Table of Contents
Key Features of ASUS ROG Ally 2023 RC71L Gaming Handheld
The Asus ROG Ally 2023 RC71L is a versatile handheld gaming device, which is built for both performance and durability. It features a 7-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz and a 500 nits maximum brightness, providing exceptional visuals. The display is covered with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, ensuring its durability.
The device is powered by AMD’s Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor, which integrates Zen 4 architecture and RDNA™ 3 graphics. This powerful setup guarantees efficient performance and fast game loading times, supporting a variety of gaming platforms such as Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG, and more. As a bonus, the device comes with a free 3-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The ASUS ROG Ally RC71L offers a comprehensive set of controls including buttons, analog triggers, bumpers, thumbsticks, and assignable grip buttons, allowing players to customize their gaming experience. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
This gaming device comes with 16GB LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD, providing ample storage and smooth performance. The device also includes a UHS-II microSD card slot for further storage expansion.
For audio, the ASUS ROG Ally RC71L integrates AI noise-canceling technology, Dolby Atmos, and a 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology, delivering high-quality, immersive audio. Additionally, the device features Aura Sync for customizable lighting effects, providing an enhanced gaming atmosphere.
On the security front, it includes a built-in fingerprint sensor and Microsoft Pluton security processor, enhancing user security and privacy. The device is also fitted with a 40WHrs battery that supports fast charging and comes with a 65W AC adapter, ensuring prolonged gaming sessions without frequent interruptions for charging.
Lastly, the ASUS ROG Ally RC71L is versatile with its handheld mode, TV connectivity, and an option to transform into a full gaming PC setup using the ROG XG Mobile. It also includes optional accessories to further enhance the gaming experience. The device runs on Windows 11 Home, offering a seamless user experience with Armoury Crate SE, and features ROG Intelligent Cooling for optimal performance and minimal noise.
Specification
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme APU with AMD RDNA™ 3 graphics |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD; UHS-II microSD card slot for expandable storage |
| Display | 7-inch Full HD touchscreen, 120Hz high-refresh rate, FreeSync™ Premium technology, Maximum brightness: 500 nits, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth® 5.2 |
| Battery | The fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, Microsoft Pluton security processor, and parental controls |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Cooling | ROG Intelligent Cooling with dual fan design, Zero Gravity thermal system |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos technology, Smart Amp speakers |
| Dimensions | 28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~ 3.24 cm (11.02″ x 4.37″ x 0.83″ ~ 1.28″) |
| Weight | 608 grams |
| Security Features | Fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, Microsoft Pluton security processor, and parental controls |
| Additional Features | RGB lighting, customizable buttons, Armoury Crate SE app, Compatible with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and GOG |
Performance
Performance-wise, the device is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics, which give it significant strength and versatility in terms of gaming capability. This power is supported by its high-refresh-rate display, expandable storage, and LPDDR5 memory, offering a well-rounded gaming experience. When compared with Valve’s Steam Deck, the ASUS ROG Ally even outperforms in terms of raw processing power.
The design of the device prioritizes comfort and precision, featuring an ergonomic design, slip-resistant texture, and customizable buttons. The device also includes a well-designed control layout and a variety of ports, making it very user-friendly. Despite this, some users have reported issues with stuck ABXY buttons and occasional software crashes, indicating room for improvement in these areas.
The integration of Windows 11 gives the ASUS ROG Ally a distinct advantage in terms of running additional launchers and games, providing a more straightforward experience than competitors like the Steam Deck. However, game compatibility can still be a challenge, especially for games optimized for mouse and keyboard inputs. The ASUS ROG Ally sometimes faces control issues with games like Max Payne 2 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Suggestions have been made for the device to default to Steam Big Picture or even run SteamOS, which may improve compatibility with certain games.
