Is There Room for a Handheld Gaming PC in India? The Asus ROG Ally Takes a Shot
India’s mobile gaming market is a behemoth, with over 500 million people playing games on their smartphones, but dedicated handheld gaming consoles haven’t quite caught on. While grey-market Nintendo Switches and niche manufacturers like Ayaneo have found a limited following, the vast majority of gamers are glued to their phones. However, the arrival of the Asus ROG Ally, a potent Windows 11 handheld PC, throws a wrench in the equation. Priced at a premium Rs. 69,990, the ROG Ally aims to bring the PC gaming experience to a new level of portability, but can it carve out a niche in the Indian market?
A PC in Disguise: Design & Capabilities
The ROG Ally is a far cry from a traditional console like the Switch. Packed within a sleek, white plastic shell, it houses a full-fledged AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC with integrated graphics, rivalling the capabilities of many laptops. It boots to Windows 11 Home, giving you access to a vast library of games and software – from triple-A titles to independent gems.
The 7-inch full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate comfortably fits in your hands, offering a decent viewing experience. Asus has painstakingly crafted the design, with an emphasis on weight reduction, resulting in a surprisingly lightweight device. The Xbox-inspired button layout feels familiar and intuitive, aiding in a smooth transition for console gamers.
The dual-fan cooling system keeps the Ally running cool, though it does generate some noise when pushed to its limits. A fingerprint sensor on the power button and programmable RGB lighting add a touch of convenience and flair. However, the lack of a built-in carry case, reliance on external peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, and reliance on external power sources for optimal performance are notable drawbacks.
Powerhouse Performance, Limited Battery
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme is a powerhouse, capable of delivering console-level gaming performance on the go. Benchmarks reveal scores comparable to a MacBook Air M2 and exceeding dedicated gaming laptops with entry-level GPUs like the GeForce MX550. But this performance comes at a cost – battery life.
While the Ally’s 40Wh battery can provide 1-2 hours of gameplay at a moderate 15W power setting, pushing it to its maximum 30W Turbo mode for optimal gaming performance significantly reduces battery life. This necessitates constant charging, potentially limiting its appeal for truly portable gaming. The large power brick, which unfortunately matches the ones supplied with some of Asus’ laptops, adds another layer of bulk to the traveling gamer’s arsenal.
Software and Customization
The ROG Ally isn’t just about gaming. It’s a versatile device with the full power of Windows at your fingertips. You can browse the web, watch movies, and even run demanding productivity apps, though the small screen size may not be ideal for all tasks.
Asus includes Armoury Crate SE, a dedicated launcher application that streamlines your gaming experience, allowing you to access and manage your game library, adjust graphics settings, and tweak controller inputs. The Command Centre overlay provides in-game controls for performance profiles, brightness, volume, and even FPS limiting.
The ROG Ally: Who’s it For?
The ROG Ally is clearly targeted at a specific audience: those seeking a powerful and portable gaming experience, prioritizing performance over battery life. It bridges the gap between gaming laptops and handheld consoles, offering a unique proposition to those who crave the freedom of untethered gaming.
However, its high price point and limited battery life make it a niche product. It’s unlikely to replace a dedicated gaming laptop for most users, nor is it a casual gaming device for everyone.
Here are some of the possible use cases:
For the Enthusiast:
- High-end PC gamers looking for a portable alternative: For those who already possess a high-end PC and crave the ability to play their favorite titles on the go, the ROG Ally offers an enticing solution, albeit with its limitations.
- Travelers in search of a compact gaming experience: With the prevalence of in-flight power outlets, the Ally could be viable for short trips, although you’ll need to factor in the charging time.
For the Dedicated Player:
- Couch potato enthusiasts who want a comfortable gaming experience: The ROG Ally offers a comfortable and immersive couch gaming experience, comparable to a console with a larger screen.
Final Verdict: A Bold Move, But Needs Refinement
The Asus ROG Ally is a daring and innovative device, pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming. It offers a glimpse into the future of portable PC gaming, blending power and portability in a way that has never been achieved before.
However, its current form remains a niche offering, hindered by its high price and battery limitations. For those who can stomach the financial commitment and are willing to work within its constraints, the ROG Ally offers a truly unique and exciting gaming experience. But for the casual gamer and those seeking a true portable console, it might not quite be the revolutionary device everyone hoped for.
The future of the ROG Ally, and handheld gaming PCs in general, hinges on several factors:
- Improved battery technology: A significant increase in battery life is crucial to broaden the Ally’s appeal.
- Price reductions: More affordable versions in the future could unlock a larger market.
- Software optimization: Improving the user experience with a more streamlined Windows interface tailored for the smaller screen could make the device less daunting for those coming from a console background.
The ROG Ally is a bold move but it’s still early days for this fascinating new category of gaming devices. As technology advances and software optimizations occur, we might see these devices become more mainstream, offering a compelling alternative to traditional gaming consoles. But for now, the ROG Ally remains a niche product, best suited for a select audience of enthusiasts willing to accept its limitations.
