BEST Gaming Handheld of 2023! - ASUS ROG Ally Review

The ROG Ally is here and it's time to see how it stacks up in the handheld gaming world. Here's my full review of my time with it so far.
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[@wassup287]

Despite the steam deck being kinda mid, Valve deserves credit for kicking off the handheld PC movement and motivating competitors.

[@gregweaver7396]

Ayaneo started releasing their handleheld pc's in 2021

[@JorgeChavezX]

yes but they weren't competitively priced like modern pc handhelds@@gregweaver7396

[@Shytheweirdo]

Nvidia Shield portable would like a word

[@fustercluck2460]

The very fact that I have to order a steam deck online but I can go to Best buy and buy an ROG ally he's a win for the ally in my opinion. As a long-haul trucker in avid outdoorsman with no fixed address ordering a steam deck is nearly impossible and getting it replaced or repaired is a no

[@matthewward3623]

The steam deck has less than 2tf. That's less than the ps4 on release day 10 years ago😮

[@BurningMoreXP]

We’re in a generation where a small handheld device is more powerful than my laptop that I used to code on during college days.. time flies so fast.

[@MuhammadAzeez-lo1io]

coding usually isn't intensive

[@thewalkinglitch]

Kinda the nature of tech

[@TheInfernapeKingTV]

That is exactly why I bought this, instead of a laptop or steamdeck.

[@gamesmaster90]

They’re hardly small lmao. It’s quite laughable as my old Atari Lynx was smaller! way to big for a so called portable device!

[@snowflaker3608]

I will say- I am super glad that vavle released the steam deck. It reignited the handheld pc market and I am all here for it. Not everyone has a good way to play at home, so stuff like this is amazing to me

[@italiangamerjoe7501]

Thank you so much for this review. I've watched many reviews on this device and everyone complains about Windows 11 without even going into why. I love that your review literally touches upon how Windows 11 makes it compatible with not just Steam, Xbox Game Pass, etc but also any PC software as well. Thanks again! Subscribed :D

[@mikaelkarlsson6730]

I have no idea how I missed your channel. But the good thing is I have a decent back catalogue to watch 😊 Keep up the great work!

[@sebastianhernandez2251]

Great video with a lot of my questions answered. Awesome charizard skateboard btw!

[@treatforme]

Your reviews are really cleeeean 👌🏻 keep up the content creation my guy!

[@ChristopherToro]

I can’t stop playing games on this thing, already have double the amount of games than I had on my Steam deck. Ally gang LETS GO!

[@mocha-444_]

has it held up since you’ve gotten it ?

[@dijahmedi4882]

would you recommend this or the steam deck for a first time pc gamer?

[@ghosthunter7258]

​@@dijahmedi4882 great question I agree with you and am wondering that to

[@mcwaller123]

Love the Ally and it’s been flawless since day 1 (bought it when it released in mid-June)

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Got windows 10 on the steam deck, works decent with some software tricks but the rog ally looks like it would be a nice upgrade down the line

[@loganbfabbro1524]

Just bought one! Seems better than my old pc and I want to get back into games so it seems perfect!

[@RGMo1z]

Mines great, with updates it gets better and am sure over time it will. Not ran into any issues but I don't play any competitive games on this, which is probably why it doesn't over heat. Most mine gets up to is 70c.

[@smokeyarcade]

I just got my Ally the other day, and I love it.

[@haseebkahn4811]

Grate review! It's unbelievable how they fit this stuff in a device this small

[@lewisdurrant7580]

I dealt with the same problem as well. You have to hold the button for a while, then it will turn off, and there will be no more light. Also, great review

[@deonicagary5167]

Definitely been waiting in your review before I consider buying this. Definitely would want to see an accessory video for this so I can make an informed decision

[@Darkstar301]

Lol ok

[@rahulshah4244]

I've started to like it and will definitely buy it in coming days

[@michaelhall8586]

Thanks, this is really helpful

[@Paulie8K]

Nice review. I absolutely love mine! Had it for over a month now. I'm using it as a backlog machine. For example, I have the Tomb Raider Trilogy that I got from Epic Games for free and I completed the first two games on it flawlessly. To put it into perspective, I'm a pc gaming enthusiast and have a desktop with RTX 3080 and a laptop with 3080 as well (my gf is also a gamer, so we do co-op) and I've been playing the ROG Ally about 80% of the time since having it. The battery life is trash, but I also go full tilt and play on Turbo mode and have multiple high watt chargers at my house so it's a non-issue. I'm excited to see how the gaming handheld market develops in the coming years as like you, I'm a handheld gamer at heart as the Game Boy Color was my first console way back in the day.

