Table of Contents
Introduction
In the world of handheld consoles, three powerhouses are vying for your attention: the Nintendo Switch OLED, the Steam Deck OLED, and the Asus ROG Ally. Each offers a unique blend of power, portability, and features.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the latest iteration of Nintendo’s wildly popular handheld consoles, boasting a stunning OLED display and improved battery life for an on-the-go Nintendo experience. The Steam Deck OLED throws its hat in the ring of handheld consoles as a portable PC gaming powerhouse, letting you play demanding PC titles on a gorgeous OLED screen. The Asus ROG Ally enters the fray with a similar PC-focused approach, offering top-notch specs and Windows 11 versatility in a compact design.
So, how do you choose? Let’s delve deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of each contender to see which one of these handheld consoles best suits your gaming needs.
1. Nintendo Switch OLED | GPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra RAM: 4GB LPDDR4 Storage: 32GB Display: 7-inch OLED, 720p | Check Amazon Price Here |
2. Steam Deck OLED | GPU: RDNA 2 RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 Storage: Up to 1TB Display: 7-inch IPS, 800p | Check Amazon Price Here |
3. Asus ROG Ally | GPU: RDNA 3 RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD Display: 7-inch IPS 120Hz 1080p | Check Amazon Price Here |
Switch OLED Game Link | Steam Deck Game Link | Asus ROG Ally Game Link |
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Nintendo Switch OLED
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Nintendo Switch OLED:
Pros
- Beautiful OLED display: This is the biggest selling point. The OLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast compared to the original Switch’s LCD screen. It makes games look sharper and more vibrant, especially in handheld mode.
- Improved kickstand: The new kickstand is wider and more adjustable, making it much more stable in tabletop mode. This is a big deal for anyone who likes to play on the go or prop the Switch up for multiplayer sessions.
- Louder speakers: The OLED model has slightly louder and richer sounding speakers than the original Switch.
- More storage: Double the internal storage space (64GB) compared to the original Switch (32GB). This gives you more room for downloads before needing a microSD card.
- Ethernet port in the dock: The new dock includes a wired ethernet port, which can provide a more stable internet connection for online gaming compared to Wi-Fi.
Cons
- Higher price: The OLED model costs $50 more than the original Switch.
- Minor improvements: Aside from the display, kickstand, speakers, and storage, there are no major performance upgrades over the original Switch.
- Battery life: The battery life is generally considered about the same as the newer revisions of the original Switch (around 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game).
- No Labo VR support: The OLED model doesn’t work with the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, which is an add-on that lets you play VR games on the Switch.
Check out our article, Nintendo Switch: An Ultimate Game Changer for a more in-depth review.
Overall:
The Nintendo Switch OLED is a great option for anyone who wants the best possible handheld Switch experience. The improved display, kickstand, and speakers make it a more enjoyable device to use on the go. However, if you mainly play your Switch docked or don’t care about the screen quality upgrade, the original Switch or Switch Lite might be a better value.
Check Price On Nintendo Switch OLED Here.
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED boasts some significant upgrades over the original Steam Deck, but it also comes with a higher price tag. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
- Superior Display: The star of the show is the OLED display. It offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast compared to the LCD screen of the original Deck. This translates to sharper and more vibrant visuals, especially in games that take advantage of HDR.
- Extended Battery Life: The OLED model boasts a larger battery with claims of up to 50% longer playtime. This translates to more gaming sessions on the go without needing to constantly recharge.
- Improved Performance: The OLED Deck utilizes a slightly more efficient 6nm AMD processor, leading to marginally better performance and potentially cooler operation.
- Other Enhancements: The haptics and thumbsticks are said to be improved for a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. Storage options have also been bumped up, with a new 1TB model available.
Cons
- Higher Cost: The OLED model comes at a premium price point, with a significant price jump compared to the original Deck configurations.
- Limited Upgrade for Some: If you primarily play on the Dock or aren’t too concerned with screen quality and battery life, the performance improvements might not justify the extra cost.
- Potential Burn-in Risk: Like all OLED screens, there’s a slight risk of burn-in if static elements are displayed for extended periods.
- Speakers may be Downgraded: Some users report that the speakers on the OLED model might have slightly lower sound quality compared to the original Deck.
Check out our article, Battle of the Handheld Gaming Titans: Steam Deck OLED vs Lenovo Legion Go for more information on the Steam Deck OLED.
Overall:
The Steam Deck OLED is a compelling upgrade for those who prioritize the best possible handheld PC gaming experience. The improved display, battery life, and overall refinements make it a more premium device. However, if budget is a major concern or you primarily use the Deck docked, the original Steam Deck might still be a great option.
Check Price On Steam Deck OLED Here.
Asus ROG Ally
The Asus ROG Ally offers a powerful PC gaming experience in a portable package, but it has limitations to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Powerful Performance: The ROG Ally packs a punch with AMD Ryzen processors and ample RAM, allowing you to play demanding PC titles on the go.
- Comfortable Design (for some): Compared to bulkier competitors, the Ally boasts a lighter, more compact design that some users find comfortable, especially for those with larger hands.
- High-Quality Display: The Ally features a beautiful OLED screen with vibrant colors and sharp visuals, enhancing the handheld gaming experience.
- Windows 11 Versatility: Running on Windows 11, the Ally offers more flexibility than some competitors. You can not only play games but also use various productivity and entertainment software.
Cons
- Short Battery Life: A major drawback is the battery life. The Ally struggles to reach extended playtime, often lasting only around 1-2 hours on demanding games. This necessitates frequent charging, limiting true portability.
- Questionable Controls: While comfortable for some, the buttons and joysticks on the Ally have received mixed reviews. Some users find them lacking in responsiveness or quality compared to dedicated controllers.
- Limited Software Optimization (as of April 2024): While Windows offers versatility, some games may not be perfectly optimized for handheld play or require additional tinkering to run smoothly.
- Higher Price Point: The ROG Ally can be a pricier option compared to some competitors, especially considering the battery life limitations.
Check out our article, Asus ROG Ally: A Deep Dive into the Handheld Gaming Revolution for a full breakdown and review.
Overall:
The Asus ROG Ally is a powerful handheld PC with a great screen, but its short battery life and potentially unoptimized controls hold it back. If you prioritize raw power and versatility and don’t mind frequent charging or tweaking settings, the Ally could be a good choice. However, for those seeking a more polished handheld experience with longer playtime, other options might be better suited.
Check Price On Asus ROG Ally Here.
Handheld Consoles Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the Nintendo Switch OLED, Steam Deck OLED, and Asus ROG Ally hinges on your priorities. The Switch OLED delivers a familiar Nintendo experience with a beautiful display and improved battery life, perfect for those who crave classic Nintendo titles and portability. The Steam Deck OLED caters to PC gamers who want the freedom to play demanding titles on the go, offering impressive power and a longer battery life than its predecessor. The ROG Ally prioritizes raw power and Windows 11’s versatility, but sacrifices battery life and may require tinkering for a smooth handheld experience. No matter your preference, one of these handheld consoles is sure to fuel your portable gaming adventures.
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