ASUS ROG Ally Gaming Handheld

The Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld console is an amazing mobile device. Although it presents a short battery life, a lack of touchpads, and a difficult user interface, it excels in stunning visuals, great design and great gaming performance.  

Specs

Overview

The Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld is the upcoming competitor in the field of portable PC gaming. With its stunning 1080p screen, 120Hz refresh rate, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Zen 4 processor, and its fair price, this new handheld is sure to catch the attention of anybody searching for a genuine Steam Deck rival.

The Z1 Extreme-powered ROG Ally costs between US$800 and US$1000, which is more than the Valve’s Steam Deck gaming handheld. Yet it comes with a ton of technological upgrades compared to Valve’s practical gadget. For better or worse, it is also not constrained by Steam Deck’s operating system which is Linux-based, called SteamOS.

The ROG Ally could be what you’re seeking for if you’ve always wanted a Windows-based portable PC. It really pushes the envelope in terms of functionality, not overly priced, and plays almost all PC games, even Xbox Game Pass games natively on the go.

Design & other Features

When it comes to gaming on the move, the design strategy of the Asus ROG Ally continues to adhere to the majority of industry norms. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to managing your video games on a portable device with its central 7-inch screen and side-form controls, which are also found on the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Ayaneo 2, and other devices.

The face buttons on the Ally handheld have a typical ABXY configuration that is quick and responsive. This is in addition to ‘View’ and ‘Menu’ buttons that resemble those on the Xbox controller.

There are also dedicated buttons geared to launch ROG Armory Crate or a specification configuration menu where you can change performance modes, change the resolution from 1080p to 720p, cap the frame rate, or even change controller settings for the game you’re playing. I thought the circular cross layout of the D-pad to be more practical than individual buttons, but it also gave the otherwise premium-looking gadget a cheap aspect.

Although comparisons between the ROG Ally and Steam Deck are unavoidable, I don’t want to focus this entire review on them, but the Steam Deck’s pressure-sensitive touchpads are something that the Ally lacks.

Many gamers won’t find this to be a significant concern, but it’s still a noticeable missing that may limit your ability to pick the type of game you want to play when you’re on the road. Lacking touchpads here is unquestionably a check in the Steam Deck’s column because they make operating mouse-based games on the Deck much easier, especially when paired with the multitude of community control profiles available.

When you’re not playing games, the joysticks function as a mouse cursor. If you need a little bit more precision, they can support touch controls. Although it doesn’t feel great, this is still extremely good.

Overall, if you want to use it as a regular computer at any time, I advise connecting a wireless keyboard and mouse. You can instantly reach the Windows toolbar on this screen by swiping up at any time, which is quite helpful for constantly navigating the device.

The ROG Ally boasts an exceptionally slim and light design, measuring 280 x 113 x 39 mm and weighing only 608g. While it may not feel completely secure in both of your hands, its slanted sides and slimmer design do help to make it comfy for longer gaming sessions.

In contrast to the Ayaneo 2, another portable rival, the ROG Ally has bezels on every side of its screen. When you initially use it, it might make the playing area seem a little constrained, but as the screen starts up and you become engrossed in its stunning sights, everything is quickly forgotten.

Display

The Ally’s 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a brightness of 500 nits, is highly colorful and performs astonishingly well outside or in bright sunlight. Although the screen performs quite well for individuals who prefer to travel on some of the sunnier days of the year, details can occasionally seem washed out.

Many devices find it challenging to handle Full HD+ quality, but the new AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU performs an excellent job of dividing its responsibilities between CPU and graphics.

User experience

The operating system is one of the main distinctions between the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally. The Ally uses standard Windows 11, as opposed to the Steam Deck, which runs SteamOS. This is both its strongest point and biggest flaw.

The Steam Deck is confined to Steam games exclusively, whereas the ROG Ally supports any PC game without any problems. You are therefore free to purchase your games from other online retailers, including Epic, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass.

Asus included an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month trial. It’s wonderful to have Game Pass access right out of the box on a gadget like this, and it’s by far my favorite aspect of the portable. You don’t even need a sizable library to get started with instant access to hundreds of titles.

