ASUS ROG Ally is the best portable gaming console that is officially available in Indonesia. The gaming device, which caused a stir when it first launched in mid-2023, is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor which is specifically designed for portable gaming console devices. Apart from the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, ROG Ally also has a variant that uses the Ryzen Z1 processor which is priced at a more affordable price.

The Ryzen Z1 processor has differences in the configuration of the number of CPU cores and compute units in its integrated GPU, which are fewer than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant. Thus, on paper the Ryzen Z1 processor has lower performance compared to its sibling, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

But can the Ryzen Z1 still deliver powerful gaming performance? Let's review!

Preliminary Preparation Before Playing

ROG Ally, whether powered by Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme, is equipped with the Windows 11 operating system which offers the best feature support and flexibility for gaming. In order to take advantage of all the features and advantages offered, there are several important steps that need to be prepared before you can enjoy all the capabilities of ROG Ally.

First of all, ROG Ally uses Windows 11 as its operating system. Therefore, gamers need to carry out initial setup on Windows 11 to ensure the system functions properly. The recommended first step is to use a Microsoft Account as a gamer account. By using a Microsoft Account, gamers can easily access various Microsoft services, including cloud storage and data synchronization. In addition, it is important to register fingerprints as a security system. The fingerprint security feature will make it easier for ROG Ally gamers to log into the Windows 11 system quickly and safely.

After successfully entering the system, the next step is to update Windows 11. Make sure to check and download the latest updates available in the Settings section. The Windows 11 update will fix bugs, improve stability, and optimize overall system performance. By updating regularly, gamers will get a better experience and can take advantage of the new features offered by Windows 11.

Next, it is important to ensure that all available updates to the MyASUS and Armory Crate applications are installed. The MyASUS application provides various utilities that can help gamers monitor and manage ROG Ally easily. Meanwhile, Armory Crate is an application that allows gamers to adjust laptop performance and lighting settings according to their preferences. Updating these two applications will maximize the gamers' experience and ensure that ROG Ally runs at its best performance.

After all updates have been installed, ROG Ally gamers can immediately enjoy various games available on the XBOX platform via PC Game Pass. Apart from that, ROG Ally also supports other gaming platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and others. With powerful specifications and an optimized Windows 11 operating system, gamers can enjoy their favorite games smoothly and without a hitch.

As an added bonus, ROG Ally comes with a free 3-month PC Game Pass subscription. This is the perfect opportunity for you to explore the many new and popular games available on PC Game Pass. With this subscription, ROG Ally gamers can enjoy a richer and broader gaming experience during the given subscription period.

ASUS has also integrated the gyroscope feature natively in ROG Ally through its latest update. This feature allows gamers to control movements in the game by simply moving ROG Ally left, right, forward and back. Along with these features, ASUS also presents various updates such as facilities for button and analog calibration, to a more compact real-time monitor system.

Still Like the Ryzen Z1 Extreme Version of ROG Ally

ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) still maintains the ergonomic design of its sibling, ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, which allows gamers to feel comfortable when holding and using the device in various positions. This design also optimizes the long-term gaming experience without causing fatigue or discomfort.

The superior feature of the ROG Ally design is its non-slip surface, providing a strong and comfortable grip. This reduces the risk of the device slipping out of gamers' hands during intense gaming. This anti-slip design also allows gamers to always fully focus on the game.

Despite its ergonomics, the ROG Ally remains light at only 608 grams, making it much more portable and comfortable to carry everywhere. This light weight makes it easier for gamers to play their favorite games in various locations without feeling burdened.

ROG Ally is also equipped with control, analog and trigger buttons designed for all types of gamers, with the right size and placement for accurate response and gamer comfort. All of these buttons have been tested for durability and reliability, with a durability of up to 10 million presses for buttons and 2 million rotations for analog, ensuring long-term device reliability.

Apart from maintaining the design, ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) also continues to offer stunning visual quality with a 7-inch Full HD screen that has a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support. This feature ensures smooth viewing and fast response, optimizing the gaming experience.

The ROG Ally display also has a 100% sRGB color gamut, enabling wide color display and more vivid images. Plus Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, this screen has excellent scratch resistance.

ROG Ally's audio quality is also amazing, with support for two integrated Dolby Atmos speakers, providing immersive and dynamic sound. The device is also equipped with an AI noise-canceling microphone for clearer, interference-free in-game communications.

ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) remains flexible thanks to the Windows 11 operating system which supports various gaming platforms and computing capabilities such as PCs or laptops. With Windows 11, ROG Ally provides access to multiple gaming platforms, enriching the gaming experience. Apart from that, as a handheld PC, ROG Ally is also capable of running various productivity applications supported by Windows 11, making it not just a gaming console, but also a reliable productivity tool.

ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) is also still equipped with Armory Crate SE, software that functions as a control center and game library. The software allows setting various performance modes, including Silent, Performance, Turbo, and Manual mode, providing unique customization capabilities for a portable gaming console.

Armory Crate SE also manages games from various platforms such as XBOX PC, Steam, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games, and GOG Galaxy, making it easier for players to explore and choose the games they want to play.

Only the CPU is different

ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) has the same design, features and cooling system as its sibling which is powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) is also still equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD which can still be upgraded. Gamers who already have ROG XG Mobile can still connect the external GPU to ROG Ally to improve graphics performance.

The difference in ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) this time is only in the CPU, namely it is powered by Ryzen Z1 which uses a 6 core and 12 thread configuration, while the integrated GPU has 4 compute units (CU). The configuration is not more powerful than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, but it turns out it is still capable enough to play AAA games. In fact, its overall performance can still be compared to a high-performance laptop.

Equipped with a 40Wh battery, ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) can accompany gamers to play AAA games for up to 2 hours. Meanwhile, based on testing using PCMark 10 Battery in video playback mode, ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) can last for more than 9 hours.

The following are the ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) performance benchmark results:

Easy to Upgrade

One aspect that makes ROG Ally stand out among other portable gaming consoles is its component design which is quite modular, including ROG Ally which uses the Ryzen Z1 this time. This design allows gamers to easily upgrade their SSD, ensuring that ROG Ally is always ready to keep up with the latest technological developments. Replacing the SSD is simply done by opening the back panel of the device, and the SSD slot can be accessed directly. This means that the upgrade process can be done quickly and easily, even by those who don't have much experience with computer hardware.

Apart from that, ROG Ally is also equipped with ASUS Cloud Recovery facilities in the BIOS. With this facility, gamers can automatically install Windows and drivers onto a new SSD, ensuring that the device continues to function properly after the upgrade. And more importantly, replacing the SSD on ROG Ally will not void the device's warranty. This gives gamers the freedom to update their systems as needed, without having to worry about the risk of damage or warranty issues. Thus, ROG Ally not only delivers exceptional gaming performance, but also flexibility and easy upgrades that are hard to match.

Affordable top-ups and abundant benefits only‌ ‌on‌ ‌Dunia‌ ‌Games‌!

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