Introduction
Ah, the thrill of unboxing a new gadget! Especially when it’s the ROG ALLY, the latest sensation in the PC handheld market. Imagine a device that boasts an impressive screen and an ultra-quiet cooling system. Sounds like a dream, right? But, like all dreams, there’s always a twist. Despite its bells and whistles, the ROG ALLY isn’t without its quirks. That’s what makes it unique, and I’m here to spill the beans on this gaming marvel.
Acquisition Experience
Picture this: You’ve been eyeing this device for weeks, and then the shipment issues hit. Not once, but twice over two weeks! Talk about playing hard to get. But when you’re a gaming enthusiast, no mountain is too high. I even heard of someone who took a 1600-mile round-trip flight to collect it from an AMD employee. Now that’s dedication! And after all that effort, the burning question remains: Does the ROG ALLY live up to its reputation? Let’s find out.
First Impressions
You know you’re in for a treat when you hold the ROG ALLY. It’s not like any other handheld you’ve ever held. The unique texture feels premium, almost luxurious. And that textured print on the back? Not just for show – it gives you that extra grip for those intense gaming sessions. The design screams, “I’m top-notch!” the comfort level is through the roof. I’d give it a solid 9 out of 10. The layout might take a minute to get used to, but all good things come with a learning curve.
Controls
Let’s talk buttons. The middle ones? Spot on. Easy to distinguish and super user-friendly. The ABXY buttons have that chunky feel, kinda like the Steam Deck. And the circle d-pad? Oh boy, it’s like the Rolls Royce of D-pads. But not everything is sunshine and rainbows. The analog sticks are alright, but they’re no match for the Xbox or PlayStation controllers. And the shoulder buttons? Textured and comfy, but the R2 and L2 triggers could use more love. They feel a tad undersized for my taste.
Software Interface
Navigating ROG ALLY’s software is a breeze thanks to the two main buttons. The Armory crate is your go-to for adding and launching games. And for the tech-savvy among us, the configuration settings and lighting modes are where the magic happens. It’s got a Steam OS vibe and those LED lights? Pure aesthetic gold.
TDP Control and FPS Limits
Now, here’s where the ROG ALLY stands out from the crowd. It’s got its unique system for controlling performance. You’ve got three profile settings to play with silent, performance, and turbo. Each has its range of TDP levels, making it a cinch to adjust performance. But there’s a catch. ROG claims a bug with the FPS limiter in the first two profiles. And from what I’ve seen, adjusting TDP is where the real power-saving magic happens.
Bugs Encountered
No device is perfect, and the ROG ALLY is no exception. The command center had a few hiccups, and some games had quirks. Far Cry, I’m looking at you. And then there were those occasional crashes during intense gameplay. It’s all part of the journey, right?
Game Tests
Ready to geek out? Let’s talk about game performance. On the 9W Silent profile, games like Orcs Must Die 2, Oblivion, and Far Cry were smooth as butter. Crank it up to the 15W Performance profile, and games like Sekiro and Shadow of the Tomb Raider shine. And for the adrenaline junkies, the 25-53W Turbo profile is where it’s at. Witcher 3 at 720p low settings? Pure gaming bliss.
Performance and Testing of the Rog Ally
Ever tried connecting via USB and felt that annoying lag? Yep, the ROG ALLY has been there. But transferring the game to internal storage seems to do the trick. And when it comes to game performance, titles like FF15, Borderlands 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 are a treat. The thermal performance is the cherry on top. The device stays whisper-quiet, even when you’re pushing it to the limit.
Sound Quality and Battery Life
The sound quality? Music to my ears. Literally. The speakers are top-notch, drowning out even the fan at its loudest. And the battery? It’s on par with the Steam Deck. But, a little birdie told me that performance testing between the two is in the works. Stay tuned!
Docks & Accessories
If you’re a Steam Deck fan, you’re in luck. The ROG ALLY is compatible with most of its docks. But, a word of caution: watch out for that audio jack distortion with certain adapters. My advice? Go for the omnidoc from jsoc. It’s a game-changer.
Chip Discussion and Price Evaluation
The million-dollar question: Is the Z1E a custom chip? The jury’s still out on that one. But, for a price tag of $699, the ROG ALLY is a steal. It’s got the heart of a $1000 device, with a screen, controls, and thermal solution that are second to none. The only hiccup? The software could use a little TLC.
