Asus ROG Ally updates bring huge performance boost versus Steam Deck

New Asus ROG Ally updates have tremendously improved the efficiency of the hand-held, particularly versus its principal rival, the Steam Deck. Now, armed with the most recent firmware and drivers, the Ally produces body charges which might be as much as 20% higher in comparison with launch.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, we discovered the system’s efficiency at 1080p to be effectively price its asking worth. Nevertheless, in keeping with benchmarks carried out by YouTuber Dave2D, the hand-held has been held again by undercooked firmware and driver updates. That’s, after all, till now.

At 15W, the place the Ally beforehand pumped out 41 frames per second in Purple Lifeless Redemption 2 at 720p, these new updates see it rework right into a pocket rocket and obtain the hallowed 60 frames per second. It’s an analogous story with Forza Horizon 5, leaping from 45fps to 59fps.

Naturally, there are some exceptions, reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077 which sees a measly 2fps enhance. For probably the most half, although, these outcomes have us wishing Asus had launched the Ally with these updates.

It’s price highlighting, nevertheless, as Dave2D notes, that the Steam Deck has one thing of a bonus at 9W if you happen to’re aiming to maximise battery life. Nevertheless, that is extra to do with the variations in specification between these units, moderately than one thing that Asus can possible enhance by way of future updates.

Examine our picks of the best Steam Deck games, which ought to run even higher on the Asus ROG Ally. Alternatively, peruse our decisions for the best Steam Deck accessories, most of which (once more) might be suitable with the Asus handheld.