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ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck OLED: Comparing performance, screens, build quality and ergonomics

Review Game Handheld ASUS ROG Ally X Lenovo Legion Go Steam Deck OLED Steam Deck
Table of Contents

Introduction #

The handheld gaming PC market is exploding, both retro handhelds and performance ones, and three devices stand at the forefront in the performance field in 2025: the Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally X, and Steam Deck OLED. Each represents different roads balancing raw power, portability, and user experience. The Legion Go features a sprawling 8.8-inch 1600p display and detachable controllers, while the ROG Ally X counters with a monstrous 80Wh battery and 24GB of RAM for future-proofed performance. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED pairs a vibrant HDR OLED screen with the tailored efficiency of SteamOS and a more affordable price.

But the specifications don’t tell the whole story. In this comparison, we’ll dive into how these contenders stack up in performance, screen quality, ergonomics, and build quality.

ASUS ROG Ally X #

  • Screen: 7" IPS, 1920x1080, 120Hz, 500 nits
  • CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core, 5.1 GHz) + RDNA 3 GPU (8.6 Teraflops)
  • RAM/Storage: 24GB LPDDR5x + 1TB/2TB SSD (upgradable)
  • Battery: 80Wh
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, microSD, 3.5mm
  • Inputs: Hall Effect triggers, tactile buttons

Lenovo Legion Go #

  • Screen: 8.8" IPS, 2560x1600, 144Hz, 500 nits
  • CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core, 5.1 GHz) + RDNA 3 GPU (8.6 Teraflops)
  • RAM/Storage: 16GB LPDDR5x + 1TB SSD (upgradable)
  • Battery: 49.2Wh
  • Ports: 2x USB-C, microSD, 3.5mm
  • Inputs: Detachable controllers, Hall Effect joysticks, trackpad

Steam Deck OLED #

  • Screen: 7.4" OLED, 1280x800, 90Hz, HDR (984 nits)
  • CPU/GPU: AMD Zen 2 (4-core, 3.5 GHz) + RDNA 2 GPU
  • RAM/Storage: 16GB LPDDR5 + 512GB/1TB SSD
  • Battery: 50Wh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C, 3.5mm
  • Inputs: Trackpads, gyro controls, rear paddles

Performance #

The Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally X sport identical AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPUs and RDNA 3 GPUs, promising top-tier handheld performance. Yet, real-world gaming reveals a narrower gap between these powerhouses and the Steam Deck OLED’s aging Zen 2/RDNA 2 combo. The Ally X’s 24GB RAM hints at future-proofing for AAA titles, but thermal throttling and Windows’ clunkiness often negate its edge. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED punches above its weight: Valve’s SteamOS optimizations deliver buttery-smooth indie and emulation performance, though demanding AAA games require dialing down settings. Raw specs matter less here, software finesse and efficiency define the experience.

Verdict: Marginal differences for most users. The Ally X’s RAM is a niche perk, but the Steam Deck’s optimization steals the show.

Screen Quality #

Lenovo’s Legion Go boasts a massive 8.8-inch 1600p display with a 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for multitasking or high-fps indie games. But its portrait-origin screen is awkward in certain areas, with screen elements showing up in the wrong orientation, and the sheer size strains wrists over time. The ROG Ally X’s 7-inch 1080p panel avoids these quirks, offering sharpness in a portable 16:9 frame, though bezels resulting from the aspect ratio feel dated. Neither can match the Steam Deck OLED’s knockout visuals: its 7.4-inch HDR OLED panel serves infinite contrast and radiant colors, making the 800p resolution a worthy trade-off.

Verdict: Steam Deck OLED’s screen is better than the alternatives regarding color reproduction and general “feel.” Legion Go has a large, beautiful display, but it may feel too large for prolonged use; Ally X balances both while having a worse aspect ratio than the other two.

Ergonomics #

The Legion Go’s bulky, tablet-like design and boxy controllers reward short, immersive sessions but fatigue palms quickly. Detachable controllers add versatility, yet the weight distribution feels unwieldy. ASUS prioritizes portability with the ROG Ally X; its textured grip, lightweight build, and intuitive button layout make it the most comfortable Windows handheld. Still, Valve’s Steam Deck OLED is the supreme option: its shape, grippy surfaces, and responsive trackpads melt into your hands, perfect for longer sessions. Rear paddles and gyro controls add layers of input the others lack.

Verdict: First Steam Deck OLED, then ROG Ally X, and last Legion Go.

Build Quality #

Lenovo’s Legion Go feels premium, though its detachable controllers introduce slight wobble, a fair trade for modularity. ASUS’s ROG Ally X is a tank with no flex, creaks, or rattles. The device sets a new bar for durability. The Steam Deck OLED nearly matches this polish, but the occasional trigger rattle hints at quality control hiccups. All three devices exude quality, but the Ally X’s flawless construction edges ahead.

Verdict: ROG Ally X is a more or less flawless build, though all three feel premium.

Conclusion #

The Steam Deck OLED is the standout choice for its cohesive user experience. While the Legion Go and ROG Ally X offer more power and flexibility (especially for Windows-centric users), Valve’s focus on ergonomics, screen quality, and SteamOS optimizations creates a console-like simplicity that’s hard to beat. The ROG Ally X is the best Windows handheld for its portability and battery life, while the Legion Go suits those prioritizing screen size and multiple input options. However, the Steam Deck OLED’s combination of screen brilliance, comfort, and software polish makes it the best pick for most gamers.

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