[@nani.df.]

Respect and honesty having a handheld device even of u have a beast of a pc or laptop u still gonna migrate to the handheld it's a different feeling being able to play anywhere and any position to really get comfortable ik ready to see if asus sticks with this and improve and fix the issues and keep support for it bc I can see valve will with the deck and as long as we get companies that actually cares and nit crash grabs the market in a few years even a year will have different options like yes there's other companies but they not gonna be successful bc of the amount of handheld they push out and don't focus ad work on the ones the have yk what companies I'm talking abt lol but only time can tell

[@harrenkumaran4556]

Rich guy

[@Paulie8K]

@@harrenkumaran4556 haha far from rich but I do well. Most of my tech purchases are made staggered over time but they add up over say 3-4 years. Not like I bought everything at once.

[@Kyzar90]

​@@harrenkumaran4556 3080 is rich??

[@mlos850]

Great Video!! I agree with everything u said 100%

[@Self_Elavation]

I missed this vid I commented recent about you not doing handhelds 😅 good stuff!

[@DJ10ROCS]

Cracking content dude

[@EdwardMitchell2917]

I appreciate your honest review. I've had mine for a while now and prefer it over my rtx3070 laptop, love this thing

[@Calebvelasquez117]

Could you elaborate for me I’m trynna pick between this and or a gaming PC from Facebook marketplace, I don’t wanna give up consoles but wanna emulate/ and use mods for games I already love

[@X862go]

same my desktop is getting dusty lol!

[@EdwardMitchell2917]

@@Calebvelasquez117 all I can tell you is this thing emulates almost everything at full speed. Switch, Xbox 360, and PS3. It won't disappoint. Most pc games I've been able to run at medium to max settings. Elden Ring is a mix of max and high settings at 1080 and I get right around 40 fps. Resident evil 4 remake I play on higher settings and get around 30-40 fps with FSR ultra quality

[@Calebvelasquez117]

@@EdwardMitchell2917 bro I’m literally on my ally I just got at 7:00 today for $500 from a guy my mom knows lol

[@Calebvelasquez117]

@@EdwardMitchell2917 never had my own PC to learn how to emulate! Excited dude I wanna play windwaker and also def jam fight for ny

[@bsexboy]

This is the only video ive seen somebody actually liked it over the steam deck

[@tref959]

dope review

[@Glocktopus03]

Been loving mine since day one! Using it for my single player backlogs and lots of retro emulation

[@familyfriendlycontent.jayp1944]

That’s dope man I wanted to pick one up so I could play the modded versions of Pokémon bdsp Pokémon luminescent

[@PBGaming843]

I just seen one in best buy it looked dope. and I had to come watch your video to see if it was worth it.

[@niqgal3356]

I love my Steam Deck but would definitely appreciate something more powerful. However, I don't want another Windows device. Not that it matters in the grand scheme of things but I am curious as to why the bezels on the Ally are uneven -- they are thicker on the top and bottom compared to the sides.

[@dcjrsrt10]

love the rog since day one, it has made me a pc gamer. ive been console my entire life. I dock it and use it as my main pc.

[@NTEDOG561]

Hell yea I’m a PlayStation guy all my life but these things have me intrigued beyond no end. I need one now!

[@dcjrsrt10]

@Ganstapenguin it's awesome man for traveling nothing like it, expect Maybe the lenovo or the steam deck but not able to play cod on steam deck for me no thanks, but since I bought the ally I'm pc all the way! Bought a asus laptop g14 ryzen 9 4060 at the end of July 2023 and last month I purchased my first desktop lenovo legion i9 4080 liquid cooled! You can play any aaa game at max settling and it never goes above 64c temperature crazy.

