In recent years, handheld gaming consoles have become more popular and powerful now. And with the integration of Windows, the handheld gaming library expanded exponentially. The handheld gaming market has become very competitive now, so whether you want to game on the go or you just want a portable powerhouse, choosing the right one for you can become overwhelming.
So, in this blog, we are comparing the two most popular handhelds–the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme to see which one is the most bang for your buck.
Steam Deck (2025 Model):
Valve’s (the company behind Steam) Steam Deck became a favourite among gamers, enthusiasts and collectors alike since launch because of it unique features and gaming performance.
The latest version of the Steam Deck is no exception. The latest Steam Deck comes with a few upgrades from the last one, first of all, it has an OLED screen now for better colours and viewing experience with improved battery life and thermals. Valve also gave options for faster SSDs the Steam Deck feels more premium than ever.
Plus, with native support for SteamOS and Linux, it offers seamless access to your entire Steam library of online games and AAA titles.
Key Features:
- 7.4" OLED touchscreen (90Hz refresh rate)
- Custom AMD APU
- Up to 512GB SSD
- Up to 8 hours of battery life (varies by game)
- SteamOS 3.5 with Game Mode
ROG Ally (2025 Model):
Now, Asus isn't holding back with its new Ally X variant, running fully on Windows 11, it allows gamers to access Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox game pass, essentially giving flexible access to any game. It features a 120Hz display and the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU that handles popular games like Minecraft, Fortnite and AAA titles with ease
Key Features:
- 7" Full HD LCD @ 120Hz
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- 512GB–1TB SSD options
- Improved thermals and joystick durability
- Windows 11 for a full PC gaming experience
Steam Deck vs ROG Ally: Side-by-Side Specs
Feature | Steam Deck | ROG Ally Z1 Extreme |
Display | 7.4” OLED, 90Hz | 7” LCD, 90Hz |
CPU/GPU | Custom AMD APU | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
Battery Life | 6-8 Hrs | 3-5 Hrs |
OS | Steam OS (Linux) | Windows 11 |
Storage | Upto 1TB SSD | Upto 1TB SDD |
Weight | ~640g | ~608g |
Performance and Benchmarks
Here’s a breakdown of how each device handles popular titles, based on testing from The FPS Review and Linus Tech Tips:
Game | Settings and Resolution | Steam Deck (OLED) | ROG Ally Z1 Extreme |
Cyberpunk 2077 | Low-Med @ 720p/1080p | 30-40 FPS | 50-60 FPS |
Diablo VI | Med-High @ 720p/1080p | 45-55 FPS | 60-70 FPS |
Civilisation VI | High-Ultra @ 720p/1080p | 50+ FPS | 60+ FPS |
Fortnite | Performace Mode @ 720p/1080p | 60 FPS | 80-100 FPS |
Minecraft | Default Settings @ 720p/1080p | 60+ FPS | 100+ FPS |
The Steam Deck OLED strikes a solid balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for longer play sessions and titles like indie or strategy games. It offers a consistent and visually rich gaming experience. In contrast, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is built for performance-focused gamers, handling graphically intense titles with ease and delivering higher frame rates and resolution for those seeking a premium handheld experience.
Battery Life & Portability
If battery life is a major concern, your best choice here is the Steam Deck. Thanks to its power efficiency and Steam OS, it can last up to 8 hours while playing indie games but if you are playing AAA titles or any other graphically intense game, you can expect it to last around 3 to 5 hours depending on load.
Price & Value in 2025
Pricing remains competitive. The Steam Deck starts around $549, while the ROG Ally ranges from $699 to $799 depending on configuration. While the Ally offers more performance, the Deck provides better value for budget-conscious gamers seeking portability and efficiency.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Steam Deck if you want longer battery life, a vibrant OLED display, and seamless Steam integration.
Go with the ROG Ally if you need top-tier performance, higher refresh rates, and prefer a Windows-based ecosystem.
Both are excellent handheld gaming PCs in 2025—it ultimately comes down to your needs and budget.
Conclusion
In the battle of Steam Deck vs ROG Ally, there’s no one-size-fits-all winner. The Deck wins in efficiency and affordability, while the Ally excels in power and versatility. Either way, 2025 is a great time to be a handheld gamer.
Let us know in the comments—which one would you choose?
Related
- Looking for a gaming laptop instead? Check our budget gaming laptops guide.
- Wondering why Sony left handhelds? Read why the PSP era ended.
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