The Indian gaming industry is in the midst of a roaring surge, with no signs of slowing down. As per a recent Google and Lumikai report, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is projected to hit ₹1,600 by the end of FY23, reflecting the surging demand for mobile and portable gaming. In this vibrant landscape, Asus, a heavyweight in the computer gaming realm, unleashed a game-changer earlier this year – the ROG Ally handheld gaming device. It’s a device that promises to take your gaming adventures to the next level. Running on Windows 11 and fueled by the formidable AMD Z1 Extreme APU, the ROG Ally dares to stand out in a sea of gaming consoles, boasting the unique ability to run Windows 11 and PC games. But, and it’s a big but, the price tag of ₹69,990 may leave you wondering – is the Asus ROG Ally worth the investment? Fear not; we’ve spent ten days with this intriguing device, and here’s our review.
Asus ROG Ally Review Snapshot
Editor’s rating: 3.8/5
Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery
Jump To..
- Asus Ally Review - Design
- Asus Ally Review – Display
- Asus Ally Review –Software & Performance
- Asus Ally Review - Battery Life & Charging
- Should you buy Asus ROG Ally?
Pros
- Lightweight with good build quality
- Good display
- Reliable Performance
- Commendable design Gamepad
- Effective Cooling system
- Supports fast charging
Cons
- Limited battery life
- Software needs work
- Weak haptics
Asus ROG Ally review: Design
The Asus ROG Ally reimagines the classic handheld game console design. While “ROG” usually screams bold and extravagant, Asus has taken a different path with the ROG Ally. The design oozes simplicity and restraint. The device sports a body constructed from two hard plastic shells – one for the front and another for the back. Textures vary across its surface, with a fine-grain finish on the common areas giving it a matte appearance, while coarser grains adorn the side grips for extra hold. It’s a stark departure from the flamboyance often associated with ROG gaming gear.
The Ally boasts a multifunctional power button, doubling as a fingerprint scanner, status LEDs, a proprietary Asus connector for external GPUs, a versatile USB-C connector, a nifty microSD card slot, and the ever-reliable headphone jack. The Asus ROG Ally doesn’t compromise on connectivity options. With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2, seamless connectivity is assured, whether you’re at home or on the move. However, there’s a catch – the Ally has just a single Type-C port, meaning you can’t connect multiple accessories simultaneously.
The layout of the ROG Ally will feel familiar to Xbox aficionados. The controls mirror the Xbox Wireless Controller, complete with the ABXY face buttons, a D-pad beneath the left joystick, and top-mounted shoulder and trigger buttons. Alongside the display, you’ll find view and menu buttons, in addition to dedicated buttons for Asus software features. Asus sweetens the deal with two assignable grip buttons on the back.
Size-wise, the ROG Ally is notably smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions or toting it in your bag for on-the-go fun. However, it’s a trade-off, as the grips are somewhat shallower.
Lighting enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The ROG Ally adds a dash of panache with its RGB lighting, encircling the joysticks. While it might be limited to two zones per ring, the colors blend beautifully. You can customize it to dance to your music, sync up with compatible games, or react to your CPU’s temperature and usage. And if you prefer a more subdued vibe, it’s a breeze to adjust or switch off. But, as with any device, perfection eludes the ROG Ally. The multifunctional power button might not be your best buddy, thanks to its small, flush design. As for those assignable grip buttons we mentioned earlier, well, they might be a tad too trigger-happy, leading to some unexpected in-game surprises.
But, in a world full of quirks, the ROG Ally remains the shining star where it counts most. This compact powerhouse shines with its robust build and reliable physical controls. With the ROG Ally, Asus has aced the design game, crafting a solid choice for those who crave the perfect mix of portability and performance.
Asus ROG Ally review: Display and Sound
The ROG Ally pulls no punches in the display department. Boasting a 7-inch, 1920×1080 120Hz IPS LCD touchscreen, it’s a visual delight. This display supports variable refresh rates within a 48-120Hz range. With 8-bit color and full sRGB coverage, you’re in for a treat with vibrant and sharp visuals.
The Ally’s display shines with a peak brightness of 500 nits, perfect for indoor adventures. But under the blazing sun, you might find yourself squinting as you manually tweak the brightness settings. Thanks to its 7ms response time, fast-paced gaming is a breeze, with no motion trailing or ghosting in sight.
