaming handheld? Your answer will point you to your perfect match.
Winner: It Depends (In my opinion, the Steam Deck OLED wins)
Price and Value Proposition
These powerhouses don’t come cheap, but are they worth your hard-earned cash?
Cost breakdown:
ROG Ally X (1TB): $799
Steam Deck OLED:
512GB model: $549
1TB model: $649
Compared to the ROG Ally X, you could buy the 1TB Steam Deck OLED and still have enough left over for a couple of AAA games.
But let’s look at the performance-to-price ratio:
ROG Ally X: You’re paying for raw power and flexibility. It’s like buying a high-end gaming laptop in handheld form.
Steam Deck OLED: You’re getting a dedicated gaming device with a gorgeous screen at a more wallet-friendly price.
In terms of frames per dollar, the Steam Deck OLED comes out on top. But remember, the ROG Ally X can do more than just gaming.
Here’s my take:
If you’re a hardcore gamer who wants the best performance and doesn’t mind paying for it, the ROG Ally X is your jam. But if you want the best bang for your buck and a laser-focused device on gaming, the Steam Deck OLED is tough to beat.
Remember, the best value is the one that fits your needs and budget. Don’t just look at the price tag – think about how you’ll use it and what features matter most.
Winner: Steam Deck OLED
Frequently Asked Questions About Asus ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED (FAQs)
Which device has better performance?
The Asus ROG Ally X generally outperforms the Steam Deck OLED due to its more powerful processor and higher TDP. However, the Steam Deck OLED offers better power efficiency.
Can I play PC games on both devices?
Yes, you can play games on both devices. The ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, giving it broader compatibility with PC games, including those that utilize anti-cheat software. The Steam Deck OLED primarily focuses on Steam games but can run other PC games with some tweaking.
Which device has a better display?
The Steam Deck OLED offers superior contrast and color vibrancy due to its OLED technology. The ROG Ally X has a higher resolution and refresh rate but uses an IPS panel.
How does the battery life compare between the two?
The Steam Deck OLED typically offers longer battery life due to its more power-efficient design. The ROG Ally X has a larger battery but also consumes more power.
Which device offers better value for money?
The Steam Deck OLED is generally considered better value, offering a great gaming experience at a lower price point. The ROG Ally X is pricier but offers more raw power and flexibility.
Conclusion
Both the Asus ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED are PC gaming handhelds which bring their A-game to the table.
The ROG Ally X is a powerhouse for those who crave performance and flexibility. On the flip side, the Steam Deck OLED offers a sublime visual experience and better battery life at a more wallet-friendly price.
Your perfect pick?
It boils down to your gaming style and budget. I think the Steam Deck OLED is the best handheld gaming PC available so far. However, the Rog Ally X is much improved over the original Rog Ally, and it’s great to see Asus putting genuine effort into a handheld gaming device with some significant internal upgrades.
Good luck!
