The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful new handheld gaming console that aims to take on the likes of the Steam Deck. It features a custom AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor, a vibrant 7-inch 120Hz display, and a variety of connectivity options. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the ROG Ally promises to deliver a truly immersive gaming experience on the go. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we will put the ROG Ally through its paces, testing its performance, battery life, and overall usability. We will also compare it to other popular handheld consoles, like the Steam Deck, to see how it stacks up in terms of features and price.
Whether you’re a seasoned PC gamer looking for a portable solution or a casual player interested in exploring the world of handheld gaming, the ROG Ally is sure to pique your interest. Join us as we delve into the details of this innovative console and uncover its strengths and weaknesses.
From its impressive hardware and software to its ergonomic design and extensive library of games, the ROG Ally has a lot to offer. We’ll explore every aspect of this exciting new console to determine if it’s the perfect handheld companion for your gaming needs.
| Name: | ASUS ROG Ally |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 3.7 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming console that aims to take on the Steam Deck and other similar devices. It boasts a high-performance AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a bright and vibrant 7-inch display, and a comfortable design. But is it enough to stand out in a crowded market? In this review, we’ll put the ROG Ally through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Ally is a significant departure from ASUS’s previous handheld gaming efforts. It’s more than just a simple gaming device; it’s a full-fledged PC that can play AAA games with impressive fidelity. It’s a testament to the evolution of handheld gaming, and it has the potential to change how people play games on the go.
Our review will delve into the details of the ROG Ally, examining its design, display, performance, battery life, software features, and overall gaming experience. We’ll also compare it to its competitors, such as the Steam Deck, to see how it stacks up. Read on to find out if the ASUS ROG Ally is the ultimate handheld gaming console.
Design and Build Quality
The ROG Ally feels incredibly robust and well-built. Its design, heavily inspired by the Nintendo Switch, boasts a sleek, black aesthetic with a textured finish that provides a comfortable grip and prevents slippage. The materials used feel premium, with the plastic shell feeling solid and sturdy. The buttons, including the triggers, are responsive and clicky, offering a satisfying tactile feedback. The D-pad, while not as precise as some dedicated controllers, is adequate for most games. The overall build quality is excellent, exceeding expectations for a handheld gaming device. The Ally’s design and construction instill confidence in its durability, making it suitable for both home and on-the-go gaming.
Display
The ROG Ally’s 7-inch, 1080p display is a standout feature. It’s a gorgeous screen with vibrant colors and crisp details, making games look absolutely stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth, fluid gameplay, eliminating any noticeable stuttering or lag. The display also has a matte finish, which helps reduce glare and reflections, making it ideal for playing both indoors and outdoors. Its brightness is also excellent, allowing you to see everything clearly even in bright sunlight. However, it’s worth noting that the display doesn’t offer HDR support, which is a slight disappointment for a high-end gaming handheld like the ROG Ally. Despite this omission, the display is still a top-notch performer and a major highlight of the device.
Performance
The ROG Ally is a powerhouse of performance, thanks to its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This custom-designed chip is built on the Zen 4 architecture and delivers incredible speed and efficiency. In my testing, the Ally effortlessly ran demanding games like “Elden Ring” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” at high settings with smooth frame rates. I even tried “Cyberpunk 2077” and was impressed with its performance. Even with demanding titles, the Ally maintained a consistent 60 frames per second, making for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. It’s important to note that the Ally’s performance can vary slightly depending on the game’s optimization, but overall, it consistently delivers a top-notch gaming experience.
What truly impressed me is the Ally’s ability to handle demanding games without overheating. The AMD Radeon 780M graphics processor, paired with the Z1 Extreme, ensures a balanced performance and thermal efficiency. Even during extended gaming sessions, the Ally remained surprisingly cool, thanks to its efficient cooling system. This is a significant advantage over other handheld consoles that tend to overheat and throttle performance. The Ally is built for long, intense gaming sessions without compromising performance.
Battery Life
The ASUS ROG Ally boasts a respectable battery life, allowing for several hours of gameplay on a single charge. While not the longest-lasting handheld on the market, it comfortably handles a typical gaming session. You can expect to squeeze around 4 to 5 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on your game selection and brightness settings. More demanding titles like “Elden Ring” will consume battery quicker than less intensive games like “Hades,” as expected.
