Asus ROG Ally in the Nau.ch test – The return of the handheld

With the introduction of the Steam Deck, Valve has started the race to create the best portable console since the Nintendo Switch. Since then, however, the platform console has not officially reached us. So Asus is going ahead and officially launching the ROG Ally.

After trying Asus’ answer on Steam Deck and Switch, I’m convinced handheld gaming is here to stay.

Purely from the built-in hardware, the manufacturer promises a lot here. Everything is powered by the new 4nm AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. The chip here acts as the CPU and GPU.

In addition, 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512 GB of storage are installed here. The storage can also be expanded using a microSD card. The console is powered by a 40Wh battery and charged at 65W.

The FullHD IPS panel measures 7.1 inches and offers a peak brightness of 500 nits and a massive 120Hz refresh rate. Asus also installs a docking port with USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and DisplayPort 1.4, as well as an audio port for the microphone and headphones.

Unlike the Switch or the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally runs Windows 11. Asus uses its own Armory Box as the main user interface, where games, launchers, and settings are displayed. Alternatively, launchers such as Steam Big Picture can also be used, depending on the purpose.

But enough in theory, how does a portable console work in everyday life? Of course, this depends entirely on the intended use. Ally masters complex games practically in her sleep. Indie and platform games like Hollow Knight or the Portal series can easily run at 120fps on the highest resolution.

However, if you like playing existing AAA titles, you’ll quickly notice the limitations of a mobile sim. However: Assassin’s Creed or Forza Horizon ran relatively smoothly averaging 45fps on medium settings.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to this handheld console is the battery. On the second highest performance mode with nearly max brightness and 120Hz, Ally only lasted about 2 hours, then it finished.

Of course, if you give up performance, resolution and brightness, you can get a few more hours out of this. However, I think Asus can improve the software again here. After all: With 65 watts, the console doesn’t need a bulky power supply and gets fully charged again quickly.

As mentioned earlier, the Ally can also be connected to a dock via USB-C and used with a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Thanks to Windows 11, this results in a real little work machine that can even replace your laptop. In fact, this test report is currently being typed on my desk with the handheld console.

If you still have the necessary change, you can also buy Asus’ XG Mobile docking station with RTX 4090. It costs about 2500 francs.

However, it is noticeable here that the console is not primarily designed for desktop use. The software still has issues in a few places, display and input issues also occur.

The final highlight of the ROG Ally is certainly the audio performance. The two front stereo speakers are powered by an impressively large sound field with Dolby Atmos. In addition, the fans run imperceptibly quietly under almost any load. However, this does mean that the device can get noticeably warmer, especially on the touch screen.

With its new portable console, Asus is already offering an exciting overall package. While teething issues pop up here and there, the result is undeniably powerful; Especially given the scant alternatives here in Switzerland.

The Asus ROG Ally can be pre-ordered now and will be available in stores in Germany on June 13 for CHF799. From now on, console It is pre-ordered here.