The ROG Ally handheld gaming devices from ASUS have entered the handheld console market which has become more competitive during recent years. The ROG Ally system which launched six months ago has developed its software to better gaming performance after their product launch date. The ROG Ally gaming system enables players to enjoy games on both PC and console platforms through its flexible design.
ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Specifications
The ROG Ally exists in two different versions which use different CPU systems. This article features the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme version with the highest specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen4 architecture, 4nm process, 8 cores/16 threads, 24MB cache, maximum clock speed of 5.10GHz)
GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics (AMD RDNA 3 with 12 CUs, clock speed of 2.7GHz and processing speed up to 8.6 Teraflops).
The display system uses a 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen which achieves 100% sRGB and 75.33% Adobe display standard with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits maximum brightness capacity.
The system uses 16GB LPDDR5 RAM which operates at 6400MT/s in a dual channel configuration. The system includes a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD which uses the 2230 form factor. The system has one MicroSD UHS-II slot. The system uses a 40WHr battery with 65W charging support for fast power delivery. The device functions as a complete gaming system because it includes an 8-core APU with 16 threads and RDNA 3 graphics and runs Windows 11 operating system. The ROG Ally now makes it possible for gamers to use handheld devices which have sufficient power to run AAA games. Users can transform the device into a laptop through the installation of proper accessories and minor changes.
The processor and GPU performance enables users to play multiple PC games without encountering any challenges. The game maintains its playability through 720p and 1080p settings because it produces sufficient frame rates. The game Horizon Zero Dawn operates at approximately 30-45 frames per second when played on Medium settings.
ROG Ally presents its main advantage through Windows 11 because this operating system enables users to play numerous PC titles. The software provides touch screen and handheld game device support but ASUS has increased performance through three different modes which include Auto and Desktop Mode and Gamepad Mode. Design and Grip Experience The ROG Ally handheld console design follows the modern handheld gaming console layout which includes a long slender body ABXY buttons two joysticks a D-Pad and function buttons and two LR buttons and two auxiliary LR buttons.
ASUS spent five years researching the design which resulted in creating an optimal solution that provides users with a comfortable and pleasant grip experience according to their statement. The curved grip design enables users to reach the buttons and joysticks located at a comfortable distance which creates an excellent grip experience. The reviewer like the Xbox controller layout because it allows users to operate the device with simple controls.
The ROG Ally weighs only 608g which makes it simple to transport. Users can play games comfortably for more than one hour while sitting or lying down but extended gaming requires users to adapt their position.
The ROG Ally contains a 7-inch touchscreen display which operates through an IPS panel to deliver Full HD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate together with 100% sRGB color accuracy and 75.33% Adobe color accuracy. This is one of the best screens currently available on handheld gaming devices. The display reaches a maximum brightness of 500 nits which provides enough illumination for indoor environments and cafes and outdoor areas but users may experience difficulty viewing it under direct sunlight.
The device reaches high temperatures during Turbo mode operation because it contains excessive processing power in a compact and lightweight design which results in increased heat production that users can feel through the touchscreen and back panel area of the device. The user grip during gaming stays protected through ASUS’s smart ventilation system which includes dedicated cooling channels that run from the ventilation system to various parts of the device.
The internal system includes a fan which exhausts hot air to maintain proper system temperatures. The Performance mode generates fan noise through its powerful fan operation which creates sound until users switch to Silent mode or normal mode to achieve complete silence that enables nighttime gaming without creating disturbances. The ROG Ally stands as the top handheld gaming device available today. The ROG Ally provides gamers with a powerful handheld gaming device that supports multiple game titles. The handheld gaming device functions as a complete laptop replacement through its Windows 11 operating system and laptop-level specifications which enable users to perform all laptop tasks including word processing and PowerPoint presentation creation.
Besides Steam games, you can also easily play games through the Xbox Game Pass service. This game rental service offers a wide variety of game genres across different platforms, especially titles from older consoles that players haven’t had the chance to access, as well as newly released games.
Most games now support controllers for the best gaming experience, but if your game doesn’t, ASUS offers the Armoury Crate SE so you can assign function buttons to play the game. This software also has several other features, customized specifically for Ally, such as FPS, resolution, performance level, screenshot, screen recording, statistics viewing, etc.
Since its launch, ASUS has continuously improved its devices and listened to user feedback. At the time of writing, after 6 months, the company has provided many software and hardware stability updates, adding new features. The latest update via Armoury Crate SE includes new features such as Gyroscope (tilting the device to aim instead of using the joystick), Response Curve to adjust joystick response, and many other features including real-time FPS display during gameplay without needing applications like MSI Afterburner, etc.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – 7” 1080p 120Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld, 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium included, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, White:
ASUS ROG Ally 7″ 120Hz FHD 1080p Gaming Handheld Touchscreen AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 16GB RAM 512GB White:
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Laptop 7″ Touchscreen IPS FHD Display (AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB LPDDR5X, 512GB SSD, AMD Radeon, Fingerprint, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, Win 11 Home) (Renewed):
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally 7″ FHD Gaming Handheld Console, 120Hz IPS LED Touch Screen, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, Windows 11, with GSF 3-in-1 Kit (512GB SSD):
ASUS ROG Ally 7″ 120Hz Gaming Handheld – AMD Z1 Extreme Processor – 512GB – White – PRE ORDER! (Renewed):
ASUS ROG Ally Portable Gaming Console, 7″ FHD 120Hz Touch Display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 16GB LPDDR5, 512GB SSD – White:
ASUS Ecosystem
The author shows that ROG Ally provides users with an advantage through its extensive ASUS ecosystem. Users can consider owning an external controller to play two-player games or simply lean back in their chair, place the laptop on the charging dock, and enjoy games on a high-quality external screen. The XG Mobile eGPU offers you specific needs which you can use to connect with the ROG Ally.
Cons on the ROG Ally
The ROG Ally functions as an exceptional gaming device, but it suffers from one critical issue which affects its overall performance. The 40Whr battery sounds quite large, but the author’s gaming experience lasted just over an hour. Users can choose a lower performance mode to extend the playtime for simple indie games up to 2 or 2.5 hours, but this number is still not enough for a typical gaming session for many gamers.
To provide players with longer gaming sessions, they must use either a charging connection or a dedicated charging dock. The device supports 65W fast charging, which proves useful in various situations that occur during travel.
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme handheld gaming device maintains its strength and versatility because its Windows 11 operating system delivers both gaming and additional functional requirements. The product provides users with complete satisfaction through its comfortable design and ability to play multiple games and its exceptional visual display. The product serves as an excellent investment for anyone who wants to play various controller-supported games. The ROG Ally provides a solution for users who want to expand their gaming collection through their PC games which they can play before sleeping.
Should you buy the ROG Ally now or wait for an upgrade? Your decision completely determines the answer. The company has released its first handheld gaming device which allows users to experience an exciting new gaming method.
The ASUS ROG Ally expands your entertainment possibilities because you can now enjoy your PC games without needing a gaming laptop.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