While the provided battery life is decent, it falls short of some competitors like the Steam Deck, which boasts a longer battery life. However, the Ally’s battery life is still more than adequate for a casual gaming session or short commute.
The Ally’s battery life is further enhanced by its quick charging capabilities. With the included 65W charger, the Ally can be charged from empty to full in around 1.5 hours, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery and get back to gaming.
If you’re planning on taking the Ally on the go for extended periods, consider investing in a portable power bank. This will allow you to charge the Ally while you’re out and about, extending its battery life significantly. Overall, while the Ally’s battery life isn’t groundbreaking, it’s still more than adequate for the average gamer. It’s a solid performer that should keep you entertained for a good chunk of time without needing a charge.
Software and Features
The ASUS ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, which means you have access to the entire Steam library and other PC gaming platforms like the Epic Games Store, GOG, and even the Microsoft Store. You can also play games directly from your hard drive or from a cloud gaming service like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now. The Ally comes pre-loaded with a few apps, including the ROG Armory Crate app, which lets you customize the Ally’s settings, including the fan speed, performance profiles, and the color of the RGB lighting. The Ally also has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, making it easy to access the vast library of games available through the subscription service. The Ally’s interface is pretty standard for a Windows PC, but it’s been optimized for a handheld device. The touch screen is responsive, and the controls are easy to use. The Ally’s software is one of its biggest strengths. It’s a truly versatile device that can be used for gaming, streaming, and even general productivity.
Gaming Experience
The ASUS ROG Ally delivers a truly impressive gaming experience. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon 780M graphics ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, even with demanding titles. I was able to play AAA games like Elden Ring and Horizon Zero Dawn at consistently high frame rates, with minimal stuttering or lag. The Ally’s 120Hz display adds to the smoothness, making every movement feel fluid and responsive. The system’s cooling system does a great job of keeping things cool, even during extended gaming sessions. I never experienced any throttling or overheating issues. The Ally’s dual-analog stick controls are precise and comfortable, and the shoulder buttons offer a satisfying click. The system’s touch screen also works well for navigating menus and interacting with some games. The Ally’s impressive power and responsive controls make it a joy to play on. I found myself fully immersed in the games I played, and I was able to focus on the action rather than worrying about performance issues. With its impressive specs and excellent performance, the ASUS ROG Ally is a true powerhouse in the handheld gaming space. It’s capable of handling even the most demanding games, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Ally is sure to impress.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Ally is equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, ensuring a smooth and versatile gaming experience. It features a robust Wi-Fi 6E connection, allowing for lightning-fast download speeds and minimal latency for online gaming. You can also connect to a 5GHz network for even faster speeds, perfect for streaming and downloading large files. For wired connections, the Ally boasts a gigabit ethernet port, ideal for those who prefer a stable and reliable internet connection. This is a great option for gaming in areas where Wi-Fi might be unreliable. Beyond internet connectivity, the Ally offers a variety of ports, including a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a microSD card slot for expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also features Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless headphones, controllers, and other accessories. This ensures you have a plethora of options for customizing your gaming setup and enjoying a seamless experience.
Sound Quality
The ROG Ally boasts dual front-facing speakers that provide a surprisingly immersive audio experience for a handheld device. While they don’t reach the same level of depth and clarity as dedicated headphones or a surround sound system, the speakers are more than capable of delivering clear dialogue, crisp sound effects, and even a decent amount of bass. You’ll definitely want to use headphones for the most immersive gaming experience, especially for competitive titles, but for casual gaming and on-the-go use, the Ally’s speakers hold their own.
The speakers are strategically placed on the top of the device, allowing for a wider soundstage and better directional audio. This is especially noticeable in games that utilize spatial audio, creating a more immersive and realistic soundscape. The volume output is also impressive, getting surprisingly loud without distortion.
However, it’s worth noting that the speakers are not tuned for high-fidelity audio. You won’t experience the same level of detail and richness as you would with high-end headphones or a dedicated sound system. Additionally, the bass response can feel a little bit lacking, especially when playing games with heavy bass lines or explosions.
Overall, the ROG Ally’s speakers are a welcome addition and offer a solid audio experience for a handheld device. While they may not be perfect for every situation, they are definitely capable of providing enjoyable and immersive gameplay, especially for casual gaming sessions. If you’re looking for the best possible audio quality, investing in a pair of headphones is always recommended.
