Unboxing the Powerful Portable Asus ROG Ally: A Comprehensive Review
The concept of portable consoles has come a long way since the days when desktop computers were the only option for high-performance gaming. Nintendo pushed the boundaries with the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid machine that brought a new level of portability to gaming. The recent release of the Steam Deck opened the floodgates for this type of device, and now Asus has entered the fray with the ROG Ally.
Technical Specifications of the Asus ROG Ally
- Size and Weight: 28x11.1x2.123.24 cm, 608 grams
- Display: 7-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, refresh rate of 120Hz, 7ms response time, and Gorilla Glass DXC with a glossy finish
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with Zen 4 architecture, 8 cores/16 threads, and a frequency of up to 5.10GHz with 24MB cache
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon with RDNA 3 architecture, 12CU with a frequency of up to 2.7GHz and 4GB VRAM
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz
- Storage: 512GB PCIe 4 NVMe, expandable via microSD UHS-II
- Controls: D-Pad, buttons A/B/X/Y, triggers LR, bumpers LR, sticks analog, Menu select button, Armoury Crate button, two customizable buttons, gyroscope, capacitive sensor for Windows Hello
- Audio: Dual microphones with noise cancellation, Dolby Atmos, two front-facing speakers
- Battery: 40Whr with four cells, 65W fast charging
- Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 3.5mm jack, ROG XG Mobile interface
- Software: Windows 11
- Price: 799 euros
Design: Comfortable to Hold, with a Few Quirks
The design of the ROG Ally is crucial for a portable console, as it needs to be comfortable to hold for extended periods. The ergonomics of the ROG Ally are generally good, but there are a few quirks. The handles are a bit prominent, and the buttons A/B/X/Y are a bit too sharp. However, after spending countless hours playing games, I can confirm that the console fits well in the hands.
The plastic feels high-quality, and the matte finish prevents slipping. The buttons are responsive, and the analog sticks are precise. The shoulder buttons are also comfortable to use, even after long gaming sessions. The console is also well-balanced, thanks to the weight distribution between the screen and the two fans.
The bottom of the console is packed with features, including two vents for hot air, two LED status lights, a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor, and a large black bar that serves a dual purpose. It houses the USB-C port for data transfer and the ROG XG Mobile interface for connecting an external GPU.
The console also features a gyroscope, but there are currently no games that take advantage of it. The back has two additional buttons, a chrome accent that adds a premium touch, and numerous air intake vents with a more pronounced texture for better grip.
Display: 120Hz, Full HD, and Brilliant Colors
The 7-inch display is one of the standout features of the ROG Ally. It has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a brightness of 500 nits. The IPS panel offers wide viewing angles, and the colors are vibrant and accurate. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass DXC, which adds an extra layer of durability.
The touchscreen is also responsive, with a refresh rate of 120Hz. This makes it perfect for games that require quick reflexes and precise inputs. The display is also compatible with HDR, which adds an extra layer of depth to the visuals.
Audio: Excellent Sound Quality
The ROG Ally features two front-facing speakers that provide excellent sound quality. The audio is clear and well-balanced, with good bass response and clear highs. The console also features Dolby Atmos support, which adds an extra layer of immersion to games that support the technology.
The microphones are also of high quality, with noise cancellation that works well in noisy environments. The console also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is always a welcome addition.
Performance: Powerful Enough for Most Games
The ROG Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with Zen 4 architecture and 8 cores/16 threads. The GPU is an integrated AMD Radeon with RDNA 3 architecture and 12CU with a frequency of up to 2.7GHz and 4GB VRAM. This combination is powerful enough to run most modern games at high settings.
The console also features 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4 NVMe SSD, which provides fast load times and ample storage for games. The console also supports microSD UHS-II cards for additional storage.
The console features three performance modes: Silent, Performance, and Turbo. The Silent mode limits the power to 9W, which is enough for less demanding games. The Performance mode increases the power to 15W, which is suitable for most modern games. The Turbo mode increases the power to 25W, which provides the best performance but also generates more heat and noise.
Battery Life: Depends on the Game and Settings
The battery life of the ROG Ally depends on the game and the settings. In my testing, I was able to get around 2 hours of battery life with demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Less demanding games like Dead Cells can provide up to 7 hours of battery life. The console also features fast charging, with a 65W charger that can charge the battery to 100% in just 82 minutes.
Conclusion: A Powerful Portable Gaming Console
The Asus ROG Ally is a powerful portable gaming console that offers excellent performance, a high-quality display, and a comfortable design. The console is well-built and features a wide range of connectivity options. The audio quality is also excellent, and the console supports a wide range of games.
The battery life is decent, but it depends on the game and the settings. The console also features three performance modes, which allow users to adjust the power consumption based on their needs. Overall, the Asus ROG Ally is an excellent choice for gamers who want a powerful and portable gaming console.