Launched on October 16, the standard ROG Xbox Ally is already on sale with Amazon offering it for $489.99. It’s also discounted at Best Buy for $499.99 and Walmart for $499.00 if you prefer those vendors instead. Keep in mind that this is the standard model with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, which targets 720p gameplay. In terms of performance, this will be comparable to the Steam Deck, though it does have a 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. If you compare it to the Steam Deck OLED, that device has a 7.4-inch 1280 x 800 display with 90Hz refresh rate. It’s up to you to decide if you want higher resolution and refresh rate or an OLED display.
Having owned the ROG Xbox Ally X since it launched, I have to say the comfort of the handheld has really won me over—you can read more about it in my review. I’ve sadly had no reason to pick up the Steam Deck OLED since the ROG Xbox Ally X’s release, because I like the higher-resolution screen better than the OLED display. The Xbox Full Screen Experience still has a ways to go before it matches the ease of use that SteamOS has to offer, but it’s clear both Microsoft and Xbox are investing heavily in delivering that console-like experience with Windows.
