Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Superb gaming efficiency
- Excellent 120Hz show
- Runs all PC video games
- Not tied to 1 cloud recreation service
- Premium, intuitive design
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Some software program bugs
- No LTE choice
- Expensive
Our Verdict
Despite a number of hiccups, the ROG Ally affords one in every of most full gaming expertise you’ll discover on any handheld console. But are you prepared to pay its premium price ticket and undergo its flaws?
Price When Reviewed
$699
Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Ally
Handheld consoles have been round because the late 1980s, nevertheless it lately appears like we’ve entered a brand new period with house console gaming coming to moveable gadgets.
From the Nintendo Switch being the one sensible choice for such handheld high quality a number of years in the past, we now have credible opponents from the likes of Valve, Logitech and Onex. These are consoles that don’t play conventional bodily recreation cartridges, playing cards, or discs, however as a substitute stream or obtain video games from providers equivalent to Steam or Xbox Game Pass.
But with the ROG Ally, Asus desires to take issues to the following stage. Unlike rivals, it runs a full model of Windows 11, which means you may play the identical vary of video games as any PC. Alongside devoted AMD flagship processors and a 120Hz show, Asus means enterprise.
But does it stay as much as the hype, and extra importantly, that prime worth? I imagine so, however provided that you’re prepared to completely embrace the hand-held type issue and its compromises.
This overview initially appeared on TechAdvisor.com.
Design & construct
- Premium however cumbersome design
- Impressive Xbox-style controls
- Good vary of ports
The ROG Ally is an actual assertion of intent from Asus, and that begins with design. It’s a cumbersome, imposing system with a particular gaming aesthetic, but nonetheless feels slick sufficient to have mainstream enchantment. I’m not vastly into fashionable gamer aesthetics, however haven’t any situation utilizing this in public.
A fairly mild weight of 608g and thickness of 21.2mm are a giant promoting level of the Ally, which means you may take it virtually anyplace with you. For context, that’s thinner and lighter than the Valve Steam Deck, regardless of each gadgets having a 7in show.
But crucially for such an costly system, the premium feel and appear isn’t compromised to get there. The white end received’t be to everybody’s tastes, however I really feel it contributes to a design that’s modern and fashionable. If you’ve used the white Nintendo Switch OLED, you’ll know what I imply.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
As good because it appears to be like, although, another color choice would’ve been good. Unlike with telephones, you may’t simply cowl it up with a case right here. However, the system does a great job of avoiding choosing up seen grime marks, one thing I used to be involved about. Your palms can get sweaty whereas enjoying, nevertheless it received’t present.
While the design of the Ally is pretty generic, Asus has nonetheless managed to place its personal stamp on the system. Small ROG-specific touches might be discovered throughout the system, from a big brand on the again to RGB lighting round each joysticks. The latter can shortly grow to be annoying, notably for those who depart it on the default ‘rainbow’ mode, however this could simply be customised or turned off altogether.
The joysticks themselves are the place my thumbs naturally relaxation, providing a snug expertise. My solely grievance is the shortage of padding, which might grow to be uncomfortable when making a lot of fast actions.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Asus has opted for Xbox-style ABXY buttons within the top-right nook, plus a directional pad diagonally reverse. Both are clicky and responsive, making them simple to press irrespective of the sport.
Triggers and bumpers on the highest of the Ally are simply nearly as good, however Asus has added a number of additional bodily buttons of its personal. The most notable are two on the again of the system, which the corporate is asking ‘Macro 1’ and ‘Macro 2’. While not related in lots of video games, one-tap entry to features of your alternative could make a giant distinction in some titles. It’s actually a pleasant choice to have.
Shortcuts to the View, Command Center, Armoury Crate and Menu sections on the entrance of the system are extra mundane, however nonetheless value having. Combined, the bodily buttons and joysticks ship a extra convincing expertise than even a devoted controller.
At the highest, the facility button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is a cool addition. It’s fairly small, however nonetheless comparatively quick and dependable. Next to it, you’ll discover quantity controls and a surprisingly good port choice.