Running Windows, however, has the drawback of preventing the ROG Ally from taking advantage of all the software-based adjustments Valve has made to the Steam Deck. The lack of true hardware/software synergy is still noticeable even if there are certain levels of software tinkering available here. You can change power settings, resolution, and set a framerate cap, for instance, using Armoury Crate.

The ROG Ally’s user interface might be a little intimidating at first. I have to admit, my initial thoughts weren’t exactly positive. I had a few crashes in the first few hours using the handheld. There were a few more times when I felt like a short reset was necessary to get back on course.

Many of the issues were caused by the ROG Armory Crate, which felt awkward. It sometimes stayed on my screen for 10 to 20 seconds after a game launched. As a result, I ended up being disappointed with the mobile device. 

Using Steam in the ROG Ally seemed slow, as opposed to using it in the Steam Deck. The Xbox PC launcher is still infamously glitchy, just like on the desktop. The Ally’s inability to pause and restart a game with the press of a button, like the Steam Deck and the Switch, is its major drawback.

This implies that if you wish to stop playing for a longer period of time than a brief break, you must save your game, exit the application, and restart it from scratch. Of course, things work on a desktop in this manner by default.

However, I had a lot of fun once I got past all the riff-raff and started gaming. It was quite pleasant to not need to pull out an online manual and jump through a number of workaround hoops in order to start gaming on the go after switching between all the different launchers, including Epic, GOG, Steam, and Xbox. It is a sight to behold and is definitely worth the cost of admission over the Steam Deck when everything is operating as intended.

Gaming performance

The AMD Z1 Extreme mobile CPU, which is noticeably more powerful than the Steam Deck’s, the AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, is used for the first time in a portable gaming PC with the ROG Ally. When plugged in, the Z1 Extreme’s 8-core Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3-powered graphics may be turned up to a maximum of 30W. In contrast, the Steam Deck’s 4-core proprietary Zen 2 APU has a maximum power limit of 15W whether it is powered by a cord or a battery.

Although it can also operate at 720p (and there is a convenient toggle that enables you simply switch between the two resolutions), the ROG Ally aims a higher resolution than the Steam Deck – 1080p as compared to 800p.

After benchmark performance testing, the best graphic settings to optimize overall gameplay is to play PC games at ‘medium’ to ‘low’ with the ROG Ally. This is the same for the Steam Deck. The biggest distinction is that, with the appropriate adjustments, you’ll be able to play on the ROG Ally at ‘High’ or even ‘Ultra’ settings, maybe even exceeding 60 frames per second.

Battery life

When it comes to the battery life, the ROG Ally is not its strongest feature. Similar to the Steam Deck, Asus claims a maximum battery life of 8 hours. This is likely to be achieved with the lowest graphics settings, 720p, silent mode, low interior lighting, and a classic side scroller. 

You will only be able to play graphics demanding games for a total of no more than two hours. After testing it with a few PC games in performance mode at 1080p with low-medium settings, the maximum playtime was approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Price

The entry model Asus ROG Ally, powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, retails between US$800 and US$900. Even while the ROG Ally is primarily a mobile gaming device, it’s important to keep in mind that it functions as a small Windows PC. With those specifications in place it justifies the high price.

In terms of overall affordability for portable PC handheld in 2023, the Asus ROG Ally gaming device often falls in the center. With the Ayaneo 2 costing between $1099 and $1499, and the Steam Deck costing less than US$600, it’s not the most lavishing price we’ve heard, yet it really seems very reasonable for what you’re receiving.

Verdict

The Asus ROG Ally gaming PC is an amazing mobile gaming device. You can take it and play it anywhere you want, and experience the best of what mobile gaming has to offer. Yes, it has a short battery life, a clumsy user interface and lacks the touchpads for precision gaming. But it makes up for it in providing amazing graphics, smooth gaming, and a stunning display.

The portable Xbox Game Pass device that many fans have been begging for really feels like the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld is the better choice. Steam Deck may have a few good perks, but it’s impossible to deny how much fun the ROG Ally handheld is to use when it gets going. It turns out that the ROG Ally is indeed very much a rival to the Steam Deck gaming handheld.

