The Asus ROG Ally is a great handheld gaming PC, but it’s not the best time to buy one. Asus has teased a new model, the ROG Ally X, which is expected to be a significant upgrade. The current ROG Ally is also holding steady at list price, but that’s not likely to last long. If you’re in the market for a handheld gaming PC, it’s worth waiting a bit longer for the ROG Ally X or for the price of the current model to drop.
Ghost of Tsushima has finally launched on PC and it’s an excellent port, but it comes with one major issue: it’s not available in several countries where PlayStation Network (PSN) isn’t available. This is despite the fact that you don’t need a PSN account to play the base game. Otherwise, Ghost of Tsushima is a great port with solid performance, support for the latest PC technologies, and even runs well on the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck has become a popular choice for portable gaming, but it may not be the ideal option for everyone. This guide explores top Steam Deck alternatives that offer unique features and experiences, catering to different needs and preferences, such as the Lenovo Legion Go with its exceptional screen and performance, the ASUS ROG Ally with its Windows-based flexibility, the Logitech G Cloud designed specifically for cloud gaming, the PlayStation Portal for PlayStation enthusiasts, the Nintendo Switch OLED for exclusive titles and family-friendly entertainment, and the AYANEO Air PRO as a true portable PC experience. Consider factors like portability, screen quality, battery life, platform support, and gaming preferences when choosing the best Steam Deck alternative for you.
Asus’s ROG Ally is a capable handheld gaming PC, but it has some shortcomings compared to the Steam Deck. If Asus can address these issues with the ROG Ally 2, it could be a serious contender for the best handheld gaming PC title. Here are five key areas where I’d like to see improvements:
* **No Windows lock screen**: The ROG Ally’s Windows lock screen is a major annoyance. It would be great if Asus could find a way to bypass this, allowing users to jump right into their games without having to sign in each time.
* **A proper sleep mode**: The ROG Ally lacks a proper sleep mode, which can be frustrating. I’d like to see Asus implement a sleep mode that allows users to suspend their games and pick up right where they left off.
* **A verification system**: The Steam Deck’s Deck Verified program is a valuable tool for gamers. It would be great if Asus could implement a similar system for the ROG Ally, giving users a better idea of which games will run well on the device.
* **A more robust overlay**: The ROG Ally’s Armoury Crate utility is powerful, but its overlay is limited. I’d like to see Asus expand the overlay’s functionality, giving users more control over their gaming experience.
* **A functioning microSD card**: The ROG Ally’s microSD card slot has been problematic. Asus needs to fix this issue with the ROG Ally 2, as it’s the primary way most people will expand their storage.
A dedicated Redditor, Raven0606, embarked on a nine-month journey to create their own custom handheld gaming PC, inspired by the popular Steam Deck. Using 3D printing technology, they meticulously assembled the device, dubbed the Ryzen Deck, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU, Xbox controller buttons and sticks, and a scavenged motherboard from an ASRock DeskMini X300. Despite its impressive performance, capable of running light games at 30 fps and even demanding titles like The Witcher 3 at 45-55 fps, the Ryzen Deck weighs a hefty 3.44 pounds and has a limited battery life of approximately 90 minutes. Nonetheless, this remarkable project showcases the dedication and ingenuity of the modding community.
Valve is offering significant discounts on refurbished Steam Deck consoles, with savings of up to $90. These handhelds have undergone comprehensive testing and meet or exceed the performance standards of new units. While they may have minor cosmetic blemishes, they come with a one-year warranty. The base model can now be purchased for $279, the 256GB model for $319, and the 512GB model for $359.
Right-clicking on Steam Deck is not as straightforward as it seems due to the lack of a dedicated mouse. Here’s a guide on how to right-click in both desktop and gaming modes, as well as how to remap right-click on Steam Deck.