Alongside a USB-C port for charging, you get a microSD slot for expandable storage, a 3.5mm audio jack, and devoted connector for ROG XG Mobile, Asus’ exterior GPU system.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The latter can supposedly ship a giant enhance to the already glorious efficiency, however I wasn’t despatched one to check out. It additionally prices properly over $1,000/£1,000 and makes the Ally a lot much less moveable. For the overwhelming majority of individuals, it’s completely pointless.
Screen & audio system
- 7in, Full HD show
- 120Hz refresh charge
- Impressive twin audio system
The show on the ROG Ally is one in every of its key strengths. It’s a 7in, Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen, full with Gorilla Glass Victus for additional sturdiness. That decision offers it a traditional 16:9 side ratio, which means virtually all video games can run natively.
It’s an actual step up from the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch OLED, that are each restricted to 720p output. You additionally get a 120Hz refresh charge on the Ally, reasonably than the usual 60Hz on the opposite gadgets.
With all that in thoughts, it’ll come as no shock to study that the show here’s a pleasure to make use of. Gameplay appears to be like excellent, with wealthy, vibrant colors and plenty of element. On a display screen of this dimension, you actually don’t want the next decision.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
When loading up a recreation for the primary time, I used to be genuinely shocked by how good the display screen seemed. It’s not fairly high-end PC or TV console stage, nevertheless it’s not far off. This is a premium show.
Prior to testing, I used to be involved about how the LCD panel right here would evaluate to OLED. But darker colors and distinction are nonetheless spectacular on the ROG Ally, and it doesn’t really feel such as you’re lacking out.
The show’s 7ms response time isn’t the best by PC gaming requirements, however there was no noticeable enter lag whereas enjoying. Only avid players will observe any distinction in comparison with extra responsive screens.
Given how moveable the Ally is, you would possibly need to use it outdoors. A most brightness of 502 nits implies that’s very a lot attainable.
My solely grievance right here is the bezels, that are a lot thicker than they must be. There’s a ROG brand under the display screen, however no webcam on the prime – there’s no digicam in any respect. This is a disgrace. Unlike a pill, there’s loads of area to comfortably maintain the system already, so Asus has no actual excuse for not squeezing one in.
However, the ROG Ally does profit from twin stereo audio system, which emit sound from each the back and front of the system. The room-filling audio they supply is stable, contemplating the dimensions of the system, with a formidable depth to music and sound results.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
In-game character voices sound crystal-clear too, although an additional hit of bass and better max quantity can be good. For one of the best expertise, you’ll nonetheless want to attach headphones – whether or not they’re wired (by way of the 3.5mm jack) or wi-fi (by way of Bluetooth).
Specs & gaming efficiency
- AMD Ryzen Z1 and Radeon graphics
- Superb, console-level efficiency
- Limited storage, however microSD growth
Asus has made a giant deal of the efficiency skills of the ROG Ally, and it’s simple to see why.
The system is powered by the Ryzen Z1 Series, new AMD chips which can be particularly designed for handheld consoles. Asus claims each Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme fashions provide flagship-level efficiency, however solely the latter is coming to the UK – it’s the model I’ve been testing.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
While built-in AMD Radeon graphics and 16GB of DDR5 RAM (on each fashions) doesn’t sound notably spectacular, the outcomes are. Performance is superb, and according to cheap gaming laptops within the £600-£800 worth vary – because the benchmarks under present:
Crucially, that’s mirrored in real-world utilization. I attempted a number of the most demanding PC video games you may play, throughout three of the most well-liked platforms: Xbox Game Pass, EA Play and Steam. Everything runs very easily at 1080p, with gameplay trying excellent on the ROG Ally’s glorious show.
It’s not fairly nearly as good as a full PC gaming rig or next-gen console, however you received’t be upset by the efficiency on provide right here. There are not any noticeable dropped frames, even throughout fast-paced motion video games. According to Asus, a June 2023 replace supposedly will increase framerates by round 10-20%, boosting efficiency even additional.
