Asus ROG Ally review: an imperfect Steam Deck rival

It feels bizarre writing up an Asus ROG Ally evaluation given its April Idiot’s reveal date shenanigans. But, right here I’m, about to delve into why the hand held is a worthy Steam Deck rival that challenges Valve on each value and specs. That’s to not say this explicit transportable powerhouse is ideal, and a few of its strengths double up as weaknesses. Nevertheless, I firmly consider the machine will disrupt the transportable PC scene as we all know it, as utilizing the ROG Ally provokes the identical pleasure I had for the Deck when it launched final yr.

Coming in at $699, the Asus ROG Ally prices simply $50 greater than a 512GB Steam Deck. That’s a powerful feat, to say the least, because it packs some severe specs inside its comparatively compact shell. It virtually feels prefer it might already problem Valve’s eventual Steam Deck 2, as its AMD Z1 Excessive APU gives increased body charges in the next decision bundle.

Is the Asus ROG Ally a Steam Deck killer? Properly, not fairly, as Home windows each makes and breaks the expertise. Don’t get me unsuitable, Asus has truly managed to resolve just a few lacking hyperlinks on the subject of utilizing Microsoft’s working system for transportable play, however I’ll delve into why SteamOS nonetheless comparatively reigns supreme.

That will help you navigate by means of our Asus ROG Ally evaluation, I’ve included just a few helpful hyperlinks that’ll take you to particular sections:

Asus ROG Ally specs

On paper, the Asus ROG Ally specs run rings across the Steam Deck, and it’s largely because of that aforementioned AMD Z1 Excessive chip dwelling inside. Not in contrast to the Deck, the hand held additionally boasts 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, however its innards drive a 7-inch 1080p IPS show that packs a mighty visible punch. It additionally feels buttery easy because of its 120Hz refresh price.

Admittedly, I purchased into the concept of the ROG Ally being an April Idiot’s gag at first, because the above specs really feel too premium. But, in opposition to all odds, Asus has someway managed to place collectively a powerful Steam Deck rival that isn’t dancing the night time away alongside OneXPlayer and Aya Neo on the premium transportable get together.

Asus ROG Ally options

In some ways, the ROG Ally appears like a stand-in for the best gaming laptop, but it surely does boast particular options that land it in handheld PC territory. A few of its skills are commonplace, like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and assist for peripherals utilizing both a docking station or a USB-C hub.

The place issues get actually attention-grabbing is with Asus’ included assist for exterior GPUs, that means you would arm the hand held with an Nvidia RTX 4090 and remodel it right into a desktop alternative utilizing the ROG XG Cell add-on. That sounds fairly excessive, but it surely’d theoretically prevent from selecting up a separate laptop computer, PC, and transportable machine by assigning all roles to 1 dinky machine.

In the event you’re actually not fussed about hybrid handheld idea, you’ll be happy to know Asus has included different transportable perks. The unit’s display is protected by a Corning DXC coating that gives anti-reflective properties and scratch resistance, and the corporate’s ‘Clever Cooling’ system helps stop fan noise from changing into a nuisance. I’ll dive into why that’s an enormous deal afterward, however let’s simply say it places the Steam Deck’s inner ruckus to disgrace.

Asus ROG Ally design

The Asus ROG Ally is a design spectacle. I imply, choosing a white outfit over a conventional black go well with is already a sure-fire solution to stand out in comparison with the Steam Deck, however RGB thumbstick rings remodel the hand held into a conveyable peacock. Sculpted curves at all sides of the machine additionally embrace a sleeker strategy to ergonomics, which helps stop the transportable from feeling like an rectangular mass of plastic and glass.

Weighing 608g, the ROG Ally is a tad lighter than the Steam Deck, and it’s additionally narrower than its rival. That’s to not say Valve’s handheld design is unwieldy by any means, however Asus has completed a commendable job chopping its mini PC right down to dimension. As well as, Ally’s floor is something however cramped, as its uneven thumbsticks and barely bigger face buttons are comfortably spaced out.

