When Asus introduced the ROG Ally featuring AMD’s Z1 Extreme SoC, it quickly emerged as a frontrunner among portable Windows gaming consoles. Praised for its impressive performance, the ROG Ally received a commendable 88% in our detailed assessment. Over half a year later, this handheld device continues to shine, especially with the decreasing prices of gaming consoles making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts.
Currently, the Asus ROG Ally equipped with the Z1 Extreme SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage is available on Amazon for a mere $445. For those seeking additional value, Best Buy is offering an enticing deal: the same Asus ROG Ally model bundled with an official ROG Ally carrying case, all for just $449.99. This package, originally valued at $649.99 for the console and $39.99 for the case separately, presents a significant saving.
The Asus ROG Ally, powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, stands out with its robust capabilities. Known for its ergonomic design, responsive controls, solid software interface, and vibrant display, it’s a gamer’s delight. Our tests showcased the 7-inch FHD screen covering 92% of the sRGB spectrum, capable of reaching up to 500 nits of brightness with a 1,350:1 contrast ratio. This display, combined with a seamless 120 Hz refresh rate, ensures a delightful gaming experience.
Under the hood, the Z1 Extreme boasts 8 Zen 4 CPU cores along with a 12 CU Radeon 780M iGPU, delivering the power needed for Full HD gaming at low-to-medium settings on AAA titles. For instance, it can handle Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 at nearly 40 FPS on FHD with low settings, and employing FSR can further enhance the performance.
Asus has also excelled with its thermal design, ensuring the ROG Ally remains comfortable to hold without generating excessive noise. However, one downside is the battery life during gaming, as the 40 Wh battery offers just 1 to 1.45 hours of gameplay, considering the power-hungry nature of the Z1 Extreme.
For gamers unwilling to wait for next-generation handhelds, the current deal on the ROG Ally presents an exceptional value proposition, making it a worthy investment for gaming on the go.