With options for both 60Hz and 120Hz modes, switching between them is a snap using the Command Center. Though 60Hz doesn’t offer significant power savings, it does wave goodbye to the variable refresh rate feature. The ability to switch between 720p and 1080p modes might not be the most practical, considering in-game settings or upscaling technologies like FSR make more sense.
Despite the Ally’s stellar display, it falls short of the Switch OLED’s sheer image quality. OLED’s infinite contrast and perfect blacks remain unbeaten, while the Ally’s LCD panel still struggles with gray blacks. OLED panels also flaunt quicker response times, with the Ally putting on a commendable performance but not quite reaching <1ms levels.
The ROG Ally’s forward-facing stereo speakers are no slouch, offering robust audio that immerses you in your gaming world. These speakers can crank up the volume without breaking a sweat, although they might start off a tad too bright and tinny. But for the full gaming sound experience, we recommend you don your trusty headphones.
Asus ROG Ally review: Performance
When it comes to gaming power, the ROG Ally from Asus takes center stage. Beneath its sleek exterior hides the AMD Z1 Extreme CPU, an eight-core, 16-thread beast. With clock speeds that can hit a jaw-dropping 5.10 GHz, this CPU isn’t just about gaming; it’s a multi-tasking maestro.
The device offers three distinct performance modes, ranging from a Silent 10W TDP mode, ensuring quiet operation, to a high-performance 30W TDP mode in Turbo mode. Remember, Turbo mode kicks into gear when the Ally is plugged in, guaranteeing that the device stays frosty even during the most intense gaming marathons.
To tackle the heat generated during intense gameplay, the ROG Ally flaunts a dual-fan design, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. Its innovative Anti-Gravity thermal system employs specialized heat pipes, keeping the device running smoothly and preventing any overheating mishaps.
Gaming on the Ally is an absolute delight, with consistent frames per second (FPS) in a variety of titles. Games like Forza Horizon 5, Control, FIFA 23, Cricket 22, Mortal Kombat 11, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider all perform spectacularly. The built-in Real-Time Monitor from the Command Center allows you to keep a watchful eye on your performance.
Forza fans will relish the opportunity to race through the thrilling Hot Wheels Park, while gaming buddies can team up for epic battles in Cricket 22 and Mortal Kombat. They can use an Xbox Wireless Controller for a seamless experience. However, a word of advice for gamers of titles designed for mouse and keyboard, such as Cyberpunk 2077; you might need a bit of practice to adapt to the Ally’s unique setup.
The onboard Armory Crate SE app is your trusty sidekick in simplifying your gaming journey. It seamlessly gathers games from various platforms in one convenient location, offering customization options for key functions. With the ability to switch effortlessly between desktop mode, keyboard and mouse mode, and gamepad mode, you’re in complete control. The dedicated Armory Crate button ensures swift access to your game library, streamlining the transition between tasks.
The ROG Ally is impressively versatile, serving as a Windows 11 machine with a responsive touchscreen. But its adaptability doesn’t stop there. Connect a keyboard and a mouse, and it begins to blur the line between a handheld and a laptop. While there’s room for improvement in tailoring the software experience for a handheld gaming system, Asus has certainly made strides in addressing this.
Asus ROG Ally Review review: Battery Life
The ROG Ally comes equipped with a 40Wh battery and a 65W PD adapter that supports pass-through charging, providing you with convenient power options. In real-world usage, the Ally’s battery offered approximately 2-2.5 hours of gameplay while running Forza Horizon at 75% brightness in Performance mode. It’s important to note that battery life may be even shorter when tackling more demanding AAA titles. While the device’s battery life may not break records, it’s a trade-off that comes with the territory of its exceptional performance.
Asus ROG Ally Review Verdict: Should you buy it?
The ROG Ally sets the bar high for gaming on the go. With its AMD Z1 Extreme CPU, efficient cooling system, decent display, and thoughtful design, it crafts an enjoyable gaming experience. While the device does have its fair share of limitations, particularly in the realms of battery life and pricing, its overall gaming performance remains a class apart. Whether you prefer to lounge on the couch or make the most of it with a keyboard and mouse setup, the ROG Ally guarantees that gaming is an adventure worth embarking on.
As for the pressing question of whether the ROG Ally Handheld is worth your investment, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. As a first-generation product, it offers a unique blend of features and performance. However, from a cost-conscious perspective, if you’re new to the gaming scene, a laptop or consoles like the Xbox or the PlayStation 5 might deliver more value for your money.
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