Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: the battle of the PC handhelds

Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck comparison
(Image credit: Future)

There was a time when Steam Deck ran the handheld gaming PC show. Valve's device has been considered the gold standard for on-the-go PC gaming for the last year, without any competitors coming close to matching its offering. There's a new kid on the block, though, and according to newly released spec information, the Asus ROG Ally is coming for Valve's crown. 

Of course, the Steam Deck has been out in the wild since February 2022, whereas we're still awaiting release date information for the Asus ROG Ally. That means this comparison isn't going to be the final word on which handheld gaming PC you should buy in 2023. Rather, we'll be keeping this updated with all the latest information on the the ROG Ally to help you work out which device might be better suited as each new reveal is announced, culminating in a final launch verdict once we've had the ROG Ally in hand. 

And more information is coming soon. The Asus ROG Ally launch event is on the way today, May 11, promising pricing, release date, and spec information in full. That means you'll know plenty more about whether the Ally or Steam Deck is best for you in just a few hours. 

Swipe to scroll horizontally
TL;DR Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck
SpecsAsus ROG AllySteam Deck
ProcessorAMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4)AMD Ryzen Zen 2
GraphicsRDNA 3RDNA 2
Display7-inch 1920 x 1080 (16:9), 120Hz, 500 nits7-inch 1280 x 800 (16:10), 60Hz , 400 nits
Storage512GB + UHS-II MicroSD slot64GB / 256GB / 512GB + UHS-I MicroSD slot
RAM16GB LPDDR5 16GB LPDDR5
ControlsAsymmetrical Xbox styleSymmetrical, 2x trackpad
Programmability2x macro back paddles, thumbstick deadzone and sensitivity, trigger sensitivity4x macro back buttons
AudioDual front-facing speakers, virtual 5.1.2 surround sound, Dolby AtmosDual front-facing speakers, stereo
Weight608g669g
Extra featuresHaptic feedback, Armoury Crate launcher and overlay, fingerprint unlockHaptic feedback, thumb trackpads

Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: Specs

Specs

Asus ROG Ally

  • AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Zen 4
  • RDNA 3 graphics
  • 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display at 120Hz
  • 512GB 
  • 16GB LPDDR5 RAM

Steam Deck

  • AMD Ryzen Zen 2
  • RDNA 2 graphics
  • 7-inch 1280 x 800 display at 60Hz
  • 64GB / 256GB / 512GB
  • 16GB LPDDR5 RAM

The Steam Deck may have only released a year ago, but the Asus ROG Ally is about to smoke Valve's offering in the specs department. On paper, this is a far more capable device with AMD Zen 4 processing (vs Steam Deck's Zen 2) and RDNA 3 graphics. Of course, all of that comes with a pinch of salt - we don't know how well the Ally will handle all this power in the real world. The Steam Deck may well still win in the performance department, but right now, with specs in front of us, this is going to be a hard battle for Valve. 

On top of that, the Asus ROG Ally is also promising a superior display to that of the Steam Deck. They're both 7-inch panels, but Asus has upped the resolution to true 1080p with a much faster 120Hz refresh rate. If all goes to plan, that's going to leave you with crisper images and far less motion blur - especially with AMD FreeSync running in the background. 

We only know about one configuration of the Asus ROG Ally at the moment, a 512GB model. Right now, the Steam Deck is the more flexible option, with models sporting 64GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage space and variable prices to match them. 

Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: Design

Design

Asus ROG Ally

  • Angled sides for additional comfort
  • Still a wide form factor
  • Asymmetrical thumbstick design
  • 608g

Steam Deck

  • Larger, chunkier sides and grips
  • Wider form factor
  • Symmetrical thumbstick design
  • 669g

The Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck both share the same design language, the same central screen and side control form factor that has reigned supreme in the handheld space for so long. However, there are some easily discernible differences in the fine print. 

For starters, the Steam Deck is a chunky device, with a width and heft to each side that the Asus ROG Ally is looking to avoid. That means some of the stability we enjoyed with Valve's option may be lost in Asus's iteration, with less to physically hold onto and reduced grip size around the back. However, the angled sides and skinnier profile to the ROG Ally may prove more comfortable for those with smaller hands. 

Both devices have a slick look to them. Where the Steam Deck opts for a classic black and gray aesthetic, though, Asus is moving into the future with bold white, RGB accents around the thumbsticks, and angular accents along the back. The better design will be down to personal preference, but it's well worth considering the additional LEDs piled into the ROG Ally - for better or worse. 

Asus ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: Features

Features

Asus ROG Ally

  • 2 macro back buttons
  • No touchpads
  • Thumbstick and trigger sensitivity customization
  • Dock and external GPU compatible
  • Windows 11
  • 5.1 surround with Dolby Atmos

Steam Deck

  • 4 macro back buttons
  • 2 pressure sensitive touchpads
  • Thumbstick and trigger sensitivity customization
  • Dock compatible
  • Linux operating system (SteamOS)
  • Stereo sound

If you're deciding between a Steam Deck and the upcoming Asus ROG Ally, the feature sets may certainly help you out. While the Steam Deck concerns itself with buttons galore, the Ally focuses its strengths under the hood. If you're looking to keep all your macros right at your fingertips, we'd recommend sticking with Value. There are four additional buttons around the back (double that of the ROG Ally), as well as those two classic pressure sensitive touchpads. That's a pretty comprehensive control system to serve a massive range of genres. 