If you have any comments, or questions, you’re more than welcome to leave them here below. It’s truly encouraging, and motivates us to keep creating better content. So what next? Is the Asus ROG Ally gaming PC your choice of a mobile gaming device? Then click here to find out more, and also purchase it, if you so desire.  

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) features the best performing components to optimize your gaming experience. 

SPECS

Overview

The specs of the 2023 ROG Strix Scar 17 make it obvious that it’s all about performance. It not only features Nvidia’s top-tier laptop graphics card, but it also has AMD’s most recent mobile processor, so it’s ready to munch its way through all of the current titles at high settings.

That means it’s a big PC with considerable cooling technology to keep temperatures under control, and it’s also incredibly expensive. However, it is not excessive for the quality on offer, and if you’re looking for desktop-level performance in something more portable, this may be a great alternative. After a few weeks of testing this incredible gaming laptop, here are my impressions.

Performance

Under the hood, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) packs a punch. Powered by the latest generation CPU from AMD, and the latest GPU from Nvidia, it delivers blazing-fast performance that can handle even the most demanding games and apps with ease. Say goodbye to lag and hello to smooth gameplay and lightning-quick multitasking. 

When it comes to memory and storage, the gaming laptop doesn’t disappoint. With ample RAM and vast storage available, you can have all your games, files, and programs at your fingertips. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a content creator, this laptop has the storage capacity to meet your needs.

In benchmark tests, the Strix Scar 17 consistently shines. It surpasses expectations, delivering exceptional performance and impressive frame rates. The laptop’s hardware configuration and optimization make it a force to be reckoned with in the gaming world, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

When it comes to gaming, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 truly shines. With its powerful hardware configuration, including the latest processor and graphics card, you can expect smooth gameplay and high frame rates. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or engaging in competitive esports, this laptop can handle it all with ease.

Optimizing graphics settings can sometimes be a cumbersome task, but not with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17. The laptop comes with software that automatically optimizes game settings, ensuring you get the best balance between performance and visuals. This takes the guesswork out of tweaking individual settings and allows you to focus on enjoying your gaming experience.

For gamers who crave realistic lighting and visuals, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 has got you covered. The laptop supports ray tracing technology, which adds a new level of immersion to supported games by simulating the behavior of light. Additionally, it also supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which enhances performance and image quality by using AI algorithms. These features combine to deliver stunning visuals that bring games to life.

Display

The display on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) is a visual treat. With its high-resolution panel, colors pop and details come to life, offering an immersive gaming experience. The vibrant and crisp visuals make every game, movie, or whatever you viewing an absolute delight to behold.

Color accuracy and brightness are critical factors when it comes to gaming and content creation. The Strix Scar 17 excels in both areas, delivering accurate colors and great brightness levels. This ensures that you see every shade and hue as intended, enhancing your gaming and visual experience.

To further enhance the visual experience, it comes equipped with a high refresh rate and adaptive sync technology. This combination results in ultra-smooth gameplay, minimizing screen tearing and stuttering. Whether you’re engaging in fast-paced action or exploring breathtaking open worlds, the display keeps up with your every move.

Design

In terms of aesthetics, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) strikes the perfect balance between bold and sleek. Its angular design and matte black finish give it a stealthy appearance that screams gaming prowess. The slim bezels surrounding the display further enhance the overall look and provide an immersive viewing experience.

Constructed with precision and durability in mind, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) boasts a robust build quality. The laptop feels solid and well-built, with no flex or creaking even under pressure. The use of premium materials adds to its overall sturdiness, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of gaming on-the-go.

There are some sci-fi-inspired highlights here and there, but for the most part, it’s a really basic approach. And the laptop wouldn’t appear out of place in a professional environment. As long as you switch off the RGB lighting. Because when you turn on the computer, you will be welcomed with a rainbow of colors all over the keyboard and around the underside of the laptop.

The huge ROG logo lights with a white outline on the back, which is a great touch that reminds me of previous MacBook models. Other than that, the RGB lighting looks absolutely excellent; it’s really bright, has rich colors, and has seamless transitions.

