The Asus ROG Ally, a compact Windows 11 gaming PC, faces an uphill battle for widespread adoption in the United States, with its pricing emerging as a significant hurdle. Despite its robust hardware and the versatility of running a full desktop operating system, the cost of the ROG Ally could keep it from reaching a broader audience, especially when compared to Valve’s more affordable Steam Deck and even budget-friendly gaming laptops.
Key Takeaways:
- The Asus ROG Ally’s premium pricing in the US market creates a challenge for many potential buyers.
- The device’s cost directly competes with Valve’s Steam Deck, which offers a more budget-friendly entry point.
- The ROG Ally also vies for consumer dollars with entry-level gaming laptops that can provide greater performance per dollar.
- User discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns over the ROG Ally’s value proposition given its price points.
- Initial sales figures suggest the ROG Ally’s uptake in the US has been slower than some analysts predicted.
The Asus ROG Ally debuted in the US in June 2023, with two main versions: one powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor and a more powerful variant featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. The Z1 Extreme model, equipped with an 8-core/16-thread CPU (boost up to 5.10 GHz) and AMD Radeon RDNA 3 graphics (12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops), a 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz display, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD, launched at a price of $699.99. The standard Z1 variant, with similar display, RAM, and storage, was available for $599.99. These prices have consistently been a topic of debate among consumers and reviewers.
Online communities, including Reddit forums dedicated to handheld gaming, frequently discuss the ROG Ally’s pricing. Many users acknowledge the impressive hardware but question if the cost aligns with the value. For comparison, the Valve Steam Deck, a direct competitor, is available at more accessible price points. The Steam Deck OLED, for instance, can be purchased for around $549 for the 512GB model and $649 for the 1TB model, with the original LCD models starting even lower at $349. This notable price difference makes the Steam Deck an attractive alternative for many, especially considering its optimized SteamOS experience for handheld use, contrasting with the full Windows 11 on the Ally, which some find less suited for a portable device.
Beyond other handhelds, the ROG Ally at its price range also competes with entry-level gaming laptops. Consumers can often find laptops equipped with discrete GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 4050 for similar prices, typically ranging from $600 to $800. These laptops offer larger screens, full-sized keyboards, and generally better sustained performance for intense gaming, making them a compelling choice for those who don’t solely prioritize the handheld form factor.
While exact, official sales figures for the ROG Ally in the US are not regularly disclosed by Asus, early reports and community observations suggest sales may not have met initial ambitious projections. Some industry analyses have indicated slower uptake compared to the Steam Deck’s initial success. While Asus maintains confidence in its product, the prevailing sentiment among consumers is that the ROG Ally, particularly the Z1 Extreme model, sits at a premium price point that puts it out of reach for a significant portion of the gaming market looking for portable solutions. For the Asus ROG Ally to truly become a mainstream success in the US, a careful review of its pricing and market positioning may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary difference between the Asus ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme models?
A1: The main difference lies in the processor. The Z1 Extreme model uses the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, offering better graphical performance due to its higher core count and RDNA 3 compute units, compared to the standard AMD Ryzen Z1.
Q2: How does the Asus ROG Ally’s price in the US compare to the Steam Deck?
A2: The Asus ROG Ally is generally priced higher than the Valve Steam Deck in the US. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme retails for $699.99, while Steam Deck OLED models range from $549 (512GB) to $649 (1TB), and LCD models start at $349.
Q3: Can the Asus ROG Ally run all PC games?
A3: Yes, as the Asus ROG Ally operates on Windows 11, it can run most PC games compatible with Windows. However, game performance will depend on the game’s requirements and the Ally’s specific hardware configuration.
Q4: Is the Asus ROG Ally a good replacement for a gaming laptop?
A4: The Asus ROG Ally is excellent for portable gaming. However, for similar costs, many gaming laptops offer a larger display, a complete keyboard, and generally more powerful components for sustained high-performance gaming, making them a more versatile option for desktop-style gaming.
Q5: What is the typical battery life of the Asus ROG Ally?
A5: The battery life of the Asus ROG Ally varies significantly based on the intensity of the games being played. For demanding AAA titles, users can expect around 1-2 hours of gameplay, while less intensive use or streaming can extend the battery life.
