Asus ROG Ally - Long-term Review

[@revanisalive]

had to subscribe because of the attention to detail. keep reviewing more tech please

[@MaxDendy]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@jaynosowsky9708]

Except he holds it wrong!! You can't hold it like a steam deck!! You place your hands right , it's the most comfortable gaming handheld...

[@Harvey2Tall]

Listen man. You can get an rog Ally right now for like $350 at Best Buy. I would recommend that over anything even with its flaws. It's still better than spending $800 on an rog x when we all know the Ally 2 is coming next year

[@MaxDendy]

For that price, agree. I like my Ally. I’m ready to take that risk and deal with the SD card reader, but not everybody. How can you recommend a faulty product to someone? Like hey man that’s now cheap, some parts will broke and it will be hard to return, but buy it, that’s a good device.

[@Harvey2Tall]

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend either of them unless you know what you're getting into and understand PC gaming. If we have that consensus and agreement then I would say buy the cheaper alternative and wait for the newest product next year. Buying the rog Ally X would be like buying the PS5 pro on its last year of life. It's completely pointless unless you have the money to spend. If that's the case then go for it. But let's be real here. We're all a bunch of gamers that probably are on a budget and I think alternatively going for the cheap route to grab a decent product and roll the dice on if it's going to be working completely. And I'm just talking about the SD card here. Then save your money and have the same experience.

[@Harvey2Tall]

And by the way, I bought the rog Ally a couple months ago for under 500 bucks brand new and have had nothing but a great experience with it and no mechanical issues. But I can't emphasize enough. Do your research and know what you're getting into before buying this product. The Lenovo legion Go is an amazing device. I've had it but returned it due to the poor driver optimization for games. So to me there is no perfect alternative. Personally, I believe that if you are truly looking for the best experience, you should be buying a steam deck and this is coming from somebody who doesn't own one anymore.

[@SADBOY-xu8ib]

This is Rog ally on shitty (non-extreme version) of APU.Which will be worse than steam deck in everything

[@SexManNordin]

People should stop calling these handheld PC's consoles. They're handheld PC's. They run PC hardware and PC software. They're also completely open and allow you to do whatever you want with them. While it emulates a console experience it is still very different in that it gives you total freedom.

[@immersionsensei]

Can you install chrome and chrome add-ons ?

[@DarthSkywalker14]

@@immersionsenseiyes

[@mza2001]

@@immersionsenseiyes it’s a full force windows software, not built/limited like iPad OS

[@Lameless]

​@@immersionsenseinahhhhhhh

[@jonathansoko1085]

Wrong. The switch, Xbox one x and PS5 are all literally running PC COMPONENTS AND PC HARDWARE. ALL of them are PC's in every way, with a custom OS. This is a fact. Stop trying to compel other peoples speech.

[@MiTreasureHunter]

MSI Claw sold at Costco FTW. 90 days to test/play with and can Return without any BS. It also beats both mentioned handhelds as of today with latest Updates.

[@DienerNoUta]

what a story mark

[@richardcalland5816]

I had a steam deck, bought a ally and a week later sold my deck, couldn’t be happier with the ally 💙👌

[@MaxDendy]

I’m glad you are having a great experience with that. What do you usually play on your Ally?

[@richardcalland5816]

Yeah every now and then at night when my kids are asleep 😂👍

[@Kittiepurrs]

Thanks for such an honest and informative video but it leaves me with a choice of 2 due to budget limitations; this or the onexplayer mini?

[@MaxDendy]

I’m sure Asus is more polished and more powerful. So, it’d get it instead of onexplayer

[@Kittiepurrs]

@@MaxDendy thanks. And after more research it is definitely the superior machine. Thanks again

[@MaxDendy]

@Kittiepurrs good luck with that! If you get it, I hope you’ll enjoy it to the fullest 😊

[@Kittiepurrs]

@@MaxDendy thanks. Update: I've just bought a refurbished one from Currys for £390 and it's the Z1 Extreme. I'm pleased as punch and can't wait to finally play some decent Steam games because my current tech is not good enough

[@markwilliams1516]

VRR is almost as important as battery life. Those stutters get to you after a while.