[@NTEDOG561]

@@dcjrsrt10 I’m torn between this and the Lenovo the removable Controls is really convenient. It’s also daunting cause I would have to build my library from scratch. But Steam does also have sales all the time

[@NTEDOG561]

@@dcjrsrt10 and congrats on your First Desktop!

[@magsk1gaming71]

I got one yesterday, couldn't get a thing to work on it. Quick factory settings install and decided to give it another go and bam, everything now works great. I'm not going to tinker with it to much but it's a decent bit of kit

[@keithhaywardprime]

Like I keep asking all my favorite handheld creators: Which one makes the best all in one Switch? What's the one that's the most fun, easy to set up, looks good and works best from one's TV >and< works well just to pick up take on the go for more gaming? And what are the best accessories to make it happen? Bonus Question: How much is it worth it just to spend the same price or less to get as powerful or more powerful than these by going with just a laptop or mini-PC? I have fallen in love with the freedom of PC gaming, but I'm still from console roots. What's the coolest way to get the PC Console gamer experience?

[@keithhaywardprime]

Something I want to know regarding these handhelds is... which makes for the best Switch experience? When it comes down to all the accessories you need, what best accessories to go with and when it comes to bringing PC Gaming to your living room television.... which is the better Console to Handheld Experience? Steam Deck or The ROG Ally? I use a laptop currently. I have to open it, hit the power button.. close it... I'd like to have my Steam Games and maybe other PC games on my TV through one of these devices.... what's the best configuration for coach gaming using a handheld console?

[@LuntrellRutherford-pq4zn]

Awesome video

[@asuchemist3371]

New Sub. Funny how one finds new channels.

[@eliseoconal9392]

Thanks for this review. Has convinced me to save up for this device. i've always had a console and then ended up getting the Switch in 2023. As a disabled person who spends a lot of time in hospital, not always able to see a screen further away from me etc. I love my switch because its portable but very limited with the kinds of games I prefer to play. Interested to make this purchase when i can afford it. Also anyone able to give me more info on memberships etc for games? Has been a while and i'm used to Nintendo these days.

[@Mzz_401]

Yoo lil mans walking now. I totally forgot you even had a kid g. Imma pick up an ally sometime soon depending when I go back to work

[@JoseOnTheAir]

Love mine! Got it open box a couple days ago and I'm really enjoying it! Mostly a fighting game player on my controllers. On Silent mode, Killer Instinct at 768p high textures and shadows passes the in game benchmark, Fall Guys at 720p low is getting 75+ fps on Silent. On performance, 1080p low 100 fps, Turbo 1080p high is about 90 fps! Plays Tekken 7 and Street Fighter 6 well too (although the open world will dip into 40s and 50s). Looking forward to seeing if older Call of Duty gets patched for security and would love trying OG MW2 or Black Ops III. Emulation is going to be the best kind of ridiculous on this too!

[@nani.df.]

You have good taste In games

[@rla9889]

I might try and grab an open-box tomorrow.

[@TheOnlyEpsilonAlpha]

Thanks for that comment! That's the thing: If you have, a little bit more demanding games (not the highend needy stuff like cyberpunk) it drops below 60, that's a no go for me. Especially in games like Tekken and SF where you want that FPS. I wanna know, did that drop also happens when you hooked it up to power and the egpu or just in the handheld mode?

[@Hazemann]

Thank for destroying Steam Deck in specs wise and in sales wise ❤ Best PC gaming handheld ever ! (Best gaming handheld ever still Nintendo Switch, sorry ❤)

[@jponz85]

Wait, so as of right now you CANT play cod on this device?

[@GenGamesUniverse]

With the button sticking, it might and idea to take it apart (yea i know, it says DO NOT TAKE APART!) and see if the issue is the button itself and if so, you might be able to just replace the button/buttons. Idk if Asus would allow you do that tho.

[@DarkMoon1991]

I am using the ROG Ally and it's successors by Asus for my console choice going forward and leaving home consoles behind me and committing to handheld going forward.

[@LadyLucky8]

Saw this at Best Buy I was IMPRESSED to say the least

[@Your_weekly_clips]

I love this more than my PC

[@BrokenDread]

So get this instead of upgrading my GPU and motherboard. Got it 👍 Birthday is on its way. I will be wishlisting this big time.