In terms of battery life, both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck could benefit from improvements. The ROG Ally offers good battery life and supports fast charging, but more intensive gaming sessions may quickly drain the battery, and the impacts on battery life from potential shifts to other operating systems like SteamOS are still unknown.
In summary, the ASUS ROG Ally 2023 RC71L demonstrates considerable potential and performance as a handheld gaming device, offering power, versatility, and user-friendly design. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for refinement and further exploration, especially concerning game compatibility and battery life.
Pros
- Superior design and user-friendly software: The device’s design prioritizes user comfort and precision, featuring an ergonomic design and user-friendly software.
- Powerful hardware: It sports a powerful AMD APU and offers desirable features like a 1080p display, easy-to-reach buttons, and customizable fan curves.
- Familiar controller layout: The familiar controller layout makes it easy for gamers to adapt to the device.
- Windows compatibility: Being a Windows gaming handheld, it can run a wide range of Windows-compatible games.
Cons
- High price: Some reviewers argue that its high price is difficult to justify, especially considering the drawbacks such as battery life.
- Poor battery life: Despite some improvements, the device’s battery life remains a point of concern for many users.
- Stuck buttons and buggy software: Users have reported issues with stuck buttons and software crashes, which can impact the overall user experience.
- Performance and compatibility issues: The device struggles to achieve smooth frame rates at its native resolution, and its compatibility with mouse and keyboard games is limited.
- Lack of a dedicated user interface: Unlike the Steam Deck, which uses the dedicated SteamOS, the Asus ROG Ally uses Windows 11, which can feel unfamiliar on a handheld device and lacks the intuitive navigation of a dedicated gaming interface.
- Heat during gameplay: The device can get hot during gameplay, potentially causing discomfort.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Ally 2023 RC71L represents a fascinating advancement in the world of handheld gaming, forging its unique path in a landscape dominated by options like the Steam Deck.
Performance and Hardware: The Asus ROG Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, complemented by a solid 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This configuration allows it to run numerous high-end games without emulation, and it reportedly performs well in titles like Redfall, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Cyberpunk 2077, among others. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that its performance might not fully utilize the device’s 120Hz refresh rate.
Design and Display: The device offers a sleek design, with a beautiful 7-inch Full HD touchscreen sporting a 120 Hz refresh rate. The screen outperforms the Steam Deck’s, providing a brighter and more vivid gaming experience. However, some users have raised concerns about the device’s ergonomic comfort and build quality.
User Interface: The ROG Ally uses Windows 11, which, despite presenting some challenges, provides superior compatibility and performance compared to SteamOS. The Armoury Crate SE serves as a gaming library and allows performance adjustments, enhancing the user experience.
Battery Life and Comfort: The ROG Ally’s battery life is a concern, with a performance lasting around two hours. This, coupled with some discomfort when using the device for extended periods and the heat it can produce, can detract from the overall gaming experience.
Compatibility: The device offers a wide range of game compatibility thanks to its Windows 11 operating system, but it lacks a game compatibility identification feature, which can be a challenge for some users.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Ally 2023 RC71L is an ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market. It boasts robust hardware and a vivid display, making it a compelling choice for gamers desiring a handheld Windows experience. However, it’s clear that some improvements in terms of comfort, build quality, and battery life could elevate the ROG Ally to the next level. Given the device’s recent improvements, we can be optimistic about future iterations.
FAQs
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What is the ASUS ROG Ally 2023 RC71L Gaming Handheld?
The ROG Ally is a handheld Windows 11 gaming system that lets you experience AAA gaming right in the palm of your hand.
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What powers the ASUS ROG Ally 2023?
It is powered by an AMD Z1 Extreme APU.
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What is the display capability of the device?
The ROG Ally boasts a display that supports 120Hz.
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How can I open the keyboard on the ROG Ally?
Hold the M1 or M2 macro buttons and press the D-pad ↑ to make the keyboard appear. Alternatively, the keyboard can be opened from the Command Center or by tapping on the appropriate icon.