[@indigocoolvinyl00]

I plan to use this as a Desktop Windows 11 gaming-ish computer, and take it on the go/to the living room only sometimes or for short periods, taking the dock with to hotels or friends houses. i only want to emulate vintage games PS2/maybe xbox360 and back and some older pc games like beamng drive garrys mod Minecraft and roblox. I do not care about 120 fps or AAA games that much, all my modern games are on switch. Would you recommend this for my purposes? Would the non extreme version work for me (extreme seems overkill for my needs)? Do they ever go on sale for prime day or black Friday/cyber monday?

[@MaxDendy]

I do recommend it if the price is cheap and you don’t care about the as card reader. Pick the extreme version. It better to have the option to increase the performance just in case. Most of the time you can operate in lower power limit. They are currently on sale, since the new model comes out soon.

[@indigocoolvinyl00]

@@MaxDendy Thank you! I found that upgrading the SSD from 512 to 1TB is only 20-30 dollars more than using a 512GB card in tandem with the stock SSD. I think it's definitely worth it to not worry about the card.

[@goldfingerhardcore]

I love my ROG ally. It has a great display, performance and it runs absolutely all my games on Steam and xcloud. The only downside is the battery life.

[@jazaujla8666]

Plug it in dude or get a battery pack ; )

[@Hayden120]

Is the default sleep mode still broken on the latest software/firmware/BIOS? I heard it had improved a lot since launch. Do the fans only blast for a short period before it properly enters sleep? Hibernate appears to be a decent alternative, but it seems to take a bit longer to wake up than normal sleep would.

[@MaxDendy]

On me it’s completely random. Usually I have problem with fans blasting while connected to the external screen. While filming this video I changed it to hibernate and the finger print scanner stopped working. I’m using the PIN code now 🤷‍♂️

[@DamianCDuncan]

I just click power once and it chills 🙌

[@ruffuls4212]

​@@MaxDendy my finger print scanner just works when it wants to. After turning it on from being powered off the finger print doesn't work.

[@main_tak_becus6689]

Use hibernate. I pause my game then hibernate and when I go back it goes right back into the paused game (Plague Tale Innocence/ Epic game launcher, wifi off).

[@TheUAProdigy]

Those 1% lows mean that the VRR display isn't really a factor unless it has low framerate compensation. Does it? Is the deadpool game any good?

[@MaxDendy]

It depends and differs game to game. Low 1% are worse compared to Steam deck for some reason. Deadpool game is super fun

[@MicaelAzevedo]

It has low framerate compensation. You can also set up the VRR to go under 30hz / fps using CRU.

[@celinek2690]

I just got the Z1 variant just to play around and see. I am planning to use it for light gaming while watching TV with the XG Mobile (2021 variant).

[@mustangdemon87]

How do you like it so far? Debating picking one up just the regular z1 or should I wait till I can afford the z1 extreme? Lite gamer dad here

[@celinek2690]

@@mustangdemon87 If it were just for the system alone, the Z1 Extreme would definitely be the better purchase for the increased cores. The performance is better than the Z1 standard, but it depends on what games you plan to play.

[@mustangdemon87]

@celinek2690 thanks just got the regular Z1 from best buy price matched sams club sale price. 375 out the door. They wanted 680 for the z1 extreme. Not worth the extra 300 for me.

[@celinek2690]

@@mustangdemon87 I understand. Sometimes the Z1 Extreme are on sale for 100 off, but totally understand.

[@Gaming_Pokimon]

The Z1 handle red dead redemption 2 at 60fps 720p high settings

[@WaqasKhan-zj5de]

I love my ally sold my steam deck. Steam deck is only good for old games. Really struggles to get even 30fps in many games. Been using ally for over a year now I’m lucky or whatever but haven’t got any problems with it. Quick resume works never had a crash. I love playing ps3 gashed on it which steam deck can’t. Not saying steam deck is bad but steam is means no call of duty and FIFA.

