Why the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Gaming PC Makes Sky-High Computer Prices Feel Pointless

Costs for PC parts are skyrocketing, and I’m sure you understand the frustration of attempting to construct a gaming system when graphics cards and RAM are so expensive. Watching the price continue to rise is enough to put you off even the most basic upgrades right now, but a device like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, priced at $499.99 (was $600), steps in and saves the day, as you simply open the box and you have a whole gaming system right in your hands.

This portable is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Indie games and old favorites run smoothly on the 7-inch screen, with consistent and snappy frame rates. Newer releases will still function properly on lowered settings, allowing you to enjoy playing games on the move or when you simply want to relax. For example, Forza Horizon 5 manages about 40 frames per second on medium detail, and Hollow Knight keeps the pace nice and fast with no drop off at all. Don’t worry if there are some titles that don’t run natively on the device, because cloud streaming comes to the rescue, allowing you to pull high-quality visuals straight from the cloud without putting a strain on the device.

Let’s start with the screen, which is immediately noticeable as something special. When throwing the items about quickly or in fast action, 1080p at 120 Hertz provides silky smooth motion. The colors appear natural, and the touch layer responds instantly as you tap through menus. It’s bright enough to watch in most rooms, even with daylight streaming in from a nearby window. It comes down to more than just the numbers, though, because the grips on this thing are curved like an Xbox controller, so it feels natural in your palm. Even if you play for an extended period of time, the textured surfaces remain in place. The buttons and triggers are in the proper locations, so you don’t get tired after an hour or two. At just over a pound and a half, you may easily throw it in a bag or slide it into your pocket and go.

The software is also fairly sleek, with a clean interface that has the Xbox things up front. Your game pass library is right there, as are all of the other games you have access to. There is a button on the controller that allows you to quickly access power modes and display modifications without having to go through all of the options. Throw in three months of Game Pass Premium for free, and you’ll get access to dozens of games without having to deal with downloads and the like.

Unlike those inflated lab tests, battery life lasts fairly well in everyday use. Demanding games will slog along for roughly two hours on a single charge, whilst more casual titles may coast along for six to seven hours with settings reduced to a manageable level. That offers you plenty of time to complete your daily commute or spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon on the couch. Furthermore, the sixty-five watt charger performs admirably, quickly replenishing juice anytime you connect it. The side ports also have you covered, taking a microSD card for a bit more storage and two USB-C connections so you can plug it into a bigger screen whenever you want.