Joining the Nintendo Switch and Valve Steam Deck is the ROG Ally, Asus' own large-screen handheld device. Unlike its counterparts, the Ally runs on Windows 11, ensuring compatibility with PC gaming libraries. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it delivers impressive performance within its form factor. Gaming experiences are generally smooth, although graphics settings may need adjustment, and occasional lower frame rates may occur. However, concerns arise regarding battery life during gaming and some tricky Windows controls. Nonetheless, the well-designed product and smart Asus software offer an enjoyable handheld PC gaming experience at a price lower than even a budget gaming laptop.

ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck

The most direct comparison for the Ally is Valve's Steam Deck. Both devices have distinct advantages and drawbacks. For example, the Ally's Windows operating system offers opportunities but also limitations compared to the Steam Deck's Linux-based system. It's crucial not to overly emphasize competition between the two; the Ally isn't intended to replace the Steam Deck, but rather to offer a valid alternative, particularly in markets where Asus is popular. 

A Slick-Looking Handheld

The sleek all-white case gives it a stylish appearance, albeit slightly bulkier compared to the Steam Deck. The circular RGB lighting at the base of each control stick is noticeable, offering various colors and effects. While adding a fun element, they can be distracting during gameplay. Despite being plastic, the Ally feels solid, with textured grips for better hold. It's slightly lighter than the Steam Deck but heavier than the Switch. The 7-inch full HD touch screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness is impressive. Gaming on the Ally is comfortable, with sturdy and responsive control sticks. Two rear macro trigger buttons are customizable for each game, offering added functionality. However, it lacks touchpads like the Steam Deck, which some users might miss.

Windows and Asus Software Combine

The Ally runs full Windows 11 Home, unlike the Steam Deck, which uses Linux with Proton emulation and SteamOS. Windows familiarity is a big advantage, as users can easily run any Windows program without compatibility concerns. This includes accessing Xbox Game Pass and installing games from various stores. While tech-savvy users can set up alternative launchers on the Steam Deck, it's more straightforward on the Ally, making it ideal for a wider audience. While the Steam Deck offers flexibility for tinkering, the Ally provides ease of use out of the box.

The ROG Ally's Software

Asus includes useful software with the Ally, enhancing its functionality. The Asus Command Center offers various adjustments like brightness, screen resolution, and operating modes, including Gamepad and Desktop modes for gaming and regular use. Armoury Crate simplifies system settings and organizes game libraries from different stores, making it easy to access and launch games.

Ally as a Windows PC

Using the Ally with Windows is straightforward once you get used to it, but there are some navigation quirks. The touchscreen and control stick combo can be tricky, and the "Auto" Control Mode doesn’t always switch modes smoothly. Overall, navigating is manageable with helpful tools, though there's room for improvement. The onscreen keyboard works but isn't ideal; however, the fingerprint sensor on the power button helps with sign-in. While Windows offers versatility, SteamOS has controller-friendly features that Windows lacks.

Overall, using the Ally as a handheld Windows PC is satisfactory, despite a learning curve. It's better suited for desk use than browsing or working on the go. Accessories like a charging dock and external GPU are available but may not be necessary for most users. For gaming-focused usage, its performance is the key consideration, which we'll discuss next.

AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

The Ally cooling system includes special heat pipes and back-facing fans to prevent overheating without being noisy. Inside, Asus collaborated with AMD to create the powerful Ryzen "Z1" Series chip with eight cores and 16 threads, ideal for gaming and PC use. The Ally features 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, although storage may run out quickly for large games. However, it has a microSD card slot for expanding storage.

Productivity Tests

UL's PCMark 10 test evaluates a device's performance in office tasks like document writing, web browsing, and video calls, as well as storage speed.

Three other tests stress the CPU's capabilities by utilizing all its cores and threads. Maxon's Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5.4 Pro simulate various tasks to gauge CPU performance, while HandBrake 1.4 tests video conversion speed.

The Ally's Z1 Extreme processor performed admirably on these tests, though heavy media editing may be a challenge. Given the efficiency of the latest Zen processors, it's proficient in regular activities and multitasking. With a PCMark 10 score surpassing 4,000, it's suitable for tasks like homework or email, especially when paired with external accessories.

Graphics and Gaming Tests

We assess Windows PC graphics performance using various benchmarks and real-world games. UL's 3DMark provides Night Raid and Time Spy tests, representing DirectX 12 gaming with varying intensity. Additionally, we utilize GFXBench for cross-platform OpenGL benchmarks.

Our real-world game tests include F1 2021, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Rainbow Six Siege, representing different genres. Testing is conducted across different quality settings to evaluate the Ally's performance.

Tests are performed in the Ally's "Turbo" mode for optimal performance. While the "Performance" mode reduces frame rates significantly, we recommend sticking to Turbo for demanding games, despite faster battery drain. We observed minimal performance difference between plugged-in and unplugged use.

Frame rates in F1 2021 at maximum settings are subpar, but dropping to medium settings yields better results. Rainbow Six Siege performs admirably, particularly with its high refresh rate. Valhalla, while demanding, remains playable at medium settings.

Overall, the Ally handles most games decently, especially with adjusted settings for smoother gameplay.

Battery Tests

Video playback lasts a relatively long eight and a half hours on Windows mode, showing the Ally's usefulness for regular PC tasks like watching videos on the go.

However, gaming drains the battery much faster. Running Cyberpunk on Turbo mode barely lasts one hour, highlighting a significant limitation for gaming on the Ally without constant access to a charger.

This rapid decline in battery percentage makes gaming on the go impractical, undermining the Ally's portability. Notably, it lacks sleep and suspending functions to extend battery life, unlike the Steam Deck. Also, lowering display settings can extend battery life.

Final Thoughts

The Ally offers versatility for various user preferences, catering to specific groups. Primarily targeting PC gamers seeking portable gaming akin to the Nintendo Switch, it serves its main audience well.

Equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, the Ally boasts considerable power, though falling slightly short of expectations. While comparable to the Steam Deck, its performance is impacted by the higher resolution unless lowered. Recognize that such devices inherently have performance limitations; consider a gaming laptop for prioritizing performance.

The Ally's ergonomic design isn't just a novelty, providing comfort akin to Valve's device. Its Windows compatibility, coupled with Asus software, enhances usability. Despite occasional quirks in controls and interfaces, the Ally offers solutions and flexibility with some effort.