I’ve been really impressed with the Steam Deck since its launch. I was one of the lucky ones who snagged a reservation the moment it was announced and got mine delivered pretty early. After two and a half years, it’s still the handheld I recommend most to folks. It offers such a seamless user experience, but it does have its quirks. One major downside: I can’t play games like Black Ops 6 on it. With the ROG Ally now hitting its lowest prices ever across the globe, I’m seriously tempted.
Steam OS Wins My Vote, But It’s No Good for Black Ops 6 or Game Pass
I’m a big fan of Steam OS. Its user interface suits handheld gaming far better than Windows 11’s, with its third-party overlays from companies like ASUS or Lenovo. Most of my games are on Steam, and adding other launchers like Battle.net or Epic Games isn’t much of a hassle on Linux either. It’s seldom the barrier.
But when it is, it’s often due to anticheat software like Ricochet used in Black Ops 6. While not all anticheat systems are incompatible with Linux, it’s a notable issue that seems to be worsening. On Steam Deck, titles like Call of Duty don’t work, nor do Fortnite, Destiny 2, and even Apex Legends, which was previously Deck Verified. Mostly, I shrugged it off, not caring much until Black Ops 6 changed the game for me.
Black Ops 6 has been a big part of my recent gaming sessions, and it made me re-evaluate how much I use Xbox Game Pass on both PC and console—again, something the Steam Deck can’t do unless you either install Windows or go via the cloud. I only got into Black Ops 6 because it was on Game Pass; I didn’t need to shell out $70 for a game I might not even like. Maybe it’s age, but if a new title isn’t on Game Pass, I’m honestly less interested these days.
From what I’ve heard, playing Black Ops 6 on the ROG Ally is quite a solid experience. It runs smoothly at 60 FPS thanks to the improved power of the AMD Z1 Extreme, which is a step up from what the Steam Deck offers. While it might not be my top pick for competitive play, it seems perfect for some relaxed couch gaming in Zombie mode.
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The Windows 11 Price Gap Has Vanished
I’ve always hesitated about devices like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go due to their price tags. The Windows 11 premium used to push these gadgets well beyond what I paid for my Steam Deck. But thanks to Black Friday sales leveling the field, I’m almost ready to take the plunge.
With this price balance, the ROG Ally is incredibly enticing. It outperforms in terms of power, display quality, and built-in storage compared to my Steam Deck. I’m really drawn to its Xbox-inspired stick layout—it just feels right in my hands. I only wish it had touchpads, as I’d find them more practical on the Ally than on the Steam Deck. Admittedly, Windows 11 isn’t exactly optimized for small touchscreens.
After trying out the ROG Ally X, my interest peaked, but the cost was a definite hurdle. Now that the original model is available for £399 in the UK, I’m not sure how much longer I can resist.
My admiration for the Steam Deck will always be there, but with the current pricing, I’d have a hard time not recommending the ROG Ally instead. Despite Windows 11 being a bit clunky on handhelds, its ability to run all games without workarounds makes it a clear winner.
