Tag: Steam Deck

  • Steam Deck Touchscreen Dock with 4TB SSD Launching on Kickstarter

    Steam Deck Touchscreen Dock with 4TB SSD Launching on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Chizha Mount Ling Dock will launch on Kickstarter in September, with a “Super Early Bird” price of $129, rising to $199 later.
    2. The “Game Changer Bundle” includes a portable SSD enclosure for $189, with additional costs for shipping and taxes.
    3. The dock features multiple ports, including USB-C (10 Gbps), USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and Toslink for audio devices.
    4. It has a cooling system with a fan that spins at 5,000 RPM and operates quietly at 28dB, designed not to obstruct the Steam Deck’s fan.
    5. A unique 3-inch touchscreen allows users to control RGB lighting, monitor fan status, and check the resolution and transfer speed of connected devices.


    The Chizha Mount Ling Dock was first revealed in June, and Dockcase has now shared more details about its launch. This docking station is set to be crowdfunded on Kickstarter starting in September. The “Super Early Bird” price will be $129, but the retail price is expected to rise to $199 later on.

    Different Bundles Available

    There is also a “Game Changer Bundle” that comes with a portable SSD enclosure for $189. Keep in mind that these prices do not include shipping or any possible import costs and taxes. This makes the Steam Deck dock pricier, especially when compared to simpler docks from brands like Anker, which can be found for about $30 on Amazon. However, the Dockcase is anticipated to provide more features, such as a variety of ports, including an extra USB-C port (10 Gbps), two USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 for 4K HDR monitors at 60Hz, and Toslink for connecting soundbars or external speakers.

    Features and Cooling System

    Handheld gaming devices can be charged through USB-C Power Delivery with up to 100 watts. The dock includes a fan that can spin at 5,000 revolutions per minute, helping to cool the handheld while gaming. The ventilation slots on the dock are designed not to obstruct the Steam Deck’s built-in fan. With a noise level that reaches up to 28dB, the dock is likely to be very quiet. Additionally, there is an M.2 2280 slot for a single PCIe SSD that can hold up to 4TB of data.

    Unique Touchscreen Control

    One of the most interesting aspects of the dock is its 3-inch touchscreen at the front, boasting a resolution of 560 x 170 pixels. This touchscreen enables users to manage the RGB lighting and fan, as well as check the status of the ports. For instance, it allows users to view the resolution of a connected monitor or the transfer speed of a USB device.

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  • Peaceful Game with Overwhelming Reviews Now 60% Off on Steam Deck

    Peaceful Game with Overwhelming Reviews Now 60% Off on Steam Deck

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Origin: Dorfromantik was created by four students from Germany and Switzerland, focusing on a soothing and minimalist gaming experience.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: Players arrange tiles to build a village landscape, earning points based on how well the tiles fit together.

    3. Relaxing and Competitive: The game offers a calming experience while also allowing competitive players to strive for higher scores through specific objectives.

    4. Progression and Modes: It features a progression system with new objectives and tiles unlocked as players advance, along with various game modes like Classic, Quick, Monthly, and Hard.

    5. Positive Reception: Dorfromantik has received high praise, holding a 96% positive rating on Steam with around 14,000 reviews, making it a popular choice among gamers.


    In the beginning of 2020, four students from Germany and Switzerland embarked on a journey to create a game that offered a soothing experience with a minimalist aesthetic. Their hard work resulted in Dorfromantik, a strategy and puzzle game inspired by the German term for “village romanticization.” Currently, due to a sale on Steam, this visually stunning game is being offered at a 60% discount, bringing the price down to an amazing low of just $5.99.

    Game Mechanics

    Dorfromantik presents players with an easy task—arranging tiles to build an endless village landscape. Players receive a random assortment of tiles and need to place each one correctly to form forests, villages, railroads, and more. Points are awarded based on how well these tiles fit together, making the gameplay rewarding.

    Relaxing Yet Competitive

    For those who are looking for a calming gaming experience, this title is perfect because of its naturally laid-back gameplay. Nonetheless, players who thrive on competition will also find joy in striving for higher scores by carefully placing each tile. There are specific objectives too, like windmills that must be surrounded by six fields to meet the requirements.

