Steam Deck OLED vs. Competitors: Which Gaming Handheld Should You Buy?

When choosing a gaming handheld, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. The Steam Deck OLED has made waves with its high-quality screen and ease of use, but how does it stack up against other contenders like the ASUS ROG Ally X, MSI Claw, Lenovo Legion Go, and others? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision, breaking down the pros and cons of each device.

Key Takeaways

• Steam Deck OLED: Great value with an impressive OLED screen, good battery life, and a user-friendly interface.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Strong performance and battery life with some premium features but comes at a higher price.
• MSI Claw: Innovative design but suffers from driver issues and lower performance.
• Lenovo Legion Go: Features a large, high-resolution screen and detachable controllers but lacks OLED and has average battery life.
• Original ASUS Ally: Less battery life and performance than the Ally X, but a cheaper alternative if you can find a good deal.

Steam Deck OLED: The Underdog Champion

The Steam Deck OLED is a solid choice for gamers looking for a balance between cost and features. Here’s why it might be your best bet:

Pros:

• Stunning OLED Screen: The OLED screen offers vibrant colors and high contrast, making games look fantastic.
• Affordability: Starting at £350, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options for a full-fledged gaming PC.
• Usability: Runs on Steam OS, which is fast and easy to navigate. It’s designed to work seamlessly with Steam games and has a large library of verified games.
• Comfortable Design: The chunky grips and included case add to the comfort and portability.

Cons:

• Resolution: The 800p resolution might feel a bit low compared to other devices, though it performs well for its specs.
• Design: The aesthetic is quite plain and industrial, which might not appeal to everyone.

ASUS ROG Ally X: Premium Performance

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a powerhouse among handhelds, offering premium features but at a higher price.

Pros:

• Battery Life: It boasts the best battery life among competitors, lasting up to 3 hours of intensive gaming.
• Performance: Enhanced with double the storage and RAM compared to the original Ally, and faster charging.
• Screen: Offers variable refresh rates (VRR) for smoother gameplay.

Cons:

• Price: At around £800, it’s on the expensive side.
• Windows OS: While it allows for flexibility with game launchers and apps, navigating Windows on a small screen can be cumbersome.

MSI Claw: Innovative Yet Challenging

The MSI Claw is an interesting option, especially for those looking for something different.

Pros:

• Cooling: Excellent cooling system keeps the device running quietly and efficiently.
• Design: Unique vent design and overall solid build quality.

Cons:

• Performance: Lower frame rates in more demanding games due to Intel’s chip and driver issues.
• Software: Windows 11 on a small screen can be challenging to use without a touchpad.

Lenovo Legion Go: Big Screen and Unique Features

The Lenovo Legion Go offers a larger screen and some unique features but has its own set of drawbacks.

Pros:

• Large Display: An 8.8-inch, high-resolution screen provides an immersive experience.
• Detachable Controllers: The switch-style controllers and kickstand add versatility.

Cons:

• Weight and Size: The device is bulkier and less portable.
• Battery Life: Not as impressive as the Ally X, with the second-lowest battery life.

Original ASUS Ally: The Budget Option

The original ASUS Ally can be a good deal if you can find it at a discount, though it has some limitations.

Pros:

• Affordable: Usually cheaper than the Ally X and other high-end models.
• Similar Design: Shares many features with the Ally X but at a lower cost.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Poor battery life compared to the Ally X.
• Older Technology: Not as refined or powerful as the newer Ally X.

Quick Comparison: Performance and Battery Life

Here’s a brief comparison of performance and battery life among the devices:

Device	Average FPS	Battery Life (Gaming)
Steam Deck OLED	Good	2-2.5 hours
ASUS ROG Ally X	Best	3 hours
MSI Claw	Lower	2 hours
Lenovo Legion Go	Moderate	1.5 hours
Original ASUS Ally	Lower	1 hour 20 minutes

Tips for Choosing and Maximizing Your Handheld

1. Opt for Bigger Storage: Handhelds often come with limited storage. Consider models with more internal storage or the ability to expand with microSD cards.
2. Cap Your Frame Rate: Limiting the frame rate can extend battery life.
3. Use External Power: A large power bank can significantly increase gaming time.
4. Consider a Dock: A dock can turn your handheld into a desktop gaming PC and add extra ports.
5. Stream Games: Services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming can save your device’s resources and battery life.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Choice?

Choosing the best gaming handheld depends on your priorities. If you want a high-quality screen and a budget-friendly option, the Steam Deck OLED is a top pick. If you’re looking for superior performance and don’t mind spending more, the ASUS ROG Ally X offers great features. For those who need a large screen and unique features, the Lenovo Legion Go is worth considering. Meanwhile, the MSI Claw and the original ASUS Ally offer varied options if you’re looking for something specific or a better deal.

What do you think? Are you leaning towards one of these devices, or do you have any questions about them? Let us know in the comments below!