The Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld has been receiving a lot of attention recently, especially with the release of its new and improved successor, the Asus ROG Ally X. With some solid deals on the predecessor, many are considering if it’s worth investing in this device. However, after carefully analyzing the features and performance of the Asus ROG Ally, there are some concerns that need to be addressed.
The Asus ROG Ally is currently available at Best Buy for $499.99 with a Z1 Extreme chip, which is $150 off from its original price. While this may seem like a good deal, it’s important to note that its successor, the Asus ROG Ally X, is priced at $799.99, making it almost half the price of the newer model. The lower-end model with the Z1 chip is also on sale for $379.99, but considering the performance downgrades, it’s recommended to stick with the Extreme configuration.
The standard Asus ROG Ally offers good value at this price point, especially when compared to Valve’s Steam Deck. With its Z1 Extreme chip and enhanced performance in “Turbo” mode, the Asus ROG Ally proves to be a powerful gaming handheld. The device features a quieter fan and a larger 1080p display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for gaming. However, the battery life of the Asus ROG Ally is a concern, lasting only a mediocre four hours at best, which is disappointing for a portable gaming PC.
Another drawback of the Asus ROG Ally is the fact that it runs on Windows 11, which isn’t well-designed for small, handheld-like devices. However, there may be hope as Valve is working on adding support for SteamOS on rival handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally. This could potentially improve the overall user experience and performance of the device in the future.
The Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld offers good value for its price, especially with the current discounts available. While it may not be as impressive as its successor, the Asus ROG Ally X, it still provides decent performance and features for gaming enthusiasts on a budget. However, the battery life and operating system limitations are areas that need to be addressed for a better overall user experience. With the possibility of SteamOS support in the future, the Asus ROG Ally could become a more appealing option for gamers looking for a portable gaming PC.
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