It, like most other ROG products, can be connected with various devices using Aura Sync, so your entire desk may light in harmony – or you can turn it off entirely.

As a gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 isn’t the most portable option out there. It’s a bit on the heavier side, which can make it less than ideal for frequent travel.

However, if you’re primarily looking for a powerful gaming machine that you can move around occasionally, the weight shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. The laptop’s solid build quality and powerful performance make up for its slightly bulkier form factor.

Keyboard & Touchpad

The keyboard on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is a pleasure to type on, with a well-spaced layout that makes it easy to find your way around. The keys have a satisfying amount of travel, striking a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.

Whether you’re typing up a document or engaging in an intense gaming session, the keyboard provides a comfortable and accurate typing experience.

If you’re a fan of flashy aesthetics, you’ll love the RGB lighting options on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17. The keyboard features per-key customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to create your own unique lighting effects or choose from a range of pre-set options. The lighting is bright and vibrant, adding an extra touch of personality to your gaming setup.

While the focus of the Strix Scar 17 is undoubtedly gaming, the trackpad works on average but not impressive. For normal use it’s fine but it’s best you get a good gaming mouse for gaming sessions. 

Heat Control

No one wants their gaming laptop to overheat, and with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17, you can rest easy. The laptop features a robust thermal design and an efficient cooling solution that keeps temperatures in check, even during demanding gaming sessions. This means you can play for hours without worrying about overheating issues affecting your performance.

While the cooling system does an excellent job at keeping temperatures under control, it’s not completely silent. During intense gaming, you can expect the fans to ramp up and generate some noise. However, it’s worth noting that the noise levels are still within acceptable limits and shouldn’t be overly distracting. Plus, when you’re immersed in the game, you’ll hardly notice the hum of the fans.

Battery life

Given the powerful hardware inside, it’s not surprising that the battery life on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is not its strongest aspect. While it can handle light usage and productivity tasks, the battery drains relatively quickly during gaming sessions. If you’re planning on gaming on the go, it’s advisable to keep the power adapter handy.

The power adapter that comes with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is capable of delivering ample power to keep the laptop running at its full potential.

It charges the battery relatively quickly, allowing you to get back in the game with minimal downtime. The charging speed is impressive, ensuring you spend more time gaming and less time waiting for your laptop to recharge.

Verdict

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) proves to be a formidable gaming laptop that excels in both design and performance. With its sleek aesthetics, powerful specifications, immersive display, responsive keyboard, and efficient cooling system, it offers an outstanding gaming experience for enthusiasts.

While its battery life may be a slight drawback for those seeking prolonged portability, the Scar 17’s overall performance and features make it a highly desirable choice for gamers who demand top-tier performance. With the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023), you can elevate your gaming sessions to new heights.

If you’re looking for a top-notch desktop replacement, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) is the ultimate choice. Although it may not be the most portable or long-lasting in terms of battery life, it more than compensates with its exceptional speed and performance. When it comes to gaming performance, there are very few, if any, machines that can surpass it.

Yes, it’s expensive, but it boasts one of the most well-balanced spec sheets I’ve encountered in this category. This means that your hard-earned money is being invested in the components that truly matter, rather than wasting it on excessive memory or a display that the GPU can’t fully utilize.

If you’re on the hunt for the absolute top-notch option, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) is a force to be reckoned with and deserves your undivided attention.

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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is a powerful gaming laptop that aims to provide an unmatched gaming experience. As part of the widely acclaimed Legion series, this device combines cutting-edge hardware, advanced gaming features, and a sleek design to cater to the needs of hardcore gamers. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5, including its design, performance, display quality, battery life, software features, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of whether the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is the ultimate gaming laptop you’ve been waiting for.

Lenovo Legion Pro 5

SPECS

Overview

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is a gaming beast that’s ready to take your gaming experience to the next level. Packed with powerful hardware, this gaming laptop is designed to deliver exceptional performance and immersive gameplay.

It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and features a generous amount of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and seamless gameplay. It also boasts impressive graphics capabilities, thanks to the RTX mobile GPU, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games in stunning detail.

With its high-quality display, comfortable keyboard, and fast storage options, the Legion Pro 5 ticks all the boxes for a top-notch gaming laptop.

