Asus ROG Ally review

Handheld consoles have been round for the reason that late Eighties, but it surely just lately seems like we’ve entered a brand new period with house console gaming coming to moveable units.

From the Nintendo Swap being the one reasonable possibility for such handheld high quality just a few years in the past, we now have credible rivals from the likes of Valve, Logitech and Onex. These are consoles that don’t play conventional bodily sport cartridges, playing cards, or discs, however as a substitute stream or obtain video games from companies corresponding to Steam or Xbox Sport Move.

However with the ROG Ally, Asus needs to take issues to the following stage. In contrast to rivals, it runs a full model of Home windows 11, which means you’ll be able to play the identical vary of video games as any PC. Alongside devoted AMD flagship processors and a 120Hz show, Asus means enterprise. 

However does it reside as much as the hype, and extra importantly, that top worth? I imagine so, however provided that you’re prepared to totally embrace the hand-held kind issue and its compromises.

Design & construct

• Premium however cumbersome design
• Spectacular 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 attraction. I’m not vastly into fashionable gamer aesthetics, however don’t have any concern 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’ll be able to take it virtually anyplace with you. For context, that’s thinner and lighter than the Valve Steam Deck, regardless of each units having a 7in show. 

However crucially for such an costly system, the premium feel and look isn’t compromised to get there. The white end gained’t be to everybody’s tastes, however I really feel it contributes to a design that’s smooth and fashionable. For those who’ve used the white Nintendo Swap OLED, you’ll know what I imply. 

Nearly as good because it appears to be like, although, another color possibility would’ve been good. In contrast to with telephones, you’ll be able to’t simply cowl it up with a case right here. Nonetheless, the system does job of avoiding choosing up seen filth marks, one thing I used to be involved about. Your arms can get sweaty whereas taking part in, but it surely gained’t present. 

Whereas the design of the Ally is pretty generic, Asus has nonetheless managed to place its personal stamp on the system. Small ROG-specific touches may be discovered throughout the system, from a big emblem on the again to RGB lighting round each joysticks. The latter can shortly change into annoying, notably for those who go away it on the default ‘rainbow’ mode, however this may simply be customised or turned off altogether. 

The joysticks themselves are the place my thumbs naturally relaxation, providing a snug expertise. My solely criticism is the shortage of padding, which might change into uncomfortable when making a lot of fast actions. 

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Asus has opted for Xbox-style ABXY buttons within the top-right nook, plus a directional pad diagonally reverse. Each are clicky and responsive, making them straightforward to press irrespective of the sport.

Triggers and bumpers on the highest of the Ally are simply pretty much as good, however Asus has added just a few additional bodily buttons of its personal. Essentially the most notable are two on the again of the system, which the corporate is asking ‘Macro 1’ and ‘Macro 2’.  Whereas not related in lots of video games, one-tap entry to features of your selection could make a giant distinction in some titles. It’s definitely a pleasant choice to have.  

Shortcuts to the View, Command Middle, Armoury Crate and Menu sections on the entrance of the system are extra mundane, however nonetheless value having. Mixed, the bodily buttons and joysticks ship a extra convincing expertise than even a devoted controller.

On the high, the facility button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is a cool addition. It’s fairly small, however nonetheless comparatively quick and dependable. Subsequent 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 Cellular, Asus’ exterior GPU system. 

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The latter can supposedly ship a giant increase 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. 

Display screen & audio system

• 7in, Full HD show
• 120Hz refresh charge
• Spectacular twin audio system

The show on the ROG Ally is one in all its key strengths. It’s a 7in, Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen, full with Gorilla Glass Victus for additional sturdiness. That decision provides it a basic 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 Swap OLED, that are each restricted to 720p output. You additionally get a 120Hz refresh charge on the Ally, relatively than the usual 60Hz on the opposite units. 

With all that in thoughts, it’ll come as no shock to be taught 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 measurement, you definitely don’t want a better decision. 

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When loading up a sport 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, but it surely’s not far off. This can be a premium show.

