25 April 2023 , 14:00
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The new handheld gaming device, the Asus ROG Ally, leaves the Steam Deck in the rear-view mirror with a Windows 11 OS that allows you to access multiple game clients.
After recently debunking the fact that the new handheld gaming console wasn't actually an April Fool's prank, we were able to see a sneak peek of the new Asus ROG Ally in a media preview. In this preview, it was confirmed that the device will have a Windows 11 operating system.
Nintendo Switch aside, the Steam Deck is the Asus ROG's direct competitor in the world of handheld gaming PCs. The device runs on SteamOS, a specific operating system that only allows you to access very specific game libraries. This is the fatal flaw of the console, as users are unable to to play games which are only available on alternative clients like Epic Games, EA Play or Activision Blizzard's Battle.net.
The Asus ROG Ally offers a solution to this issue, what with it being able to run Windows 11; so you can access all of these clients and many more. There's also the potential for the system be used for other productivity uses similar to a laptop or PC, from browsing the internet to streaming – although this hasn't been confirmed either way.
Gamers who are limited to a handheld console, or just prefer portability are no longer confined to the titles on Steam thanks to this advancement from Asus, which is an absolute game changer. And we'll be finding out more about the handheld at the global launch event for the Asus ROG Ally on May 11, 2023.
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Alongside this, we're also seeing promising specifications which will take the Asus ROG Ally above and beyond the performance of the Steam Deck. The handheld will feature an AMD Ryzen Z1 / AMD Ryzen Z1 Super and has a 7-inch, 1080p display, which should provide outstanding visuals when compared to that of the 1200 x 800 display on the Steam Deck which is equivalent to 720p.
Wait, what's wrong with the Steam Deck?
Despite the Steam Deck being a perfectly serviceable handheld console and a great alternative to splashing out on a full desktop gaming PC, there are a few cons that have put me off. First and foremost is the limitation to Steam games; yes, it's right there in the name, but my PC gaming library spans a number of different clients; I find myself opening two or three different ones in a single evening of gaming alone. So the Asus ROG Ally has the Steam Deck beat on that front.
Another hurdle is just being able to get your hands on it. The Steam Deck – like the PS5 a couple years ago – was plagued by major stock issues at launch. Paired with the ever prevalent scalper issues, and never-ending waitlists, picking one up just wasn't worth the hassle.
Valve has since addressed supply problems, but it's a little late for gamers like me. The Asus ROG Ally has swept in at the perfect time to offer what certainly seems like a better alternative for PC gaming on the go. As long as I can get my hands on one with minimal fuss, Asus can take my money.