Customer Ratings & Reviews

Rating 3.5/5 I had some defects on my first unit. Exchanged it with zero hassles for another one. Thank you Best Buy for returns being extremely easy. As for this gaming device.. It really is pretty powerful. Plays most recent triple A games really well in 720p and various different settings depending on the game. I've been playing Diablo IV with zero issues, over 60fps at 720p. Looks really nice to be honest. Also been playing Spiderman, Horizon 5, and Borderlands Wonderlands. All run great with the right settings. I also love how it runs off windows 11. This means you should be a little tech savvy if you are buying this. There is a lot of things you can mess up and a lot of setting to mess around with depending on the game you want to play just as if you were playing on a PC. I upgraded the SSD and used Asus built in cloud recovery after installing it. Really nice feature. Just make sure you upgrade your bios to the most recent before upgrading the SSD. The whole cloud recovery process will take around 1-2 hours to finish. My biggest pain point is the device just isn't comfortable in your hands for extended periods of time. Your hands will start to get sore if you're playing on the go a lot. Both my first unit that was returned and my second one have issues with the thumb pads. Pressing left squeaks. First unit started squeaking right away. Second one started squeaking about 2 weeks into using it. SD card reader stopped working on my first unit, second one has been fine so far. Surprisingly the sound is extremely good on this. Probably the best audio from any handheld period. I would recommend waiting for some quality control issues to be fixed, but overall I'm still happy with purchasing early. It's been a lot of fun.

The ROG Ally is a Windows PC in a handheld form instead of a straight console. This isn't a bad thing! It plays my Steam games flawlessly, and it can easily play other streaming platforms such as Luna, Xbox Gamepass, Playstation, and GOG. You name it; it can play it. That being said -- it's definitely a work in progress. There are certain aspects of the ROG that are buggy. Armory Crate can freeze, and sometimes my ROG will get so hot during reboot/bios update that it'll basically shut itself off to protect itself. There are also issues with the SD card not working with your Ally (this hasn't happened to me, but it has with others.) I suspect in 6 months, many of these issues will be tweaked and fixed. When first released, the Steam Deck was also a hot, buggy mess, and now it runs like butter. If you have knowledge of Windows, you can fix most of these quirks yourself, and I think that's where a lot of the hate comes from. It's a Windows PC. Know that going in if you plunk money on this. You should also know that Windows can break. Most Windows PCs need serious setup when you get it (downloading drivers, removing bloatware), and the ROG is no exception. If you hate doing any of that then this handheld is not for you. That doesn't mean your ROG will break, but if you don't have realistic expectations you'll have a bad time. Stick with it though, and it's totally worth it. Just having a portable PC that plays games is great. The Windows side also lets me use this as a portable PC with an easier learning curve than, say, Steam Deck's Linux (No offense to the Linux lovers out there.) If you're familiar with Windows, know how to tweak Windows to your liking, and get a good battery pack, this is a fantastic handheld.

After watching the device for months, I finally picked up a ROG Ally last month, and it has not disappointed. So far, I've used it for Steam, Game Pass, and streaming via GeForce NOW. Performance across all has been great! If I'm at home, streaming to this device has truly been a treat, as the 120Hz screen is gorgeous. It can't compete with other devices on battery life, but if you can deal with some workarounds (plugged into an outlet or portable battery) than you'll have a great time here.

I can say this handheld gaming device is good, but there are flaws on it. The quality of it is good, the graphics are good. The cons of this are, if you want a handwarmer whenever you use it. I can recommend this, this handheld gets hot quick and if you are playing on the highest quality. The battery life is small unless you are plug in.