Talking of buttons, the ROG Ally’s triggers and bumpers aren’t shy, as you’ll instantly spot them on the highest of the hand held. I’m an enormous fan of the extra pronounced strategy, as the additional top and clickiness of the shoulder and again buttons kick the notion of spongey presses to the curb. The identical goes for the triggers, however I wouldn’t say they really feel any higher than the Deck or an everyday PC controller.

In the event you’re an enormous fan of clicky buttons, you’ll love what Asus has to supply with the ROG Ally. Even the centralized menu buttons really feel pleasantly tactile, and their refined angled wedge form will save your thumb from mashing down and hoping for the perfect. Sadly, I can’t say the identical for the round d-pad, as whereas it’s completely serviceable, I can’t assist however really feel it’d profit from a bit extra directional definition.

The remainder of Ally’s face is dominated by its 16:9 show, accompanied by the same old black bezel. I can’t consider I’m about to say this, however by way of dimension, I believe I truly want the Steam Deck’s 16:10 display, as visible trickery helps it look visibly bigger. Maybe that’d change if I fully switched out the Deck for the Ally, but it surely’s onerous to interrupt the spell should you already spend hours on finish with Valve’s transportable pal.

Asus ROG Ally efficiency

We’ve already established that this Asus machine is sort of just like the Steam Deck’s flamboyant sibling, however what about transportable efficiency? Properly, as you’d maybe anticipate, the ROG Ally kicks benchmark butt, and it will possibly push out increased body charges than Valve’s handheld whereas catering to a 1080p 120Hz display.

To make sure assessments and comparisons are saved honest, I made a decision to run our ordinary collection of video games on each the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally with ‘low’ settings enabled. Cranking down visuals is kind of for the good thing about the Deck, as aiming for something increased can hamper playability on Valve’s handheld on the subject of demanding releases.

Because the Steam Deck makes use of an 800p display, our benchmarks aren’t like for like by way of decision. That is deliberate, as we need to seize what to anticipate from every machine primarily based on the out-of-the-box expertise. It’s additionally price noting which you could technically enhance Asus ROG Ally efficiency by plugging in its included AC adapter, however once more, we’re focussing on transportable expectations.

Asus ROG Ally benchmarks

Our Asus ROG Ally benchmarks kind of communicate for themselves, because the Steam Deck struggles to maintain up in some video games at 800p. Naturally, the actual fact it doesn’t need to satiate 1080p gameplay means the Deck churns out increased body charges in some eventualities, however that’s largely a symptom of utilizing a decrease native decision.

Even when the Steam Deck does handle to punch increased by way of fps, the Asus ROG Ally nonetheless retains up with heavier calls for strapped to its again. In F1 2022, the Deck manages to push out a median of 83fps, whereas the Asus ROG Ally achieves 76fps at 1080p. You possibly can name {that a} win for Valve’s mighty handheld, however in actuality, it means the latter transportable would have the ability to run previous it on the monitor if it used the identical display.

The identical applies to the likes of Hitman 3, as each handhelds present an analogous body price expertise utilizing their respective resolutions. Actually, I truly managed to display 2fps extra out of the Asus ROG Ally in comparison with the Steam Deck this time round, that means not even 800p can save the latter handheld when dealing with the demanding 2021 stealth sport.

I’ve examined just a few of our best graphics card picks utilizing Cyberpunk 2077, and the RPG by no means fails to make {hardware} sweat. That stated, I’m happy to say the Asus ROG Ally can run the CD Projekt Crimson’s futuristic caper at round 36fps – a priceless efficiency soar in comparison with the Steam Deck. Once more, there are methods you possibly can squeeze even increased body charges out of the ROG Ally, however the reality the hand held raises the bar with out counting on AMD FSR or decrease resolutions is thrilling.

Out of each sport examined, Guardians of the Galaxy hammers house the AMD Z1 Excessive APU’s skills. Merely put, the Asus ROG Ally blows the Deck out of the water comparatively, as it will possibly produce common body charges of round 51fps in comparison with simply 31fps on Valve’s powerhouse.

The working pattern seems to be something the Steam Deck can do, the Asus ROG Ally can do it higher at 1080p. I need to make it clear that I don’t really feel significantly nice even saying that, as I really like the Deck and the expertise it gives. But, on the subject of benchmarks, it’s evident that Valve’s transportable might quickly be thought-about ‘final gen’, particularly if we see extra respected manufacturers enter the hand held race.

