The ASUS ROG Ally RC71L-NH019W has arrived, promising a powerful handheld gaming experience. This review delves into the performance, features, and overall user experience of this compact gaming powerhouse equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a speedy 512GB SSD. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces, testing a wide range of games and applications. Let’s dive in!

The ROG Ally is a beautifully designed device. The white color is sleek and understated, but the build quality is top-notch. It feels sturdy and premium in the hand. The 7-inch FHD (1920×1080) touchscreen is vibrant, responsive, and perfect for gaming on the go. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, minimizing screen tearing. The controls are comfortable and well-placed, with satisfying button feedback. The device also supports various connection options including WiFi.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, the ROG Ally performs exceptionally well. I tested it with a variety of games, ranging from AAA titles like Elden Ring to more lightweight indie games. Even demanding games ran surprisingly smoothly at decent settings. The 16GB of RAM is more than sufficient for multitasking and handling graphically intensive games. The 512GB SSD ensures fast loading times, virtually eliminating any frustrating wait times. The fan is noticeably present under heavy load, but it isn’t overly loud. Battery life is respectable, lasting around 2-3 hours under heavy gaming load, depending on the game and settings.

I also experimented with more demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and experienced some frame rate drops in more densely populated environments, but this is to be expected for such a compact device. Overall, the performance is impressive and exceeded my initial expectations.

Pros:

• Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Processor
• 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
• Stunning 120Hz 7-inch FHD display
• Comfortable and responsive controls
• Compact and portable design

Cons:

• Battery life could be improved for longer gaming sessions.
• Fan noise is noticeable under heavy load.
• Some thermal throttling might occur during extended gaming sessions.

The ASUS ROG Ally RC71L-NH019W is a truly impressive gaming handheld. It offers a fantastic balance of power, portability, and performance. While battery life and fan noise could be slightly improved, the overall gaming experience is exceptional. I highly recommend this device to anyone looking for a powerful and portable gaming solution. It’s a game-changer for on-the-go gaming.