[@donjames5761]

i bought the ROG aly at my local sams club for $380 after 3 months of playing on it. i really like it. but i love my steam deck. i have big hands and the deck is better for big hands and i like the controls better and steam os just feels more optimize for a handheld than windows but im happy that i have my ally i can run photoshop on it an having acess to work applications in a pinch when i dont have my laptop is really nice

[@borky1987]

I'm getting pretty dissapointed with mine... it has become a buggy mess... games crashing constantly, sometimes it freezes completely (can't even close games in task manager), stops charging randomly, can't restart it (gets stuck on "waiting for SENS"), Takes forever to boot-up... and so on... most frustrating device I ever owned 😒

[@WayneoOnTheTrack]

Gotta reset it

[@ruffuls4212]

Love this in depth review really good! One thing i don't understand when you said the rog ally is faster than the steam deck but then you said its better to get the he steam deck since they have the same performance?

[@MaxDendy]

Can you point out the exact time code? Yes, Rog Ally is faster. And if I recommend the Steam deck over Ally it is not because they perform the same, but because of the other reasons.

[@ruffuls4212]

​@@MaxDendyat 1:13 you said the rog ally performs better in frames than the steam deck but then at 6:20 you said that the z1 chip is slower than the steam deck. My guess is that you tested rog ally z1 extreme at 1:13?. Was just a little confused since I want to buy the rog ally z1 since it's on sale.

[@MaxDendy]

@ruffuls4212 I don’t recommend z1 Rog Ally. Better z1 Extreme since it’s also on sale.

[@MaxDendy]

@ruffuls4212 z1 extreme performs better than Steam deck, but not z1

[@ruffuls4212]

@@MaxDendy ahhh gotcha. Thanks for clearing that up. I'll look into rog z1 extreme

[@justinw7323]

I hope to get one this year.

[@Bowinger]

Is the sleep mode working? Ive heard about heating problems in the travel bag because the sleep mode wasnt active 🤷

[@sidsubba1414]

Oh my god..Thank you so much for your video. That is how the ASUS .. ROG ALLY is!! White one z1Extreme Emulation is harder!!

[@mcpro30]

Pls make a comparison with switch pro controller,PS5 controller, and Xbox controller

[@plantgang216]

Personally I love the Asus Rog despite the issues with Asus warranty and SD card slot. I bought mines back in September and rarely had issues with the software.

[@MaxDendy]

Yeah except for those two problems I’m also having a blast

[@egoist_chan]

have you tried BazziteOS on Ally? It’s a SteamOS clone that should work much better than Windows

[@MaxDendy]

Thank for asking! I got myself the new Rog Ally x and I’m currently testing bazzite. Video will be soon

[@uinspired7244]

Bro I’ve switched oled and I love to play handled mod but I’m confuse should I go for rog ally z1 extreme I’ll mostly play Fortnite Should you recommend which handled is best for me

[@tommasomorea2542]

How can you play God of War 3? I have download RCPS3 by emudeck, but It doesn’t worl well… Please Help

[@MarluxiaX2]

Google, you muppet.

[@weesamexpress6730]

I plan to use an ROG Ally for schoolwork

[@Jason-ob1fq]

Anyone know what game that is at 1:31 ?

[@waa6995]

It's infamous a ps3 game

[@Jason-ob1fq]

@@waa6995 Thanks! Had a suspicion it was Infamous.

[@waa6995]

@@Jason-ob1fq you're welcome

[@nolintitus1916]

Looks like infamous..

[@mrrelaxing6724]

Bro please do a video of Asus Eog Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go… im really struggling about what kind of handheld i should get, more screen or more battery life 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Also is the rog ally x better in Performance now then the legion go cause of the 24GB RAM?

[@MaxDendy]

I just want the ROG Ally X for myself personally. So, I’m waiting for them to start selling here in Asia.

[@Evilryu4005]

Which version of the rog Ally do you have z1 or z1 extreme

[@babie6097]

which one is more worth to get?

