Steam Deck isn't alone: ​​These Windows 11 options stand out

The world of next-generation portable consoles never ceases to amaze us, and it all started with the arrival of the Steam deckAlthough Valve took the lead by offering a hybrid console-PC device capable of running games from the Steam library under its own Linux-based operating system, a wave of competitors soon emerged. Some alternatives leverage the flexibility and power of the Windows 11 environment, opening the door to an even more versatile gaming experience. There's a lot of myth and doubt: is the Steam Deck really the most solid option, or are the Windows 11 alternatives that are attracting attention worth it?

In this article, we tell you in detail and without beating around the bush everything you need to know about the possibilities We explore the challenges of installing Windows on the Steam Deck, and we take an in-depth look at the most notable alternatives that already come with Windows 11, with a special emphasis on the ASUS ROG ALLY. If you're considering making the jump to portable PC gaming, here's the definitive guide to learn about the pros, cons, performance, and all the technical and practical aspects that will help you make an informed decision.

Steam Deck and Windows 11: Real compatibility or a headache?

The Steam Deck is much more flexible than it might initially seem, especially when compared to traditional handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch. For practical purposes, We are looking at a laptop designed for gaming., although its factory operating system is SteamOS, a custom Linux distribution.

Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck It is feasible and something that many users doNow, there are some things to know

How do I install Windows 11 on the Steam Deck?

The process of installing Windows 11 on a Steam Deck isn't much different than installing it on a regular PC. Just keep in mind that, for optimal performance, it requires its own drivers, which can't be downloaded from Windows Update.

We will need the following:

• USB drive or SD card: To download the Windows ISO and save the necessary programs. It's important that the USB is Type-C or that you have an adapter. The SD card must be UHS-I or higher to ensure good transfer speeds.
• Ventoy, Rufus or any ISO burning programVentoy allows you to boot multiple ISO images from external media without formatting. It's very popular among tinkerers. Rufus allows you to create installation media and also create Windows To Go. If you're interested, we have related information on our cousin blog, LXA.
• Official Windows 11 ISO: Downloadable from the website itself Microsoft websiteActivation is not mandatory, but certain features may be limited.
• Specific driversValve provides compatible drivers from its official website. It's essential to have them ready before beginning the installation.

The installation depends on whether we want to install it on the hard drive or in the To Go version. If we want to have native Windows 11, we have to:

1. We create an installation drive. If we choose Ventoy, we just need to download the software, create a Ventoy drive, and then insert the Windows 11 ISO into it. It will boot, and we can choose to boot from the Windows 11 ISO. If we use Rufus or Etcher, among others, we'll create a full installation drive.
2. We insert the installation drive into the Steam Deck. If it's a microSD card, into its slot. If it's a USB Type-C card, into the port that's also used for charging.
3. We start the Steam Deck in drive select mode, which is achieved by pressing the power button next to the volume down button.
4. We choose the installation drive to boot from.
5. We install Windows 11 as we would on any other computer.
6. Finally, let's go to the Steam support page, where they offer the drivers, we download and install them as explained there. Keep in mind that at the time of writing this article, there are LCD (the first one) and OLED versions, and you have to choose the drivers for your Deck. You may also encounter a download error if you select the page in a language other than English.

Top issues installing and using Windows 11 on the Steam Deck

• Black screen and crashes on startup: One of the most common errors after installation. In many cases, it's due to errors with the USB drive, a corrupted Windows image, or problems with the Ventoy software. Having peripherals connected during startup can also play a role.
• Error 0x80300001 related to partitions: This is usually due to improperly created, unformatted, or incorrectly assigned partitions. This shouldn't happen if you've chosen to install Windows 11 on your entire hard drive without any modifications.
• Driver installationIf other USB devices are connected, the installation process may fail and render the system temporarily unusable. It's recommended to disconnect everything except a keyboard.
• Loss of SteamOSMany users are surprised to find that after installing Windows, the Steam Deck's original operating system has disappeared from the boot menu. Restoring it involves manipulating the BIOS and running Linux commands, something not everyone is willing or able to do.
• Controls that stop working: After installation, it is common for the controls to not work until you install Steam and its specific drivers. Fixing this requires additional configuration, such as installing Handheld Companion.