[@Wilsonwillfixit]

I just bought one thanks bro

[@JhustineProvido]

i LOVE MY ROG Ally. bought it on Day 1. upgraded to the 2TB SSD from aliexpress and never looked back.

[@mistervo8185]

I love my rog ally ever since I installed gen4 4tb nvme 2280 SSD from Amazon.

[@ffedor77]

​@@mistervo8185how.did you install it? any video or instruction?

[@at830]

Love my ally!

[@fredrickhutchison2050]

Still waiting on mine to get delivered, hopefully NLT Friday

[@JCEEJUNIOR]

I'd be interested to see a follow up video in a month or so to see if your thoughts have changed. I'm interested in the Ally simply out of curiosity but want to see how it does long term. I also have a Steam Deck and don't see a use case to get an ally for the games I play (games that don't require anti-cheat) other than a better screen and performance. From my experience Emulation as a whole with Emu-deck is easier on Steam Deck than Windows though. Definitely would be interested in picking one up to tinker with someday.

[@nani.df.]

What games do you play? Bc as someone who loves both I'll say this if you play less demanding games or emulation and don't play more demanding games then the deck is better and no point in Ally but if you use other launchers and want more diversity and okay more games and alot of triple a games then the rog ally is for you its all personal preference but if you could I would say get the rog ally try it out obv the set up is gonna be annoying the first time so connect kbm it's easier and try it out see how u like it if u dint then just return it and get ur money back

[@JCEEJUNIOR]

@@nani.df. Most everything I play you can play on the Steam Deck. I only play a couple gacha games that I would ideally want to play on Ally over Steam Deck. If and when I did get the Ally it would simply be for a prettier screen and a performance boost in triple A games that I casually play to be honest and would probably have to be heavily discounted. Currently playing Spiderman Remastered and Scarlet Nexus amongst.

[@tmtv2234]

Thanks for the review! It’s been months now and how do you feel about this product? My co worker is selling his and he don’t have time to use it and I’m interested on it after watching your review. A handheld computer powerful enough to play pc games. As right now I’m playing playing Fortnite and the new avatar pandora box game. Do you think the ROG ALLY would handle it? Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Ultimatedemon82]

I’m getting a full gaming setup for Christmas and this is what I’m getting instead of a gaming pc and I’m just ganna hook up a monitor keyboard and mice

[@outofpocketmilk]

Its a great device plays everything i want and i haven't changed any settings

[@markcreighton8169]

Just got mine today . Work is keeping me from using it until tomorrow. However this review pushed me to wanting this over the S.Deck

[@Kaiilayn]

How is it with you? Could you kindly tell me all about your experience and games?

[@UnforsakenKing22]

I would love to see some different accessories for the Ally

[@nyjay]

Honeymoon phase is over w this thing for me. Ready to sell it whenever a better option comes. Barely 2 months having it, and issues keep popping up. Asus QC and communications are poor as well.

[@johnnmartinz7554]

Hey great video! Just wondering what game were you playing at 4:29 looks cool. Definitely getting an Asus Rog Ally!

[@r_ash_uno7508]

I believe it's Scarlet Nexus. But I could be wrong.

[@darkhandz]

Yes accessory video plz!

[@billy20069]

Love my Ally. Also, you always have the coolest shirts.

[@Sir.Vinchenzo]

Great review. I have steam and ROG. I’m using the Ally a lot more. Smaller easier to play on. The official carrying case is a must. I play Diablo baldurs gate and remnant 2 on low to medium settings. Good times when I’m away from my desktop. Highly recommend it.

[@MegaToohey]

How are you finding Baldurs gate controls without the trackpads?

[@Sir.Vinchenzo]

@@MegaToohey it’s not ideal. I actually much rather play with mouse and keyboard when I’m home. I tried again to get into it but it’s difficult.

[@ModerationLabs]

3:36 good thing I have plenty of other controllers I can hook up to that

[@valeriewalker1592]

I'm doing all kinds of homework on getting a handheld gaming system. I was first looking into Switch and Playstation Portal but so far this one is winning me over. Also learned you can play Playstation games on it??

