Goodbye, Steam Deck

Summary

In this video, the reviewer compares the Valve Steam Deck with the newer ROG Ally X, exploring key differences such as performance, battery life, operating system, and user experience. The ROG Ally X offers substantial hardware upgrades, including a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a higher-resolution display, along with native Windows 11 support, making it more versatile for non-Steam games. However, its $800 price tag and the challenges of Windows 11 power management and maintenance are key trade-offs. While the Steam Deck remains a more affordable and streamlined option, the ROG Ally X provides a premium experience for those who prioritize power and versatility.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ROG Ally X is a premium handheld gaming device, priced at $800, compared to the more affordable Steam Deck starting at $279.
• 😀 Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X allows native support for Steam, Xbox, Epic Games, and other third-party game launchers, offering a seamless experience for more casual games.
• 😀 The ROG Ally X features a significantly improved hardware setup with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, outclassing the Steam Deck's custom AMD APU.
• 😀 The device’s display has a higher native resolution and refresh rate (1080p at 120Hz), though it may not fully utilize the hardware in demanding AAA games.
• 😀 Battery life on the ROG Ally X has been upgraded to 80Wh, offering 3-6 hours of gameplay, depending on settings and game demands, which is an improvement over the Steam Deck.
• 😀 The ROG Ally X includes two USB-C ports, one of which supports USB 4 for fast charging and connecting accessories like external SSDs or eGPUs.
• 😀 Despite the superior hardware, the ROG Ally X faces challenges with power management and higher maintenance, owing to the complexities of running Windows 11 versus SteamOS.
• 😀 SteamOS, being a specialized gaming OS, is more efficient and user-friendly compared to Windows 11, which requires more attention to system updates and maintenance.
• 😀 The Steam Deck benefits from extensive support, including Valve's ecosystem, community-driven game compatibility (Deck Verified), and controller presets for optimized gameplay.
• 😀 The ROG Ally X, while offering enhanced features, is not 2-3 times better than the Steam Deck in terms of gaming performance, raising questions about its price-to-value ratio.
• 😀 Potential buyers of the ROG Ally X should consider whether Windows is a priority, how much additional power they need, and whether it is worth waiting for a second-generation model of either the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.

Q & A

What makes the ASUS ROG Ally X a notable upgrade over the Steam Deck?

The ROG Ally X offers significant upgrades, including a more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a higher resolution 1080p screen with a faster refresh rate, and a larger 80Wh battery. These enhancements improve performance, visual quality, and battery life compared to the Steam Deck.

How does the operating system of the ROG Ally X differ from the Steam Deck?

The ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, which provides native support for a wider range of games and applications, including those from other marketplaces like Xbox and Epic. In contrast, the Steam Deck uses Linux-based SteamOS, which requires Proton for compatibility with Windows games.

Why is Windows 11 considered a game-changer for the ROG Ally X?

Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X allows users to run games and apps from multiple platforms without compatibility issues. It also supports features like Discord, Spotify, and Netflix, and enables smooth operation of anti-cheat systems like Riot Vanguard, which is crucial for games like Valorant.

How does the battery life of the ROG Ally X compare to the Steam Deck?

The ROG Ally X features an 80Wh battery, which offers between 3 to 6 hours of gameplay, depending on usage. While the Steam Deck is generally more power-efficient, the larger battery in the Ally X compensates for the difference, providing better overall longevity.

What are some drawbacks of using Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X?

Windows 11, while powerful, has less optimized power management compared to SteamOS, leading to potentially shorter battery life and more maintenance. Users may also find themselves navigating back to desktop mode for updates or troubleshooting, which can be less seamless than the Steam Deck’s dedicated gaming environment.

How does the hardware performance of the ROG Ally X compare to the Steam Deck?

The ROG Ally X features a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which outperforms the Steam Deck’s custom AMD APU. This allows the Ally X to handle more demanding games with higher frame rates and better graphical fidelity, even with its higher resolution and faster refresh rate screen.

Is the $800 price tag of the ROG Ally X justified?

The $800 price tag for the ROG Ally X may be considered high, especially when compared to the Steam Deck's lower price. However, for those seeking superior performance, longer battery life, and the flexibility of Windows 11, the price could be justified. The upgraded specs, like the larger battery, 1TB SSD, and enhanced cooling, make it a worthwhile investment for some users.

What are the trade-offs of upgrading from the Steam Deck to the ROG Ally X?

The main trade-offs when switching to the ROG Ally X include the need for more maintenance due to Windows 11, the absence of SteamOS’s easy-to-use interface, and the potential loss of the Steam Deck’s dedicated gaming ecosystem. Additionally, while the Ally X offers better hardware, its price is considerably higher than the Steam Deck.

Can you expect smooth performance with demanding AAA games on the ROG Ally X?

Yes, the ROG Ally X performs well with demanding AAA games. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 runs at medium settings with ray tracing enabled, averaging around 30 FPS in portable mode. When plugged into power, performance improves, reaching closer to 40 FPS.

What are the benefits of the dual USB-C ports on the ROG Ally X?

The dual USB-C ports on the ROG Ally X are incredibly useful for charging while also using wired accessories. One of the ports supports USB 4, enabling faster data transfer for devices like external SSDs or even an eGPU for enhanced performance when docked at a desk.