The arrival of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally immediately positioned it as a direct competitor to Valve’s wildly popular Steam Deck. For a long time, the Steam Deck held a clear advantage in terms of price, but that landscape is shifting dramatically. A significant price drop on the Ally is now challenging that established order.
Currently, the white version of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chip, is available for $499.99 – a $100 reduction from its original price. This makes it technically more affordable than some Steam Deck configurations. A more powerful black version exists, boasting enhanced specs, but it remains considerably more expensive.
At this new price point, the white Ally undercuts the mid-range Steam Deck OLED model by $50. Despite the lower price, it features newer internal components, a faster and higher-resolution display, a larger battery capacity, and quicker charging capabilities. Core specifications like RAM and storage remain comparable between the two devices.
While the Steam Deck’s hardware is aging, its $550 model still boasts a slightly larger OLED screen and unique dual touchpads for precise control. Crucially, it runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system renowned for its surprisingly effective compatibility with Windows games. Many gamers find SteamOS a more streamlined experience than Windows 11 on handhelds.
However, the Ally shines when it comes to native Windows compatibility. For players who prioritize access to a wider range of Windows-exclusive titles, particularly those utilizing kernel-level anti-cheat systems, the Ally presents a more reliable platform. It truly functions as a more capable Windows PC in a handheld form.
This $100 discount is currently available at a major retailer, but its duration is uncertain. Potential buyers contemplating a purchase should act swiftly, as this price reduction may not last. The balance of power in the handheld gaming world is rapidly evolving.
