Can the ASUS ROG Ally Truly Replace Switch & Steam Deck?
I’ve been thinking about upgrading my gaming setup and recently heard about the ASUS ROG Ally. I currently own a Nintendo Switch and a Steam Deck, but I’m wondering if the ROG Ally can actually replace both of these devices. I like how portable the Switch is, especially for quick gaming sessions, but I’ve run into performance issues with some games on it. The Steam Deck offers better power and flexibility but feels a bit bulky for carrying around all the time.
Now, with the ROG Ally promising high-end specs and a Windows gaming experience, I’m curious if it can handle most games comfortably and if it’s as portable as the Switch. Has anyone here tried it out as a dual replacement? Would you recommend it over sticking with the Switch and Steam Deck? I want something that’s versatile but also convenient.
Would love to hear your thoughts—should I get this to replace both, or stick with what I have?
Discussion
.png)
I’ve owned both a Steam Deck and Switch, and I got the ROG Ally recently. Honestly, it feels like a PC in your hand. But portability-wise, it’s not quite as handy as the Switch.
.png)
Does the ROG Ally support controllers and dock like the Steam Deck? I prefer my games to be playable on a big screen sometimes.
.png)
Emily, yes, it supports controllers and can connect to a monitor or TV via HDMI, so you can dock it. It’s pretty versatile.
.png)
I worry about the software side. Windows can be buggy or bloaty. Does anyone have experience with stability or updates?
.png)
Been using Windows on portable devices for years. As long as you keep drivers updated, it’s pretty stable. But yes, occasional glitches can happen.
.png)
How does the screen size and quality compare with the Switch and Steam Deck? I want good visuals on the go.
.png)
Anna, it has a high-res display with vibrant colors, better than the Steam Deck’s LCD in my opinion. The Switch’s screen is smaller but decent.
.png)
Is the ROG Ally's price worth it compared to buying a Steam Deck and a Switch? Seems like a lot of money for one device.
.png)
It depends on your gaming priorities. If you want PC-level performance in a portable form, it’s worth it. But if you mainly play Nintendo exclusives, maybe not.
.png)
I think it’s too early to say if it can fully replace both. It’s promising, but software support and battery life are concerns.
Kelly, I agree. For now, I see it as a strong supplement rather than a replacement. The Switch still wins on exclusive games.
Does anyone know how the ROG Ally handles emulators and older games? Is it a good retro device too?
.png)
Sara, yeah, because it runs Windows, you can emulate pretty much anything. It’s great for retro gaming.
What about heat and noise? Does it get loud or hot during long gaming sessions?
.png)
Anna, it can get warm, and fans can be noticeable under load. Not super loud, but you’ll hear it.
I’m worried about durability and battery replacement. Is it built to last like other handhelds?
Nancy, build quality is pretty solid, but battery replacement might require some technical skill since it’s not user-serviceable.
Anyone try using it for cloud gaming or streaming? Is that a viable option?
.png)
Olivia, yes, it handles cloud gaming well thanks to its Windows OS and decent Wi-Fi. Good for streaming if your connection is stable.
.png)
So, overall, do you think it’s worth upgrading from my Switch and Steam Deck? Or should I wait a bit longer for more reviews?
If you want a powerful portable gaming PC and don’t mind the extra size, go for it. If portability is your priority, maybe stick to your current devices for now.
I’ve been using the ROG Ally for a few weeks now. It’s definitely more powerful than the Switch, but I find it a bit bulkier. Still, for gaming on the go, it’s pretty solid.
Mike, does it run most of your Steam and Windows games smoothly? How’s the battery life for portable gaming?
Sarah, it handles most Steam games well, but battery life varies a lot depending on the game—roughly 2-3 hours max for demanding titles.