Several software updates have launched since the handheld first released that have significantly helped improve its performance.
As of right now, it is the most powerful PC handheld on the market.
The Asus ROG Ally has been on my mind since Asus first announced it earlier this year.
ROG Ally turned on and running Windows 11.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review unit provided by ASUS.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
However, you may want to still be cautious when dabbling with microSD cards here.
Those living in the UK can find it selling at Currys.
While undoubtedly expensive, these gaming devices are well-priced, given the components and features they offer.
At this point, these sales events can start in October and run through November.
Otherwise, you might be able to get a really good sale’s price throughout the year.
So, get ready for plenty of comparisons.
From the moment I pulled the Ally out of the box, I knew my hands would love it.
The Ally looks impressive with its sleek white casing.
I quickly set one bumper as a screenshot button and the other as a Task Manager button.
This didn’t take at first, but eventually did respond to my remapping preferences.
I’ll talk about these buttons and the software in more detail further into this review.
Meanwhile, the rig is ready and able to connect to several accessories or other devices.
Everything worked well and was easy to set up.
So to be clear, I ran all of my performance tests after this update came to my Ally.
It scored 6,945 in PCMark 10, just under theLenovo Legion 7 G6andHP OMEN Obelisk.
Not bad at all.
ROG Ally turned on and running Windows 11.
However, its reading and writing speeds were slightly lower at only 4,317 MB/s and 1,844 MB/s, respectively.
Games can run more smoothly now.
What’s more, you canincrease performance by adjusting VRAMand can evenimprove frame rate with features like AFMF.
As such, I decided I should see just how much this costly eGPU improved the handheld’s performance.
When connected to the eGPU, the FurMark results were significantly higher, as expected.
Together they scored a very high 10,259 points with an average of 171 FPS.
ROG Ally A,B, X, Y buttons.
That’s far more impressive than the 1,923 score and 32 FPS average the Ally got on its own.
But overall, the gaming experience can be significantly enhanced by connecting the Ally to this eGPU.
It also costs quite a bit, but it works well enough for die-hards.
If you’re unfamiliar with troubleshooting Windows 11 this could prove very daunting for you.
Sometimes it feels as though Windows 11 and Armoury Crate are at odds with each other.
I also need to toggle the Gamepad Enabled button for the controls to work in-game.
Backside of ROG Ally.
However, this setup doesn’t always work well.
It’s frustrating whenever this occurs and delays my gaming sessions.
Not cool at all.
ROG Ally running FurMark benchmark testing.
It would have been better if Asus had designed the Ally better so that this didn’t happen.
It can even get up to seven hours if the controls are all lowered.
That’s only long enough for quick gaming.
ROG Ally PCMark 10 benchmarks with and without XG Mobile GC31 eGPU.(Image credit: Windows Central )
So, if you’re willing to play while plugged in, it can last longer stretches.
This makes it so that the most expensive Steam Deck is less expensive than the ROG Ally.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is really only meant for playing Steam Games.
ROG Ally Geekbench 5 benchmarks with and without XG Mobile GC31 eGPU.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The downside is the cost, which is a staggering $1099 for the entry-level version.
However, it does cost $799.99.
See more ideas from our guide onthe best Asus ROG Ally alternatives.
ROG Ally Geekbench 6 benchmarks with and without XG Mobile GC31 eGPU.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Asus ROG Ally: Is it worth buying this handheld?
You should buy this if…
You should not buy this if…
I personally like the ROG Ally quite a lot and find myself wanting to play with it every day.
ROG Ally CrystalDiskMark benchmarks with and without XG Mobile GC31 eGPU.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Plus, it can run mybest PC gamesrather easily.
But then, if you need help with that, you could always look to our helpful Windows guides.
It’s far more powerful than the Steam Deck and will be available this summer.
ROG Ally CrossMark benchmarks with and without XG Mobile GC31 eGPU.(Image credit: Windows Central)
it’s possible for you to preorder it right now.Buy at:Best Buy|Asus|Currys (UK)
ROG Ally connected to ROG XG Mobile eGPU.
ROG XG Mobile GC31 propped up by its kickstand.
Armoury Crate menu on ROG Ally.
I made the Windows 11 Start Menu show up by swiping up from the bottom of the display while playing Cyberpunk 2077.
ROG Ally playing Diablo 4.
The ROG Ally display produced 95% of sRGB, 73% of Adobe RGB, and 73% of P3 in colorimeter testing.
Asus ROG Ally PCMark 10 Battery benchmark.
ROG Ally triggers.
Asus ROG Ally top buttons and ports.
Steam Deck on wood table.
ROG Ally top buttons and ports.
