ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Handheld: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Ally is a handheld gaming PC that runs Windows 11. This version pairs a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD in a white body. Because it runs a full version of Windows, it can play games from many different stores and services.

Processor and graphics

The Ryzen Z1 Extreme is based on AMD's Zen 4 architecture, with 8 cores and 16 threads. The listing quotes up to 8.6 TFLOPS of computational power. Graphics come from AMD Radeon RDNA 3 with 12 compute units, with 4GB of video memory. A TFLOPS figure is a theoretical peak; real game performance depends on the title, settings and power mode. In general, handhelds let you trade battery life against performance by changing the power limit.

The display

The screen measures 7 inches at 1920 x 1080 (FHD), with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, which is designed to reduce tearing and stutter. It is also a touchscreen, useful for navigating Windows when you aren't using the controls. At this size, 1080p gives a sharp picture, and the high refresh rate makes motion look smoother in games that can reach it.

Memory and storage

The Ally has 16GB of LPDDR5 memory running at 6400. The 512GB NVMe PCIe 4 M.2 SSD can be replaced, according to ASUS, with another M.2 2230 SSD by undoing a single pop-open screw. There's also a UHS-II microSD slot for extra capacity. Modern games can be large, so storage fills quickly, and the card slot is a simple way to expand.

Ways to play

In handheld mode you hold it as it is. ASUS also says you can connect it to a TV using the ROG 65W HDMI adapter, pair multiple controllers for local play, or use a keyboard and mouse with the ROG XG Mobile for a more desktop-like set-up. Since it runs Windows, ASUS says it works with Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG Galaxy, Android apps and cloud gaming services. Compatibility with an individual game still depends on that game's requirements, so it's worth checking.

Other details

A built-in fingerprint sensor allows quick sign-in. The unit measures 11.0 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches and weighs 1.1 lb (about 500 g), so it is held in both hands for long sessions.

Who it suits

It suits people who already have a PC game library, or use cloud gaming, and want to play away from a desk. It is closer to a small PC than a console, so some tinkering with settings and updates is part of the experience.

What to check before you buy

• Your games: confirm they run on Windows and are playable with a controller.
• Storage: think about whether 512GB is enough, or whether you'll add a microSD card or a larger SSD.
• Battery life: it varies a lot with the game and power setting; see ASUS's specifications.
• Accessories: the HDMI adapter and XG Mobile are described as options, so check what's in the box.
• Grip and weight: consider how it feels in long sessions.

The short version

• Windows 11 handheld with a 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz FreeSync Premium touchscreen.
• AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads) with RDNA 3 graphics.
• 16GB LPDDR5 6400 memory and a 512GB replaceable M.2 SSD.
• UHS-II microSD slot, fingerprint sensor, HDMI TV output via adapter.

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