The ASUS Rog Ally Z1 Stands as a Reliable Competitor to the Steam Deck

When the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld debuted in June 2023, it quickly captured the interest of gamers. Shortly after, ASUS introduced a more budget-friendly variant: the ASUS ROG Ally Z1. While the names are nearly identical, the hardware differences between the two models are significant and noteworthy.

Before diving into this review, I want to express my admiration for ASUS's innovative approach with the ROG Ally Z1 lineup. Similarly, I’m impressed by Valve’s achievements with the Steam Deck. This review will focus on a practical comparison of the two devices. While technical specifications provide some insight, the real test lies in how each performs during actual gameplay.

A look at the specifications and pricing

Although I won’t delve deeply into technical details, specifications play a crucial role in comparing this handheld to others on the market.

Priced at $599.99, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 features 512GB of internal storage, 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, and a 7-inch 120Hz display with full HD 1080P resolution. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, equipped with six Zen 4 CPU cores and four RDNA 3 GPU cores. These specs represent significant downgrades from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, which becomes evident when comparing the two devices directly.

The ROG Ally Z1 is designed for less resource-intensive games

To clarify, despite what may seem like criticism of the ROG Ally Z1’s specifications, it remains a reliable gaming device. It handles indie games effortlessly and can manage some AAA titles, though performance tends to be on par with or slightly below that of the Steam Deck. As with any system, game compatibility varies, and this is particularly noticeable on the ROG Ally Z1. For instance, Starfield struggled to exceed 15-20 FPS on the Z1, whereas the same sections of the game were at least playable on the Steam Deck, albeit not flawlessly.

It’s expected to encounter performance issues when running demanding AAA games on handheld devices, as they lack the power of desktops or gaming laptops. However, some games performed better on the ROG Ally Z1, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, which achieved a stable 30 FPS after adjusting the settings.

Indie titles such as Hades and Dinkum run smoothly, but this is unsurprising given their lower processing demands compared to AAA games. Since I primarily use my Steam Deck for indie games, the ROG Ally Z1’s inability to outperform it wasn’t a significant drawback.

In summary, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 won’t break any performance records as a handheld device. However, it performs adequately, leaving little room for major complaints. While improvements are always possible, achieving desktop-level gaming experiences on handhelds like this remains a future goal.

The ROG Ally Z1 is user-friendly and operates on Windows 11

The device runs a full version of Windows 11, complemented by ASUS’s Armory Crate software. This overlay provides a streamlined interface for accessing games and applications with ease.

Navigating the device using the Ally Z1’s joysticks and buttons was a seamless experience, and the ability to operate Windows 11 on a handheld is commendable. That said, if you prefer a simpler system without the intricacies of a full operating system, the inclusion of Windows 11 might feel cumbersome.

Certain applications require exiting the Armory Crate interface, forcing direct interaction with Windows 11. Additionally, adjusting various settings can involve navigating multiple menus, which might be challenging for users unfamiliar with Windows 11.

That said, installing and running games is straightforward. Armory Crate and other pre-installed shortcuts simplify tweaking settings to optimize game performance. I also appreciated the seamless integration with Steam and Xbox, allowing smooth transitions between different gaming platforms.

Since the device runs Windows 11, you can install virtually any software without worrying about compatibility with Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS or certification. Sideloading apps is also more straightforward on the ROG Ally Z1 compared to the Steam Deck, though I still favor Valve’s SteamOS overall.

Long-term durability

Investing in a device at this price point requires confidence in its longevity. While the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 isn’t the most powerful handheld available, it’s a dependable choice for those venturing into handheld gaming without opting for Valve’s Steam Deck.

However, concerns linger about ASUS’s ability to provide long-term support for the ROG Ally Z1, given its history of inconsistent software updates. The company has made a promising start with its handheld lineup, and if it continues to deliver meaningful improvements, the Z1 could evolve into an even more compelling choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

Although AAA game performance currently falls short, it’s worth noting that the Steam Deck faced similar challenges at launch. While some limitations are hardware-related, software updates have the potential to significantly enhance performance over time.

The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 may not be the top handheld device available, but it’s a viable option for those seeking a full Windows 11 experience on a handheld, along with access to both Steam and Xbox platforms.

• The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is priced at $600 and available at Best Buy