Previous to testing, I used to be involved about how the LCD panel right here would examine to OLED. However 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 in fashionable gaming, however you solely have to make use of the touchscreen to enter textual content and cargo up video games, so it doesn’t negatively have an effect on gameplay.

Given how moveable the Ally is, you would possibly need to use it outdoors. A most brightness of 502 nits signifies that’s very a lot potential. 

My solely criticism right here is the bezels, that are a lot thicker than they must be. There’s a ROG emblem beneath the display screen, however no webcam on the high – there’s no digital camera in any respect. This can be a disgrace. In contrast to a pill, there’s loads of house to comfortably maintain the system already, so Asus has no actual excuse for not squeezing one in.

Nonetheless, 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 strong, contemplating the dimensions of the system, with a powerful depth to music and sound results. 

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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 or wi-fi through Bluetooth.

Specs & gaming efficiency

• AMD Ryzen Z1 and Radeon graphics
• Excellent, console-level efficiency
• Restricted storage, however microSD enlargement

Asus has made a giant deal of the efficiency skills of the ROG Ally, and it’s straightforward to see why. 

The system is powered by the Ryzen Z1 Collection, new AMD chips which are particularly designed for handheld consoles. Asus claims each Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Excessive fashions supply flagship-level efficiency, however solely the latter is coming to the UK – it’s the model I’ve been testing. 

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Whereas built-in AMD Radeon graphics and 16GB of DDR5 RAM (on each fashions) doesn’t sound notably spectacular, the outcomes are. Efficiency is great, and consistent with low-cost gaming laptops within the £600-£800 worth vary – because the benchmarks beneath present:

Crucially, that’s mirrored in real-world utilization. I attempted among the most demanding PC video games you’ll be able to play, throughout three of the most well-liked platforms: Xbox Sport Move, EA Play and Steam. All the things runs very easily at 1080p, with gameplay wanting excellent on the ROG Ally’s glorious show. 

It’s not fairly pretty much as good as a full PC gaming rig or next-gen console, however you gained’t be dissatisfied by the efficiency on supply right here. There aren’t any noticeable dropped frames, even throughout fast-paced motion video games.

Hesitations and lag aren’t a problem whereas taking part in video games, and bugs elsewhere appear associated to software program relatively 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 function which might generally be neglected is the vibration motor. It’s glorious right here, providing refined suggestions that basically enhances the gaming expertise. 

After solely a few minutes of taking part in, there was a noticeable build-up of warmth. However 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 gained’t be lined by your arms. Even when in full circulation, they don’t get too loud – Asus claims a most of simply 20dB. 

In contrast to the Nintendo Swap, you must preserve 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 through HDMI. 

It really works seamlessly, with nice image high quality and no drop in efficiency. However the function depends on the ROG Gaming Charger Dock, which prices £60 additional within the UK. Merely together with an HDMI port on the system itself would’ve solved this drawback. 

When it comes to connectivity, the ROG Ally options each Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. There’s no mobile connectivity, but it surely’s straightforward to hotspot out of your telephone whereas out and about. This isn’t an effective way to sport although, as hotspotting to a telephone shouldn’t be a quick strategy to stream video games and isn’t a technique I like to recommend counting on. If you wish to stream video games, that is solely realistically potential on good Wi-Fi.

The upcoming Android-based Razer Edge has a 5G possibility, 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 Excessive mannequin I examined will increase that to 512GB. However with round 54GB taken up by Home windows system information, it doesn’t go away a lot room for video games.

Even with solely 5 video games put in, I obtained 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 Name of Obligation: Warzone, have been between 50-100GB. However some – corresponding to Forza Horizon 5 – have been considerably increased. 

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Fortunately, the storage capability may be expanded through microSD, but it surely’s one other separate buy. 

Software program

• Runs Home windows 11 House
• Entry to full vary of PC video games
• A number 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 Home windows 11 House, which means you could have full entry to the identical vary of video games as a PC. You should utilize a number of completely different sport companies, and also you aren’t tied to at least one firm’s.

