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It could be difficult to choose the ideal handheld for you with so many fantastic options
My UK-based colleague Jason England proclaimed a tie in that specific match in his piece about the Asus ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED. Since I’m Am not in UK, I don’t think ties are important. Despite its shortcomings in certain areas where the ROG Ally X shines, the Steam Deck OLED is still the victor in my humble view. Nevertheless, our own Paul Antill, who loves the original Asus ROG Ally, believes that the new model is superior to Valve’s product.
Because of its great performance, ergonomic design, ease of use, and compatibility with the greatest Steam titles, the Steam Deck OLED is perhaps the best handheld gaming console for the majority of people on the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally X is arguably the greatest Windows 11 handheld because to its innovative design, extended battery life, and fast performance.
How can we resolve this argument, then? Paul and I got together to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each device in our Steam Deck OLED vs. Asus ROG Ally X Tech Takedown video. Given that both handhelds are the greatest at what they do, this is undoubtedly a complex topic.
It all boils down to your personal preferences for your portable. While the ROG Ally X allows you to play the top PC games across several launchers, Steam Deck boasts a more user-friendly UI and better compatibility with Steam games. Nevertheless, the ROG Ally X is more powerful than the Steam Deck, and Windows 11 on the Asus computer doesn’t always work well with the portable form size. Additionally, the latter is more costly, coming in at $150 extra compared to the most expensive Steam Deck setup.
I can’t blame anyone for choosing the Asus ROG Ally X, even if I and most others prefer the Steam Deck OLED. It is the greatest Windows 11 portable and a serious challenger to the Steam Deck when compared to the Lenovo Legion Go and MSI Claw. However, as I mentioned before, the decision is based on your preferences for portable technology. Our Tech Takedown video should assist you in selecting one to purchase.
Comparison Tables & Scannable Content:
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.4″ OLED, 90Hz | 7″ IPS, 120Hz |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z1 | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Battery Life | ~6-8 hours | ~5-7 hours |
| OS | SteamOS | Windows 11 |
| Price | $549 | $699 |
Questions Gamers Frequently Asked
1. Which is better, Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally X?
The Steam Deck OLED is better for Steam players, offering a longer battery life and an OLED display. The ROG Ally X is better for Windows users, featuring higher performance, a 120Hz display, and broader game compatibility.
2. Does the Steam Deck OLED support Windows?
Yes, you can install Windows on the Steam Deck OLED, but it is not optimized. The SteamOS experience is smoother, while Windows may have driver or performance issues.
3. Is the ROG Ally X worth the extra cost?
If you need Windows 11 compatibility, higher FPS, and more powerful hardware, then the ROG Ally X is worth the price. However, if you primarily use Steam, the Steam Deck OLED offers better value.
4. Which gaming handheld has better battery life?
The Steam Deck OLED has better battery life (~6-8 hours) due to SteamOS optimizations, while the ROG Ally X lasts around 5-7 hours, depending on settings and game load.
5. Can the Steam Deck OLED run AAA games?
Yes! The Steam Deck OLED can run AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring at medium settings with smooth performance. However, the ROG Ally X handles higher settings and FPS due to its more powerful hardware.
6. Does the ROG Ally X have an OLED screen?
No, the ROG Ally X has a 7-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, but no OLED panel like the Steam Deck OLED.
7. Which handheld is best for emulation?
The ROG Ally X is better for emulation due to Windows 11 support and higher performance, making it compatible with Dolphin, Yuzu, and other emulators. However, Steam Deck OLED can also handle retro gaming and emulators well with custom firmware.
8. Can you upgrade the SSD on the Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally X?
Yes! Both devices allow SSD upgrades, but the ROG Ally X has an easier process due to standard M.2 slots, while the Steam Deck requires more disassembly.
9. Which handheld is better for Xbox Game Pass?
The ROG Ally X is better because it runs Windows 11, allowing native Xbox Game Pass support. Steam Deck OLED can stream Game Pass via xCloud, but it’s not as seamless.
10. Does the Steam Deck OLED support 120Hz gaming?
No, the Steam Deck OLED is capped at 90Hz, while the ROG Ally X supports up to 120Hz for smoother gameplay.
