Quick summary
- The ASUS ROG Handheld sports a 7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
- The Steam Deck, in contrast, has a 7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
- The ASUS ROG Handheld has traditional joystick and button controls, while the Steam Deck features two analog sticks, a D-pad, and a variety of buttons and triggers.
The world of handheld gaming has witnessed the arrival of two formidable contenders: the ASUS ROG Handheld and the Steam Deck. These devices promise to revolutionize the way we experience PC gaming on the go. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, design, and overall experience of both handhelds to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Hardware
Both the ASUS ROG Handheld and Steam Deck boast impressive hardware. The ASUS ROG Handheld features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, AMD Radeon 680M graphics, and 16GB of RAM. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, is powered by an AMD Zen 2 CPU, AMD RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of RAM.
In terms of performance, the ASUS ROG Handheld has a slight edge. Its more powerful processor and graphics card provide smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, particularly in demanding titles. However, the Steam Deck is no slouch either, offering a solid gaming experience with most titles.
Display and Audio
The ASUS ROG Handheld sports a 7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The Steam Deck, in contrast, has a 7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
The OLED display on the ASUS ROG Handheld offers superior image quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The higher refresh rate also ensures smoother scrolling and gaming. However, the Steam Deck‘s LCD display is still decent, providing a clear and detailed picture.
Both devices feature built-in stereo speakers and support headphones. The ASUS ROG Handheld‘s speakers are slightly louder and produce a more immersive audio experience.
Controls and Ergonomics
The ASUS ROG Handheld and Steam Deck offer different control schemes. The ASUS ROG Handheld has traditional joystick and button controls, while the Steam Deck features two analog sticks, a D-pad, and a variety of buttons and triggers.
The Steam Deck’s controls are more versatile, allowing for a wider range of games to be played comfortably. However, the ASUS ROG Handheld‘s traditional controls may feel more familiar to some gamers.
Both devices have ergonomic designs that provide comfortable gameplay for extended periods. The ASUS ROG Handheld is slightly smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck, making it more portable.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor in handheld gaming. The ASUS ROG Handheld boasts a 63Wh battery that provides up to 6 hours of gameplay. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has a 40Wh battery that lasts for up to 8 hours of gameplay.
The Steam Deck‘s longer battery life gives it an edge in this category, making it ideal for longer gaming sessions.
Software and Ecosystem
The ASUS ROG Handheld runs on Windows 11, while the Steam Deck runs on a custom version of Linux called SteamOS. Both operating systems offer a wide selection of games, but the Steam Deck has a slight advantage due to its access to the vast Steam library.
The ASUS ROG Handheld, however, offers more flexibility as it can run non-Steam games and software. It also supports external peripherals, such as keyboards and mice.
Price and Availability
The ASUS ROG Handheld is priced at $1,299, while the Steam Deck starts at $399. The Steam Deck is more affordable, but the ASUS ROG Handheld offers a more powerful gaming experience.
Both devices are currently available for purchase, but the Steam Deck has a longer wait time due to high demand.
The Verdict: Which Handheld is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Handheld and Steam Deck ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize raw performance and a superior display, the ASUS ROG Handheld is the way to go. It offers the best possible gaming experience on a handheld device.
However, if affordability, longer battery life, and access to a vast library of games are more important to you, the Steam Deck is the better choice. It provides a solid gaming experience at a more accessible price point.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which handheld has the better screen?
The ASUS ROG Handheld has a superior OLED display with a higher refresh rate, providing better image quality and smoother gameplay.
2. Which handheld is more portable?
The ASUS ROG Handheld is slightly smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck, making it more convenient to carry around.
3. Which handheld has the longer battery life?
The Steam Deck has a longer battery life of up to 8 hours, compared to the ASUS ROG Handheld‘s 6 hours of gameplay.
4. Which handheld has a better control scheme?
The Steam Deck offers more versatile controls with dual analog sticks and a D-pad, while the ASUS ROG Handheld has traditional joystick and button controls.
5. Which handheld has a wider selection of games?
The Steam Deck has access to a vast library of Steam games, while the ASUS ROG Handheld can run non-Steam games and software.