ASUS’ ROG Ally found to be more accessible than Steam Deck in iFixit teardown
If you prioritize repairability when selecting a handheld gaming PC, the ROG Ally could be a suitable option. According to iFixit’s recent teardown, the ASUS device is notably more accessible than Valve’s Steam Deck. For instance, the battery removal process is less complicated, requiring the removal of screws instead of dealing with a glued-in power pack. Additionally, the thumbsticks and their circuit boards can be easily removed on the Ally, which could be helpful if you encounter stick drift issues. Similarly, upgrading the SSD is straightforward if you can find a small enough drive, as is the case with the Steam Deck.
The only component that’s really hostile to repair is the screen, iFixit says. There is a lot of adhesive that can make removal difficult without the right tools. This isn’t much of a problem if the whole screen breaks, but it can be a hassle if you’re trying to put the screen in a new cover.
There’s one catch: ASUS isn’t committed to providing replacement parts for the ROG Ally. We asked the company for comment. At least for now, you have to source parts from other users who are willing to part with working components from otherwise broken devices. iFixit currently sells some official Steam Deck parts, such as displays, button assemblies, and storage.
Although the leaks show that the Steam Deck is easier to maintain than you’d expect, Valve didn’t want to fix early on. It was concerned that just opening the system poses risks and that third-party components could cause problems. As of this writing, ASUS isn’t calling for DIY repairs, but the modularity may come in handy as repair rights practices become more common.
