The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X launched worldwide on October 16, 2025. While some gamers are excited to give the new handheld console a shot, others are not sure whether the console is worth the price tag. The brand new ROG Xbox Ally, which runs with Windows 11, is already making headlines. However, there’s been a sudden rise in discussions about the Steam Deck 2 within the gaming community.
Why is ‘Steam Deck 2’ trending?
Following the release of the latest heavy-duty handheld gaming console — the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X — the gaming community has already started comparing the device to the unreleased Steam Deck 2. The original Steam Deck raised standards of handheld gaming devices when it came out in February 2022, impressing gamers with its size and performance. However, a year later, giving Valve strong competition, ASUS came out with their own handheld gaming console — The Asus ROG Ally.
Now, after the release of the new ROG Xbox Ally in collaboration with Microsoft, users seem underwhelmed by its performance. Developed in partnership with ASUS and AMD, the new handheld console claims to give users the Xbox experience in a handheld device. It also has a desktop mode as it runs on Windows 11. The base 512GB model carrying 16GB RAM costs $599.99, while the 1TB model with 24GB RAM costs $999.99. While the features and specs are impressive, not everyone is pleased with the price.
After comparing tech specs, some reviewers suggest that it might be better to purchase the OLED Steam Deck rather than going for the base ROG Xbox Ally. And while the makers and developers of these new consoles claim to offer the Xbox and Windows experience in a handheld device, some users are saying it is not worth the price. Hence, in the wake of criticism and mixed reviews surrounding the new handheld device, demand for the Steam Deck 2 is on the rise.
Originally reported by Elton Fernandes on Mandatory.
