There’s a new handheld gaming PC called the Asus ROG Ally, which will be released on June 13.
Unlike the Steam Deck, the Ally runs on Windows, making it easier to play games from different launchers.
The ROG Ally is now available for pre-order at Best Buy. Not only that: there’s also a controller designed specifically for the device, which can also be pre-ordered.
The Asus ROG Ally is $50 more expensive than the most expensive Steam Deck, but it’s a more powerful and flexible machine. While the user experience may not be better overall at launch, it does offer a lot of gaming options for your money.
The Ally has a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme processor. It runs on Windows 11: you can thus play games from various launchers like Epic Games Store, Steam, GOG, and more, without any technical difficulties. This is a significant advantage over the Steam Deck, which requires some technical know-how to get other launchers running due to its Linux-based SteamOS.
The Asus ROG Ally works seamlessly with Xbox Game Pass, a gaming service that includes numerous games, including Microsoft’s first-party titles such as Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Redfall.
The device does have some downsides, such as not being able to suspend games and turn off the display like the Deck. Additionally, it doesn’t come with the trackpads that the Deck has. For more information, check out our Asus ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck comparison.
If you’re looking for an affordable Windows gaming handheld with a mix of power and affordability, the Asus ROG Ally is an excellent option.
