Finally freedom for PC gamers! The latest handheld tested

Gamble on the go, but without compromising on game selection and graphics. The success of the Nintendo Switch console shows that countless gamers want just that. With 124 million units sold, it currently ranks #3 on the all-time hardware charts.

But one thing is also clear: there is no alternative to next-gen consoles and high-end PCs for gamers with high demands. Except you can’t just pop them in your backpack and start on the go. Valve’s Steam Deck has been around for about a year now, got off to a shaky start with some teething problems, but has since built up a solid fan base. This calls for competitors to learn from their competitors’ mistakes and try to get a piece of the pie.

This is exactly what hardware manufacturer Asus is planning. The surprisingly announced and now available handheld “ROG Ally” aims to free PC gamers from the shackles of their home desk and outrageously expensive gaming notebooks. Can that work? We’ve taken a closer look at the device.

While the alternative Linux operating system works on the Steam Deck, Windows 11 comes pre-installed on the Asus model. This is a declaration of independence against closed platforms and systems. In principle, everything that runs under Windows can be installed on the “ROG Ally”: Discord and Twitch for communication with friends, Netflix and Spotify for good entertainment and, if necessary, Office and mail programs if you really want to work on the road or have to.

But of course it’s mainly about games. Today, they are increasingly bought digitally, through platforms such as Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games or GOG. Or you can use a subscription like the Xbox Game Pass, which despite its name not only has console games in its lineup, but also Windows games. All accounts, your own game collection and all other settings are managed through the “Armory Crate SE” app, which can be accessed via a button on the right side of the monitor. The “Command Center” provides even faster access to all of this, which can be called up via a button to the left of the monitor.

In addition, brightness, refresh rate and everything from the sensitivity of the control units to the haptic feedback can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Price and hardware – a declaration of war

With dimensions of 280 x 111 x 21.2 mm and a weight of just over 600 grams, the Asus handheld is quite compact. It is therefore all the more surprising that even current games such as “Minecraft Legends”, “Ravenlock”, “Forza Horizon” or complex role-playing games such as “Pathfinder: Kingmaker” run very smoothly. This is due to the built-in AMD Ryzen Z1 main chip and a working memory of up to 16 GB, depending on the model. The maximum storage space for apps is 512 GB and can be expanded quickly and cost-effectively via a memory card slot. The 7-inch touchscreen display offers Full HD at 120 Hz, 500 nits brightness and a response time of 7 ms. There are also two double speakers with Dolby Atmos at the front. Peripherals from the game controller to the keyboard can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.

RAM up to 16 GB, depending on the model. The maximum storage space for apps is 512 GB and can be expanded quickly and cost-effectively via a memory card slot. The 7-inch touchscreen display offers Full HD at 120 Hz, 500 nits brightness and a response time of 7 ms. There are also two double speakers with Dolby Atmos at the front. Peripherals from the game controller to the keyboard can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.

With this, the “ROG Ally” is clearly ahead of the Steam Deck and even more clearly ahead of the Switch, which has now fallen heavily behind in terms of technology. The confirmed purchase price of CHF 799 for Switzerland seems appropriate, especially since all games already purchased digitally can be used on the new platform. However, there may be minor compatibility issues here and there. For example, with some titles, the border of the Windows window does not disappear. Some fonts are difficult to read due to the lack of size, sometimes buttons cannot be operated via the hardware controls, but only via the touchscreen. Some, but not all, can be resolved with firmware updates. After all, there are PC games that are not suitable for the small screen.

Connection wanted: Annoying shortcomings in the design

Difficult-to-understand design decisions are more tedious. For example, the “ROG Ally” lies completely flat when you don’t hold it in your hand. It would certainly have been better if the edges of the shoulder buttons were slightly curved so that the screen is tilted slightly towards the player and therefore easier to see. There is also no fold-out stand at the back, as you know from the Switch. The stand included in the delivery is made of cheap plastic and does not allow for adjustment. The second main point of criticism is connectivity. In addition to the USC-C port for charging, there is no HDMI connection, but a port for an external, separately available graphics card.

Asus recommends it for stationary use. In addition to more power, you also get connections for external screens – for a corresponding additional charge. However, you can get by with a docking station that is available for 40 CHF and is already available for the Steam Deck. This turns the “ROG Ally” into a stationary console. This even works in the middle of a gaming session – great!

PC gamers are finally getting more freedom when gambling. The performance data speaks for itself. It’s just so much fun to be able to play on the train, during lunch break at work or just relaxing on the balcony at home! One likes to dig up one or the other older title from the digital game library.

The “ROG Ally” Z1 Extreme will be available in Switzerland from June 13, 2023 for CHF 799.