Worth? It depends on your expectations, technical knowledge and the use you want to give to the device.If you enjoy tinkering and are familiar with how to do it, it can be an interesting alternative. However, for most users, the potential problems outweigh the benefits, and the general recommendation is to stick with SteamOS unless you really need the extra functionality.

Windows 11 Alternatives: The Arrival of New Handheld PC Consoles

In recent months, the market has been flooded with new options that, following in the footsteps of the Steam Deck, are even more geared toward "PC in portable form." The big difference is that many of them incorporate Windows 11 as standard and are designed to maximize compatibility with all types of games and applications. Among all of them, the one that has stood out and generated the most expectation is the ASUS ROG ALLY X, a machine that has been the talk of the town since its launch.

ASUS ROG ALLY: The real alternative with Windows 11 to Steam Deck

The ASUS ROG ALLY (header screenshot) was a real game changer in the portable console-PC segment. Without hiding its inspiration from the Steam Deck, ASUS opted for a more polished, more powerful, and, above all, more powerful offering. Windows 11 as a native operating systemWe take an in-depth look at all of its features, performance, and capabilities.

First impressions and contents of the box

When you open the box of the ROG ALLY, the first thing that catches your eye is the lightweight and well-balanced device design, which feels lighter and more compact than the Steam Deck despite the size difference with consoles like the Nintendo Switch. It weighs about 70 grams less than its main competitor (608 grams in total), but its weight is very well distributed, making it especially comfortable for long games.

The basics are included in the box: the console, a 65W charger, and two pamphlets (warranty and quick start). Unlike the Steam Deck, it doesn't come with a case, although it does include a simple stand to keep it upright, which can be useful for watching media or playing co-op with Bluetooth controllers, but little else.

Design, controls and ergonomics

The casing, of white color and modern lines, stands out for its pleasant feel and the texture on the back for improved grip. The side edges combine different angles and finishes, designed to fit comfortably in all types of hands. As for the controls, It's very easy to reach any button or stick, and the layout is similar to other Xbox controllers.. It has four front action buttons (A, B, X, Y), two analog sticks, a round-based D-pad, and four upper triggers (two of them analog). Does not use Hall Effect sticks, so in the long run the dreaded “drift” may appear, although ASUS assures that they will be easily replaceable.

It includes "View" and "Menu" buttons, as well as two dedicated buttons for accessing unique functions of the ASUS software (Armoury Crate SE and Command Center). There are also two programmable rear buttons, which, while fewer than those on the Steam Deck, allow you to customize them as hotkeys or mouse shortcuts. The only thing missing is a integrated trackpad like the Steam Deck, which makes it easy to navigate Windows 11 without an external mouse.

A differentiating point is the Easy access and replacement of the internal M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 SSD to increase capacity up to 2 TB, which can be very useful in the long run for those who don't want to rely solely on microSD cards.

Screen: a leap in quality compared to the competition

One of the points that has most surprised users and the specialized press is the 7-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, surpassing the Steam Deck (which is limited to 1280×800 and 60Hz) in clarity and fluidity.

The brightness reaches 500 nits, allowing for comfortable gaming even outdoors and minimizing reflections thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass DXC. The front display is optimally utilized, with very narrow bezels and a 16:9 aspect ratio designed to avoid black bars in most modern games.

Also highlights the tactile feedback, with 10 simultaneous detection points. Far exceeds the accuracy of the Steam Deck, especially in menus and when using the virtual keyboard. The only drawback is that, by default, the font can be a bit small for tasks like setting up your Wi-Fi network for the first time, although this is easily solved by connecting the console to an external monitor via a USB-C hub and using a conventional keyboard and mouse.

Software: Windows 11, Armoury Crate SE, and Command Center

The big leap of the ROG ALLY is that It works like a full PC from the first minute Thanks to Windows 11. The initial setup is identical to that of any current laptop or desktop: all you need is a Microsoft account (or linking an existing one), and there are no major mysteries. If you're a regular Windows user, you'll feel right at home.

You can install any game launcher (Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, Ubisoft Connect, EA App, GoG, etc.), as well as the rest of the common work apps and tools. This makes it a very attractive option for those looking for something more than just a console: you can also work, watch movies, browse the web, or whatever else you can think of, with the only limitation being the screen size.

