ROG Ally Honest Review
3 months ago, my fiancée got me the ROG Ally Extreme Processor. Here are my thoughts. 😍
Starting w/ specs:
Maximum Graphic Quality: 108Op
Storage Capacityt/Type: 512 gigabytes (SSD)
Number of USB Port(s): 1
USB TYPE C Charging port
Supports microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC to expand storage
7 inch LED touch screen display
16 Gb of RAM
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 3 Architecture-based Graphics (4GB VRAM, 12 compute units)
Windows OS
👍Pros:
Graphics quality is good
Lightweight
More powerful than Steam Deck
The fan is not excessively loud
Any game you play on PC, can be played on here even if there is no controller support (you just need a mouse and keyboard + an accessory, swipe left)
With an accessory you can turn your ROG Ally to a portable computer (you just need access to a mointor and another accesory, swipe left)
60+ fps on games like OW2 and FN when Graphics are set to ultra. Low graphics allows for 100+ fps. I've been able to get 150 fps consistently.
Lots of features and option to customize your game experience in armoury crate
RGB lights on the thumbsticks w/ customization in Armoury Crate
🤔Cons:
Battery does not last long
Can get pretty hot when running intense games (I purchased an accessory to help with this issue, swipe left)
The microsd storage is faulty. When you have a microsd inside and it gets to hot, it can damage the card and make it unreadable (if you want expandable storage, there is an accessory, swipe left to see)
The UI can be pretty difficult to maneuver, given that it is a windows os on a handheld.
Higher price point compared to Steam Deck
In my opinion, the ROG Ally represents an exceptional investment. I transitioned from a gaming laptop to this device due to its remarkable PC-like capabilities. The additional accessory I purchased from Amazon further enhances its functionality by enabling expanded storage, keyboard and mouse compatibility, USB ports, ethernet port, and the option to connect to a monitor. While the price point may be considered high, the value it offers makes it a worthwhile purchase. I rate the ROG Ally an impressive 8 out of 10.
#gaming #rogally #gamerreview #gamingsetup #techreview #gamergirl #lemon8challenge
One thing I absolutely love about the ROG Ally is its versatility when it comes to game launchers. While the original article touched on playing 'any game you play on PC,' I wanted to dive a bit deeper into my experience with specific platforms many of you might be wondering about. For instance, playing games from the Epic Games Store has been a breeze. After a quick install of the Epic Games Launcher, I've been able to download and run titles just like I would on my desktop PC. The Z1 Extreme handles them beautifully, maintaining smooth frame rates even on demanding games, as long as you tweak the settings appropriately. It truly feels like having a portable gaming library in my hands, no matter where I bought the game. And let's talk about Xbox Game Pass – this is a game-changer for the Ally. Setting it up was straightforward, and I've spent countless hours enjoying a massive library of games. Whether I'm streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming for lighter titles to save battery, or downloading larger AAA titles directly to the SSD, the experience is fantastic. The integration is seamless, making the ROG Ally an incredible device for Game Pass subscribers looking for a premium handheld experience. It really bridges the gap between console and PC gaming. When considering other handhelds, especially the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally definitely stands out for its Windows OS and raw power, which I felt was a big upgrade for my specific needs. Yes, it has a higher price point, but for me, the ability to run any Windows application and access all my PC game libraries without compatibility layers was worth the investment. It’s not just a gaming device; it's a mini-PC. Speaking of enhancing its functionality, the accessories I've picked up have been game-changers, especially for addressing some of the 'cons' I mentioned. To combat the heat issue during intense gaming sessions, I invested in an external cooling solution, similar to the docking station with dual fans I've seen in product images. This has significantly helped keep temperatures down, protecting the device and my hands from discomfort. The docking station, which the OCR also highlighted, has been indispensable. Mine, much like the versatile '13 in 1 Steam Deck Docking Station' that's also compatible with the ROG Ally, transforms my handheld into a full-fledged desktop setup. It provides extra USB ports for my keyboard and mouse, an Ethernet port for stable online gaming, and HDMI out to connect to my monitor. This setup effectively turns my ROG Ally into a portable workstation or a console connected to my TV. Plus, for expanding storage beyond the internal SSD, connecting an external drive like the WD_BLACK P10 game drive through the dock is a much safer and more reliable alternative than relying solely on the internal microSD slot, which, as I noted, can be faulty. These accessories truly unlock the Ally's full potential, making it an even more versatile and powerful device for both gaming and productivity.
What are your favorite games to play on this?