    Progression and Game Modes

    The game features a thoughtful progression system as well. As players progress, they encounter new objectives that, once completed, unlock additional tiles and diverse biomes. Various modes are available, including Classic, Quick, Monthly, and Hard. Classic mode is the easiest, while Hard mode presents the greatest challenges with tougher tiles. Quick mode offers a limited set of tiles aimed at achieving the highest score, while Monthly mode, as its name indicates, introduces a fresh challenge every month.

    Since its release, the game has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and casual players. Dorfromantik holds a 96% positive rating on Steam, bolstered by around 14,000 reviews. A review from RockPaperShotgun also highlights the game’s charm. It performs well on the Steam Deck (currently priced at $899 on Amazon), which is excellent news for those who own the device. At its lowest price on Steam, Dorfromantik is certainly a fantastic purchase for anyone who hasn’t tried it yet.

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  • Valve Deckard: New Steam Frame Name for Index Successor Revealed

    Valve Deckard: New Steam Frame Name for Index Successor Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve has not released new hardware recently, with the Steam Deck OLED being the latest device.
    2. There are rumors about new gadgets like the Valve Deckard headset, Steam Controller 2, and Steam Deck 2, but some have been dismissed by Valve executives.
    3. The Valve Fremont has appeared on Geekbench, rumored to be a home console, but is not expected to match the power of current mini-PCs.
    4. Valve is attempting to trademark the name “Steam Frame” for various hardware categories, indicating potential new products.
    5. Industry experts suggest “Steam Frame” may be linked to Valve’s upcoming Deckard device, with recent updates to SteamVR hinting at new user interfaces.


    Valve has not put out any new hardware for quite a while now. The Steam Deck OLED is still the latest device that the company has released. However, there have been many leaks and speculations about new gadgets being developed. While devices like the Valve Deckard headset, Steam Controller 2, and Steam Deck 2 seem to be promising, some others have been labeled as irrelevant by a Valve executive.

    New Device Rumors

    Another gadget, named Valve Fremont, has shown up on Geekbench several times over the past year. It’s believed to be some type of home console, but it is not anticipated to be as strong as the current AMD Strix Halo mini-PCs, such as the GMKtec EVO-X2, which is currently priced at $1,499.99 on Amazon. Just a day ago, a Reddit user called u/Crafty-Average-586 posed a question in the r/SteamDeck community, asking if ‘Steam Frame’ would be ‘a good name’ for a new piece of hardware.

    Trademark Application

    This mention of ‘Steam Frame’ was initially waved off by r/SteamDeck members, as it seemed unrelated to ongoing discussions. Yet, Valve has recently been seen trying to trademark that name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A screenshot shared below indicates that Valve aims to secure the term ‘Steam Frame’ for various categories, including:

    – computer hardware
    – computer networking hardware
    – computer peripherals
    – computer hardware and computer software for the reproduction, processing, and streaming of audio, video, data, text, and multimedia content.

    Future Possibilities

    The exact scope of what Steam Frame entails is still vague based on that description alone. However, industry watchers like Brad Lynch suggest that Steam Frame could be the branding for Valve’s upcoming Deckard device. In light of this, recent updates to SteamVR have introduced multiple mentions of ‘Frame’ user interfaces and menus. Sadly, more specific information about Valve’s planned VR headset is still elusive, despite a lot of evidence emerging from data mining activities over the past few years.

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  • Linux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam Survey

    Linux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam Survey

    Key Takeaways

    1. Linux’s desktop adoption remains low, with a decline to 2.64% among Steam users, despite initial growth trends.
    2. The Steam Deck leads Linux distribution usage, comprising 27.65% of Linux users on Steam, while macOS and Linux distributions like CachyOS and Bazzite see minor changes.
    3. Windows continues to dominate with 95.59% of Steam users, showing a slight increase in its share.
    4. Mid-range GPUs, particularly the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, are the most popular among gamers, but many gamers are still using 8 GB of VRAM, raising concerns about developers’ awareness of actual hardware capabilities.
    5. Intel’s CPU market share has dropped to 59%, while AMD’s has increased to 41.03%, indicating a shift in preferences among PC users.


    Despite the apparent rise in Linux’s popularity within the PC gaming world, with distributions such as CachyOS and Bazzite offering Windows-like polish along with Linux’s promised performance and customization benefits, it appears that 2025 might not be the year Linux finally takes over the desktop.

