ASUS ROG Ally is a premium handheld console featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z1 series APUs. Compact with the latest Zen4 architecture, it is expected to easily emulate PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Nintendo Switch, and WiiU. However, as reviews are flooding in, it seems like the ROG Ally will be a weak match for Valve’s Steam Deck.
According to reviewer Dave2D, the ASUS ROG Ally has a problem matching up to its competitors like the Steam Deck at lower TDPs. Even though ASUS and AMD have implemented a new voltage/frequency curve for the Z1 series, the ROG Ally still struggles to enable higher power efficiency at a 9/15W TDP.
The Steam Deck features a custom AMD Van Gogh APU with quad-core Zen2 architecture. This design allows the Deck to perform efficiently at 9W and 15W gaming. In some cases, it even outperforms the ROG Ally.
ASUS recently released a new firmware designed for the ROG Ally which is only compatible with the latest GPU drivers. Using this firmware, one can significantly improve performance and efficiency in low-power gaming. This is interesting because the firmware will deliver what the ROG Ally was originally meant to do.
The firmware places the ROG Ally at par with the AYANEO 2S which is based on the Ryzen 7 7840U “Phoenix” APU. One can expect a 15%-20% boost in 720p gaming. At the given power limits, the Ally is just as fast as the AYANEO 2S.
There are no performance reports for the ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 non-Extreme variant. This model will be launching much later in the third quarter. So, hopefully ASUS will send out samples prior to its release. Meanwhile, the Z1 Extreme model will be available from June 13th.
About ASUS
ASUS or ASUSTek Computer Inc. is a Taiwanese computer and electronic hardware company, based out of Beitou, Taipei. They became a common name with their EEE PC and Zenfone series. They have recently introduced Zenbo, a smart hobot robot.
ASUS continues to be one of the best motherboard and gaming brand with their leading technology and design.
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