[@adny02]

Awesome video... I came in wanting info on the ROG Ally (wanting one for an overseas trip I'm planning), and I'm coming out of this video NEEDING that Sonic The Hedgehog game controller holder!!! Where can I find one of those?!! @6:15

[@wandilemkhize9455]

There's this misconception that the Ally is the first windows handheld pc for gaming yet companies like GPD and Aya to name a few have been doing this for years. GPD has been releasing devices and quality devices at that since 2016. Its just that its one big company that's now into making handhelds.

[@14chaychay]

It’s not a misconception at all. This is the first handled that actually runs games really well. Everything before it was absolutely garbage

[@kencanvey]

@@14chaychay

[@armroj51]

well thats because who the fuck trust a Chinese company named gpd?

[@ChaoZz07]

@@14chaychay "Everything before it was absolutely garbage". Yet it fries sd cards like no tomorrow. Makes you think huh?

[@_BBAGG_]

@@ChaoZz07 Is it makes you feel and better, this was fixed with a Bios update.

[@joeschmoe5009]

The sticky buttons was found by linus, but asus said it was suppose to fixed for retail units. You probably got an early shipment 1 that had that issue too

[@ThroneRoomGaming]

So fun fact. I bought the Ally because i was already in the MS and Xbox ecosystem (Game Pass PC). I've mostly only played Steam games on it....🤯. I thought the back buttons were cool until I started trying not to hit them while playing. Now i mostly feel like they're in the way.

[@PetrucciIbiza]

Looks pretty good. I do miss oled screen

[@Hazemann]

Top PC handheld for me right now is ROG ALLY ❤❤❤

[@henrythepooh]

This is actually super juiced and not limited wttf

[@oz85]

About button issue and sleep mode I think you have a faulty unit. I also change mine with a new one via Asus support

[@skandyblaze220]

Yes, please do a dedicated video on Accessories... There are a lot from JSAUX and other brands...please help me review them so that I can make the right decision... TIA and cheers!!

[@Liessshy]

Mine was a dud. Overheated constantly & got so hot it put a burn on my finger, had the worst screen tear in every game that was installed on it (with vsync on and set correctly), wouldn't boot up multiple times, controllers/on deck buttons not working in games, the list goes on. Really sad I got a dud. Got a refund though and I think I'll wait for another generation of one before I buy it again 🙃

[@davevayn]

love your videos, cool AF. kinda debating between this and a PS5. mainly playing MMOs like tower of fantasy maybe some mobas like paragon overprime, what do you think? some come out on PS5 but I'm worried more is out on PC or more people play on PC so maybe get this one.

[@Jaimz1212]

Is it’s between this and a PS5 for those games, it seems like you don’t care about the portability so just get a gaming PC

[@davevayn]

yeah just did that haha with a RTX4060 ti coming tomorrow yay@@Jaimz1212

[@BrianSB]

What do you do if the joystick or one of the gaming buttons stops working? That’s my main concern.

[@WhispersM]

YES please to the ACCESSORIES video you can use with the ROG Ally 😇

[@bitinghairy8237]

Can you connect it to a tv and connect a wireless controller and headset to it at once like you can on the Steam Deck?

[@itsdeonlol]

Very nice sir!

[@NewsanceInHD]

This and Game Pass is a no brainer

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Holy crap i barely noticed the Gundam shirt!! The penelope maybe

[@sithtech1794]

I would like to see an accessory video🙋🏽

[@grtnss]

the most legendary device created

[@bernardhny]

what happens to games you already own on your PC? Can these games be played on the Ally or do you have to buy another version?

[@RobertWilliams196352]

I just my 512Mbps Steamdeck for my 60th. Having issues loading Warframe. But still glad I got it. I'm looking forward to maybe Starfield and the newer Call of Duty coming out in November. 😉 😜

[@TheAusherGuy]

This or the Lenovo legion go? Get the rog alley or wait for the Lenovo legion go? Any reason to wait for the legion go?

[@hazysoulrebel2801]

I like the ally, but I'm still more partial to the gpd win 4

[@anfield1521]

Hey judner, any recommendations for a good portable charger for the ally rog?