The nice benefit of the ROG Ally is you’ll be able to stream video games for those who go through a cloud gaming service, or play utilizing on-device downloads. It’s greatest with the latter, however having the choice is a luxurious.

Whether or not you utilize Steam, Xbox Sport Move, the Epic Video games Retailer or perhaps a cloud gaming service, they’ll all work on the ROG Ally. All of your downloaded video games may be accessed through 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 intensive customisation choices accessible. You possibly can regulate controls, efficiency, lighting, show and audio, most of which can be accessed through the devoted Command Middle button mid-game.

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You will have to verify the gamepad is chosen for a lot of video games, with keyboard and mouse usually set because the default. However altering all these settings feels slick and intuitive. 

Sadly, the identical can’t be stated for the remainder of the Home windows 11 expertise. Microsoft’s working system isn’t optimised to run on this sort of {hardware}, and it exhibits.  

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, but it surely’s irritating to come across them so often. Nearly as good because the gaming is, software program bugs seem 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, but it surely was very irritating.

However the advantages of Home windows 11 can nearly outweigh the drawbacks. You’ll simply must be affected person when loading video games, although.

Battery life & charging

• 40Wh battery
• Lower than two hours of gaming per cost
• Quick 65W charging

Battery life is the largest cause to not purchase the ROG Ally. It has a 40Wh cell, however clearly that’s not sufficiently big for 1080p gaming on a 120Hz show.  

I absolutely charged the system earlier than every gaming session, but would at all times hit 0% in lower than two hours. It didn’t matter which sport I performed – all AAA titles deplete the battery extraordinarily shortly.

That is considerably to be anticipated given the dimensions of the battery and the facility wanted to drive PC-level gaming. However 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.

The Nintendo Swap can hit about six hours at greatest, which is significantly better. Granted, these video games are less complicated and never PC-level, however in order for you true portability then that is the place the compromise appears to be in the meanwhile for such consoles; less complicated video games with good battery life, or PC-level video games with horrible battery life.

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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 Home windows laptop computer we’ve reviewed. Having to fret about battery life a lot relatively defeats the purpose of a transportable console. 

In fact, there are issues you are able to do to delay battery life. Dropping right down to 720p gameplay or 60Hz refresh charge will imply the ROG Ally lasts longer, as will decreasing the brightness. However the gaming expertise is nowhere close to pretty much as good while you cut back these settings.

Not less than charging speeds are first rate. The 65W adapter included within the field can cost the Ally to 54% in half-hour and 89% in 1 hour, with a full cost taking round 1 hour 45 minutes. 

However when the battery lasts about the identical size of time it takes to cost, that is scant comfort. As is taking part in the factor continually plugged into the mains, which is feasible.

Value & availability

Poor battery life won’t be a dealbreaker for you, however the worth of the ROG Ally may very well be. 

The Z1 Excessive mannequin with 512GB SSD that I examined will set you again $699/£699. Pre-orders can be found now (through Currys within the UK), forward of its launch on 13 June.

All purchases do embrace three months of free Xbox Sport Move Final, after which it prices $14.99/£10.99 per 30 days. 

A less expensive common Z1 model with a 256GB SSD can also be anticipated in some unspecified time in the future, however no launch date info has been offered.

However at its present worth, the Ally is considerably costlier than the $399/£349 Steam Deck. The Nintendo Swap 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.

Devoted AMD CPUs ship top-tier efficiency throughout all probably 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 Home windows 11 means you could have entry to the complete vary of PC video games. Nonetheless, the overall 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 right down to you. The ROG Ally, regardless of these downsides, is among the greatest handheld gaming consoles you should buy.

Specs

• AMD Ryzen Z1/Z1 Excessive processor
• AMD Radeon Graphics 
• 16GB LPDDR5 RAM 
• 256/512GB SSD 
• Micro-SD card slot 
• ROG XG Cellular 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