Introduction

The Asus ROG Ally enters the growing market of handheld gaming consoles with ambitions to challenge established players like the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck. Combining the power of a Windows 11 PC with the portability of a handheld, the ROG Ally promises console-quality gaming on the go. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 series processors and featuring a stunning 120Hz display, this device is designed to cater to gamers who crave high performance without being tethered to a desk. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s explore.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The ROG Ally arrives in premium packaging, emphasizing its gaming pedigree. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Asus ROG Ally console.
• A USB-C power adapter.
• Quick start guide and warranty card.

The device feels robust yet lightweight, with a sleek matte white finish and subtle RGB lighting on the joysticks. The ergonomics are excellent, with well-placed buttons and grips that make it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.

Design and Build Quality

The ROG Ally impresses with its attention to detail:

• Compact Form Factor: At just 608g, it’s lighter than the Steam Deck, making it easier to carry.
• Ergonomic Design: Textured grips and well-placed buttons enhance comfort and usability.
• 7-Inch Display: The Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen features a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, offering vibrant and fluid visuals.
• RGB Lighting: Customizable lighting adds a touch of flair without being overbearing.

While the build quality is solid, the matte white finish may attract smudges over time, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its pristine look.

Display

The ROG Ally’s display is a standout feature:

• 120Hz Refresh Rate: Ensures smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles.
• 1080p Resolution: Offers sharp visuals that rival many traditional gaming monitors.
• FreeSync Support: Reduces screen tearing and ensures a seamless gaming experience.

Compared to the Steam Deck’s 800p display, the Ally’s Full HD panel provides noticeably better clarity and color accuracy, making it ideal for AAA titles and media consumption.

Performance

At the heart of the ROG Ally is AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Key performance highlights include:

• Gaming: Runs AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring at medium to high settings with stable frame rates.
• Emulation: Handles emulation for retro and modern consoles with ease, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
• Multitasking: Windows 11 enables smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between gaming and productivity tasks seamlessly.

Thermal performance is managed well, thanks to Asus’s intelligent cooling system. However, the fans can get loud under heavy load.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a critical factor for handheld consoles, and the ROG Ally delivers mixed results:

• Gaming: 2-3 hours of playtime on demanding titles.
• Casual Use: Up to 6 hours for lighter tasks like streaming or indie games.
• Charging: The USB-C port supports fast charging, restoring 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes.

While the battery life is competitive, it falls short of being truly exceptional, particularly for gamers on long trips.

Controls and Usability

The ROG Ally’s controls are thoughtfully designed:

• Responsive Buttons: The triggers, bumpers, and face buttons feel tactile and durable.
• Hall Effect Joysticks: Offer precise input and eliminate drift issues common in traditional joysticks.
• Customizable Shortcuts: Mappable back buttons and software adjustments enhance control flexibility.

The inclusion of a touchscreen adds versatility, especially when navigating Windows 11 or managing game libraries.

Software and Ecosystem

Running Windows 11, the ROG Ally provides access to:

• Game Libraries: Compatible with Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more.
• ROG Armoury Crate SE: A central hub for managing games, performance profiles, and RGB settings.
• Streaming Services: Supports cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

While the flexibility of Windows is a strength, it also introduces some complexity, such as occasional driver updates and the need for optimization in certain games.

Connectivity

The ROG Ally offers a range of connectivity options:

• USB-C with DisplayPort: Enables connection to external monitors or TVs.
• MicroSD Slot: Expandable storage for additional games and media.
• Wi-Fi 6E: Ensures stable and fast wireless connections.

For those seeking enhanced performance, the Ally is compatible with the ROG XG Mobile eGPU, allowing desktop-class gaming on the go.

Strengths

The ROG Ally excels in several areas:

• Powerful Performance: Handles modern games with ease.
• Stunning Display: Vibrant visuals with a smooth refresh rate.
• Ergonomic Design: Comfortable and portable.
• Versatile Software: Full Windows 11 experience expands usability.

Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, the ROG Ally has a few limitations:

• Battery Life: Limited playtime for demanding games.
• Fan Noise: Can be distracting under heavy load.
• Windows Complexity: May require more technical knowledge compared to simpler OS options like SteamOS.

Use Cases

The ROG Ally is ideal for:

• Hardcore Gamers: Play AAA titles with console-quality graphics on the go.
• Emulation Enthusiasts: Run a wide range of emulated games with excellent performance.
• Content Consumers: Enjoy streaming services and media playback on a premium display.

Conclusion

The Asus ROG Ally sets a new standard for handheld gaming, combining powerful hardware with a versatile software ecosystem. While its battery life and fan noise leave room for improvement, the overall experience is unmatched for gamers seeking portability without compromising performance.

If you’re looking for a handheld console that bridges the gap between PC gaming and portability, the Asus ROG Ally is a standout choice that’s worth the investment.