Handheld gaming has taken a huge leap forward in the past few years, and the announcement of the Asus ROG Ally marks the latest device for a growing array of portable consoles on the market. Although its poorly timed announcement led many to believe it was an April Fool's Day joke, the ROG Ally could prove to be a solid competitor to the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. However, if the system is going to stand out, it needs to boast features that set it apart from what the Steam Deck already offers.
The new device from Asus already has hardware to impress potential consumers, including an HD 1080p screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and a custom AMD APU. But hardware aside, the ROG Ally will need some kind of software hook to entice Steam Deck adopters. Because of the Steam Deck's integration with Valve's storefront and launcher, the ROG Ally will have to offer similar features and ease of access to a user's game library if it is going to be competitive.
How the ROG Ally Can Compete with the Steam Deck's Features
For many PC gamers, the Steam Deck is the perfect handheld companion to a desktop setup given users can access their Steam library on the go or at home. For those wanting to try out PC gaming who don't have a desktop, the Steam Deck is a great way to utilize a lot of Steam features on a more convenient device. Features like the ability to share cloud saves between handheld and desktop, as well as having a system of categorizing which games are verified playable on the Steam Deck, makes for a very user-friendly experience.
If the ROG Ally is going to be a true competitor for the Steam Deck, it needs to offer users the same level of accessibility with its own unique twist that would warrant a purchase over the Steam Deck. Asus has already announced it will be compatible with multiple platforms including Xbox Game Pass, something that has yet to become available on Steam Deck without the hassle of additional configuration. Having access to multiple platforms like this right out of the box would make the ROG Ally an ideal system for users with libraries across multiple launchers.
Another way the ROG Ally could best the Steam Deck is by picking up the slack from games that are not supported by Valve's device. Certain games, like Destiny 2, are not playable on the Steam Deck, often due to some compatibility issue with the device's Linux-based operating system. Asus claims the ROG Ally will support Windows 11, opening the door for games not playable on the Steam Deck to find a portable home on this new device. With how massive a game Destiny 2 is, being able to play it portably via Asus' handheld offers a clear edge over the Steam Deck.
While the ROG Ally looks to be an impressive competitor on paper, it has yet to prove its features are superior to Valve's Steam Deck device. With the Steam Deck already having garnered a large installed base, the ROG Ally will need to deliver on its promises if it's going to usurp the title of preferred PC gaming device on the go. It's likely more details will be revealed about the device in the coming months, which may help the Asus ROG Ally set itself apart.