In the ever-evolving landscape of handheld gaming devices, the ASUS ROG Ally X has emerged as a compelling contender. However, as recent discussions highlight, it still faces significant competition from the Valve Steam Deck, particularly when it comes to software experience. A piece published by Richard Devine on Windows Central dives deep into the comparative strengths and weaknesses of both devices, ultimately emphasizing that the Steam Deck's superior software UI remains a deciding factor for many gamers.
A Handheld Needs to Feel More Like a Console
One of the core arguments put forth in the article is the necessity for handheld devices to emulate the console experience, rather than functioning merely as small PCs. The description of the ROG Ally X is glowing—it boasts impressive design, ergonomics, hardware, and a stunning display that feels like a leap forward from the Steam Deck. But, the underlying issue stems from the operating system:
Windows 11. Despite its hardware prowess, the ROG Ally X cannot shake off the burden of running a system not optimized for handheld gaming. While the Steam Deck operates on
SteamOS 3, a streamlined UI built specifically for gaming, the ROG Ally X's reliance on Windows results in a jarring user experience. This dissonance is evident in various scenarios, such as navigating the system, uninstalling games, and updating software, where the ROG Ally X falters when compared to the seamless functionality of the Steam Deck.
Too Much Windows Without a Dedicated UI
Richard notes that the Steam Deck, while presenting its own challenges, offers a user interface tailored for handheld gaming experiences. The SteamOS is designed first and foremost as a game console platform, which allows players to dive into their games with minimal fuss. All functions—game library, system settings, and browsing—are navigable through its controller-friendly UI. In contrast, the ROG Ally X forces users into the full Windows experience. This is particularly cumbersome when performing routine tasks, such as uninstalling a game, which inadvertently leads users back to the traditional desktop interface—a practice that feels out of place on a handheld device. Microsoft's decision to eliminate the touch-optimized layout of Windows 8 for a more traditional desktop view—especially for devices like the ROG Ally X—has drawn the ire of many enthusiasts. As Richard expresses, “We went from a modern, intuitive, touch-friendly interface, to basically jabbing at a desktop. It’s rubbish.” This illustrates a clear gap in user experience when comparing the two devices.
The User Experience Comparison
When comparing user experience metrics, the Steam Deck shines in usability. It's easy to navigate, and the controls are responsive, with touch functionality that caters to intuitive interactions. In stark contrast, ASUS has made efforts to enhance the user experience with innovations like
Armoury Crate SE, which manages game launches efficiently. However, the reliance on Windows for the majority of operations leads users to a frustrating experience that feels incompatible with handheld gaming. For instance, Richard describes the exasperation of updating games through Windows Update—an experience that lacks the streamlined elegance found in the SteamOS update process. The constant press of regular updates through Windows also leads to potential interruptions during gaming sessions, contrasting sharply with the cohesive update ecosystem present in Valve’s offerings.
Balancing Performance with Usability
Performance-wise, the ROG Ally X possesses impressive capabilities, which make it a delight to use for gaming tasks. Yet, the combination of phenomenal hardware with less-thoughtful software creates an imbalance. In Richard's experience with the ROG Ally X, he appreciated its performance while lamenting the frequent interactions with desktop applications that felt clunky on a handheld interface. Microsoft's overarching issue is that it completes the experience without adequately accommodating handheld-specific interaction models. A relevant point raised is the possibility of Microsoft focusing on enhancing the user experience streamlined for handheld devices. If devices like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go could leverage a more optimized Windows UI specifically designed for the small screen, the gaming world would see a more enriched handheld ecology.
The Future of Handheld Devices
With ongoing rumors about potential Microsoft developments in the handheld space—specifically concerning an Xbox-centric device—Richard expresses optimism that user-friendly design will take precedence in any new hardware. The hope is for a
dedicated UI that builds on the lessons of the mainstream console experience while minimizing the frustrations experienced with Windows 11 on handhelds today. Conclusively, while the ROG Ally X is technically a powerful and beautiful device, its dependence on Windows 11 detracts considerably from overall user satisfaction. The Steam Deck remains the more compelling option due to its tailored gaming experience—even with its own share of hurdles, its dedication to handheld utility positions it as the leading device in this category for now.
Final Thoughts
For avid enthusiasts and casual gamers alike, the debate between the ROG Ally X and the Steam Deck boils down to a single question: What matters more, raw performance or a cohesive and user-friendly gaming experience? As it stands, the Steam Deck's software advantage makes it the preferred choice for many, proving that while specifications can entice, usability ultimately prevails. In closing, if the ROG Ally X were to run SteamOS 3 instead of Windows 11, it would become an unrivaled powerhouse in the handheld gaming market. Until then, it faces an uphill battle against a device that, despite its limitations, excels in crafting an experience users will find hard to surpass.
For those interested in reading the full original article, you can find it here:
Windows Central.