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

Better than the Deck
The Steam Deck is nice, but it only plays some of my games. This plays them all. Think about it: you are playing games on a windows PC. Think what you want about windows and Microsoft, we are talking about playing games here. The Ally plays windows games. I don’t need to worry about if my Steam games are in Linux or not. This is important for playing new and old games. Most older games are not going to be Deck verified.As for function, the Ally is great. I have it because I like to move my PC between rooms and even take it on trips. I do NOT use it for handheld gaming. I have a Nintendo Switch for that. But I do dock it to the living room big screen and enjoy. You can buy a couple of docks and easily move the system from room to room. I used to lug my 30lb tower on a luggage trolly between rooms, no joke.As for performance, this little PC delivers. With in reason. It runs everything I throw at it, it does not run all of those games on ultra or high settings. That was never, I don’t think, the point of the product. So don’t expect this to rivel a $3000 gaming rig. I knew that coming into it. And I am ok with it, in fact thrilled. This costs so little that I am really impressed. It doesn’t overheat, I play it for hours each day. It has a lot of tweakable features for performance and customization. It does look good and play good when in handheld mode, I just like the big screen in my living room.I am really glad that I picked this up. IMO, this type of product is likely the future of gaming. These will just continue to improve and so long as the price remains approachable, I think you will see products like this for years to come.

ASUS – ROG Ally Gaming Handheld Console – Z1 Processor, 512GB, 1080p 120Hz Display
The ASUS ROG Ally Gaming Handheld Console, featuring the Z1 Processor, 512GB storage, and a 1080p 120Hz display, positions itself as a strong contender in the handheld gaming market. Here’s an in-depth review of this impressive device:### Design and BuildThe ASUS ROG Ally boasts a sleek and modern design with a robust build quality that feels premium in hand. The ergonomics are well thought out, ensuring comfort during extended gaming sessions. The device is relatively lightweight and portable, making it ideal for gaming on the go.### DisplayOne of the standout features of the ROG Ally is its 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The high resolution and refresh rate deliver stunning visuals with smooth, fluid motion, which is especially beneficial for fast-paced games. The screen offers vibrant colors and good brightness levels, enhancing the overall gaming experience.### PerformancePowered by the Z1 Processor, the ROG Ally provides solid performance for a handheld console. It handles most modern games with ease, delivering smooth gameplay and fast load times. The 512GB of internal storage ensures ample space for a substantial library of games, though the ability to expand storage via microSD is a welcome feature for those with extensive game collections.### ControlsThe control layout is intuitive, featuring responsive buttons, analog sticks, and a comfortable D-pad. The triggers and bumpers are well-placed, making them easy to use during intense gaming sessions. The haptic feedback adds an extra layer of immersion, though it’s not as advanced as what you might find on higher-end controllers like the DualSense.### Battery LifeBattery life is one area where the ROG Ally has room for improvement. Depending on the game and settings, you can expect around 3-4 hours of continuous play, which might not be sufficient for long gaming sessions without access to a charger. However, the device supports fast charging via USB-C, which helps mitigate this issue somewhat.### Software and FeaturesThe ROG Ally runs on a customized version of Windows, allowing for a versatile gaming experience that includes access to a wide range of PC games and applications. The user interface is designed to be gamer-friendly, providing easy access to settings and customization options. The inclusion of ASUS’s Armoury Crate software is a nice touch, offering additional controls and performance tweaking options.### ConnectivityConnectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi 6 ensuring fast and stable internet connections, and Bluetooth support for wireless peripherals. The device also features a USB-C port and a headphone jack, catering to various user preferences.### Price and ValuePriced competitively for its feature set, the ASUS ROG Ally offers good value for gamers looking for a high-performance handheld console. While it’s more expensive than some other handheld devices, the premium features, performance, and build quality justify the cost for serious gamers.### ConclusionThe ASUS ROG Ally Gaming Handheld Console with the Z1 Processor, 512GB storage, and a 1080p 120Hz display is an impressive device that excels in delivering a high-quality portable gaming experience. Its stunning display, solid performance, and intuitive controls make it a standout choice in the handheld gaming market. However, potential buyers should be aware of its relatively short battery life. Overall, the ROG Ally is a compelling option for gamers seeking a powerful and versatile handheld console.

I was eyeing for the Lenovo GO due to issues with the SD card slot killing SD cards for this mode, however due to the significant price drop, I opted for this instead. I’m familiar with the ROG brand and it didn’t disappoint. For the right price, definately was a deal to take. Software is ok, just the display sometimes it acts out a bit, since you have no mouse, touch screen is a bit tricky at times. You can get a hub and connect a KB/Mouse and make it into a PC for easier use.

It’s good but the battery life is poor