Steam Deck competitor slashed in price in Cyber Monday deal

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Handheld gaming has had a major revolution over the past seven years, with the Steam Deck barrelling onto the scene to one-up the Nintendo Switch with PC-level graphical capabilities and access to Steam’s enormous games platform.

Plenty of competitors have sprung up too, meaning you’re spoiled for choice if you’re looking to game on the go. One solid alternative to the Steam Deck is the ASUS ROG Ally Handheld Gaming Console, currently costing £351.36 for a used model at Amazon.

Featuring a powerful processor and graphics card, this handheld PC runs on Windows and will handle almost every AAA game you throw at it. It comes with a 120hz, full HD screen complete with Adaptive Sync to smooth out any framerate stutters, and you’ll be able to access Steam, Game Pass, GOG, and much more through it.

The screen is touch-ready, allowing for seamless navigation across the Windows desktop. At just 608g, it’s light in the hands and comfortable for hours of gameplay too.

It’s won an average score of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 246 ratings on Amazon, with customers comparing it favourably to the Steam Deck. “I have looked at gaming laptop with similar specs and concluded that the ROG does everything that I need and is built for gamers,” said one five-star review. “Well pleased with the purchase.”

“To say I'm seriously impressed with this bit of kit is an understatement,” said another happy gamer. “After months of reading reviews and comparing the ROG Ally with the Steam Deck, the lure of the improved performance and convenience of Windows/GamePass just made it no competition.”

Another said: “The most powerful PC tablet I've ever owned, best buy ever! Runs everything I can throw at it. The sound is amazing and it's a beautiful screen.”

Some aren’t so taken with the Windows operating system, however. “I don't dislike the ROG Ally and I'm not good with Linux but I've had my Steam Deck since it launched way back and the software experience is way better on the Steam Deck.”

Another had a more specific gripe, saying: "The charger that came with the product was an EU charger, not a UK one."

For alternatives, the Steam Deck starting at £349 is a modern marvel of handheld gaming that has won legions of fans. On the (slightly) more budget end, and with a huge back catalogue of exclusive games, check out this Nintendo Switch bundle complete with Switch Sports, an ankle strap for playing the football component, and a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online for £259.99.

At just over £350, however, the ASUS ROG Ally is one of the most high-powered ways to jump in.