'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Nintendo Switch was the undisputed leader of the handheld gaming market, but the Steam Deck's launch changed that. The handheld market is now booming with many options. Now, there's a new handheld device on the market called the ROG Ally X. It aims to become a fierce competitor to not just the Nintendo Switch, but to all others as well.
But which is the best gaming handheld, the Asus ROG Ally X or the Nintendo Switch? This article compares every aspect of the two to find which is the best handheld gaming device and why.
Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinions.
Asus ROG Ally X vs Nintendo Switch
The ROG Ally X is a mini gaming PC designed to fit inside a handheld form factor. It has a full-blown Windows OS and works like a normal computer, so it has tremendous gaming potential.
Trending
On the contrary, the Nintendo Switch is a proper gaming console. While it supports internet browsing, it is far from a computer alternative. It's a gaming handheld that is designed with only games in mind. Let's compare the two devices, starting with their specs.
Spec comparison
The ASUS ROG Ally X is based on an x86 architecture and runs on Windows 11 OS. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch is designed on the ARM chipset and is powered by Nintendo's proprietary system software. Here's the spec list of the two handheld devices:
Looking at the specs, it's apparent that the ROG Ally X is more powerful. However, specs aren't everything and the Nintendo Switch has proved that multiple times. It's the games that matter more and not the space. But before we look at the library, let's check the two devices' design and display first.
Design and display
The Nintendo Switch wins the design department hands down. Thanks to its smaller form factor, this handheld is easier to carry and has many carrying cases available. The Nintendo device also weighs significantly less than the Ally, allowing you to play games on it longer without feeling fatigued. The left and right controllers are also detachable, which the ROG Ally X doesn't have.
When it comes to the display, things change. That's because the ASUS ROG Ally X has an FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the Nintendo Switch has an HD display only with a 60Hz refresh rate. So, the Ally will deliver better image quality with smoother visuals than the Nintendo handheld.
However, the ROG Ally X has a traditional IPS display, while the Switch has an OLED display. The OLED will provide better contrast and black levels, which is not possible on the Ally. It all comes down to which one you prefer more.
Relative performance comparison
The Nintendo Switch is over seven years old now. So, it has a pretty old chipset that cannot keep up with the ROG Ally X's powerful AMD chip. For example, the Witcher 3 is available on both platforms, and it runs at 60+ FPS with medium settings on the Ally X.
The same game struggles to deliver a constant 30 FPS on the Switch. The Nintendo handheld also runs the game at a lower resolution than the Ally. The same goes for every other game that is available on both devices. However, this could change soon since the Japanese giant is all set to launch the Nintendo Switch 2, which is rumored to be significantly more powerful than the first.
Video games library comparison
The game library is what differentiates the two handheld devices. The ROG Ally X has access to the entire library of Steam games, which is huge. On the other hand, the Switch has a huge selection of Nintendo games that are available exclusively for it.
You will have to decide what kind of games you prefer and choose a handheld console based on that.
Should you buy the ASUS ROG Ally X?
If you mostly play Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5, The Last of Us, Spider-Man, Apex Legends, and other similar games, then the ROG Ally X is for you. It has access to all Steam games and will provide a satisfying experience. The Ally also allows you to play console games via emulation.
Should you buy the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is for those who enjoy Nintendo's games like the Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Odyssey, and others. The left and right controllers are also detachable. You can use them separately, which allows two people to play on the same device.
Asus ROG Ally X vs Nintendo Switch: Final verdict
The ROG Ally X is the best console for power and performance. It also has a higher display clarity and allows you to play games at a 120Hz refresh rate. Even though it is better, it may not be for everyone. That's because some people prefer Nintendo's iconic games that cannot be played anywhere else.
Simply put, choose a handheld based on the kind of games you like playing.
