Alert: Xbox Ally emerges as an affordable alternative to the Steam Deck, with performance caveats

The Xbox Ally emerges as an economical option against the Steam Deck OLED, with discounts in the US and the UK, but presents performance gaps compared to more expensive models.

Affordable price, but with performance caveats

The ROG line's Xbox Ally is becoming the cheapest option in the current PC handheld landscape, and recent discounts are helping to consolidate its position.

In the US, the white version is appearing at $539.99 with a $60 discount, while the UK shows £396.60 on Amazon. The MSRP is $599.99, with the British reduction reaching 21%, which represents significant savings on paper.

Performance and specifications

A crucial point is the performance difference. The model uses the Z2 chipset, which lags behind rivals that use the Z2 Extreme, and is less powerful than the Z1 Extreme of the previous generation.

• Screen: 1080p, 120 Hz
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512 GB

This configuration can impact frame rates in more demanding titles, and the traditional Z2 tends to perform better in workloads with lower TDP, which may favor battery life in indie and less demanding games.

Comparisons with other options

When compared to the Steam Deck OLED, the manufacturer points out that Valve's platform still delivers a superior screen and a more solid SteamOS ecosystem, although Steam Deck stock varies significantly. The 2023 Asus ROG Ally, meanwhile, has already been discontinued, leaving the Xbox Ally as the most affordable portable option under $500 / £400 at the moment.

What this means for you

If the goal is to save money right now, the Xbox Ally emerges as the most budget-friendly option among current alternatives. Even so, those looking for maximum performance might prefer to wait for X2 Extreme deals or explore other lower-cost alternatives.

Which option would you choose: take advantage of the current discount or wait for X2 Extreme offers? Let us know in the comments below — your opinion could influence those joining this battle between PC handhelds at the end of this launch cycle.

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