[@Evilryu4005]

@babie6097 I don't know that why I'm asking. I want to use the z1 for emulators being the more affordable one out the two but someone would just get a steam deck instead so I'm tore

[@jebril]

If you’re just doing emulators the Steam Deck is the better buy IMO, if you’re focused on more higher end games than the Ally may be the way to for you, I wouldn’t get the Ally personally unless I wanted to play games I couldn’t on the Steam Deck like Destiny or Call of Duty or something personally. The base Z1, IMO is kind of a pointless product because the SD just beats it in performance and is about the same price so the only reason you’d go for that again is if you just want Windows instead of SteamOS.

[@MaxDendy]

I’m using z1 extreme. Instead of getting z1 just get the Steam deck.

[@SplendidNinja]

Unless you can get it on sale, I'm looking to get a non extreme ally for 300-350 open box

[@begejekan1244]

have you considered dual booting windows and bazzite on the rog ally? especially if you are concerned with console like experience

[@MaxDendy]

I might try that, but I have a steam deck for that

[@fresco_dinero5155]

Rog ally is an easy 8.5/10 device

[@athishamiqbal7011]

Battery may suck, but overall the Z1 Extreme device packs a punch for what it is. It plays AAA games with ease, packed with AMD and Windows support and the look, feel and weight seems ideal to me (altho this maybe user specific). Its not a perfect device but overall its 9/10 for me. In terms of the SD card, i never had any issues with this personally. But if you do, there are plenty or Reddit posts that can fix the issue. I personally got my Rog for £330 (with a years warranty), so for the price its an excellent pickup.

[@MaxDendy]

I’m glad you are having a good experience. I mean for some people that’s a perfect console.

[@izajahmed8863]

Z1 extreme for 330 GBP? Where did you get in UK? I am planning to buy one

[@athishamiqbal7011]

@@izajahmed8863 it was on a CURRY refurb deal, VIA eBay. Soon as the offer came in, I jumped to the chance.

[@VENOM.9217]

Hey, how many years will Rog Ally support updates, do you think?

[@TheArchitect9593]

Not long cause the ally x comes out next month

[@MaxDendy]

It is basically the same devices inside. AMD are good with updating old GPUs so I think they will support ROG Ally for a few years after discontinuing

[@TheArchitect9593]

@@MaxDendy you getting the ally x?

[@MaxDendy]

@TheArchitect9593 I want

[@TheArchitect9593]

@@MaxDendy I’m thinking about getting one myself

[@simonkaptiug]

Am I dreaming or it's the second video in 10 days? Max, who the hell do you think you are? Keep it going🫵🤨

[@MaxDendy]

🥰

[@supa-hero7184]

I hear you loud and clear, ill get a steam deck

[@Kuhzander]

So do you need Wi-Fi to play games on the go or?

[@MaxDendy]

No, you don’t. However, there are some games that require you to be online.

[@contractualnews9488]

How are the sticks? Any drift

[@MaxDendy]

No problems on my unit

[@rudyplay94]

My Rog Ally actually broke, after the BIOS update it stopped turning on, only the Asus screen appears and then the black screen flashes twice and the BIOS doesn't open either, we've even tried to insert it back into the chip, without success, I believe something burned on the motherboard. CHALLENGE AND REWARD, whoever comes up with the solution to this problem, if I can't solve it, I bought the most expensive paperweight of my life.

[@tonyamocha5365]

i have the cheapest one and i have no issues... i also have 1tb sd card inside

[@rouz.cryptobulls]

One word : VRR ❤️

[@GameplayTubeYT]

The Last of us Set up tutorials on ROG ALLY next vid

[@jaynosowsky9708]

If your holding it wrong like this guy is...its not as comfortable.. you hold it right ...its super comfortable.. played it for 5 hours straight. No Fatigue at all.

[@hazzehummuz6688]

lol, how do you hold wrong... What a tarded comment

[@jaynosowsky9708]

@@hazzehummuz6688 you got to turn your palms inward..you don't hold it like a steam deck... even rog told us that, and that's the way they designed it...your just an idoit. Not everyone can be smart.

[@dalebroadley3528]

What tdp and fan furve do you use

[@MaxDendy]

Performance mode, auto fan mode

[@arthurmorgan1724]

My ally just arrived today

[@JustahBurnehr]

How is it?