This thing is pretty expensive (although worth it for the performance and features you are getting), especially when I already had a Steam Deck. Figured I had about 2 weeks to play around with it and see if I liked it, and if I didn't I could return it. After only 2 days I moved the 1TB SSD from my Deck to the Ally and haven't looked back since, and the Deck has been sold. Windows 11 is both a blessing and a curse on this thing. It is great since you can install any launcher and all your games you have with no problem. It is also a pain since it is Microsoft and they try to have you sign in with a Microsoft account. Well, with some tinkering, you can bypass the Microsoft account login/creation during the setup process. I have my Ally running pretty much like it is running SteamOS now with Steam launching and going into Big Picture Mode right away. The performance increase you get with the Z1 Extreme over the Deck's process is pretty good. Most of the games I play (Horizon 5, Valhalla, Ace Combat 7, Power Wash Simulator, GTA V) get at least 10-30 fps more than the Deck, all while using my 18w profile so it doesn't drain the battery super fast. All this performance increase is great on its own, but the fan noise is also a lot less than the Deck and it runs cooler than the Deck as well (when using my 18w profile). The VRR 120Hz screen looks amazing and everything is just butter smooth (even when fps drops as low as 50fps). There are a few cons when comparing this to the Deck though. The biggest difference between the two handheld for me was the ergonomics. The Ally is nowhere near as comfortable to hold as the Deck. It isn't that bad, but after an hour or so, I can start to notice fatigue in my hands from holding it. I could hold the Deck for hours without my hands ever getting tired. I have 3D printed some flush back buttons which allows me to hold the Ally in a more comfortable position, but not everyone has the ability to 3D print mods. The only other con is the battery life. With my 18w profile I use for almost everything, I only get about 1 to 1.5 hours of battery life. The Deck with the same games would get closer to 2 or 2.25 hours. The FPS gain though over the Deck to have smoother games is worth it in my opinion, and I am usually near an outlet that I can have the charger plugged in, or have a battery bank with me to keep me gaming longer.

This has been a pleasure to use. I went ahead and got a new 1tb sabrent 2230 m.2 ssd in it, and ASUS's cloud recovery in the bios makes the reinstallation of windows very easy. The buttons are very satisfying to press? And i find the sticks light resistance comfortable, although i can see why many people complain about it. Basically a switch analog with a much taller stick so the resistance is reduced greatly due to the added leverage. The rgb rings around the stucks are also very nice and look great. The screen is also very color accurate, and was the main reason i got it over the steam deck. Its gorilla glass victis and has an anti glare treatment so a screen protector is optional, although i still installed one for peace of mind even though it negate the antiglare. The form factor fits my hands nicely, although im sure the larger grips of the steam deck are much more comfortable. Many people complain about windows and the headaches it brings, but i think the extra functionality it brings far out weighs it, although im just familiar with windows. The only downside for this device really is the multiple platforms that updates exist. You need to update within armoury crate, myASUS, and the windows update within settings. But once its all setup and ready, its a dream to use. Also the battery life leaves a lot to be desired but im usually near an outlet and have a 100w battery bank. Its a trade off for this much power. An annoyance is a lack of third party accessories like cases and grips and stuff like that. As far as performance goes, I get around 50 fps in cyberpunk at 720p and FSR enabled, and a smooth 60 in tekken, street fighter, nier automata, and many other games at 1080p. Once u have games playing, its a dream of device. Word of caution, the sd card reader is right on top of the heatsink. Many people have reported corrupted SD cards and inoperable readers as a result of use. The official state from asus is that its due to heat, but some have reported its still happening even after the bios update that adjusted fan curves to address the problem. I upgraded my ssd and plan on not using the sd card reader. A 1 tb ssd is cheaper than the fast sd cards ( the extreme slass cards are the only ones id recommend if u have to use sd cards ). This device has been great to use and ive been having a lot of fun with it. I hope this review helped.

I was a pretty avid pc gamer in the late 90s and early 00s. Priorities shifted as a started to raise a family, however i am now at a point where my parental duties no longer require as much of my time. I purchased a gaming laptop a few years back and have been enjoying it tremendously, however as it is in the office it prohibits me from interacting with my family. I purchazed the ROG Ally (z1 extreme) version and feel i now it provides me the ability to enjoy gaming and stii have the ability to keep engaged with the rest of my household. I dont play anything that require super high frame rates and for the size screen it is lower resolutions and graphics settings arent as noticable as they would be on a larger screen. It came with a 3 month xbox game pass ultimate trial and that has been an i credible experience for me. Biggest gripe about it is that Windows is pretty clunky on that form factor. Im considering purchasing a larger nvme for it and installing Bazzite to see how it works. Another issue is of course the battery life. I tend to play plugged in so its not as big of a deal, but if you plan to play while travelling it is something to bear in mind.

