Asus ROG Ally Review: A Promising Yet Imperfect Handheld Gaming PC
As a leading name in PC hardware, Asus steps into the handheld gaming PC arena, a sector previously dominated by smaller Chinese brands and Valve's Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally represents the company's effort to push handheld gaming PCs into the mainstream. This review explores whether the ROG Ally can revolutionize the handheld PC gaming industry.
Design and Aesthetics
The Asus ROG Ally boasts a design that screams gaming, with its dual analog sticks, sharp corners, speaker grilles, RGB rings, and holographic ROG logos. The designers have balanced the aggressive gaming look with practical ergonomics, ensuring the device is comfortable to hold without overdoing the RGB elements. The white color adds a luxurious touch, although there are concerns about potential yellowing over time. The device’s build quality is notable, offering a sturdy, well-constructed feel with a comfortable grip.
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Build Quality and Internal Hardware
Exceptional build quality characterizes the ROG Ally, with no flex or creaking noises under stress. The internal hardware, accessible by removing six Phillips head screws, includes a 40Wh battery, dual-fan cooling, and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. The ease of replacing the internal SSD is a commendable aspect, setting it apart from competitors like the Steam Deck.
Portability and Accessories
Weighing just 1.34 pounds and measuring 1.27 inches at its thickest point, the ROG Ally impresses with its slim and portable design. It’s wider than a Nintendo Switch OLED but remains manageable. The package includes a 65W charger, a stand, documentation booklets, and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Price and Specifications
Priced at $700, the Asus ROG Ally offers a 7-inch 1080p screen, a Z1 Extreme APU with an eight-core Zen 4 CPU and a 12-CU Radeon 780m iGPU, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and 16GB of dual-channel memory. These specifications position the ROG Ally as a high-performance handheld gaming PC.
Ergonomic Experience
Despite its sharp design, the ROG Ally does not compromise on ergonomics. It is comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions, though the grips could have been slightly thicker for enhanced comfort. The paddle buttons' placement could be problematic for some users, potentially affecting the gaming experience.
Controller Layout and Functionality
The layout of the ROG Ally's controllers and buttons is generally well-designed, but the positioning of the paddle buttons might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the inability to remap bumper functions to these paddles, combined with the lack of a keyboard or trackpad, can limit the device's usability in certain scenarios.
Charging Cable and Usability
The long charging cable is a practical addition, particularly beneficial for couch and bed gaming sessions. The cable's design allows for comfortable use while charging, minimizing discomfort and ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Overall Assessment
The Asus ROG Ally is a significant entry into the handheld gaming PC market. Its design, build quality, and performance capabilities are commendable, though it falls short in certain ergonomic aspects and button placement. The device's price point and specification set it up as a strong contender in the market, despite some shortcomings in its design and functionality. This review highlights the ROG Ally's potential to be a game-changer in handheld PC gaming, even as it acknowledges areas where improvement is needed.
