The handheld console gaming market is experiencing a revival. Leading the charge is Steam Deck, followed by Asus’s ROG Ally and Lenovo’s Legion Go. This article delves deep into the specs, performance, and unique features of each console to help you make an informed decision.

By the Specs: An Overview

Here, we examine the core specifications of the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go. Let’s explore starting price, processor types, and more.

Price: Steam Deck Offers Affordability

Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 64GB model and goes up to $649 for the 512GB version. The Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are priced higher, at $699. Both feature the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. The ROG Ally also offers a $599 variant with a slightly less powerful Ryzen Z1 chip. Lenovo plans to introduce a cheaper version of the Legion Go with the same chip in the future.

Display: Legion Go Stands Out

Legion Go boasts an 8.8-inch QHD+ screen with a 2560x1600p resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. ROG Ally features a 7-inch FHD+ screen with a 1920x1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Steam Deck lags behind with a 7-inch screen of 1280 x 800p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Battery Life: Legion Go Takes the Lead

The Legion Go offers a battery capacity of 49.2Wh, whereas ROG Ally has a 40Wh battery. Steam Deck has a longer battery life, but that’s attributed to its lower power consumption and limited resolution. Legion Go and ROG Ally come with 65W USB-C chargers, outpacing the charging speed of the Steam Deck.

Operating System: Flexibility vs. Stability

Steam Deck runs on a custom Linux version called SteamOS, designed for a stable gaming experience. It also allows Windows installation, although with potential bugs. ROG Ally and Legion Go can run Windows 11 natively, providing access to a broad range of game libraries.

Design: Different Strokes for Different Folks

ROG Ally is compact and light, weighing 608g, with a futuristic look. Legion Go is heavier at 854g but offers detachable controllers and an integrated kickstand. Steam Deck is designed for optimal gaming performance, with strategically placed vents and a natural grip design.

Upgradability: Steam Deck Shines

Both Steam Deck and ROG Ally offer options for storage and RAM upgrades, albeit with some DIY effort. Legion Go’s upgradability is still unknown. Steam Deck stands out due to its broader range of upgradable parts.

Performance: Legion Go Leads, but at a Cost

ROG Ally and Legion Go feature the latest RDNA 3-based AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processor with Zen 4 architecture, outperforming Steam Deck’s older Zen 2 architecture. Legion Go has a slight edge due to its faster RAM. However, ROG Ally offers an external GPU connection via a custom Asus PCIe port, which is useful for big-screen gaming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re budget-conscious, Steam Deck is your best option. For those looking for superior display and performance, Legion Go is the winner. ROG Ally sits in the middle, offering a balanced approach. Your choice will ultimately depend on what you prioritize the most: affordability, performance, or display quality. Thank you for reading.

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