[@arthurmorgan1724]

@@JustahBurnehr it's working quite good till now. And after updates it got better . The only problem is windows . Windows is not good at all . And battery life is quite bad . I have played farcry 4 , ac origins , metro exodus ,max Payne 3 and elden ring on this device . I haven't put any sd card in it as of right now .

[@JustahBurnehr]

@@arthurmorgan1724 Gotchaa. Thanks ya! Rip Arthur Morgan 😞

[@codeman90000000]

I love mine

[@DamianCDuncan]

After using the Rog on Fortnite, the controls might be harder to use, but it’s hard to go back to PS5😂😂

[@DeterminedTorres]

Agreed! Playing Fortnite is a little challenge since I always play with KB+M but well? It was still fun anyways, because you have the convenience of not having to get up to turn on your PC or PS5 and remote connect on the Deck and pray it doesn’t disconnect.

[@jonathont5570]

hope there is no RMAs ... Asus is garbage for how it treats its customers.

[@Neo-9]

Nice keyboard, can you send me a link?

[@MaxDendy]

amzn.to/3VqdkPW

[@zhaniya_meruki]

🤯🤯🤯another one???

[@MaxDendy]

🕺🕺🕺

[@Diamond5854Kevin]

I don't care if it's bad or not

[@firmanawd]

what game at 2:53 ??

[@MaxDendy]

Risk of Rain 2

[@firmanawd]

@@MaxDendy thanks!

[@NateetaN0707]

I went into buy one yesterday and was really disappointed. I’ve had a switch oled for a little over a year but don’t like that there’s no forza/grand Trismo games or good shooters. Anyway I couldn’t believe how much I disliked it. Floor model froze trying to open forza 4 three times before it finally worked, but by then I’d navigated the machine 3 times and found I hated using windows on a device that size. I just sort of stood there for a few minutes in disbelief that I’d come in to buy this thing, had the money, but realised I didn’t like it. I was stunned

[@MaxDendy]

It requires a lot of time investment to figure out how it works. I also had problems with Forza and spend half a day to figure it out. After Nintendo it seems crazy to use windows handhelds

[@NateetaN0707]

@@MaxDendy Yeah I get that it’s not going to be as smooth, and I’ve had high end gaming pcs in the past, but I guess I figured it was going to be somewhat defined if I was going to be charged that sort of money? I checked out the legion as well and the same thing, unintuitive to the point where you wonder why you’re even considered dropping $1800 (nz) on such a device

[@NateetaN0707]

The other thing that became clear is that these are such early iterations of hand held pcs that in a few years they won’t be worth anything, so it’s a relatively last investment that will quickly age out to the point of being completely redundant

[@MaxDendy]

@NateetaN0707 oh yeah Legion Go is even worse in terms of the software. Steam Deck is more polished and costs less. Have you considered it? It can run forza

[@NateetaN0707]

@@MaxDendy Nah it’s a bit underpowered for me. I play a bit of Ark and the deck won’t run ASA, it’s also more expensive than the legion go in my country. Which sucks because everywhere else it’s cheap haha

[@Braapstar219]

Still steam deck. Better experience overall. I have ps5 for more demanding games and for cod.

[@premier69]

nah, the linux deck i good enough

[@Therealtoful]

lenovo la-ging-go????????

[@MaxDendy]

Exactly

[@cryengine_x]

destroys steam deck

[@MaxDendy]

I wish it didn’t have so many problems 😭 excited for the Ally x though

[@cryengine_x]

@@MaxDendy yeah ally x seems like the winner, all other have too short a battery life, or steam deck oled cant play destiny 2 etc. but, $800...

[@SADBOY-xu8ib]

steam deck is much better

[@wildanpubg8362]

Hell no bro wdym😂

[@Ghost88o9]

Your dreaming. Sold my deck the rog was a game changer

[@deadly134]

You on meth? Let me know how epic games or riot works on there or wait they don’t..

[@hongoid]

😴

[@_schlumps6350]

Ya no lol

[@ronan5894]

Battery sucks