Asus ROG Ally display

Larger body charges are positive and effectively, however the ROG Ally’s 1080p 120Hz show is arguably the true star of the present. Upon switching out my Deck for Asus handheld take, I instantly observed the distinction in refresh price, and it’s going to be onerous going again to 60Hz. I simply learn again that sentence and realized I now sound like a spoiled tech child, however the comparative smoothness is now burned into my mind.

Taking part in at increased resolutions can be one thing I tremendously respect, and Asus’ 1080p display is noticeably sharper than Valve’s. That’s to not say everybody will choose up on or respect that reality, because the Steam Deck’s 800p show nonetheless seems comparatively unbelievable. I do reckon that if a handheld producer desires to wow me sooner or later, it’ll need to go down the OLED route, because the Nintendo Swap is onto one thing with its extra vibrant iterative strategy.

That want apart, the Asus ROG Ally display is vivid, boasts nice shade stability, and gala’s effectively in daylight eventualities. I wouldn’t say 1080p visuals are something revolutionary in 2023, however its 120Hz refresh price units a brand new customary for transportable play that ought to hopefully be a magnet for opponents.

Asus ROG Ally battery life

After all, spectacular handheld specs imply nothing in the event that they guzzle an excessive amount of juice, so delving into Asus ROG Ally battery left expectations is a should. Finally, the ROG Ally avoids committing any capability sins, and I managed to play Guardians of the Galaxy for round 2.5 hours with ‘Turbo’ mode enabled. For context, that setting makes use of round 25W of energy, so I’d argue playtime isn’t too dangerous all issues thought-about.

Relying on what sport or utility you’re working and which efficiency profile you select from the Asus Command Centre, you’ll have the ability to squeeze extra battery life out of the ROG Ally. Choices like the flexibility to change from 120Hz to 60Hz are only a display press away, and turning off the flashy RGB stick lighting helps too.

As for non-gaming actions, the Asus ROG Ally afforded me round 6 hours of battery life whereas taking part in with settings, putting in video games, and messing round with Home windows. Not too shabby, but it surely’s most likely nonetheless price investing in a battery financial institution, just like the one included in our best Steam Deck accessories checklist, should you’re planning on venturing away from energy retailers.

Asus ROG Ally cooling

You’ll be hard-pressed to discover a transportable gaming machine that doesn’t include cooling caveats, however the Asus ROG Ally is unbelievably quiet. As talked about beforehand, that’s largely because of the firm’s resolution that makes use of a mix of ‘anti-gravity’ liquid cooling and ‘Fluid Dynamic Bearings’ that scale back fan friction.

Admittedly, all these Asus-specific phrases sound like a advertising and marketing pitch, however the outcomes are unbelievable. I’m not going to fake that the ROG Ally is silent, and should you’re searching for one thing that’s, you’ll need to make do with one thing just like the Logitech G Cloud. It’s, nevertheless, surprisingly quiet and environment friendly, protecting temperatures at round 70°C whereas underneath load.

Audible fan noise can be masked by the machine’s front-firing audio system, which is humorous provided that I can’t get the identical tactic to work utilizing a laptop computer. In the event you resolve to pair the ROG Ally with a gaming headset, nobody round you goes to care concerning the minimal fan noise produced throughout play.

Asus ROG Ally Home windows 11

The Asus ROG Ally has so much going for it, and the actual fact it makes use of Home windows 11 is each a blessing and a curse. As versatile because the working system is, its very nature provides additional variables and complexity to the hand held expertise, one thing that’ll aggressively remind you regardless of its console-like look, the Ally is a PC.

In the event you’ve ever used one in all Asus’ gaming laptops, it’s possible you’ll be acquainted with Armoury Crate. If not, it’s successfully a intermediary program used to handle issues like efficiency profiles, machine settings, and customization choices like RGB lighting. As you most likely guessed, the app is current and accounted for on the ROG Ally, and its job is to make sure Home windows apps play properly with the hand held’s built-in controls, options, and settings.