    Growing Divide in Hardware Expectations

    Simultaneously, there are signs of a widening gap between what game developers expect in terms of hardware and the actual specifications of gaming PCs owned by players.

    One notable point from the recent Steam Survey is that while Linux adoption was showing an upward trend, it has slipped again, declining by 0.25% to a total of 2.64% among sampled Steam users. Although this decrease may appear minor, it actually represents a 10% shift when compared to the previous survey. Earlier growth in Linux user numbers indicated a healthy trend, which could have encouraged developers to consider offering official Linux support for games, software, and gaming hardware. Many Linux enthusiasts remain optimistic that initiatives like SteamOS and the Steam Deck will continue to bolster Linux’s market presence, but the pace seems to be easing somewhat.

    Popularity Among Linux Distributions

    Within the Linux community, the Steam Deck (currently priced at $467.90 on Amazon) still dominates, accounting for 27.65% of Steam’s Linux users. Meanwhile, CachyOS has gained a slight increase, and Bazzite has attracted 2.21% of the Linux user base on Steam.

    In contrast, macOS has also experienced a downturn in its share of Steam users, which has dropped to just 1.77%. On the other hand, Windows has seen a gain of 0.36%, bringing its total to 95.59% of Steam users belonging to Microsoft.

    Mid-range GPUs and Developer Disconnect

    On the hardware side, mid-range GPUs continue to drive the majority of gaming experiences, with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 now surpassing the RTX 3060 as the most favored gaming GPU. Despite ongoing discussions about 8 GB of VRAM being inadequate for gaming in 2025, it remains the most prevalent VRAM size reported, rising by 1.37% to just over 35% of sampled Steam users still utilizing that specification. Although 16 GB VRAM is often touted as the ideal for gaming in 2025, only 6.80% of Steam users have that amount of video memory available to them.

    This reliance on mid-range hardware has led to debates online about whether game developers are disconnected from the actual hardware that regular gamers possess. This concern is heightened as some AAA titles are now requiring minimum specifications that include GPUs like the RTX 2070 or even more powerful options.

    Interestingly, when comparing the current year to last year, Intel’s CPU market share has dropped by 9%, falling from 68% in August 2024 to 59% in August 2025. Conversely, AMD now powers 41.03% of PCs this August, which is an increase from 31.9% in August 2024.

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  • Herdling Launches to 95% Positive Rating: Cute, Cozy, and Stunning

    Herdling Launches to 95% Positive Rating: Cute, Cozy, and Stunning

    Key Takeaways

    1. Positive Reception: Herdling has a 95% positive rating on Steam, with over 170 reviews, highlighting its popularity among gamers.

    2. Unique Gameplay: Players control Via, who helps a lost creature called a calicorn navigate various terrains while building an emotional bond.

    3. Emotional Storytelling: The game effectively conveys strong emotions and themes of belonging without using any dialogue.

    4. Accessible Experience: Herdling runs well on the Steam Deck and has modest system requirements, making it suitable for users with older systems.

    5. Launch Discount: There is a 20% discount available until the 28th of this month, encouraging players to try the game soon.


    Okomotive has a reputation for creating games that resonate deeply with players. Their latest release, Herdling, launched on Steam less than a week ago, continues this trend. This game is set in a visually captivating universe, featuring a heartfelt soundtrack and a plot that stirs strong emotions without using any dialogue.

    Positive Reception

    Currently, Herdling has achieved a remarkable 95% positive rating on Steam, based on over 170 reviews, showcasing how much gamers are enjoying it. Many reviewers have shared their thoughts about this charming title, with Mark Delaney from GameSpot awarding it a noteworthy 9 out of 10 in his heartfelt critique.

    Gameplay and Story

    In Herdling, players take on the role of Via, the main character. Via encounters a creature known as a calicorn, which is quite unlike any other animal. It resembles a prehistoric buffalo, like an Auroch, with its thick fur and beautifully curled horns. The calicorn has gotten lost in the city, and it’s up to the young protagonist, Via, to lead it back home.

    Players can build a lasting connection with the calicorn through petting, and once it’s tamed, it can be herded like other domestic creatures. During the adventure, Via will encounter additional calicorns, each with its own distinctive traits. The herd must navigate various terrains, such as forests, valleys, and mountains, while also protecting the animals from threats. Some calicorns might even die if not cared for properly, which adds emotional layers to the game.

