The gaming hardware landscape has seen a dynamic shift over the past few years, particularly with the rising demand for portable gaming solutions that don’t compromise on power. The Steam Deck set the bar, but ASUS has responded with a bold challenger — the ASUS ROG Ally. This Windows-powered handheld promises desktop-level performance in a device you can carry in your backpack. But does it deliver? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the ROG Ally’s hardware, performance, user experience, and how it stacks up in the increasingly competitive handheld gaming market.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ROG Ally features a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that stays true to the Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand. It’s slightly smaller than a Steam Deck, with more angular edges and a bright white plastic shell that feels solid and premium. The device weighs around 608 grams — lighter than the Steam Deck — making it noticeably easier to hold during long play sessions.
Ergonomically, the grips are comfortable, and the button layout is familiar to anyone who’s used modern controllers. You’ll find dual analog sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers, all of which are satisfyingly tactile. There are also extra buttons mapped for system functions and quick access to the Armoury Crate software.
The standout feature is the 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen display, offering 120Hz refresh rate support. It’s bright, sharp, and vibrant — a major upgrade over the Steam Deck’s 800p screen. The ROG Ally feels like a high-end gaming tablet that happens to have controller grips attached.
Hardware and Specs
ASUS offers the ROG Ally in two configurations, but the flagship model is powered by AMD’s Z1 Extreme APU, built on the same RDNA 3 and Zen 4 architecture that powers modern gaming laptops and consoles. Key specs include:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads)
- GPU: Integrated RDNA 3 graphics
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (user-upgradable)
- Display: 7” 1080p 120Hz touchscreen
- Battery: 40Wh with 65W fast charging
- OS: Windows 11 Home
This is not your average handheld console — this is a full-fledged Windows PC in a compact form factor. You can run anything from Cyberpunk 2077 to Photoshop, or even emulation software for retro systems.
Performance
In terms of raw performance, the ROG Ally impresses. Games like Forza Horizon 5, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy run smoothly at medium to high settings, often achieving 40–60 FPS. The 120Hz screen also means fast-paced games like Hades or Doom Eternal feel exceptionally fluid.
However, performance comes at the cost of battery life. On a full charge, you can expect around 1.5 to 2 hours of gaming under heavy load, although lighter indie games and emulated titles can stretch battery life closer to 4 hours. Fortunately, the Ally supports 65W USB-C fast charging, so top-ups are quick.
Thermals are handled by a dual-fan system that keeps the device relatively cool under load. Fan noise is noticeable, but not distracting, and the device rarely feels hot to the touch. ASUS clearly put effort into maintaining thermal efficiency without throttling performance.
Software Experience
The ROG Ally runs Windows 11 Home, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it offers complete flexibility — you can install Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and even older emulators or mods. On the other hand, the Windows UI is not optimized for handheld devices, which can make navigation clunky unless you’re using the touchscreen or an external keyboard.
Thankfully, ASUS includes their Armoury Crate SE software, which acts as a centralized hub for game launching, performance profiles, and system monitoring. It’s intuitive and essential for switching between performance modes (Silent, Performance, Turbo), remapping controls, and customizing RGB lighting.
For users who want a console-like UI, third-party frontends like Steam Big Picture or Playnite can make the experience more streamlined. Still, some may find the setup process a bit daunting compared to the plug-and-play nature of the Steam Deck.
Expandability and Connectivity
Unlike traditional consoles, the ROG Ally is upgradeable. The M.2 2230 SSD can be swapped out for larger drives, and there’s a microSD card slot for additional game storage.
In terms of ports, the device includes:
- 1x USB-C (with DisplayPort support)
- 1x ROG XG Mobile port (for external GPU)
- 1x microSD card slot
- 1x headphone jack
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure strong wireless connectivity. For serious gamers, ASUS offers the ROG XG Mobile eGPU, which connects via a proprietary port and dramatically boosts graphical performance when docked — turning the Ally into a desktop-class machine.
Emulation and Retro Gaming
Given its power and flexibility, the ROG Ally excels at emulation. From NES and SNES up to GameCube, PS2, and even PS3 or Nintendo Switch games, performance is stellar across the board. Retro enthusiasts will appreciate the Ally’s ability to serve as a multi-console handheld emulator, particularly when paired with tools like EmuDeck or RetroArch.
Comparisons to the Steam Deck
The obvious comparison is the Steam Deck, which benefits from Valve’s mature Linux-based SteamOS and tight Steam integration. However, the ROG Ally outperforms it in several key areas:
- Higher resolution and faster screen (1080p 120Hz vs 800p 60Hz)
- More powerful APU (Z1 Extreme vs Steam Deck’s custom APU)
- Native Windows support for broader game compatibility
- Lighter and more ergonomic design
On the downside, the Steam Deck has better battery life, a more cohesive software experience out of the box, and a much lower price point.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The ASUS ROG Ally is an ambitious, powerful piece of gaming hardware that delivers on nearly every front — performance, design, flexibility, and future-proofing. It’s ideal for gamers who want a no-compromise portable PC gaming experience and are comfortable with a bit of software tinkering.
However, it’s not for everyone. The price tag is significantly higher than the Steam Deck, and the Windows interface may frustrate casual users. Battery life is also a constraint for long travel sessions.
Pros:
- Brilliant 1080p 120Hz screen
- Powerful performance with Z1 Extreme chip
- Full Windows compatibility
- Upgradeable storage and eGPU support
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
Cons:
- Short battery life under load
- Windows UI not optimized for handheld
- Higher price point
- Requires setup for optimal experience
Final Score: 8.5/10