The Asus ROG Ally is a great handheld gaming PC, but it’s not the best time to buy one. Asus has teased a new model, the ROG Ally X, which is expected to be a significant upgrade. The current ROG Ally is also holding steady at list price, but that’s not likely to last long. If you’re in the market for a handheld gaming PC, it’s worth waiting a bit longer for the ROG Ally X or for the price of the current model to drop.
Asus’s ROG Ally is a capable handheld gaming PC, but it has some shortcomings compared to the Steam Deck. If Asus can address these issues with the ROG Ally 2, it could be a serious contender for the best handheld gaming PC title. Here are five key areas where I’d like to see improvements:
* **No Windows lock screen**: The ROG Ally’s Windows lock screen is a major annoyance. It would be great if Asus could find a way to bypass this, allowing users to jump right into their games without having to sign in each time.
* **A proper sleep mode**: The ROG Ally lacks a proper sleep mode, which can be frustrating. I’d like to see Asus implement a sleep mode that allows users to suspend their games and pick up right where they left off.
* **A verification system**: The Steam Deck’s Deck Verified program is a valuable tool for gamers. It would be great if Asus could implement a similar system for the ROG Ally, giving users a better idea of which games will run well on the device.
* **A more robust overlay**: The ROG Ally’s Armoury Crate utility is powerful, but its overlay is limited. I’d like to see Asus expand the overlay’s functionality, giving users more control over their gaming experience.
* **A functioning microSD card**: The ROG Ally’s microSD card slot has been problematic. Asus needs to fix this issue with the ROG Ally 2, as it’s the primary way most people will expand their storage.
Valve is offering significant discounts on refurbished Steam Deck consoles, with savings of up to $90. These handhelds have undergone comprehensive testing and meet or exceed the performance standards of new units. While they may have minor cosmetic blemishes, they come with a one-year warranty. The base model can now be purchased for $279, the 256GB model for $319, and the 512GB model for $359.