    Who Will Enjoy It

    Those who appreciate slow-paced yet challenging games with significant emotional resonance are sure to find this title delightful. The philosophical themes of feeling out of place and the quest for belonging are also central to Herdling’s narrative. The game runs reasonably well on the Steam Deck (currently priced at $665 on Amazon) and has modest system requirements, making it accessible for gamers with older systems. There’s also a 20% launch discount available until the 28th of this month, so interested players should take action promptly.

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  • New Diablo-Style Survival ARPG Launches on Steam, Early Access Aug 25

    New Diablo-Style Survival ARPG Launches on Steam, Early Access Aug 25

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch: Beyond the Map is releasing in early access on Steam on August 25, 2025, developed by Glitch Goblins.

    2. Gameplay Features: The game is a survival action RPG with procedurally generated worlds, base building, and a classless character progression system.

    3. Community-Driven Development: The early access phase will last 1-2 years and will be shaped by community feedback, with plans for new content and features.

    4. Single-Player and Compatibility: Players can enjoy a single-player mode with Steam Cloud and Family Sharing, though Steam Deck compatibility is currently unknown.

    5. System Requirements: The game requires a 64-bit Windows 10/11 PC with specific hardware, including a minimum of 16 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 1650.


    Beyond the Map is making its debut on Steam early access today, August 25, 2025. This game, developed by the indie team Glitch Goblins, is a survival action RPG that features a procedurally generated world, base building, and a unique classless character progression system. The developers have announced that the early access phase will be community-driven and is expected to continue for about one to two years. An exciting roadmap is also in place, promising to introduce new biomes, enemies, cooperative play, customization options, and additional narrative content over time.

    Gameplay Overview

    On its Steam page, Beyond the Map creates a captivating environment where players must construct bases, craft equipment, and engage in combat to enhance their loadouts and venture into more challenging territories, all showcased from an isometric viewpoint. The story kicks off with a shipwreck near the uncharted seas, placing players into lands teeming with hostile biomes and resources waiting to be uncovered.

    Early Access Details

    The early access version of the game is set to launch on Steam, with the store page confirming August 25, 2025, as the expected release date. It features standard platform information like supported languages and various feature tags. The current build includes a working combat system, procedurally generated biomes, and a variety of enemies. The developers are actively refining balance, performance, and expanding content, as noted in their early access announcement on Steam. Players can enjoy single-player mode with Steam Cloud and Family Sharing functionalities. However, the Steam Deck compatibility status remains “unknown.” The game will support 13 languages for interface and subtitles upon launch.

    System Requirements

    For minimum system requirements, players will need a 64-bit Windows 10/11 PC equipped with a 4-core CPU, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1650, along with 10 GB of storage and DirectX 11. Recommended specifications include an 8-core CPU and an RTX 3060, while still maintaining the same RAM and storage needs, which are considered quite high for a survival ARPG.

    Beyond the Map has attracted over 3,144 followers on Steam and continues to update its development blog with regular patches, the latest being version 0.1.12 released in August 2025. If you’re a fan of Diablo-style ARPG combat blended with survival crafting elements, this game could definitely be worth checking out.

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  • New Life-Sim RPG Launches on Steam with 20% Discount and Great Reviews

    New Life-Sim RPG Launches on Steam with 20% Discount and Great Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Discounty is a whimsical supermarket management game released on August 21, 2025, available on multiple platforms including Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
    2. Set in the fictional town of Blomkest, players revive a struggling supermarket while navigating local conflicts and quirky townspeople.
    3. Relationship management with NPCs is crucial, as player choices impact social dynamics and customer loyalty.
    4. The game has received positive reviews for its engaging writing, satisfying gameplay, and satirical take on small-town economics, with a Steam rating of “Very Positive” and a Metacritic score of 78/100.
    5. Priced at $15.99 with a launch discount, some minor technical issues have been reported, but they do not significantly affect overall enjoyment.


    Discounty is a fun and whimsical supermarket management game created by the debut developers, Crinkle Cut Games. Released globally on August 21, 2025, it’s available on Steam for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Before its launch, the game gathered more than 150,000 wishlists. Marketed as a cozy game with a touch of satire, Discounty is receiving positive feedback, boasting a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and a Metacritic score of 78/100.