Hesitations and lag aren’t a difficulty whereas enjoying video games, and bugs elsewhere appear associated to software program reasonably than {hardware}. I extremely doubt extra energy would change something, and it’s value placing up with them for the excellent in-game efficiency.
One characteristic which might generally be ignored is the vibration motor. It’s glorious right here, providing refined suggestions that basically enhances the gaming expertise.
After solely a few minutes of enjoying, there was a noticeable build-up of warmth. But the superior cooling system means the Ally solely ever will get heat to the contact, with each followers on the again of the system the place they received’t be coated by your palms. Even when in full move, they don’t get too loud – Asus claims a most of simply 20dB.
Unlike the Nintendo Switch, you need to maintain the ROG Ally in a single piece always. The controllers aren’t removable, though you do have the choice to attach it to a TV or monitor by way of HDMI.
It works seamlessly, with nice image high quality and no drop in efficiency. But the characteristic depends on the ROG Gaming Charger Dock, which prices £60 additional within the UK. Simply together with an HDMI port on the system itself would’ve solved this drawback.
In phrases of connectivity, the ROG Ally options each Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. There’s no mobile connectivity, nevertheless it’s simple to hotspot out of your telephone whereas out and about. This isn’t a good way to recreation although, as hotspotting to a telephone just isn’t a quick approach to stream video games and isn’t a technique I like to recommend counting on. If you need to stream video games, that is solely realistically attainable on good Wi-Fi.
The upcoming Android-based Razer Edge has a 5G choice, however that system is way much less highly effective than the ROG Ally.
The ROG Ally Z1 model features a 256GB SSD, whereas the Z1 Extreme mannequin I examined will increase that to 512GB. But with round 54GB taken up by Windows system information, it doesn’t depart a lot room for video games.
Even with solely 5 video games put in, I received a pop-up message saying inadequate storage when making an attempt to obtain a sixth. Most titles I performed, together with FIFA 22, F1 22 and Call of Duty: Warzone, have been between 50-100GB. But some – equivalent to Forza Horizon 5 – have been considerably increased.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Thankfully, the storage capability might be expanded by way of microSD, nevertheless it’s one other separate buy.
Software
- Runs Windows 11 Home
- Access to full vary of PC video games
- Lots of software program bugs
A key benefit of the ROG Ally in comparison with different handheld consoles is software program. It runs a full model of Windows 11 Home, which means you have got full entry to the identical vary of video games as a PC. You can use a number of completely different recreation providers, and also you aren’t tied to 1 firm’s.
The nice benefit of the ROG Ally is you may stream video games for those who go by way of a cloud gaming service, or play utilizing on-device downloads. It’s finest with the latter, however having the choice is a luxurious.
Whether you employ Steam, Xbox Game Pass, the Epic Games Store or perhaps a cloud gaming service, they’ll all work on the ROG Ally. All your downloaded video games might be accessed by way of the Armoury Crate SE app, which opens by default while you activate the system.
It acts as a easy app launcher, but in addition a hub for the in depth customisation choices accessible. You can alter controls, efficiency, lighting, show and audio, most of which may also be accessed by way of the devoted Command Center button mid-game.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
You will want to ensure the gamepad is chosen for a lot of video games, with keyboard and mouse typically set because the default. But altering all these settings feels slick and intuitive.
Sadly, the identical can’t be stated for the remainder of the Windows 11 expertise. Microsoft’s working system isn’t optimised to run on one of these {hardware}, and it reveals.
I bumped into dozens of bugs and points throughout my testing time, from app crashes and stuttering to video games that merely refused to show in full display screen. On a few events, the display screen wouldn’t activate in any respect.
All of those have been resolved inside a few minutes, nevertheless it’s irritating to come across them so continuously. As good because the gaming is, software program bugs look like half and parcel of the ROG Ally expertise at launch. I may repair each bug by closing or minimising different apps and restarting software program, nevertheless it was very irritating.
But the advantages of Windows 11 can nearly outweigh the drawbacks. You will simply must be affected person when loading video games, although.
