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The Asus ROG Ally has been making waves in the gaming community since its announcement earlier this year. As an avid PC gamer, I've always dreamed of a handheld device that could seamlessly transition between playing games on my computer and on the go. While the Steam Deck was a step in the right direction, it had its limitations. After spending two weeks with the ROG Ally, I can confidently say that it improves upon the Steam Deck in many ways but also brings new challenges to the table.
Price & Availability:
- The ROG Ally is priced at $699.99 and can be purchased from Asus or Best Buy in the US.
- A cheaper configuration with a slightly less powerful processor will be released in Q3 2023 for $599.
Design & Build:
- The ROG Ally features a sleek white casing and well-shaped grips, offering excellent hand grip and comfort.- Despite being larger than a Switch OLED, it is lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
- The device has exhaust vents on top to prevent blowing hot air towards the user and intake vents on the backside.
- The only downside is that the display gets hot after prolonged use, potentially affecting its longevity.
- The device features customizable RGB lighting, which can be adjusted or turned off to save battery power.
Performance:
- After a firmware update, the ROG Ally's performance improved by 15-20%.- The device is more than capable of handling graphically intensive games at a good frame rate, thanks to the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
- Benchmark tests and gaming experience indicate smooth gameplay with visually stunning graphics.
- The ROG Ally can be further enhanced by connecting it to the Asus ROG XG Mobile eGPU, which significantly boosts performance.
- Connecting accessories to the Ally via the XG Mobile is easy, thanks to the abundance of ports available.
Operating System & Customization:
- The ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, providing access to a wide range of applications and gaming services.
- Asus' Armoury Crate utility software allows for quick adjustments to FPS, frame rate, and performance modes.
- However, there can be some compatibility issues between Windows 11 and Armoury Crate, requiring troubleshooting.
Conclusion:
After spending an extensive two-week period immersed in the Asus ROG Ally, it is evident that this handheld gaming device presents a captivating experience for gamers seeking a harmonious blend of portability and uncompromising performance. The Asus ROG Ally proves its mettle with an array of impressive internal components, a sleek and visually appealing design, and versatile customization options that cater to the individual needs and preferences of gamers. However, before making the decision to invest in this device, it is essential to consider a multitude of factors that will help determine whether it truly warrants a place in your gaming arsenal.
First and foremost, pricing and availability play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Priced at $699/£699, the ROG Ally falls within a competitive price range, positioning itself lower than the lofty heights of high-end gaming laptops, yet slightly pricier than the highest configuration of the Steam Deck. While it undoubtedly offers good value for the price, prospective buyers should take note that a slightly less powerful configuration of the Ally will become available in the third quarter of 2023, retailing for $599. Thus, it becomes crucial to assess your budgetary constraints and evaluate whether the additional power provided by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor is indispensable for your specific gaming requirements.
Moving on to the design and build of the ROG Ally, one cannot help but be impressed by its sleek white casing and the comfort it provides during extended gaming sessions. Although slightly larger than the Nintendo Switch OLED, this handheld device remains remarkably lightweight and easy to hold, ensuring that the joys of gaming are not marred by discomfort. Furthermore, the strategic placement of exhaust vents eliminates the inconvenience of hot air blowing directly onto the user, fostering a pleasant gaming experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the display tends to become hot after prolonged use, potentially raising concerns about its longevity. Additionally, while the presence of customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of visual flair, it may not necessarily resonate with everyone's aesthetic preferences.
When it comes to performance, the ROG Ally boasts an impressive array of hardware, including the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 16GB of RAM. This amalgamation of power results in a commendable gaming experience, especially in graphically demanding games that push the limits of performance. The benchmark results speak volumes about the device's capabilities, showcasing its ability to smoothly handle demanding games while achieving a consistent 60 FPS or higher. It is worth noting that a firmware update significantly improved the performance of the ROG Ally, boosting it by an impressive 15-20% and further enhancing its overall capabilities.
An aspect that Asus actively promotes is the ROG Ally's compatibility with the XG Mobile 2021/2022 external GPU, which acts as a catalyst for enhanced performance when connected. Undoubtedly, the addition of the XG Mobile catapults the benchmark results and gaming performance to new heights. However, it is essential to consider the additional cost of $1,500 associated with this external GPU. The decision to invest in the XG Mobile depends on individual preferences and the desire for a further augmented desktop gaming experience that stretches the boundaries of performance.
In terms of the operating system, the ROG Ally operates on Windows 11 and features Asus' Armoury Crate utility software. This combination provides users with a versatile operating system and an extensive range of customization options. Windows 11 allows for the installation of various applications and seamless access to different gaming services, while Armoury Crate enables effortless adjustments to FPS, frame rates, and performance modes. However, it is worth noting that occasional conflicts between Windows 11 and Armoury Crate may necessitate troubleshooting, potentially posing a challenge for those less tech-savvy individuals.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Ally emerges as a highly capable handheld gaming device that effortlessly excels in performance and design. With its powerful internal components, ergonomic design that ensures comfort during long gaming sessions, and the inclusion of Windows 11 as its operating system, the ROG Ally offers a truly immersive and captivating gaming experience. The added option of connecting it to the XG Mobile eGPU further enhances its capabilities, albeit at an additional cost. Ultimately, the decision to invest in the ROG Ally hinges upon individual preferences, budgetary considerations, and the desire for a portable gaming device that seamlessly delivers exceptional performance without compromising on comfort or customization options.