    Setting and Gameplay

    The action takes place in the made-up harbor town of Blomkest. Players take on the role of a character assigned by their enigmatic aunt to breathe life back into the local supermarket, which is facing tough times. The pixel art style and vibrant colors present a welcoming atmosphere, but underneath this friendly facade, there are layers of local conflicts, quirky townspeople, and occasional pushback against the supermarket’s growth.

    Managing Relationships

    As players work to grow their store, they must negotiate trade agreements with NPCs and foster relationships within the community. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that every choice made in management and negotiations impacts the social dynamics of the town. Gaining customer loyalty, winning over the locals’ trust, and navigating late-night gossip in bars are just as important as organizing shelves or changing the layout of aisles.

    Reception and Critique

    Early reviews of Discounty suggest that the game’s store management mechanics, engaging writing, and cozy yet reflective atmosphere are commendable. Critics highlight the gameplay as straightforward yet satisfying, the characters as unforgettable, and the storyline as compelling. The town’s drama is both amusing and occasionally thought-provoking, with a satirical twist that humorously critiques small-town economics and societal expectations.

    On the downside, some players have reported minor technical problems like frame rate drops and text errors, but the majority feel these issues don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The music and artistic style have received acclaim, although a few reviewers noted that the soundtrack can become monotonous during extended gaming sessions.

    Discounty is available for $15.99, which includes a 20% discount for its launch. It is also verified for Steam Deck (currently priced at $769.99 on Amazon).

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  • Absurd Brawler Takes Steam by Storm: Best $4 Game Ever

    Absurd Brawler Takes Steam by Storm: Best $4 Game Ever

    Key Takeaways

    1. Stick It to the Stickman offers a unique gaming experience set in a satirical corporate environment, where players fight to rise through the ranks.
    2. The game features physics-based combat combined with roguelike elements, ensuring varied gameplay with unlockable moves and power-ups.
    3. Free Lives and Devolver plan to support the game with continuous updates, introducing new work settings and mechanics over the next year.
    4. The game has received positive player feedback, boasting a 97% rating from nearly 950 reviews and ranking first on SteamDB’s “Hot Releases” chart.
    5. Stick It to the Stickman is available on Early Access for around $5, with a free demo option and compatibility with the Steam Deck.


    Devolver Digital is known for supporting unique and unusual games, like Hotline Miami, Cult of the Lamb, and Enter the Gungeon, which highlight the publisher’s talent for quirky ideas and dark humor. Their latest title, Stick It to the Stickman, entered Early Access on Steam on August 18, 2025, and continues this legacy. The game, created by Free Lives, the team behind Broforce, is recognized for its love of unorthodox gaming concepts.

    Game Concept

    In Stick It to the Stickman, players become a low-ranking stickman worker battling to rise through the ranks of a comically absurd corporate environment. The game takes place in a satirical office nightmare where players must defeat coworkers, managers, and even the CEO using any means necessary. The gameplay combines physics-based fighting with roguelike elements, making each playthrough distinct. Players can unlock new moves, abilities, and strange power-ups, which range from basic punches and kicks to machine guns, caffeine-fueled rampages, and even fart-powered attacks.

    Future Updates

    Free Lives and Devolver plan to keep Stick It to the Stickman in Early Access for more than a year, with consistent content updates already being developed. New work settings are on the way, including marketing departments, doomsday bunkers, and research labs, each introducing fresh mechanics to enhance the gameplay. The game also features a local co-op mode, allowing a second player to join in on the fun at any moment.

    Player Feedback

    Players are finding Stick It to the Stickman to be both ridiculous and very engaging. One user, Exotc, commented on Steam, “Probably the best game I ever spent $4 on.” He and a friend had eagerly anticipated the Early Access launch since the free demo three years before, and now they label it as “the best co-op experience” in quite some time. They are not alone in their praise; the game has a 97% positive rating from nearly 950 reviews and is ranked first on SteamDB’s “Hot Releases” chart, peaking at over 2,800 concurrent players. The Early Access price is about $5, and a free demo is available for those who want to test it before buying. Additionally, for mobile gamers, Stick It to the Stickman is verified for the Steam Deck, which can be found on Amazon for $475.

