Customer Ratings & Reviews

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.

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.

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.

-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.

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.

So far I am really liking the Ally. It seems like they've fixed a lot of the early glitches and it is working great now. Oddly the only game I've had any trouble with is a lego game from a few years ago but everything else has worked great. I was about to buy a Steam deck and then saw these - that can play anything the steam deck can and so much more much easier. I like too that there isn't a ton of bloatware - more from windows than Asus. The armoury crate software is ok, launching games from it seems to take longer but it is nice to be able to see a list of almost all the installed games (for some reason my Rockstar games don't show up there), it also puts a lot of settings at your fingertips making them very easy to access. I do wish there were a few more lighting options for around the joystick (something where you could have different colors on each one). I also don't like that there isn't native support for the gyroscope and accelerometer- luckily there is some 3rd party software but it is still a little buggy but it does work you just have to make sure it is set up fully before you open your game or even the launcher. Also I wish it had a bigger ssd but am happy that it can be replaced with a newer 2280 ssd with an adapter - though this begs the question of why they didn't just use one of these in the first place.

Very good screen and speakers. Feels good in hands. Battery life is awful. Only last about 2 hours at most for modern games. SD card reader as died twice. Analog sticks had to be replaced twice. Runs games great despite the problems.

Never been a PC Gamer but have always had a windows pc. I used to try playing games on it but the experience was always below than average. Enter Asus Rog Ally, not only is it portable but this little thing is a beast. I am able to play my favorites on the go and with no problem. Definitely the battery life could be better in the future models but this thing a beast. Must buy

PROS Attractive 1080p 120Hz display Slick design and sturdy build Steady performance in most gaming scenarios Runs full Windows 11 Decent battery life outside of gaming Asus software changes modes and remaps controls on the fly Many games require lower graphics settings for smooth performance Super short battery life while gaming Some finicky controls, particularly for navigating Windows

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.

Great screen and amazing speakers. The SD card slot could get stuck or damage the card so avoid using it. The ROG team has a manual for changing the SSD so I got a 2t WD sn770m instead. Battery is not optimal for off-plug use cases but is an acceptable trade-off for weight. Overall it's a great product and perfectly fits my needs.

The ROG Ally is the best Windows handheld you can buy today. I recommend this product to enthusiasts looking for a Windows handheld specifically. The Good: - Excellent ergonomics and joysticks / buttons - Z1 Extreme chipset performs insanely fast - 120Hz VRR display ensures games always appear smooth regardless of frame rate. - Asus Armory Crate software is responsive and consistently does its job. Button layout to bring up functions provides good UX. - Radeon RSR can boost performance by upscaling to 1080p and still looks great. - Excellent speakers - Fingerprint reader helps log in securely (when it works) The Bad: - Battery life could be better and Z1 Extreme chip does not perform well at lowest power modes. Expect 2 hours of battery life for all but the least demanding titles. - Touchscreen a bit too small to have a good experience using Windows. It's serviceable though. - Lacks some nice-to-haves from its competitors such as kickstand or trackpad - Design is very "gamer" looking with large bezels

I was debating between this and the Steam Deck and ultimately chose the ROG Ally for the better display and ability to play most PC games (not on steam) without having to make modifications. I will say that the interface can be a bit challenging, windows is not as responsive on such a small touch screen. Overall the game quality is great with the drawback of a 2 hour battery life

Flaws so far... Sd card isnt read instantly for steam games. Finger print reader doesnt always work. Some games do not maximize correctly if you change your display resolution settings. The lowest brightness setting is a bit too bright in for playing in the dark. Same goes for the rgb rings around the sticks. Wish they could be much dimmer. I keep mine off because of it. Supposedly, sd cards are burning up in it. Has not happened to me yet. Positives: It's a powerful handheld device that works like a touch windows computer. As such, if you know computers you can do basically anything on it that you would on say a laptop. Unless its a tripple A game with demanding specs, it runs everything with out any trouble. Tripple A games do run well, just at lower settings. Personally, Ive always been a portable gamer. I do own a gaming pc, but I'm always on the go. It's why I love my switch so much. This was a no brainer for me. It plays things you would not expect like, World of Warcraft with controller addons. Final Fantasy 14 already has controller support, the newly released Diablo 4 runs great, and of course emulators, if you're into that kind of thing. On a side note, the steam deck is also great but you have to jump a lot more hoops to get games not from steam to work on it. Even some steam games that technically should work like, SouthPark the fractured but whole, and megaman collection volume 2, seem to have issues running on the steam deck while running fine on the ally. I like it.

If you like top-quality handheld games, then buy the ROG Ally If you like the Steam Deck, then buy it. It's more powerful, especially on Turbo mode. Also has a better screen. If you like Xbox Game Pass and want to play them on a handheld, this is the device for you. Right now its main issue is its software can be buggy at times, but just like the Steam Deck; This is still the early days and so long as ROG continues to support it, this thing has great potential of being the definitive handheld PC for some time to come.

Great compact device when you just want to boot up a game from your couch and relax. It can run games fine on low to medium settings. Only drawback is that it runs out of battery pretty dang fast.

After extensive research, I ultimately chose the ROG Ally over other available models in the market. The positive vibes began the moment I unboxed it, and the tactile experience of holding it is exceptionally pleasant. The build quality is superb, and the controls are perfectly within reach, working flawlessly. The device boots up swiftly, exhibiting no lag whatsoever. During my usage, I streamed and downloaded games without encountering any issues, and I've been engaging in gaming sessions three days a week. The display is strikingly gorgeous, with colors that are true to the eyes. Surprisingly, despite my usual reservations about Windows OS due to frequent updates and potential bugs, it has proven to be remarkably stable on the Ally. One noteworthy point is the Ubisoft app on PC, which doesn't operate as smoothly as expected. In my experience, when attempting to redownload purchased games, the sign-in window doesn't display the keyboard, requiring the use of the On-Screen keyboard. This is my sole concern, as Windows can be hit or miss at times. Despite this, the ROG Ally stands out as an excellent gaming machine, offering impressive performance within a compact and portable design.

I absolutely love the ROG Ally! It is my go to gaming device now. It is powerful and ergonomic enough to smoothly run titles that I would like on a handheld, as well as emulation is amazing. I use it mostly on the couch or on the bed with something running on the background. I have played games like Forza Horizon 5, Dishonored, and a bunch of others, as well as played a lot of emulator games. The only downside is the battery life. Totally recommended.

This is a great little device! It plays games very well for a handheld device, surprisingly the 120hz screen paired with VRR makes for a superior smooth experience. I have been using this more than my steamdeck due to the 1080p screen. The battery life leaves a bit to be desired as for intense games you barely get 2 hours, and of course windows isnt quite up to being a handheld UI.