Amazing technology to fit a solid, but modest, gaming pc into a portable device. The 1080p resolution is bright, clear, and very sharp. The visuals are incredible. The stereo speakers on the front have a very good sound. But, most will use headphones anyway. The looks and performance make this an incredible portable gaming pc. Movies and videos are brilliant on this as well. Windows 11 runs smooth without any hiccups. This was a gift for my daughter. Now, i want one for myself.

Awesome little device. Reasonably powerful, solid graphics. Windows could be better, lack of ram can slow things down a bit, and j had to upgrade the battery for it to last long.

My unit's speakers were shot just a few days after buying it, so I will have to return it. They are making a heinous popping sound constantly while I play. Aside from the quality control issue, this was a solid little handheld. The nature of Windows on this system means that, for now, a considerable amount of time will be spent tweaking settings, howling in frustration at weird little glitches and quirks (like the on-screen keyboard being so zoomed in that you can access only a couple of keys), etc. But beneath that infuriating experience was a tiny computer I could carry from room to room and dock at my TV, and it could run most of my games at relatively solid framerates. The screen is gorgeous and it is very light compared with the Steam Deck, and comparable even to my Switch. I wish things had gone better. For $770 (10% sales tax in my town), I expected a smooth and refined experience with minimal hassle. I may have kept it and dealt with the many issues, were it not for the speaker problems, but I think that was enough to just call it quits and switch for a more stable option--like an MSI Stealth. Unfortunately for my needs, I did not love the Ally and can't recommend it.

An amazing little device which shattered expectations of its form factor. While not the most powerful computer, it preforms more than adequately for most gaming tasks. It has also come in handy for docking as mid powered pc inna pinch, able to handle light photo editing and short clip editing. The form factor and flexibility really impressed me, however, heat management leaves something to be desired.

I love this toy. It's stylish, elegant, yet powerful under the hood. It pretty much handled every game I threw at it. My best compliment goes to the Asus Rog Ally website game library that lists exact settings that would be perfect to play each game on the Ally X. Additionally, there's a lot of game performance automation that makes them run better in Turbo. Battery life is great, and having Windows 11 is a great extra.

The Rog Ally is smaller and lighter than most other pc handhelds, but is still pretty powerful with the Z1 Extreme processor. The screen, speakers, and controls are all great. Since it runs windows 11, you can play online games like fortnite and call of duty that dont work on steam deck and other handhelds that dont support anti-cheat.

So after having this for awhile thought id finally give an honest review. This thing is amazing. Playing PC on a handheld depending on the game is great. Some dont line up with the screen very well. Being able to play with the on board controller or a Bluetooth controller is great as well. Finally tried to dock it and even though it took my TV awhile to see it once it booted up playing games on a 65" tv looked beautiful. Only downside for me is battery. It gobbles battery life extremely quickly so make sure you have a battery pack with you or a power source close by. I would still highly highly recommend

-I'm a handheld enthusiast and am coming from the SteamDeck. The Ally has far exceeded my expectations, sure windows is a bit janky but it's no different than my gaming pc. If you're on the fence just buy one and return it if you don't like it. Now on to my review, for the positives, I'd like to bring attention to two things. First the screen. It's amazing, 10/10, and one of the best IPS panels I've ever used. My unit has zero backlight bleed and just POPs. It's bright and the 120hz Freesync makes the device feel much faster than it actually is. I know people complain that it's not OLED but it's a quality panel and I'm completely happy with it. Second, the performance. It far exceeds what I was hoping for pretty much all of my Indy games tun at 120fps and AAA titles run great with a bit of FSR or RSR. The device is snappy and doesn't behave like an anemic little handheld. Now we can go into the cons It's a first gen device, I would love some quality-of-life improvements like a second USB C port, and a full-sized 2280 nvme slot. Second, Battery life is only "alright". It's on par with my steam deck from 10-15w but if you put it in turbo mode it will drain the battery fast. This thing runs games WAY better than my deck can when above 15w so I'm happy with the trade-off. Next generation I'd love to see a slightly bigger battery. On to my Conclusion. -If you want a gaming laptop but wish it was more portable, this right here could be what you're looking for. I haven't touched my gaming laptop at all since receiving my Ally. It's just not needed. -If you have a Steam deck and are familiar with Windows I think is still a decent system to consider upgrading to. I'm very happy with my purchase and would do it over again. The 120hz VRR screen makes all the difference. -If you have a gaming desktop and want something to play around the house or while you are out and about I'd recommend considering the Ally, its powerful enough to get by with even AAA games and convenient to play in bed or on the sofa. -If you don't have a gaming PC, haven't used Windows, and aren't tech-savvy, I'd probably recommend getting a Steam Deck. The UI on the deck is far more console-like and you're just going to have a better user experience with it if you don't know what you're doing. All in all, I'd give the device an 8/10 and an excellent first try from Asus.