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  • New Metroidvania Bomb-Caterpillar Hits 500 Positive Reviews on Steam

    New Metroidvania Bomb-Caterpillar Hits 500 Positive Reviews on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Öoo is a 2D Metroidvania game where players control a caterpillar that uses bombs for movement, combat, and puzzles.
    2. The game features simple pixel-art visuals and has received all positive reviews on Steam shortly after its launch.
    3. Players appreciate the imaginative level design and engaging gameplay, though some note its short playtime and linear structure.
    4. Developed by solo creator NamaTakahashi, Öoo is priced at $10, with a temporary launch discount bringing it to $7.99.
    5. The game supports both mouse and keyboard as well as controllers, and its system requirements suggest compatibility with most modern handheld devices.


    Öoo is a Metroidvania game, which is a 2D platformer inspired by the classic games Metroid and Castlevania. Instead of controlling a typical hero, players take on the role of a caterpillar that grows bombs on its tail. This unique mechanic allows players to utilize the bombs for movement, combat against foes, and to solve various puzzles throughout the game.

    Simple Yet Effective Design

    The game’s concept is quite simple, and its visuals are designed in a basic pixel-art style. These aspects come together to form a game that many Steam users find appealing. Just five days post-launch on August 7, Öoo had already garnered 510 reviews, all of which were positive—a rarity on Steam. Presently, it ranks first in SteamDB’s “Hot Releases” category.

    Player Feedback

    Gamers are praising the imaginative level design and the gratifying “aha” moments that occur during gameplay. The mechanics are easy to grasp yet offer depth, and the game flow is engaging with a charming presentation. While criticism is minimal, a few players have noted the relatively short playtime of about two hours and the low difficulty at the beginning. Additionally, some have observed that the game’s structure feels more linear than what is typical for a Metroidvania.

    Developer Background and Pricing

    Öoo was created by Japanese solo developer NamaTakahashi in partnership with tiny cactus studio and is published under his own name on Steam. The standard price for the game is roughly $10, but a 20% launch discount brings it down to $7.99 until August 14. It works with both mouse and keyboard as well as game controllers. Although the compatibility with the Steam Deck (which is priced at $460 on Amazon) is marked as “Unknown,” the game’s modest system requirements suggest that it should operate well on most modern handheld gaming devices.

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  • Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Ally is priced at $499.99, making it more affordable than competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck OLED.
    2. It features impressive performance with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, capable of handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
    3. The device offers versatile connectivity with the Asus XG Mobile port, allowing for a hybrid setup with high-performance graphics options.
    4. The display is a standout feature, boasting a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD with AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay.
    5. Battery life is limited to just under an hour of AAA gaming, but upgrade options are available to extend capacity to 74 Wh.


    The Asus ROG Ally hit the market soon after the Valve Steam Deck, which marked a new era for handheld gaming. It quickly gained attention as a faster, although pricier, choice for Windows gamers compared to the Linux-based Steam Deck. However, thanks to a fresh deal from Best Buy, the Asus ROG Ally is now priced at just $499.99. This is lower than the Lenovo Legion Go, which is $749.99, and the Steam Deck OLED, priced at $549. It also matches a previous Black Friday offer on Amazon for the same price. Plus, Best Buy adds extra value by including a free official Asus ROG Ally Travel Case and a month of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.

    Impressive Performance

    When we first examined the Asus ROG Ally at its launch, the performance and efficiency of the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme really stood out. This 7-inch gaming device can handle complex and demanding 3D titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, with impressively high frame rates, despite having a somewhat weaker integrated graphics unit.

    Versatile Connectivity

    The CPU performance is comparable to that of similar gaming laptops, and the addition of Asus’s XG Mobile port makes it an excellent choice for a hybrid setup using a docking station at your desk. We tested it with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 in an Asus XG Mobile and found it to perform admirably, often outperforming many gaming laptops equipped with the same 4090 graphics card at higher resolutions.

    Display Quality

    The display is another highlight, featuring a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD that provides sharp images, good colors, and minimal response times. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync is especially beneficial since you may find yourself playing games at slightly lower frame rates at times, making the ability to prevent screen tearing essential.

    While the battery on the original Asus ROG Ally, rated at 40 Wh, is somewhat limited, offering just under an hour of AAA gaming on battery power, there are upgrade options available on Amazon for $49.99 that can increase the battery capacity to a robust 74 Wh.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or offer discussed in this article was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time limitations and/or restricted availability of units.

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