Affordable Gaming with the Asus ROG Ally: A Competitor to the Steam Deck

The Asus ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC, has recently seen a significant price drop, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for a portable device that can compete with the Steam Deck. This article will explore the features and benefits of the Asus ROG Ally, highlighting why it is worth considering at this reduced price.

The Asus ROG Ally is a first-generation handheld gaming PC that has gained popularity due to its excellent performance and ease of use. It is equipped with an AMD Z1 Extreme processor, which is faster than the processors found in the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED. The Ally also comes with DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 2230-sized NVMe SSDs, making it a powerful device capable of running demanding games smoothly.

One of the significant advantages of the Asus ROG Ally over the Steam Deck is its higher-resolution and higher refresh rate display. The Ally’s screen offers a better visual experience, making games look more vibrant and detailed. Additionally, the Ally’s Armoury Crate launcher is more mature, making it easier to install and run non-Steam games natively. This is particularly important for software that comes with anti-cheat middleware, as these often don’t work in an emulated environment.

The Asus ROG Ally is generally better equipped than the Steam Deck. Its higher-spec screen, faster processor, and faster memory and storage make it a more capable device for gaming on the go. However, it does miss out on the deeper features and swishy interface of SteamOS on the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, the ease of installing non-Steam games natively makes up for this.

The Asus ROG Ally was first discounted to £599, and at that price, it was already an excellent value for money. However, with the recent 10% discount at Very, the top-spec ROG Ally with the Z1 Extreme chipset and 512GB of PCIe 4.0 storage is now available for just £539. This price puts it in direct competition with the 512GB Steam Deck OLED, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

In conclusion, the Asus ROG Ally is a powerful and capable handheld gaming PC that offers a better visual experience and easier installation of non-Steam games. With its recent price drop, it is now an even more affordable option for gamers looking for a portable device that can compete with the Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally is a great investment for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite games on the go without compromising on performance.

What’s your favorite Metroidvania game?

Metroidvania games have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players a unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Ori and the Blind Forest, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, and SteamWorld Dig 2 are some of the most popular Metroidvania games. However, there are many other great options to choose from.

If you’re new to the genre or looking for something different, consider trying Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. This classic Metroidvania game offers a unique perspective, with a focus on platforming and acrobatics rather than combat. It also features beautiful graphics and an immersive story, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an adventure.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Will Judd

Will Judd is a journeyman from the forges of Digital Foundry, here to spread the good word about hardware deals and StarCraft.

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