Head-to-Head
ROG Ally vs Steam Deck
ROG Ally vs Steam Deck: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | ROG Ally | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Asus | Valve |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | SteamOS 3.0 (Arch Linux), Windows 11, etc |
| Chipset | AMD Ryzen Z1 / AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Aerith / Van Gogh |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 (6400 MT/s) | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Screen | 7.0 inch | 7.0 inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 800 |
| Battery | 40 Wh | 40 Wh |
| Price | Z1: $599 Z1 Extreme: $699 (Source) | $399 (64 GB eMMC) $529 (256 GB SSD) $649 (512 GB SSD) |
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The ROG Ally and Steam Deck are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist. They are not identical, and the right choice depends on what you actually want to play and how much you want to spend.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The ROG Ally is powered by a AMD Ryzen Z1 / AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with 16 GB LPDDR5 (6400 MT/s). The Steam Deck uses a AMD Aerith / Van Gogh with 16 GB LPDDR5. On our performance scale, the ROG Ally scores 3 and the Steam Deck scores 2.5. The ROG Ally grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with PlayStation 3 in the B range. The Steam Deck grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Wii U in the B range. In practice, the ROG Ally reaches Gamecube, Wii, 3DS, PS2 fully playable. The Steam Deck reaches PSP, Gamecube & Wii full speed, PS2 playable.
Screen and ergonomics
The ROG Ally has a 7.0 inch display at 1920 x 1080. The Steam Deck has a 7.0 inch display at 1280 x 800. The ROG Ally is a horizontal device, while the Steam Deck is horizontal. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The ROG Ally carries a 40 Wh battery, and the Steam Deck a 40 Wh battery. On price, the ROG Ally sits around Z1: $599 Z1 Extreme: $699 (Source), while the Steam Deck is around $399 (64 GB eMMC) $529 (256 GB SSD) $649 (512 GB SSD).
Which should you buy?
Choose the ROG Ally if you want the stronger overall package for the money. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.