Key Takeaways
- ROG ALLY’s Appeal: The ROG ALLY handheld PC is a fresh entrant in the gaming market, boasting a stellar screen and a whisper-quiet cooling system. It’s a device that promises a lot, even if it has a few quirks to iron out.
- Acquisition Adventures: Some dedicated fans have gone to great lengths to get their hands on this device, showcasing its allure and the anticipation surrounding its release.
- Design and Comfort: The device’s design is not just about aesthetics; it’s functional. The textured back provides grip, and the overall feel is premium. It scores high on comfort, making those extended gaming sessions a breeze.
- Controls and Software: While the controls have a mix of hits (like the circle d-pad) and misses (like the undersized R2 and L2 triggers), the software interface, reminiscent of Steam OS, is user-friendly and intuitive.
- Performance Insights: The ROG ALLY offers a unique TDP control system, allowing gamers to toggle between silent, performance, and turbo modes. However, there are some bugs to be aware of, especially concerning the FPS limiter.
- Gaming Galore: From Orcs Must Die 2 to Witcher 3, the device handles a range of games with varying performance profiles. It’s versatile and caters to different gaming preferences.
- Sound and Battery: The sound quality is a standout feature, with speakers that can drown out even the loudest fan noise. The battery, comparable to the Steam Deck, holds its own but might benefit from further testing.
- Price Point: At $699, the ROG ALLY offers bang for your buck. It’s a device that feels and performs like it should be priced way higher, making it a valuable addition to any gamer’s arsenal.
Final Thoughts
After all, the ROG ALLY is a force to be reckoned with. It’s got its quirks, sure. But it’s also got a whole lot of heart. And if they ever release a black version? Count me in for round two. Until then, game on!
FAQs about the ROG ALLY Handheld PC
Q: What is the ROG ALLY?
A: The ROG ALLY is a new entrant in the PC handheld market. It’s designed to offer a unique gaming experience with features like an impressive screen and an ultra-quiet cooling system.
Q: I’ve heard about shipment issues. Is that true?
A: Yes, some users have reported shipment issues. In some cases, the device failed to deliver twice over two weeks. However, it’s essential to note that these issues might not be widespread and could be isolated incidents.
Q: How does the device feel in your hand?
A: The ROG ALLY boasts a unique texture, giving it a distinct feel compared to other handhelds. The textured print on its back offers extra grip, and many users have praised its premium design and high comfort level.
Q: Are the controls user-friendly?
A: The controls have received mixed feedback. While the middle, ABXY, and circle d-pad have been praised for their design and functionality, some users found the analog sticks not up to par with Xbox or PlayStation controllers. The R2 and L2 triggers also felt a bit undersized for some.
Q: How does the software compare to other handhelds?
A: The software feels somewhat similar to Steam OS. It’s controlled mainly by two buttons: the Armory crate, which lets users add and launch games, and another for configuration settings and lighting modes. However, some users have reported bugs, especially in mouse mode and with specific games.
Q: What’s the deal with the TDP control?
A: The ROG ALLY uses a unique system for controlling performance. It offers three profile settings: silent, performance, and turbo. Each profile operates across a range of TDP levels, simplifying performance adjustments.
Q: How does the device perform in terms of sound quality?
A: One of the standout features of the ROG ALLY is its exceptional speaker quality. The speakers can overpower the fan noise even at low volumes, creating an immersive gaming experience.
Q: Is the battery life decent?
A: The ROG ALLY has a battery size comparable to the Steam Deck. While detailed performance testing between the two devices is still pending, it’s advisable to invest in a portable charger to get the best experience.
Q: Can I use my Steam Deck accessories with the ROG ALLY?
A: Yes! The ROG ALLY is compatible with most docks available for the Steam Deck. So if you have those accessories lying around, you can easily use them with this device.
Q: Is the Z1E a custom chip?
A: This has been a topic of debate. Based on tests and user feedback, the Z1E appears to function similarly to other 7840u handhelds, suggesting it might not be a custom chip.
Q: Is the device worth its price?
A: Priced at $699 in the US, many users believe the ROG ALLY offers value for money. With its excellent screen, controls, thermal solution, and speakers, it’s seen as a device that provides a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Q: Are there any concerns about the device?
A: While the device checks many boxes, there are concerns about the software, which needs improvement before its retail release. Some users have also reported bugs and control issues.