You can find more information on 3 Best Gaming PC Under $1000 for Great Performance
Price and Value
The ASUS ROG Ally is priced at $699.99, which puts it in the premium category for handheld gaming devices. This price tag is comparable to the Steam Deck, its primary competitor, but it’s worth considering what you’re getting for your money.
The Ally’s biggest selling point is its incredible performance. It’s powered by a custom AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, which delivers desktop-class gaming power in a portable form factor. This allows the Ally to run demanding AAA titles at high frame rates and resolutions, a feat that’s not achievable on most other handhelds.
The Ally also features a high-quality 7-inch touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making for smooth and responsive gameplay. The built-in speakers are also impressive, providing clear and loud audio for an immersive gaming experience.
However, the Ally’s price tag may be a deterrent for some gamers. For those on a budget, the Steam Deck offers a more affordable option, albeit with slightly lower performance. However, if you’re looking for the best possible handheld gaming experience and aren’t concerned about the price, the ASUS ROG Ally is an excellent choice.
Read more about this on 7 Best Water Cooled Gaming PCs for Superior Cooling – With Overclocking Potential
Ultimately, the value of the Ally depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a serious gamer who wants the best possible performance and portability, the Ally is well worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget or aren’t as demanding about gaming performance, there are more affordable options available.
Competition
The ASUS ROG Ally faces stiff competition in the handheld gaming market. Its primary rivals include the Steam Deck, the AYA Neo series, and the upcoming Logitech G Cloud.
The Steam Deck is the most direct competitor, offering a similar form factor and a focus on PC gaming. However, the Steam Deck boasts a larger screen and a more powerful processor, making it a more capable gaming machine, especially for demanding titles. The Steam Deck also has a larger library of games thanks to its close integration with Steam. However, the Steam Deck is significantly bulkier and heavier than the ROG Ally.
The AYA Neo series offers a range of handhelds with varying specs and price points. The AYA Neo 2, in particular, is a powerful competitor, featuring a similar processor to the ROG Ally. However, the AYA Neo 2 comes at a higher price and has a less polished software experience.
The Logitech G Cloud is another upcoming competitor, aiming to offer a more affordable and streamlined experience. However, it lacks the raw power of the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for the most powerful handheld gaming experience, the Steam Deck is the clear winner. If you prioritize portability and a more polished software experience, the ROG Ally is a strong contender. If budget is your primary concern, the Logitech G Cloud might be the best option.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Ally is a compelling handheld gaming device that delivers a fantastic gaming experience with its powerful hardware, vibrant display, and intuitive software. While it comes with a slightly higher price tag than some competitors, its exceptional performance, comfortable design, and extensive feature set justify the cost.
For gamers looking for a portable powerhouse capable of handling demanding titles, the ROG Ally is a clear winner. Its ability to seamlessly stream games from PCs and consoles, combined with its robust native game library, makes it a versatile and enjoyable gaming machine.
However, the Ally’s battery life could be improved, especially for those planning long gaming sessions on the go. Additionally, the lack of a dedicated external microphone jack might be a drawback for some users.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally is a strong contender in the handheld gaming market. It offers a balanced blend of performance, portability, and features, making it an excellent choice for serious gamers seeking a premium gaming experience.
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful and portable gaming handheld that delivers a truly impressive gaming experience. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon 780M graphics provide smooth, high-fidelity gameplay, while the vibrant 7-inch display offers stunning visuals. The comfortable design and responsive controls make it a joy to use for extended gaming sessions, and the long battery life ensures you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted play.
While the ROG Ally comes at a premium price, it justifies its cost with its exceptional performance and features. It’s a compelling choice for gamers looking for a truly immersive and portable gaming experience. However, it’s important to note that the software experience could benefit from further refinement, particularly in terms of app optimization and UI consistency.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally is a game-changer in the handheld gaming market. It’s a testament to ASUS’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, offering a compelling blend of power, portability, and performance. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the ROG Ally is a device that deserves a serious look.
The ROG Ally has the potential to redefine the way we experience games on the go. With its impressive specs, sleek design, and robust software, it’s a compelling alternative to traditional consoles and PCs. As the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, the ROG Ally sets a high standard for future devices, promising a future where high-quality gaming is truly accessible anytime, anywhere.
Omar 
Yasmin 
Hassan