[@RedBullAddict-_-]

Has the SD card frying been resolved?

[@Woktek71288]

Sold me, buying one this week

[@skbnzo]

same bro

[@petersziraki7672]

The only problem with this device is Windows 11. Windows is just not ready for handheld usage :( . I have many issues with the input.

[@PETRAKIS69ER]

In Australia the Steam deck isn't even officially supported. The Rog ally is so I dare say it will move well down under. This paired with the xg mobile 4090 is a nice combo although I'll be waiting until after Christmas to try and grab one of those. I couldn't afford the 4090 xg mobile but that will be my future portable pc set up.

[@luffygamering]

as a fellow aussie i have to agree, i wanted the steam deck till i realised it wasnt available in aus. i decided to start saving for the ally. its also 1300 bucks

[@Nhmusicoffish]

As someone from the US, it’s also hard to get the Xg mobile, but the good thing is that the Xg mobile really turns your already somewhat future proofed gaming handheld even more future proof. Look at the gtx 1660 ti. That’s still playing modern AAA games at medium/high settings. That’s a 10 year old card. Compared to a laptop 3080 that’s around 2500 from what I’ve seen, 700 + 1099 is insane. That’s for the rog and the Xg mobile that’s the 3080. The 3080 will be good for another 10-15 years.

[@DaPopeOfDope101]

It has a fingerprint scanner?? I didn’t know that, thanks UAC!

[@leonrodriguez4853]

Can anyone tell me how much memory free will you have after all updates and everything ? I want to know how many games can you install from GamePass without the memory card, I'm really interested in buying, great video!

[@Darkstar301]

That’s a good question

[@piewackete]

Seriously considering buying one of these, been wanting a steam deck and was going to order it yesterday but I’m a very impatient person…there was no options for paying for next day shipping or anything just says 3-5 day shipping…if I’m paying 399-599 for a handheld I’m not waiting longer than 48 hours TOPS! Steam wants payment immediately and I understand that and I’m fine with it but I hate when I buy something online then 2 days later they send it out Soo technically it’s one day shipping even though they had it for 3 days…. But I can get a rog ally right now at Best Buy so I might be making a pickup this afternoon

[@lorddiabout]

I love it playing baldr gate 3 between 70 80fps 720p low settings it looks super smooth and I'm also playing persona 5 120fps

[@jp4361]

It would be super great if a physical switch was made for those consoles, a bit like oneplus phones, from which you can directly click to go to sleep mode or close the console. I hate those buttons that you have to hold down for several seconds for anything to happen.

[@thugginndshit]

I love my rog ally. I normally play the switch but since I've bought this i haven't put it down. I haven't had any real issues so its been worth it for me.

[@Tegui4]

What do you play on it?

[@thugginndshit]

@@Tegui4 shit I was playing street fighter 6, then Cyber punk again and now ratchet and clank. All of them play good but I'm really loving cyber punk and ratchet and clank. It's just way better hand held to me cus I don't have to sit at the couch.

[@Hiiiiiiiiiiy]

I placed an order for pick up at my nearest Best Buy to pick it up today because they said they were available. I get a call saying that it’s not available. LOL like wtf?

[@alexdecoteau7002]

What charger was that? Can you recommend a good one? 11:57

[@jamelcofield8984]

Love your videos bro but you lost me when you said it's easier to install emulators on the ally vs the deck

[@KennMatteucci]

does it have saved game progress sharing with desktop?

[@ravexjunkie]

Im thinking about getting rid of my ps5 for the ally i don't have have a 120 hz tv so would the ally be a smart move

[@lamtsang3236]

I have a not had a hand held gaming since Gameboy Color. I had the Nintendo Switch but I traded it. I brought a steam deck when it first launched and I am loving it. I was wondering if anyone can confirm if the Rog Ally can play dragonball Z Kakarot, Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order, Need for Speed Payback or GTA V. Or what about Marvel Spiderman or Gears of War from cloud gaming? Do you still need change the proton like in the steam deck? Its probably not called a proton but called something else. I am thinking about purchasing the 1 tb one instead of adding another hard drive down the line.

[@krislandaaro5101]

Yes please!😁👍