Compare the Steam Deck and ROG Ally to see which suits your needs better.
Compare the Steam Deck and ROG Ally to see which suits your needs better.
I'm looking into purchasing a portable gaming PC because recent life changes have limited my chances of playing games on my regular desktop or consoles. I'm weighing the Steam Deck against the Ally, but both seem to have significant drawbacks. I'm hoping to hear from people who've used either device to decide which one suits me best.
Steam Deck advantages: lower cost, strong gyro aim support, compatibility with multiple input methods via Steam Input, improved customer service (according to reports), simple pause/resume functionality.
Steam Deck disadvantages: some users report trouble running certain launchers, especially older titles; performance may lag under heavy loads; higher refresh rate screens with VRR; Linux-based OS could cause compatibility headaches; no trackpad, uncertain gyro support; pricey; no pause/resume option; Windows runtime limits free software options.
Ally benefits: better performance for demanding games, higher refresh rate displays; Windows runtime avoids compatibility problems; no trackpad needed.
Ally drawbacks: limited gyro support currently; may struggle with large game libraries; no pause/resume feature; higher cost; Windows environment; unclear trackpad support.
My concerns: How many games can you run smoothly on Steam Deck? Can non-Steam titles work consistently? For Ally, is gyro functionality available? Have you experienced any return or repair issues? Are there any unmentioned software problems?
Please share your thoughts and experiences!
Ally stands out mainly for its enhanced performance and VRR capabilities. The larger display size and higher refresh rate are beneficial, though you won’t fully utilize them in most games due to insufficient power for optimal results. Ally offers superior performance but sacrifices battery life in non-demanding titles, whereas the Steam Deck consumes power efficiently in demanding scenarios. The Deck caps at 15W, while peak performance reaches around 10W, making it suitable for most games. The ROG Ally tends to lag at lower power levels and only surpasses the Deck when reaching 15W+, meaning it excels in intense games but uses more energy. In less demanding situations, Ally runs slower or at the same level while using more power, whereas the Deck offers a more balanced experience. You can run various games on Steam Deck with the Heroic Launcher if you install a launcher.
For Steam Deck owners, most games function well but a few may not. Fixing issues often requires hours of investigation and troubleshooting, and learning Linux can be challenging if you're new to it. If needed, you can use Windows as a backup and store SteamOS on a fast MicroSD card.
Heroic Launcher is designed to manage multiple launchers on your system. You typically install it alongside other launchers and configure them to work together. It doesn’t require a separate sync process after installation. Since you're already familiar with Ubuntu and Mint, the setup should be straightforward. Your concern about Windows compatibility is valid—official drivers for SOC aren’t widely available, which can affect performance. If you're using Windows on the deck, it’s best to ensure drivers are installed or consider alternatives.
Valve offers official Windows drivers, though they are not supported and cannot be found in the Windows Update. You must install them yourself manually. They function adequately. https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/vi...-D643-BAA8
You simply search and install it via the Discover app (similar to an app store on desktop). Once installed, you can add your launcher accounts and it will automatically download and install the games for you. You also have the option to select a specific Proton version to launch each game. I prefer ProtonQt for experimental features since not all games work without it.
Thank you for your responses! It’s worth noting that I don’t really prioritize battery life unless it lasts 30 to 45 minutes, which is probably the maximum time I can use the device before charging. What matters most to me is a gadget that launches and runs all my games smoothly right away. I’m confident either of these options will meet that requirement, but I believe the Ally offers better compatibility, making it the top choice in my eyes.