ASUS ROG Ally review
The Asus ASUS ROG Ally ranks as the #393 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #268-ranked connectivity among 48 laptops. Consider the AORUS 15G or Alienware x17 R2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Ally has its pros, but I wouldn't recommend it. While it's powerful with Windows capabilities and a great IPS screen, it's marred by significant flaws. The micro SD card slot is prone to burning cards, ergonomics are poor, and control options are limited. Battery life is also subpar, and software issues persist. Even with its improved chipset, the Z1 extreme version is slower than the Steam Deck. Considering the new ROG Ally X, which addresses many of these problems, it's hard to justify buying the original model. Overall, I'd advise against purchasing the ASUS ROG Ally.
Build
The ASUS ROG Ally's build is a mixed bag. The screen has a higher resolution and frame rate than the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, but its huge bezels are distracting. The device itself feels cheap with sharp edges and a back that can be uncomfortable to hold. The micro SD card slot is also a design flaw that may burn your cards. The lack of touchpads and only two back buttons are further drawbacks, making the Ally feel less ergonomic than competitors like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS ROG Ally X, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The ASUS ROG Ally's display is a highlight of the device. With a higher resolution and frame rate than the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, it offers a sharp and detailed image. The variable refresh rate feature makes games run smoother, eliminating stuttering issues common in handheld consoles. The 7-inch screen has a nice pixel density, and the IPS panel provides vibrant colors. While some may find the large bezels a drawback, they do not detract from the overall viewing experience. Overall, the display is one of the Ally's strongest features. You may find Asus ASUS ROG Ally X a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld PC console that delivers impressive performance. With a more powerful chipset than the Steam Deck, I was able to enjoy demanding AAA games on it. Tweaking image scaling settings also allowed me to play these games on an external monitor with a nice image, just like a regular PC. Emulation is seamless, and the device handles PS3 and Switch games without issues. The variable refresh rate feature ensures a smoother gaming experience, but may not be enough to offset other concerns about this console's performance. If you’re after a better performance, AORUS 5 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Ally's battery life is underwhelming, lasting just about an hour when playing demanding AAA games at full power. The 40Wh battery seems inefficient, with the console consuming up to 25W maximum compared to the Steam Deck's 15W max. Furthermore, the sleep function is non-existent, and even hibernation mode can be slow and prone to crashes. A significant drawback for a handheld PC console.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Ally boasts impressive connectivity features, including a micro SD card slot that's prone to burning your cards, a design flaw that's been widely reported. The console also lacks touchpads and has limited control options compared to the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. Battery life is another concern, lasting only an hour with intense gaming. For an improved connectivity, AORUS 17H is worth considering.
Features
The ASUS ROG Ally boasts a more powerful chipset than the Steam Deck, allowing for demanding AAA games and emulation of PS3 and Switch games. It also features a higher resolution and frame rate screen with variable refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming on-the-go. You might want to check out AORUS 5, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
I was disappointed with the ASUS ROG Ally's support and maintenance experience. The device had various bugs and crashes, even after a year of use. Troubleshooting and searching for fixes were time-consuming. Additionally, there are concerns about Asus' return policy, which has been criticized by many customers. Overall, I found the ROG Ally's support and maintenance to be lacking, making it difficult to recommend despite its many positive features.
Pros
1. The RG Li has a more powerful chipset than the Steam Deck, allowing me to enjoy some demanding AAA games on it.
2. By tweaking some image scaling settings, it becomes capable of playing those games on an external monitor with a nice image just like a regular PC.
3. It handles emulation easily, including emulating PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch games.
4. The screen has higher resolution and frame rate than the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, and it's also unique because unlike other handhelds, it has a variable refresh rate which I think is essential for such a device.
5. The image on the RG Li doesn't look as blurry compared to Lenovo Legion Go using the same resolution, and it's sharp and detailed with nice colors.
6. It runs Windows smoothly, and the armor crate application provides a great console experience.
Cons
1. There is a design flaw in the micro SD card slot which may burn your SD card, despite being a well-known issue on other forums and YouTube videos.
2. The ergonomics and controls are not as comfortable to hold in hands as the Steam Deck, and it doesn't have touchpads which could be useful for navigating Windows or playing games that were not designed for a controller.
3. Battery life is poor compared to the Steam Deck, with playing some AAAA games at full power lasting just about an hour.
4. The software has counter bugs and crashes here and there, sometimes the external monitor doesn't work, and getting games running can be frustrating.
5. There are two versions of the ASUS ROG Ally with different chipsets (Z1 and Z1 Extreme), which may confuse some people when buying second-hand or new.
6. Asus has an awful return policy, which is a well-known issue that can make purchasing the console a risk.
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