I recently purchased the ASUS ROG Ally, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. From gaming to productivity, this laptop delivers top-notch performance. The sleek and stylish design caught my eye right away. The build quality is exceptional, and the RGB lighting adds a cool and customizable touch. It's not just a gaming laptop; it's a statement piece. The display is absolutely stunning. The high refresh rate and vibrant colors make gaming a truly immersive experience. Whether you're playing the latest AAA titles or working on graphic-intensive tasks, the ASUS ROG Ally's display won't disappoint. Performance-wise, this laptop is a beast. The powerful processor and dedicated GPU handle multitasking and demanding applications effortlessly. I've never experienced any lag or slowdown, even during intense gaming sessions. The keyboard is a dream to type on, with responsive keys and customizable backlighting. The touchpad is precise, and the inclusion of a dedicated gaming mouse is a thoughtful addition. Battery life is surprisingly good for a gaming laptop of this caliber. It lasts through extended gaming sessions and provides ample power for everyday use. The thermal management is also commendable; the laptop stays cool even during prolonged use. The ASUS ROG Ally comes with a plethora of ports, allowing for easy connectivity with various peripherals. The inclusion of Thunderbolt and HDMI ports adds to its versatility. In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Ally is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends performance, design, and functionality. It's a true gaming and productivity powerhouse that leaves no room for disappointment. If you're in the market for a high-end laptop, look no further – the ASUS ROG Ally is worth every penny!

Honestly blown away by the quality. I got this instead of a laptop of similar price due to the even more portable build and the fact that I often use controllers over kbm. All things considered, this thing keeps up with full setups that would cost about $300 more after peripherals and there are generic docks that can be used with it that essentially make it a desktop setup. Storage is easy to change out and it runs games like subnautica, O2 not included, Helldivers 2, the Sims 4, WoW, Ark, MHW/Rise and others like a charm, most on relatively high graphics settings, some on max. Of course, don't expect 60fps in 4k out of something the size of a switch OLED, but if you're looking to do some light gaming, mod some Skyrim or play some overwatch or something on the go, this thing is fantastic. Only note is that I wish it came with more on board storage out of the box, but upgrading is easy and not terribly expensive all things considered. Pop a 2tb SSD on this thing (the SSD is not impacted by the reported issues regarding the overheating SD card issue) and you'll probably never need anything else. As for the overheating SD card, I ordered a $50 dock with built in cooling fans on Amazon and haven't registered anything near hot enough to damage anything, even after multiple hours on high impact games with the Ally plugged in. Even when I go handheld without the dock, I haven't had any heating issues. In my opinion, it would take a lot of long and aggressive sessions to really stress this thing as far as temp goes, even plugged in, but my experience of course does not speak for everyone.

Giving 4 stars even though the SD card reader slot is dead. Great device for PC gaming on the go. If you enjoy tweaking this device is perfect. If you don't, I wouldn't recommend. With some tweaking, playing Starfield on it on Ultra with 70-120 fps. Easily assessable storage and instructions from ROG on upgrading.

Great game system! It’s also a PC! My son can game and do his homework on this device which he says is super user friendly. The value is incredible, worth every penny! It’s portable, ergonomic, and my son is super happy!! Incredible product in every way and one that is going to last as it seems really well made.

Pros - screen looks really nice, design is cool looking, buttons feel good, plays all your pc games, windows works well, sound is loud and excellent, light weight. Cons - doesn't fit my hand perfectly, BATTERY LIFE NOT GOOD, pricey, joy sticks are too light feeling, not a totally seamless experience. Most of all though, my gaming sessions aren't that long(often a 1/2 hour at a time) and the short battery life stressed me out.