The Steam Deck has inspired many competitors in the portable gaming PC market, including the ROG Ally. These handhelds allow you to access your PC library wherever you are, whether it’s a long flight or on the couch watching TV, having the versatility of a smartphone or Nintendo Switch while harnessing the power of a gaming PC. If you’re considering purchasing a Steam Deck or ROG Ally, there are several things to consider.
Both are powerful pieces of hardware that can run a wide range of games, but there are differences in how they work that can make one more appealing than the other. Another important factor is the price. Valve’s hardware has recently gone up by hundreds of dollars due to the current digital storage shortage, and while the nearly $1,000 Steam Deck OLED still sells out within 24 hours of restocking, it’s certainly a bigger financial decision than before. That’s why, even though the Steam Deck OLED is the better hardware overall, if you’re thinking about buying a portable gaming PC in 2026, the ROG Ally is the better option.
ROG Ally is currently more affordable than Steam Deck OLED
The ROG Ally comes in several different models, and the company has released new hardware every year since the line launched in 2023, which is one reason why you can sometimes find used and like-new units at a discount. Starting with the cheapest, the ROG Xbox Ally 2025 costs $599.99 and has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, meaning it has comparable specs to the Steam Deck OLED at almost $200 less. There’s also a higher-end model in the ROG Xbox Ally X, which costs $999.99 and has 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Although more expensive than the 1TB Steam Deck, it comes with more RAM, allowing it to be, as BGR’s review says, “an extraordinarily powerful gaming rig.” Whichever one you’re interested in, another point in favor of the ROG Ally is that it’s easy to access the games you have on all the digital storefronts. Xbox and Steam come preloaded on the system, and you can download launchers for other platforms like Epic Games Store, EA Play, and Ubisoft Connect by simply going to the Command Center thanks to Windows 11. Unfortunately, running on Microsoft’s operating system is also a drawback, as your gaming experience will be affected by various bugs that frequently arise after major updates.
Go for Steam Deck if you want convenience
The Steam Deck OLED ranked first among the top eight handheld gaming consoles for good reason. Both models feature an AMD processor and graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and a 7.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 800. Although the ROG Xbox Ally X has better specs, the Steam Deck makes up for it with the overall user experience. Valve’s handheld is built around optimization through SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system capable of running games designed for Windows.
There’s also the Steam Deck Verified system, which clearly states what is and isn’t compatible with the hardware. You may need to change some settings once you’re in the game, but I’ve rarely had to do that in the four years I’ve had it. Having your games ready to use immediately once you download them is perfect for casual users and those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. You can also download Steam Deck apps like other launchers, although it’s not as easy as on the ROG Ally.
Unfortunately, the Steam Deck’s price isn’t great. $789 for the 512GB and $949 for the 1TB, a price increase of $240 and $300, respectively. I’m an early adopter who still loves my Steam Deck, but I paid around $400 for a 256GB LCD model. I certainly have no interest in spending nearly double that for a better screen and more storage space. At its core, even the Steam Deck OLED is four-year-old technology sold at an exorbitant price, making it difficult to recommend at the moment.