To improve the experience, ASUS includes its own software layers:

• Armory Crate SE: A control center that unifies your entire game library (regardless of the launcher they belong to), lets you launch titles from a laptop-optimized interface, configure controls, adjust display profiles, and modify stick lighting.
• Command Center: Allows you to quickly change brightness and refresh rate, monitor performance, launch the virtual keyboard, and create or load controller profiles. Each game can have its own profile, although this currently only affects controllers (not graphics or display).

All of this software runs automatically upon startup (although you can disable it if you prefer). ASUS has made an effort to make the experience as plug-and-play as possible, although there's still room for improvement in terms of advanced options and optimization of some menus.

One of the current disadvantages is that you cannot easily move the location of games between different storage units, something the Steam Deck has been able to do for some time now. ASUS promises improvements with future updates to refine these aspects.

Performance: Is it really better than the Steam Deck?

The ROG ALLY includes AMD Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme processors (depending on the version), and although both are powerful, the Z1 Extreme variant is the one that truly stands out from the rest. And how does it run games? Surprisingly well.

• AAA games like Forza Horizon 5, Hogwarts Legacy or Resident Evil 4 Remake They can run at 1080p with a refresh rate of 60fps when the console is plugged into power and in turbo mode. In battery mode, the figure drops slightly, but they're still impressive figures for a portable device.
• Cyberpunk 2077 It runs at between 40 and 45 fps with low quality and turbo mode, which is quite impressive considering its size. Some indie titles like Hollow Knight, Hades, or FIFA 22 can run at 1080p and 120Hz without any issues.
• Yes, The graphic quality is usually between medium and low (compared to a high-end desktop), but on a 7-inch screen the results are spectacular enough.

Performance increases if you play with the charger connected, a difference not found on the Steam Deck. When playing demanding games, the extra power is noticeable, and the overall experience is more stable and satisfying.

In terms of thermal management, the system double fan It manages to keep the device fairly quiet, even during long sessions. In certain modes, especially turbo and when connected to power, it can get hotter, but by manually increasing the fan speed, you can easily control the temperature.

La The battery can offer nearly two hours of gaming at 1080p and 60fps on demanding titles., slightly exceeding the autonomy of the Steam Deck under similar conditions. In addition, it has fast charge: In about an hour you'll have your console fully charged and ready to continue playing.

Problems detected in real tests

Although the ASUS ROG ALLY appears solid and well designed, some problems have been detected during the first tests. Minor issues mostly related to the software:

• On some occasions, the touch screen stops working after connecting docks, hard drives, or other peripherals (something that also happens with Microsoft Surface tablets). The solution is to disable and re-enable the device from the Windows administrator.
• Armoury Crate SE can be experienced unexpected closures or lags when opening games or switching between menus. In extreme situations, the only solution is to restart the console to return everything to normal.
• After reaching high temperatures, the HDMI output may temporarily lose image quality until the console cools down.
• Autonomy issues in the original version, due to its greater power. In the X version, this aspect has been improved.

But except for these details, no critical failures have been detectedThe software will improve with updates, but despite everything, the overall gaming and browsing experience is satisfactory.

Expansion options and accessories

La easy to expand the internal SSD drive This is a key point for those looking for more space in the medium term. You can install an M.2 2230 SSD of up to 2 TB without affecting performance and with a simple removal procedure (although, at this time, it's unknown how this will affect the warranty).

Aside from that, you can resort to UHS-II microSD cards Up to 1TB for cost-effective and fast storage expansion. Load times are minimal compared to an internal SSD (typically, a delay of no more than two seconds).

The USB-C connection allows you to attach external hard drives, and there is a Proprietary port compatible with ROG XG Mobile accessory, an advanced dock that adds extra ports and a dedicated graphics card (up to a laptop RTX 4090), taking the experience to a full desktop level. Obviously, this isn't cheap and is aimed at those who want to have everything they need.

What is missing (for now) from the ASUS ROG ALLY?

Despite everything it offers, the ROG ALLY has room for improvement:

• Un 40Hz display mode It would help in games that do not reach a stable 60fps, allowing for optimization of autonomy and the perception of fluidity.
• Greater customization in the fan control, without depending on predefined profiles.
• possibility of easily move games between storage drives, just as Steam Deck already allows.
• Better management of User profiles and optimization for Windows 11, with modes that allow you to configure all parameters in a centralized and simple manner.

Given the pace of updates from ASUS and Microsoft, many of these shortcomings will surely be resolved in the short to medium term.

