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Handheld gaming consoles have come a long way since our Game Boys in the early 2000s.

Take the ASUS ROG Ally for example. 

It’s considered one of the best handheld gaming consoles on the market. 

So, what makes it so special, and why has it made such a splash in the gaming community?

In this article, we’ll cover: 

Before we discuss the ASUS ROG Ally and what makes it special, quick plug: if you want to buy the ASUS ROG Ally in Singapore, you can purchase it on Singtel.com. 

PS: You can purchase the ROG Ally using Singtel PayLater and split your bill over 12, 24, or 36 months.

If you pay over 36 months, the ROG Ally will cost <$30 per month!  

The ASUS ROG Ally is ASUS’ first handheld gaming device.

With internet access and cloud streaming capabilities, this portable gaming console can play practically any personal computer (PC) game.  

The ASUS ROG Ally is compatible with games on Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG and more, so you can take your PC games with you on the go. 

You can also connect the ROG Ally to your TV or PC for larger gaming sessions. 

And because it runs on Windows 11, it can also function like a mini-Windows desktop.

In a nutshell, the ASUS ROG Ally was one of the newer modern day handheld gaming devices to be launched back in 2023.

Of course, there are similar handheld gaming systems available on the market, including the Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo Switch, and the Steam Deck.

A quick search on Google will show you that for most gamers, the choice is between ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.

So, how does the ASUS ROG Ally stack up against the Steam Deck? Let’s take a look. 

Source: GameStop

While the Steam Deck is undoubtedly one of the most popular portable gaming consoles available, there are several reasons as to why gamers prefer the ROG Ally over the Steam Deck.  

One main factor is the starkly different processors in the ROG Ally vs Steam Deck. 

The ROG Ally runs on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor chip (as compared to the Steam Deck’s AMD Zen 2 chip), and this translates to better visuals and less latency (the time between performing an action and seeing it reflected on the screen).

On top of that, the ROG Ally has a higher refresh rate than the Steam Deck.

Again, this translates into more responsiveness and less lag.

Finally, the ROG Ally is smaller and thinner, making it easier to carry than a Steam Deck.

Source: Amazon

Here’s a quick overview of the ROG Ally’s specs: 

We need to talk about how cool the ROG Ally look.

Source: ASUS

This handheld gaming device has a sleek design, and it comes with a pristine white skin and knobs and handles that are easy to grasp and operate.

PS: The ROG Ally offers touchscreen capabilities, so those who are interested in using it as a touchscreen device can do so.  

The ROG Ally’s display is pretty decent for a handheld gaming device.

Source: clankp

It has a 7 inch Full HD display with a brightness of 500 nits and a resolution of 1080p.   

According to reviews from reputable tech sites like Tom’s Guide, games look “very sharp and clear” on the ROG Ally.

The ROG Ally’s display also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is on the high side.

(In comparison, Steam Deck offers a refresh rate of up to 90Hz).

This means that ROG Ally’s display refreshes more frequently, translating into less lag when you game.

What’s a game without a killer soundtrack and sound effects? 

With Dolby Atmos speakers and AI noise-cancelling technology, you’ll be able to hear everything clearly, including your enemies’ footsteps from a mile away. 

The ROG Ally also comes with a built-in array microphone and a 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology, so you’ll be able to command your team to victory without any disruptions. 

Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm audio jack for people who prefer wired earpieces while gaming, as well as Bluetooth capability for those who prefer wireless headphones.  

PS: Check out our article on whether you should use wireless headphones or earbuds for gaming.

If you’re buying a portable gaming device, its battery life is perhaps one of the most important factors.

The ASUS ROG Ally includes 3 distinct 'modes' for you to play in, each with its own battery lifespan: 

Regardless of which mode you’re playing in, the battery life should be able to last for the duration of your daily commute.

The fact that you can play PC games on the ASUS ROG Ally is its key selling point, so it’s important to make sure that it has a stable wireless connection. 

Well, the ROG Ally has WiFi 6E connectivity, cloud streaming and video streaming capabilities so you’re covered in any gaming adventure. 

Now that we know what to expect from the physical device, let’s look into what to expect in terms of game availability. 

As we’ve mentioned earlier, this device can support any kind of game, including games from: 

If you want to see if your favourite game can be played on the ROG Ally, ASUS has published articles detailing the top games to play on the ROG Ally, ranging from AAA to indie games.

Well, that wraps up everything you need to know if you're looking to get the ASUS ROG Ally in Singapore. 

Whether you’re a hardcore or casual gamer, this one-of-a-kind handheld gaming device is definitely worth checking out.

Snag the ASUS ROG Ally on the Singtel shop and take your games on the go!