ASUS ROG Ally

Original ROG Ally delivers sharp 1080p Windows handheld power, but the 40Wh battery and microSD reliability issues hold it back.

Best For

Windows PC library on the go

Value

Fair

Biggest Strength

Sharp 1080p 120Hz display

Biggest Weakness

Short gaming battery life

Community Vote

N/A

would recommend

Key Takeaways

Z1 Extreme plus 1080p/120Hz screen outpaces early Steam Deck hardware for sharper portable gameplay.

Windows 11 opens Steam, Game Pass, Epic and more without SteamOS workarounds.

40Wh pack often lasts about 1 to 1.75 hours in demanding games; shorter than Ally X.

MicroSD reader heat/failure reports remain a long-running ownership risk on this model.

AU list about $1299 for the 512GB Z1 Extreme; lighter and cheaper than Ally X, weaker

Quick Facts

Brand

ASUS

Release Date

Jun 13, 2023

Price Range

$1299 AUD

Pros & Cons

Pros

Sharp 1080p 120Hz display

Strong Z1 Extreme performance

Full Windows game library access

Compact 608g chassis

Quiet dual-fan cooling

Handy Armoury Crate power modes

Cons

Short gaming battery life

Clunky Windows handheld UX

microSD reader reliability issues

No touchpads for mouse games

Needs lower settings for smooth AAA

What Owners Say

The Good

Plays Steam, Game Pass and other Windows launchers without SteamOS workarounds

Feels powerful for AAA once settings and TDP modes are tuned

The Bad

Battery often lasts about an hour to 1.5 hours in demanding games

Stock Windows feels awkward on a handheld without a keyboard

512GB fills quickly; SSD swap or cards needed for big libraries

Detailed Summary

CPU	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core / 16-thread Zen 4)
GPU	AMD Radeon Graphics RDNA 3 (12 CUs, up to 8.6 TFLOPS)
TDP	9-30 W
RAM	16 GB
Storage	512 GB
Display size	7 inch
Resolution	1920x1080
Refresh rate	120 Hz
Battery capacity	40 Wh
Battery life	1 to 1.75 hours gaming; up to ~8 hours light use
Weight	608 g
OS	Windows 11 Home
Dimensions	280 x 111 x 21.2-32.4 mm