The ASUS ROG Ally has earned its place as one of the most capable handheld gaming PCs on the market. But what can you actually do with it? This guide covers practical ASUS ROG Ally examples, from AAA games that run beautifully to retro emulation, productivity tasks, and tips to maximize performance. Whether someone just picked up the device or is still deciding if it’s worth the investment, these real-world use cases show exactly what the ROG Ally can handle.
Key Takeaways
- The ASUS ROG Ally runs demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy at playable frame rates with adjusted settings.
- Emulation is a standout ASUS ROG Ally example, with support for Nintendo Switch, PS2, PS3, GameCube, Wii, and classic retro consoles.
- Indie games like Hades, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight run at 60 FPS with excellent battery life on the device.
- Beyond gaming, the ROG Ally handles productivity tasks, cloud gaming, media streaming, and light creative work through full Windows 11.
- Optimize performance by using AMD FSR upscaling, managing power profiles, and keeping drivers updated for the best experience.
- Accessories like a carrying case, portable charger, and Bluetooth controller enhance the ROG Ally’s versatility for gaming on the go.
Best Games to Play on the ROG Ally
The ROG Ally runs Windows 11, which means it has access to Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and more. This opens up a massive library of PC titles. But not every game runs equally well on a handheld. Here are ASUS ROG Ally examples that showcase its strengths.
AAA Titles That Shine on the Device
The AMD Z1 Extreme chip inside the ROG Ally delivers surprising power for its size. Several demanding games perform well at 1080p with adjusted settings.
Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 30-40 FPS on medium settings. The game looks sharp on the 7-inch display, and FSR upscaling helps boost frame rates without major visual sacrifices.
Elden Ring plays smoothly at 720p with medium-high settings. Most users report consistent 45-60 FPS during exploration, with occasional dips in boss fights.
Hogwarts Legacy is another solid ASUS ROG Ally example. At medium settings, it maintains playable frame rates around 35-45 FPS. The portable form factor makes it ideal for longer sessions.
Baldur’s Gate 3 works well on the device, averaging 35-50 FPS depending on the scene. Turn-based gameplay means frame drops matter less than in action titles.
Other AAA games worth trying include Spider-Man Remastered, God of War, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Each runs at acceptable frame rates with some setting adjustments.
Indie Games and Lightweight Picks
Not everything needs to push the hardware. Many indie titles run flawlessly and offer excellent portable experiences.
Hades hits 60 FPS without breaking a sweat. The fast-paced action feels great with the ROG Ally’s controls, and battery life extends significantly compared to heavier games.
Stardew Valley is a perfect match for handheld play. Players can farm for hours with minimal battery drain.
Vampire Survivors and Cult of the Lamb are two more ASUS ROG Ally examples that demonstrate how lightweight games benefit from portable play. Both run at 60+ FPS and look crisp on the display.
Dead Cells and Hollow Knight also deserve mention. These titles showcase the ROG Ally’s ability to handle 2D games with perfect performance.
Emulation and Retro Gaming Possibilities
One of the most popular ASUS ROG Ally examples involves emulation. The device handles classic consoles with ease, turning it into a portable retro gaming machine.
Nintendo Switch emulation through Yuzu or Ryujinx works surprisingly well. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey run at playable frame rates. Performance varies by title, but many first-party Nintendo games hit 30-60 FPS.
PS2 emulation via PCSX2 runs almost everything at full speed. The ROG Ally handles Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, and Shadow of the Colossus without issues.
PS3 emulation through RPCS3 is more demanding. Some titles like Demon’s Souls and Persona 5 work well, while others struggle. Results depend on the specific game’s compatibility.
GameCube and Wii emulation through Dolphin performs flawlessly. Users can play Super Smash Bros. Melee, Wind Waker, and Metroid Prime at 60 FPS with HD texture packs.
Older systems, NES, SNES, Genesis, PS1, N64, run perfectly through RetroArch or standalone emulators. The ROG Ally essentially becomes an all-in-one retro console with modern controls.
Productivity and Non-Gaming Uses
Beyond gaming, several ASUS ROG Ally examples show its versatility as a general-purpose PC.
The device runs full Windows 11. Users can browse the web, stream video, check email, and handle basic office tasks. The touchscreen makes casual use comfortable without external peripherals.
Some people use the ROG Ally for light creative work. Apps like Photoshop and Lightroom function on the device, though the small screen limits precision editing. For quick photo adjustments on the go, it works fine.
Cloud gaming services expand the ROG Ally’s capabilities further. Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and PlayStation Remote Play all run smoothly. This lets users stream demanding titles without taxing the local hardware.
Media consumption is another practical use. The 7-inch 120Hz display makes watching movies and shows enjoyable. Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming apps work as expected.
The device also functions as a portable development machine for some programmers. Light coding, testing web apps, or running virtual machines for small projects is possible, though not ideal for heavy development work.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your ROG Ally
These ASUS ROG Ally examples perform best with some optimization. A few adjustments can improve battery life, frame rates, and overall experience.
Use Turbo Mode wisely. The ROG Ally offers multiple power profiles. Turbo Mode delivers maximum performance but drains the battery quickly. For less demanding games, Silent or Performance modes extend playtime significantly.
Enable FSR or RSR. AMD’s upscaling technology boosts frame rates with minimal quality loss. Many games support FSR natively. RSR (Radeon Super Resolution) works system-wide for games without built-in support.
Manage storage carefully. The internal SSD fills up fast. A microSD card helps, though load times may increase slightly. Prioritize installing frequently played games on the internal drive.
Keep drivers updated. AMD releases regular driver updates that improve game compatibility and performance. Check for updates monthly.
Adjust Windows settings. Disabling startup programs, reducing background processes, and turning off unnecessary Windows features help the ROG Ally run more efficiently.
Invest in accessories. A quality carrying case protects the device. A portable charger extends sessions away from outlets. A Bluetooth controller adds flexibility for docked play on external displays.
