Valve Acknowledges ASUS ROG Ally as Steam Deck’s Competitor

Valve, creators of the ground-breaking Steam Deck handheld gaming PC, recently chimed in on the launch event of Asus ROG Ally—Steam Deck’s first mainstream rival.

This competitor is quite powerful, yet still boasts a competitive price point. Comparing the two devices has become a hot topic among gaming enthusiasts.

Asus ROG Ally: A Windows-based Contender

The Asus ROG Ally could benefit from incorporating Steam Deck features for a smoother gaming experience.

However, its Windows operating system makes playing modern games a breeze, turning the device into a true Game Pass juggernaut.

Unlike the Linux-based Steam Deck, the ROG Ally can access a wider variety of applications and prerequisites.

Choosing Sides: Steam Deck vs. ROG Ally

Despite the ROG Ally’s superior hardware, the devices are distinct enough that it’s tough for reviewers to give a definitive recommendation.

Interestingly, there doesn’t seem to be any animosity between Valve and Asus.

Valve’s official Steam Deck Twitter account has praised Asus’ launch event, expressing excitement for the growth of the handheld gaming niche.

Valve’s Vision: Inspiring the Market

Asus stepping up as a significant competitor is exactly what Valve hoped to achieve with the Steam Deck.

While there are niche companies creating handheld gaming PCs—such as AYA, GPD Win, and Loki—Asus is the first global hardware supplier to venture into this new category alongside Valve.

This move could inspire other companies to join the fray, possibly with different operating systems.

The Future of SteamOS and Windows in Handheld Gaming

Rumors of a full SteamOS release have been circulating, with Valve planning to offer its Linux-based gaming OS for free.

It could make Windows unnecessary for gaming purposes—a fascinating development if this occurs.

Microsoft, however, doesn’t seem to be working on an official response to Valve’s SteamOS.

A developer clarified that a Windows handheld leak was merely an internal hackathon project that didn’t progress further.

But, with SteamOS advancing rapidly, the competitive landscape could shift in the coming years.

To fully understand the power behind the ROG Ally, let’s dive deeper into the details by examining the ASUS Rog Ally’s monstrous specs.