ASUS ROG Ally – Still worth keeping?
The ROG Ally has been rocking the Philippine gaming scene for half a year now, and it’s still a favorite among many pinoy gamers who love to play on the go. Even with more competitors popping up, the ROG Ally stands out with its awesome mix of specs and perks that make it a great buddy for gaming fans.
ASUS’ Unwavering Commitment to Improvement
ASUS is always busy behind the scenes, making the ROG Ally experience even better. And you can see the results in the latest update that came out in November 2023. This update adds a bunch of cool stuff, like the ability to share your screenshots with your Discord buddies, better gyroscope controls for more accuracy, and a feedback hub where you can tell ASUS what you think and what you want. ASUS really cares about making your gaming experience awesome, and they keep working hard to do that.
November 30 Update Changelog:
ACSE 1.4.5 on 11/30 through Armoury Crate SE
- New feature: Added Gyroscope control and calibration settings. To use, adjust the gyroscope control in the Game Profile and set the Control Mode to Auto. (requires MCU v316 or newer)
- New feature: Added joystick “Response Curve” to stick adjustments in Game Profile & Control Mode (requires MCU v316 or newer)
- New feature: Added “Feedback Hub” to Help Center
- New feature: Added an option to toggle CPU Boost in the Eco Assist settings
- New feature: Added keyboard shortcut customization for opening ACSE and Command Center to the Settings page
- New feature: Added “AMD Advanced Graphics Options” in GPU Operating Mode Settings
- Enhancement: Can now share captured images and video to Discord and TikTok
- Enhancement: Added support for more Real-Time Monitor layouts with varying levels of information (Off, Minimal, Row, and Square)
- Enhancement: Updated the battery icon & slow charging tooltips in the Command Center and Navbar.
MCU 316 on 11/30 through Armoury Crate SE
- New feature: Added Gyroscope adjustment support for ACSE.
Immersive Audio that Elevates Your Gaming
You’ll be blown away by the amazing sound quality of the ROG Ally, the ultimate handheld gaming device. Whether you’re blasting enemies or exploring new worlds, you’ll feel like you’re right there, thanks to the speakers that produce rich, detailed, and powerful audio. The sound is perfectly balanced, capturing every aspect of the game’s sound design, from the big booms to the quiet clues. Plus, you can customize the microphone settings to suit your preferences, making sure you can chat with your friends clearly and easily.
A Thriving Ecosystem of Accessories
If you’re looking for a gaming device that can do more than just play games, you’ll love the ROG Ally. It’s not just a gadget, it’s a whole gaming world that you can customize and expand with awesome accessories. One of them is the JSAUX ModCase, which is specially made for the ROG Ally. It lets you protect your device and change its look and feel to suit your mood and style.
You can also carry your ROG Ally with ease and elegance with the Grams28 City Sling, a sleek and sturdy bag that keeps your device safe and secure. Whether you’re traveling or just chilling at home, the Grams28 City Sling lets you enjoy your ROG Ally without worrying about damaging it.
Portable Perfection: Striking the Right Balance
With the ROG Ally, you can enjoy gaming on the go without compromising on performance. This sleek and lightweight laptop fits easily into any bag or backpack, so you can take it with you anywhere. Whether you’re chilling at home, heading to the office, or exploring the world, the ROG Ally is always there to keep you entertained with its stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.
Great Value: Performance Meets Affordability
The ROG Ally delivers exceptional value for money, especially when considering its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. Priced at 43,995, the ROG Ally undercuts its competitors, such as the Legion Go (49,995), while offering comparable performance. This competitive pricing makes the ROG Ally an attractive option for gamers seeking a powerful and affordable handheld gaming device.
Additional Tips for old and new ROG Ally Owners:
- To maximize your ROG Ally experience, consider upgrading the SSD to a larger capacity, such as 1TB or 2TB, to accommodate your growing game library.
- If you encounter any issues with the Micro SD card slot, consider using external storage options as a workaround.
- For those seeking the absolute best in price-to-performance ratio, the Steam Deck OLED, when available at its SRP, is a worthy contender. However, acquiring the Steam Deck OLED at its SRP may prove challenging due to limited availability and potential gray market pricing.
A Handheld Gaming Powerhouse that Endures
The ROG Ally remains a strong contender in the handheld gaming market, offering a unique blend of performance, portability, and value. ASUS’ dedication to continuous improvement, exceptional audio capabilities, thriving accessory ecosystem, and competitive pricing solidify the ROG Ally’s position as a formidable option for handheld gaming enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting your gaming journey, the ROG Ally is a versatile and powerful companion that will elevate your gaming experience to new heights.
Related: ASUS ROG Ally Review
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.