Battery life & charging
- 40Wh battery
- Less than two hours of gaming per cost
- Fast 65W charging
Battery life is the most important purpose to not purchase the ROG Ally. It has a 40Wh cell, however clearly that’s not large enough for 1080p gaming on a 120Hz show.
I totally charged the system earlier than every gaming session, but would all the time hit 0% in lower than two hours. It didn’t matter which recreation I performed – all AAA titles deplete the battery extraordinarily shortly.
This is considerably to be anticipated given the dimensions of the battery and the facility wanted to drive PC-level gaming. But this console can’t even final a brief haul flight earlier than needing a cost, which defeats the purpose – and the enjoyment – if gaming on the go.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The Nintendo Switch can hit about six hours at finest, which is a lot better. Granted, these video games are easier and never PC-level, however if you would like true portability then that is the place the compromise appears to be in the mean time for such consoles; easier video games with good battery life, or PC-level video games with horrible battery life.
A 720p video loop check at 120 nits of brightness isn’t notably related right here, however a time of simply 5 hours is properly behind any Windows laptop computer we’ve reviewed. Having to fret about battery life a lot reasonably defeats the purpose of a transportable console. A June 2023 replace supposedly improves it by round 10-20% in comparison with once I reviewed the system, nevertheless it doesn’t cease battery life from being a key weak point.
Of course, there are issues you are able to do to delay it. Dropping all the way down to 720p gameplay or 60Hz refresh charge will imply the ROG Ally lasts longer, as will reducing the brightness. But the gaming expertise is nowhere close to nearly as good while you scale back these settings.
At least charging speeds are respectable. The 65W adapter included within the field can cost the Ally to 54% in 30 minutes and 89% in 1 hour, with a full cost taking round 1 hour 45 minutes.
But when the battery lasts about the identical size of time it takes to cost, that is scant comfort. As is enjoying the factor continually plugged into the mains, which is feasible.
Price & availability
Poor battery life won’t be a dealbreaker for you, however the worth of the ROG Ally may very well be.
The Z1 Extreme mannequin with 512GB SSD that I examined will set you again $699/£699, and it’s on sale now. In the US, you should purchase one direct from Asus and Best Buy. In the UK, it’s Asus or Currys.
All purchases embody 90 days of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, after which it prices $14.99/£10.99 per 30 days.
A daily Z1 model with a 256GB SSD will price $599.99, though this mannequin marked as ‘Coming Soon’ at Best Buy. It’s anticipated someday in Q3 (July-September) within the US, however there’s no phrase on when (or if) it’ll arrive within the UK or mainland Europe.
Both fashions are considerably dearer than the $399/£349 beginning worth of the Steam Deck, though there are dearer fashions. The Nintendo Switch OLED ($349.99/£349.99) is cheaper nonetheless.
There are different inexpensive choices value contemplating, though none can match the efficiency and have set of the ROG Ally. It simply comes down as to if you’re prepared to pay the premium for it.
Verdict
With the ROG Ally, Asus has taken handheld console gaming to the following stage, however with it highlighted the compromises nonetheless wanted within the class.
Dedicated AMD CPUs ship top-tier efficiency throughout all essentially the most demanding video games, whereas the 120Hz touchscreen is a pleasure to behold. Xbox-style controls are acquainted and straightforward to make use of, even when they’ll’t be indifferent.
The system is comparatively mild and cozy to carry, whereas Windows 11 means you have got entry to the total vary of PC video games. However, the final software program expertise is buggy at occasions, and battery life is horrible.
Are you prepared to place up with these compromises at this worth? That’s all the way down to you. The ROG Ally, regardless of these downsides, is among the finest handheld gaming consoles you should purchase.
Specs
- AMD Ryzen Z1/Z1 Extreme processor
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 256/512GB SSD
- Micro-SD card slot
- ROG XG Mobile port
- USB-C port
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 7in 1920×1080 show, 120Hz
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- 40Wh battery
- 65W quick charging
- 280.4 x 111.2 x 21.2mm
- 608g