Sadly, Armoury Crate is way from excellent, and it’s much less of a central hub than it ought to be. Certain, you possibly can launch from its auto-collated library of put in video games throughout a large number of storefronts, however issues flip bitter when you unintentionally end up utilizing Steam Large Image or the Xbox App somewhat than the ‘Recreation Library’.

The primary problem that saved cropping up throughout testing pertains to computerized gamepad initiation, as launching video games through Steam or some other storefront app would most of the time disrupt issues. Reasonably than routinely detecting the hand held’s controls, video games would as an alternative suppose I used to be making an attempt to make use of a keyboard and mouse, that means I’d need to manually toggle the ‘management mode’ inside the Command Centre sidebar to get issues working.

One other annoying quirk ties straight again to Home windows itself, as I generally encounter video games which might be working, however have ended up minimized on the taskbar. In these circumstances, I’m ready to determine what’s occurring pretty rapidly, however should you’re used to utilizing the Steam Deck, or simply not approaching the hand held with a desktop PC way of thinking, the entire affair could be fairly complicated.

I might checklist off a number of different Home windows 11 annoyances, like the truth that pre-installed apps will auto-start and should subtly have an effect on efficiency. Nevertheless, I’d be despatched to {hardware} reviewer jail if I didn’t shout about all the advantages tied to utilizing the OS. In a way, choosing Microsoft’s platform negates the necessity for compatibility checklists like Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program, and it means you’ll have the ability to run something your common PC can.

Do the Home windows 11 professionals outweigh the cons? I’d argue that’s maybe not the proper query to ask. As an alternative, I’d ask you to consider whether or not you desire a transportable that gives a streamlined console-like expertise first with compatibility caveats, or a system that’ll carry out extra like your desktop machine.

I firmly consider the above is one thing that’ll each form the evergrowing handheld gaming PC market and hold the Steam Deck related as aggressive opponents emerge. It’d even immediate producers like Asus to think about working with Valve to create their very own SteamOS machines, however that’s provided that Microsoft doesn’t wire up its personal handheld-friendly working system within the close to future.

Asus ROG Ally value

At $699 / £699, the Asus ROG Ally is costlier than the most cost effective Steam Deck, regardless that it’s roughly the identical value as Valve’s 512GB model. A less expensive mannequin with barely decreased specs is scheduled to launch later this yr, at $599. In a way, that complicates the comparative value state of affairs, because it means any efficiency variations technically come at $200-300 extra (disregarding the distinction in storage capability).

You possibly can already preorder the Asus ROG Ally at Best Buy within the US. Preorder ROG Ally straight from ASUS in the UK. We’ll be itemizing extra retailers and offers as they arrive up.

Finally, the Asus ROG Ally’s price boils down as to if you’re evaluating it to the 512GB Steam Deck, or should you’re truly simply searching for a tool that may compete with the Nintendo Swap on value. In each circumstances, the Ally will provide a considerable efficiency uplift, sensible extra options, and entry to each PC storefront you possibly can consider for lower than options, but it surely’s nonetheless firmly a premium machine.

Asus ROG Ally verdict

The discharge of the Asus ROG Ally is a turning level for the hand held gaming PC scene, and I believe it’ll spark a brand new wave of lower-priced Steam Deck opponents. The machine itself appears like a generational uplift, offering higher efficiency and high-refresh visuals for not way more than Valve’s top-end transportable.

Once more, that doesn’t imply the Asus ROG Ally is a Steam Deck killer, and I don’t suppose it must be to succeed. What is going to make a distinction is that if Microsoft will get round to tailoring Home windows for handheld play, because the simplicity of SteamOS continues to be an enormous promoting level for these searching for a console-like PC expertise.

Whether or not or not gamers will truly need to fork out the additional money for the Asus ROG Ally over a base Steam Deck mannequin stays to be seen, and the entry barrier to cost might delay some avid gamers. That stated, the Asus handheld gaming console continues to be much more reasonably priced than different competing wannabes available on the market, and I reckon issues can solely get cheaper than right here.

Professionals

• Phenomenal transportable efficiency
• Snug to carry
• Full PC compatibility

Cons

• Home windows 11 quirks
• Comparatively dear