However, Asus's option comes with a Windows 11-shaped silver bullet. While the Steam Deck runs off a Linux-based operating system (running SteamOS), the Ally will be able to run far more launchers far easier. From Epic to Game Pass, all your games will be quickly accessible, with special thanks to the Armoury Crate SE software bringing everything into one scannable home screen. By contrast, Valve requires some pretty time consuming tinkering behind the scenes to be able to fudge anything other than Steam. 

That flexibility is also present in your docking options. Yes, the Steam Deck can connect to a separate display via its USB-C port, but the ROG Ally will be able to do all that while also boosting its power through an Asus ROG XG Mobile GPU. Budget permitting, that means you'll be playing handheld when on the go and taking advantage of an RTX 4090 graphics card when hooked up to the big screen.

Should you buy the Steam Deck or wait for Asus ROG Ally?

All of this is to answer one simple question. Should you dive in with the Steam Deck today or wait for the Asus ROG Ally this summer? While we're still working with theoretical numbers and a few press shots, I would recommend holding off until we know more about how the Asus ROG Ally handles in the real world. That doesn't mean we should all be rushing out and picking up the Steam Deck while we wait - in fact, the numbers are pointing towards the Asus ROG Ally being the better buy in 2023. 


If you're after more portable options, be sure to check out the best gaming phones and the best gaming tablets. For more PC on the go, though, take a look at the best gaming laptops on the market right now. 

TOPICS
Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector. 

Read more
Asus ROG Ally on stand next to badge that reads "best deal"
Yes, I know the Lenovo Legion Go S just launched, but the Asus ROG Ally is still worth buying at its lowest price
Nintendo Switch 2 with Mark Kart on screen next to Steam Deck with blue and purple backdrop
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: how do both gaming handhelds compare?
Hands holding Alienware gaming handheld "Concept UFO" with city in backdrop
Sorry, an Alienware gaming handheld isn't on the way, but Dell says its looking "pretty heavily” at the space
Asus ROG Flow Z13 with Asus ROG Ally handheld
This gaming tablet's processor could be the holy grail for handhelds
Asus ROG Ally handheld on a wooden table
I've been mainlining the Asus ROG Ally for nearly two years now - I'd jump on this record-low price before it disappears
Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam Big Picture Mode on screen with pink and blue lights in backdrop.
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS pre-orders are now live, and I'm hoping it's a second wind for the handheld
Latest in Handhelds
x
Ugreen just launched a bunch of Genshin Impact handheld accessories that are made for Kinich fans
Razer Handheld Dock with Steam Deck sitting on cradle, pink and yellow RGB lighting on, and Alienware monitor in background with Tomb Raider Trilogy gameplay on screen.
Razer Handheld Dock review: “Your Steam Deck will ride shiny and Chroma"
Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam Big Picture Mode on screen with pink and blue lights in backdrop.
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS pre-orders are now live, and I'm hoping it's a second wind for the handheld
OneXPlayer OneXSugar1 handhelds with one on left featuring screen detached and right hand device with dual-screens.
Qualcomm just revealed its latest Snapdragon chips, and the G3 Gen 3 will power what could be my dream 3DS handheld
Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock with OLED model sitting in cradle next to Asus controller and Samsung TV with game menu in backdrop.
I've tested over 20 different docking stations since the Steam Deck landed, but there's one I always go back to
Lenovo Legion Go S with FlyKnight gameplay on screen featuring player character holding bow and arrow with enemy ant in backdrop.
Lenovo Legion Go S Windows 11 review: “my heart aches for this mixed up handheld”
Latest in Features
Patrick Stewart as Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
The classic Fox X-Men are returning in Avengers: Doomsday, and I've got a really bad feeling about this
Thor and Loki in Thor: Ragnarok
After 15 years in the making, Thor and Loki's reunion in Avengers: Doomsday could be the perfect MCU conclusion for the characters
Soft Rains logo with frog drawing
"There is an expectation we're gonna make a little Skyrim": Ubisoft and Bethesda veterans form new studio headed by Skyrim and Fallout designer, debuting with first-person sci-fi and "crunchy mechanics"
Witchbrook screenshot of a library in the magical college with witches flying on brooms
Witchbrook: Everything we know so far about Chucklefish's magical new life sim
The village green in Atomfall
My first 3 hours in Atomfall feel playing Fallout 3 for the first time, and if you don't check it out I'm legally obliged to bash you with a cricket bat
The Demon's Hand
League of Legends' take on Balatro is one of its best mini-games yet – and it's also exactly what's wrong with this era of League of Legends