Comparison of ASUS ROG ALLY, Steam Deck and other alternatives

The competition isn't limited to ASUS and Valve. Other manufacturers, such as GPDWin, have also released Windows-based handhelds with good performance figures. However, none of them currently offer a such a balanced combination of power, battery, screen quality and user experience like the ROG ALLY.

In terms of price, the Z1 Extreme variant is priced at €799, which places it between the Steam Deck (significantly cheaper, albeit with less power and a smaller screen) and other Chinese alternatives that cost much more.

Controller calibration and setup in Windows 11: Get the most out of your portable experience

Using controllers on Windows is one of the big draws of these PC consoles. But what happens when the controller doesn't respond as it should? Calibration is a key part of ensuring an optimal gaming experience, and we'll explain how. How you can do it step by step on any device with Windows 10 or 11.

When is it a good idea to calibrate a controller?

The most obvious sign that a controller needs calibration is that the character or camera is going haywire when the controller is still, or that the on-screen movement doesn't match what we're doing with the joysticks. In other words, if you notice strange behavior, it's time to check your calibration settings.

calibration It only affects the computer on which it is performed: Windows saves the settings. If you reinstall Windows or connect the controller to another device, you'll have to repeat the process. Professional controllers that save user profiles are an exception.

It is always recommended to perform calibration with the remote connected by cable to obtain the most accurate values ​​possible, although it can also be done wirelessly if necessary.

How to calibrate a controller in Windows 11

• From Windows itselfUsing the "Game Controllers" feature. Simply find that option, select the controller, click on Properties, and use the Settings/Calibration tab. The process will prompt you to hold the controllers still, move the sticks in circles, and then hold them still again. This helps the system identify your actual range of motion and adjust the limits accordingly.
• With SteamIf you're primarily playing on Steam, the platform includes advanced tools for calibrating all types of controllers, creating custom profiles, and adjusting dead spots on thumbsticks and triggers. Activate "Big Picture" mode for easy, centralized access.
• Third-party applicationsGeneric, inexpensive, or OEM controllers, as well as some specialized brands (Nacon, Razer, etc.), offer their own customization and calibration programs, allowing for even the smallest adjustments to buttons, sensitivity, and dead zones on triggers and joysticks. These applications are usually available on each manufacturer's official website.

Recommended programs for calibrating and adjusting controllers in Windows 11

• xbox accessories: Free from the Microsoft Store, it lets you modify profiles, remap buttons, and update firmware on Xbox One and Series controllers.
• Razer Controller Setup for Xbox: Specially designed for Razer controllers, it allows advanced profile management and customization of colors, vibration, and lighting effects. Allows you to configure up to four controllers individually.
• Game Controller Tester: Free application designed to diagnose hardware errors in buttons or sticks, compatible with PlayStation, Xbox and other generic controllers.
• DS4Windows: Essential for those who want to use non-Xbox Bluetooth controllers (DualShock, DualSense), allowing detailed configuration and LED color management, although it is only in English.

Also, most games today offer Internal options to adjust sensitivity, dead zones and button remapping, allowing you to fine-tune each title to your preferences.

What happens if you calibrate a controller incorrectly?

The good news is that All calibration settings can be reversedIf your controller is a professional controller and saves profiles in its internal memory, simply reset it from its official software. If it's a simple controller, simply repeat the calibration process in Windows or the game itself, and everything will work like new again.

If you continue to have problems after calibration, it may be a sign of a physical failure in the remote control. (drift, wear, breakage, etc.), in which case you will have to consider repair or replacement, since software solutions can do little to address mechanical defects.

Avoid crashes and get the best compatibility in Windows 11

• Use controllers from recognized manufacturers, especially if you want to avoid headaches and have good configuration and calibration support.
• Disconnect other Bluetooth peripherals and try to use direct-to-board USB ports instead of shared hubs to ensure optimal power delivery.
• Connect the wired controller to calibrate and update firmware, even if you'll be using it wirelessly afterwards.
• If you encounter issues, try several games to rule out incompatibilities before considering the controller dead.

What about PS5 DualSense controllers on PC?

The PS5 controllers feature DualSense technology, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which some PC games natively support. To take full advantage of its features on Windows 11, it's best to disable the PlayStation controller settings in Steam. if you're going to play compatible titles that manage these technologies directly. If you don't, Steam will use its own driver, and you'll miss out on some of the experience.