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The Asus ROG Ally: A New Contender in the Handheld Gaming Market

Writer's picture: Smash JTSmash JT

Updated: May 11, 2023


The Asus ROG Ally Handheld
The Asus ROG Ally Handheld

Quick Facts:

  • Launch Date: TBD

- Under $1000

- 50% faster than Steam Deck at same power draw (2x faster at full power)

- 8x faster than Nintendo Switch

- 1080p 120hz OLED

- Runs Windows on AMD's new Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips



The portable gaming market has been dominated by giants like Nintendo with their popular Switch console and Valve's highly anticipated Steam Deck. However, a new contender is about to enter the ring - the ROG Ally.

This article provides an in-depth look at the specifications of the ROG Ally, comparing it to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, while also discussing potential pricing and the potential for future success of this newcomer.


The Asus ROG Ally Handheld
The Asus ROG Ally Handheld comparison

Specifications: ROG Ally vs. Nintendo Switch vs. Steam Deck

The ROG Ally, developed by the popular gaming hardware company ASUS, boasts impressive specs that rival those of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The device is powered by a custom AMD APU, alongside dual fans to keep it running cool and quiet, which is expected to provide a significant performance boost compared to the Switch's NVIDIA Tegra X1 and the Steam Deck's custom AMD APU. It also boasts 120 Hz, far higher than any portable gaming competitor currently on the market.

The Asus ROG Ally Handheld close up
The Asus ROG Ally Handheld Close Up

The Ally's display has a resolution of 1920x1080, offering a crisp and vibrant visual experience. In comparison, the Nintendo Switch has a 7-inch OLED display with a 1280x720 resolution, while the Steam Deck features a 7-inch LCD panel with a 1280x800 resolution.

One of the key differentiators of the ROG Ally is its compatibility with the extensive library of PC games, much like the Steam Deck, while also offering a dedicated storefront for new titles. This could potentially give it an edge over the Nintendo Switch, which relies primarily on its exclusive games. The Ally also comes standard with Windows 11, compared to the Steamdeck, that runs on a Linux-based OS.


Pricing and Availability

While official pricing details have not been released, it is anticipated that the ROG Ally will be priced higher than gamers considering either the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck. The Nintendo Switch is currently priced at $299 for the base model, whereas the Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 64GB variant. Industry experts predict that the ROG Ally may fall within the $600-$700 price range, but could end up going far higher, based on specifications.


Preorders for the ROG Ally begin May 11, 2023


The ROG Ally has recently appeared on Best Buy's website, sparking excitement among gaming enthusiasts. As of now, it can be found exclusively at the following link: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus/learn-about-rog-ally/pcmcat1678398541884.c?id=pcmcat1678398541884. This listing provides a sneak peek into the device's specifications and features, allowing potential buyers to learn more about it before making a purchase by entering their email address. It is expected that the ROG Ally will soon be available on other major retail platforms, such as Amazon, providing consumers with more options to buy the device in the future. The expansion to additional retailers will likely contribute to the device's overall market reach and success.


The Asus ROG Ally Handheld at Best Buy
The Asus ROG Ally Handheld at Best Buy

Sign up to be notified by Best Buy when the Ally will be available to purchase HERE.



The Asus ROG Ally handheld is an exciting new addition to the handheld gaming market, offering impressive specifications and compatibility with a vast library of PC games. While it faces stiff competition from the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, if it can provide a unique gaming experience and competitive pricing, there's always a chance for success. With an expected release date later this year, gamers will have a new option to consider when deciding on their next handheld gaming device. What do you think? Any interest in a new handheld challenger entering the ring? Or with everything you have at your disposal currently, have you had enough? Sound off in the comments!

~Smash

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NerdCrave
NerdCrave
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I will be interested in this if it comes in under $1200 CDN (the 512 deck was $950 taxes incl) I trust ASUS way more than lesser known Chinese manufacturers like AYA and Ayn and I’ve been curious about a windows handheld while being unwilling to modify my deck

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Smash JT
Smash JT
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Oh totally - my buddy put windows on his steam deck and it ran like crap - so I’m cautiously optimistic on this thing - but that price point is going to make or break it.

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