Asus ROG Ally Review: The Ultimate Handheld Gaming PC in 2025

Introduction

The Steam Deck’s arrival in 2022 is widely credited with revitalizing the handheld gaming PC market, making the concept of a portable PC gaming device more mainstream. Gamers value the ease of setup and operation that consoles provide. They want to be able to purchase a device, plug it in, and start playing without needing to worry about compatibility, settings, or troubleshooting.

As modern gamers seek more freedom and no longer want to be tied to a desktop or bulky laptop, the handheld gaming PC has emerged, offering the flexibility to access extensive game libraries on the go.
The Asus ROG Ally is the newest gaming handheld PC from Asus. It is more like a gaming laptop and by name, it is handheld, but a big one. If you know how big a Nintendo Switch is, the Asus ROG Ally is even slightly bigger and thicker. While the Asus ROG Ally is not a Steam Deck killer, it comes with more specs and offers better performance.

Why should you consider buying the ROG Ally in 2025, even though it was released in June 2023? In this Asus ROG Ally review, we’ll explore how this handheld gaming PC delivers a complete PC gaming experience in the palm of your hand.

What is the Asus ROG Ally?

The Asus ROG Ally is like a desktop gaming rig but made to be a portable, handheld device. It currently comes in 2 models: the Asus ROG Ally (2023) and the ROG Ally X (2024). They are both Windows-based handheld gaming PCs from Asus with the ROG Ally X offering updated improvements to its predecessor.

Key Specs and Hardware Overview

The true power of the Asus ROG Ally lies in its value, compatibility and performance. The powerhouse within is driven by the AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors, a custom-designed APU that packs impressive CPU, and GPU capabilities into a small footprint. This chip is complemented by generous 16 RAM and fast 512 GB SSD storage options, ensuring quick load times and smooth multitasking.

The display and ergonomics are equally critical to Ally’s appeal. It boasts a stunning 1080p handheld full HD gaming experience on a vibrant screen. Likewise, it features a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz with FreeSync Premium and excellent brightness for clear visibility in various lighting conditions.

For such a small device, it has impressive port selections with USB Type-C combo ports (USB 3.2 Gen2, supporting DisplayPort 1.4 and ROG XG Mobile Interface. And with the UHS-11 micro SD card slot, this Asus ROG Ally has more ports than the average MacBook.

Like most handheld gaming PCs, the Asus ROG Ally has limited battery life, featuring a 40WHrs, 4S1P, and 4-cell Li-ion battery. Nevertheless, it can be used for up to 5 hours of gameplay, depending on the usage and settings. It also includes a 65W AC Adapter that supports USB-C charging up to 100W.

Another thing we liked about the Asus ROG Ally is that it comes with responsive joysticks similar to an Xbox 1 or a Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Overall, the button layout is well-designed, with clicky ABXY and top trigger buttons, while the bottom buttons are analog.

Though it doesn’t come with a webcam, connectivity is robust with a standard audio jack and modern wireless capabilities like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, ensuring you can connect to all your peripherals and networks with ease. It also comes with a built-in array microphone, a 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology and AI noise-canceling technology

Finally, the ROG Ally weighs in at just 608 grams, which makes it comfortable even during extended gaming sessions and will never be a burden in your backpack.

Software Experience: Windows vs Linux OS Debate

One of the most defining aspects of the Asus ROG Ally is its operating system: Windows.
Unlike other handheld gaming devices that operate on Linux-based operating systems (like the Steam Deck), the Asus ROG Ally runs on Windows 11. It offers full compatibility with existing PC game libraries such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass. This gives gamers access to the wide range of games already in their PC library, making the transition to portable gaming easier and more intuitive.

The ultimate handheld gaming PC comes with Asus’s custom software overlay, Armoury Crate SE, designed to optimize the handheld experience. While Windows offers more flexibility, navigating the full desktop mode on a small screen can present challenges, especially for gamers used to larger displays. However, compared to the Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS, the Windows experience may be more familiar and customizable for PC gamers.

This leads to the ongoing Windows vs. Linux OS debate, especially when compared to Steam Deck’s more tailored, Linux-based SteamOS, which offers a console-like experience but with more limited software compatibility out of the box. For those prioritizing universal game access, Ally’s Windows gaming on the go approach is a clear winner.

Performance and Gaming Experience

The true test of any gaming device lies in its performance and gaming experience. The Asus ROG Ally shines in this regard, offering impressive benchmarks and real-world performance.

The ROG Ally is a Windows 11 gaming machine that includes a complimentary 3-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

New and heavy games that require ray tracing or are built on ultra buggy and unreal engine 5 not only run on Asus ROG Ally but run well. For example, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Spider-Man 2, and Split Friction are some of the games that feature ray tracing.

With the ROG Ally, you can expect smooth, seamless gameplay directly from the hardware. It delivers high-fidelity visuals that look and perform excellently. The device efficiently handles demanding AAA titles, often running them at smooth and consistent frame rates with optimized graphical settings.

When docked, it transforms into a capable mini-PC, allowing you to connect to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a traditional desktop gaming setup.

The fan noise during gaming is minimal, and battery life is decent but a cause for concern, though intensive gaming sessions may require a charge midway. For casual gaming, the device’s battery can last through extended sessions.

Overall, the Asus ROG Ally performance review indicates a device that delivers a smooth, responsive, and visually impressive gaming impression, making it a strong contender for the best handheld gaming PC in 2025.

When considering which to choose in the ROG Ally vs Steam Deck 2025 battle, the Ally typically offers a performance edge, especially in games optimized for Windows.

Portability vs Power: Who Is It For?

The Asus ROG Ally expertly navigates the fine line between portability vs. power, making it a compelling choice for a specific target audience.

• It’s ideal for PC gamers who prioritize playing their existing library anywhere, without the need to repurchase games or deal with compatibility issues.
• It also appeals to users seeking a versatile device that can double as a mini-PC for productivity tasks or media consumption when connected to a larger display.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Handheld Gaming PC in 2025?

The Asus ROG Ally is more than just an upgrade in handheld gaming. Asus is not just competing with other handhelds, It is creating a new category that blends gaming laptops and consoles. It combines the portability of a console with the flexibility and large game library of a PC.

This innovation has significant future implications, positioning the ROG Ally as a clear sign of things to come in the portable PC space. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in compact gaming, inspiring further development and competition in the handheld gaming PC market.

In summary, the Asus ROG Ally Review highlights a device that stands out as a leading contender in the rapidly growing portable PC gaming market. Its powerful hardware, full Windows compatibility, and comfortable, ergonomic design put every button within reach.

So, is it the ultimate handheld gaming PC for 2025? For PC gamers who value access to their entire library, desire a versatile Windows machine in a portable form factor, and are willing to invest in premium performance, the Asus ROG Ally certainly makes a very strong case. It’s not just a gaming device; it’s a statement about the future of portable computing.