Comparing the ROG Xbox Ally to a Steam Deck and Xbox | Prove It

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are powerful Windows-based gaming handhelds offering superior performance and Xbox Game Pass offline access compared to the Steam Deck, but they come with a higher price and some frustrating software integration issues.

• ROG Ally is a handheld PC, not a portable Xbox, limiting direct Xbox game library access.

• Ally X offers superior gaming performance and broader game compatibility due to its Windows OS.

• Frequent software bugs and Windows integration issues detract from the user experience.

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are Windows-based handheld gaming PCs that provide access to multiple gaming storefronts, including offline Xbox Game Pass. While these devices offer better performance and broader game compatibility than the Steam Deck, they are not a portable Xbox and only support 'Xbox Play Anywhere' titles for existing Xbox owners. The premium price point and software inconsistencies with the Windows operating system make their value proposition questionable for many users.

Xbox Game Library Access

• 00:00:37 The ROG Ally should be viewed as a handheld PC, not a portable Xbox, meaning only Xbox PC Marketplace games are directly compatible. To play owned Xbox Series X/S games, they must be 'Xbox Play Anywhere' titles, which provide a free PC version upon console purchase. Many first-party games and Game Pass titles fall into this category, but numerous third-party and indie games do not support 'Play Anywhere', requiring a separate PC purchase for the Ally.

Hardware and Design

• 00:02:37 The ROG Ally offers a comfortable gaming experience due to its Xbox controller-like grips and a design similar to Sony's PlayStation Portal, featuring a large screen flanked by controller halves. It includes smooth analog sticks, responsive face buttons, a Command Center for performance tweaks, and a library button, though the start menu button's placement is awkward. While the programmable M1/M2 back buttons are a useful feature, their inward and flat design makes them less ergonomic than competitors.

Performance Comparison

• 00:06:09 When comparing the Xbox Ally X to the Steam Deck OLED, the Ally X consistently outperforms in graphically intense games, often delivering higher resolutions like 1080p and better frame rates. For instance, Sonic Racing Cross Worlds achieves a locked 60fps at 1080p on the Ally X, while the Steam Deck struggles to reach the low 50s at 720p. Even in less demanding 2D indie games like Hades 2, the Ally X reaches 120fps compared to the Steam Deck's 90fps, highlighting its superior processing power despite the Steam Deck's more recent OLED refresh.

Software and Usability

• 00:08:30 Despite its hardware advantages, the Ally suffers from significant software inconsistencies and bugs related to the Windows operating system, frequently leading to lost controller input, navigation issues, and conflicts with other programs. Unlike the Steam Deck's streamlined 'Big Picture Mode,' the Ally often feels like it's 'fighting with the Windows OS,' even displaying irrelevant setup tips for a keyboard, highlighting a lack of tailored software integration for its handheld form factor.