I’m putting together this FAQ as a guide for myself and those of you who just need an at-a-glance answer to some of your questions. Unfortunately, since the ROG Ally is regionally unreleased over here in Asia, we cannot publish performance details as of yet. For now, I’ve put together this list to help us out and will add to it as I get more questions, for myself and from our reader,
This first section is from the officially released information from ASUS and is a general reference on what the tin says about the ROG Ally:
- Q: What is the ROG Ally?
- A: The ROG Ally is a cutting-edge gaming handheld device designed by the Republic of Gamers (ROG). It combines the power and performance of a gaming PC with the portability and convenience of a handheld console.
- Q: What are the key features of the ROG Ally?
- A: The ROG Ally boasts a 7-inch 1080p screen, up to 512 GB of NVMe storage, and an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU for outstanding graphics performance. It offers intuitive controls, immersive visuals, and groundbreaking cooling technology, making it the perfect companion for gamers on the go.
- Q: Can I play AAA games on the ROG Ally?
- A: Absolutely! The ROG Ally is designed to handle the latest AAA games with ease. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and featuring high-speed memory and storage, it delivers smooth framerates and incredible graphics quality, rivaling modern living room consoles.
- Q: What is the battery life like on the ROG Ally?
- A: The battery life of the ROG Ally depends on various factors such as the intensity of gameplay and screen brightness. With its efficient power management, you can expect several hours of gaming on a single charge. The exact battery life will vary based on individual usage patterns.
- Q: Can I connect the ROG Ally to a TV or external display?
- A: Yes! The ROG Ally supports connectivity with external displays. By using the ROG Gaming Charger Dock, you can charge your device while simultaneously outputting video to your TV. This allows you to enjoy multiplayer gaming and couch co-op experiences on a larger screen.
- Q: Can I customize the controls on the ROG Ally?
- A: Absolutely! The ROG Ally offers extensive control customization options. You can remap buttons, adjust deadzones and trigger ranges, and even use the rear paddles as modifiers or additional buttons. With the Special Edition of Armoury Crate software, you have full control over personalizing your gaming experience.
- Q: Does the ROG Ally support motion controls?
- A: Yes! The ROG Ally is equipped with a gyro sensor, enabling motion controls in supported games. This feature adds a new level of immersion and interactivity to your gaming experience.
- Q: Can I expand the storage on the ROG Ally?
- A: Yes! The ROG Ally features a dedicated M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 drive for high-speed storage. Additionally, it includes a UHS-II microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity and install more games without compromising load times.
- Q: What is included with the purchase of the ROG Ally?
- A: When you purchase the ROG Ally, you will receive the handheld device itself, a power adapter, and a 90-day Xbox Game Pass Ultimate code. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides access to a vast library of games for an immersive gaming experience right from the start.
- Q: When will the ROG Ally be available for purchase?
- A: The ROG Ally is available for pre-order at Best Buy, with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant priced at $699. The Ryzen Z1 variant will be released later this year for $599. For information on availability in other regions, please contact your local ASUS representative.
Please note that the information provided in this FAQ is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details and specifications, refer to the official ROG Ally product page or contact ASUS customer support.
Now for the technical questions:
- Q: Can it play XXXXXXX game?
- A: As above, the ROG Ally is capable of playing any Windows games that currently run on any desktop right now. Performance will be a key factor but most games that offer full gamepad support will have the best experience with the ROG Ally until Windows updates Win11 with a handheld interface and strips bloatware.
- Q: Does it have a touch pad?
- A: Allow me to preface first that the ROG Ally has a touch screen but it does not have the same touch pads like the one’s on the Steam Deck that allow mouse controls and other unique touch control options.
- Q: Does it have USB-C Display Output?
- A: You will need to purchase your own USB-C to DisplayPort/HDMI dongle to use a separate monitor. You can also use the ASUS ROG XG Mobile dock which we’ve reviewed with the ROG Flow X13 and the ROG Flow Z13 (RTX 3080 and RX 6850M XT)
- Q: Do you have exact battery life numbers?
- A: Can’t share now but take note that the ROG Ally has a 720p and 1080p quick switcher as well as a 60hz/120hz mode. Using 120hz could increase battery drain as well as 1080p so using them together would really drain the battery quicker especially on AAA games. 2D titles and emulators could see better battery life like Hades or emulators for the GameBoy Advance or most pre-3D era consoles.
- Q: When is it going to be available in my country?
- Please contact your local ASUS rep for more details. The ROG Ally is now officially launched in the US and Canada with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme version already up for preorders. Malaysia will receive it soon while the Philippines is scheduled for a June 2023 launch date.
Comment down if you have a question and I will try to get back to you with an answer.
