Asus ROG Ally Review vs Steam Deck: The Fastest PC Handheld... But Is It The Best?

Weeks in the works and delayed owing to BIOS issues, our review of the Asus ROG Ally is finally complete. We’re looking at the highest specification PC handheld we’ve seen yet with the Z1 Extreme processor paired with fast memory and a 1080p 120Hz VRR panel. But we’re also looking at Windows 11 - which has traditionally performed poorly in the handheld space. This is clearly the most powerful PC mobile device around - but is it the best? Join the DF Supporter Program for pristine video downloads, behind the scenes content, early access to DF Retro, early access to DF Direct Weekly and much, much more: Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: Want some DF-branded tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies or pullovers? Check out our store: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Unboxing and First Impressions 01:03 Form Factor Controller Issues 02:15 IO - Ports and Sockets 02:38 Cooler Impressions 03:32 The 1080p 120Hz VRR Display 04:31 Software: The Armoury Crate 07:24 Software: Command Centre 08:05 Asus ROG Ally System Specs vs Steam Deck 09:29 Performance Intro 10:35 Benchmark: Control 12:04 Benchmark: Cyberpunk 2077 13:06 Benchmark: Forza Horizon 5 14:41 Benchmark: God of War 15:50 Benchmark: Returnal 16:44 Benchmark: A Plague Tale Requiem 17:55 Benchmark: Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition 18:33 Benchmarks: Z1 Extreme vs Ryzen 7 6800U 19:23 9W Silent Mode - Significant Problems 21:08 Snapshot Comparisons vs PS4/PS5 23:00 Asus ROG Ally Battery Life vs Steam Deck 25:09 Turbo Mode Battery Life 26:09 The Wrap Up 29:55 And Now, The Conclusion