Let’s See its Build

The Legion Pro 5 sports a sleek and modern design that exudes a premium feel. It features a backlit keyboard that not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also aids in gaming in low-light conditions. The ergonomics of the laptop are well thought out, providing a comfortable typing experience and easy access to all the essential ports.

Built with quality materials, the Legion Pro 5 feels sturdy and well-made. The laptop can endure the rigors of gaming sessions and daily use without showing signs of wear and tear. The construction is solid and reliable, ensuring the longevity of the device.

While the Legion Pro 5 is not the lightest gaming laptop on the market, it strikes a good balance between portability and performance. It is relatively slim considering its powerful hardware, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go gaming sessions. However, it’s worth noting that the laptop’s weight might be a factor to consider if you plan on traveling frequently with it.

Let’s Game

Equipped with a high-performance processor and ample RAM, the Legion Pro 5 delivers exceptional performance in both gaming and multitasking. You can expect smooth gameplay, quick load times, and seamless transitions between applications, giving you a hassle-free gaming experience.

The Legion Pro 5 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to graphics capabilities. With its powerful graphics card, it can handle demanding games and deliver stunning visuals. Additionally, if you’re into virtual reality, this laptop supports VR, providing an immersive experience like no other.

When it comes to gaming performance, the Legion Pro 5 shines. It can handle even the most demanding games with ease, offering smooth frame rates and minimal lag. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters or graphically-intensive RPGs, this laptop delivers a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Let’s See the Display

The Legion Pro 5 features a high-quality IPS display that enhances your gaming visuals. With its vibrant colors and sharp details, every game comes to life on the screen. The size of the display is generous, providing an immersive viewing experience that pulls you into the game world.

The resolution of the Legion Pro 5’s display is on point, offering crisp and clear visuals. Colors are accurately reproduced, ensuring that you see the game as the developers intended. Whether you’re exploring fantastical realms or engaging in intense battles, the display’s color accuracy adds depth to your gaming experience.

While the gaming laptop comes with a compromise of an IPS display, it makes up for it thanks to the high refresh rate, the color accuracy and quick response time. The Legion Pro 5 minimizes motion blur and ghosting, resulting in smooth and fluid gameplay.

You won’t miss a single frame, and your actions register instantaneously, giving you the competitive edge you need in fast-paced games. Say goodbye to frustrating lag and hello to a seamless gaming experience.

Battery & Cooling Power

When it comes to gaming laptops, battery life is often a concern. Thankfully, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 doesn’t disappoint in this department. Its battery performance is impressive, lasting for hours on end even during intense gaming sessions. With a decent battery capacity, you won’t constantly find yourself tethered to a power outlet, allowing you to truly enjoy the freedom of gaming anywhere.

Gone are the days of eternal waiting for your laptop to charge. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offers fast charging capabilities, ensuring that you spend minimal time plugged in and more time immersed in your gaming adventures. Additionally, the laptop provides various charging options, giving you the flexibility to charge through different ports or even wirelessly, depending on your preference.

No gamer wants their laptop to turn into a mini volcano during intense gaming sessions. That’s where the cooling system of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 shines. It keeps your laptop cool and prevents overheating, even when pushing the hardware to its limits. The efficient cooling system ensures optimal performance, allowing you to focus on dominating virtual worlds without worrying about your laptop melting away.

Verdict

To sum it up, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 impresses with its battery life, sleek design, and its efficient cooling system. It offers great gaming performance, features, and optimizations that cater to both casual and serious gamers.

It’s important to note that the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 may come with quite a high price tag. The weight may not be ideal for those who are constantly on the go, and the IPS display may be outdated or appeal to all, yet it still looks good so it really doesn’t disappoint. 

After thoroughly examining the Lenovo Legion Pro 5, it is evident that this gaming laptop offers an exceptional gaming experience that is hard to match. 

If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that delivers on performance, battery life, and an exceptional gaming experience, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is a solid choice. Its impressive features and capabilities make it a worthy investment for gamers looking to take their gaming to the next level. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more and consider your portability needs before making the purchase.

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