ASUS ROG Ally guide for PC

The ROG Ally is a perfect option for PC gamers who don't mind tinkering and tweaking. It's not for everyone though.

We were pleased when we heard about the launch of the Asus ROG Ally. After all, we'd thoroughly enjoyed the Steam Deck and PC gamers don't often get to enjoy the thrills of PC gaming while away from their keyboard.

So if nothing else the ROG Ally means more options for PC gamers and for the mass market too. Especially considering that the device is competitively priced and only marginally more expensive than a Steam Deck - yet of course significantly less than a full-blown gaming PC or gaming laptop.

On paper, the ROG Ally is a more powerful option too, packing in a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics technology as well as some other nifty specs that make it a superior choice. Crucially, by running Windows 11, the ROG Ally gives gamers access to a wider catalogue of games - not just through Steam, but also Epic Games, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect and, of course, Games Pass.

The Asus ROG Ally is not an outright Steam Deck killer, but smart hardware, software, and design decisions make for a fun, exciting Windows-based handheld game console.

Asus ROG Ally Review
Steam Deck's first legitimate challenger has appeared

Three is a trend, as they say, and following in the footsteps of the Nintendo Switch and Valve Steam Deck is the ROG Ally (starts at $599.99; $699.99 as tested), Asus' very own big-screen dual-stick handheld. You'll notice major differences among the devices, though: The Ally is a Windows 11-based handheld, which provides a layer of familiarity, accessibility, and (crucially) full compatibility with PC gaming libraries. Plus, the power potential of the Ally's "Zen 4"-based AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, debuting in this device, is impressive yet limited in this form factor.

The Ally is capable of mostly smooth gaming experiences, so long as you’re willing to lower graphics settings and accept suboptimal frame rates at times (like with the Steam Deck). You'll find further caveats surrounding the battery life while gaming, and some finicky Windows controls, but the quality product design and clever Asus software make this a legitimately fun handheld PC-gaming experience at a lower price than even a cheap gaming laptop.

Asus ROG Ally review: it’s time to stop pretending Windows is the answer
A big step forward for Windows handhelds — but is Windows the way forward at all?

Windows handheld gaming PCs existed before the Deck, and there’s been a parade of them in the 15 months afterward. Some are more powerful. Many boast premium build quality. Almost all have higher-resolution screens. Yet none have offered the combination of battery life, portability, and price as Valve’s portable. I won’t bury the lede: the new Asus ROG Ally, officially shipping June 13th for $699.99, doesn’t change that as of today.

Don’t get me wrong: at $700, the Asus ROG Ally is a big step forward for Windows handhelds in important ways. It’s not just a little more powerful than the Steam Deck; the AMD Z1 Extreme handheld is significantly beefier, without being thicker or anywhere near as expensive as the Windows competition. I wish my Steam Deck would run anywhere near as quiet, and I wish it had the Ally’s variable refresh rate screen to make my games as smooth.
The Asus ROG Ally is the next challenger in line when it comes to portable PC gaming. This new handheld brings with it a beautiful 1080p screen and a 120Hz refresh rate, alongside an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Zen 4 APU, and a price point that’s set to perk up the ears of anyone looking for a serious Steam Deck competitor.

At $699, the Z1 Extreme-powered ROG Ally is only $50 more than the beefiest Steam Deck available ($649, 512GB model), packing with it a whole slew of technical improvements over Valve’s handy device as well. (There’s also a slightly less-powerful Z1-powered ROG Ally model coming soon for $599.