Laptop Adapter Charger Review

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is famous for its durability and all-day battery potential. One of the reasons it’s so popular is Lenovo’s dual-battery “Power Bridge” concept: the T480 can use an internal battery plus a removable external battery, giving you flexible runtime and easy replacement options.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what battery the T480 uses, how the internal and external packs work together, and which replacement options are best for you. We’ll also link directly to compatible replacement batteries so you can quickly find the right part.

1. T480 battery overview: internal + external (Power Bridge)

Most ThinkPad T480 configurations use a dual-battery design:

• One internal battery (built into the chassis)
• One removable rear battery (slides into the back of the laptop)

These two batteries work together to provide longer runtime. When you’re on the go, the system can draw from both packs. When you need to swap the external battery, the internal pack keeps the machine alive for a short time so you can change batteries without shutting down.

On a replacement level, you can think of the T480 battery system as:

• Internal battery: Always the same capacity – 24 Wh (3-cell)
• External battery: Available in 24 Wh, 48 Wh or 72 Wh options

Let’s look at each of these in more detail.

2. Internal battery for ThinkPad T480 – 24Wh Lenovo 01AV421

The internal battery of the T480 is a compact 3-cell, 24 Wh pack. It’s mounted inside the chassis and is not meant to be removed daily, but it is replaceable when it wears out.

Key facts about the internal T480 battery:

• Part number (FRU): 01AV421 (also compatible with 01AV419, 01AV420, 01AV489 in many cases)
• Capacity: 24 Wh (approx. 2095 mAh)
• Voltage: Around 11.4–11.6 V (3-cell Li-ion)
• Location: Inside the laptop, under the bottom cover
• Role: Works together with the external battery for Power Bridge, and keeps the system alive during hot-swap

If your original internal battery no longer holds a charge, you can replace it with a compatible 24 Wh pack such as this one:

Internal T480 Battery – 24Wh Lenovo 01AV421

Replacement 24 Wh internal battery compatible with Lenovo ThinkPad T480 series. Ideal when your built-in battery capacity has dropped significantly and you want to restore the original Power Bridge runtime.

View 24Wh internal 01AV421 battery

3. External battery options for ThinkPad T480

The removable rear battery is where the T480 becomes truly flexible. Lenovo offers three main external options in the ThinkPad 61 family:

• 24 Wh – 3-cell (Battery 61) – Slim and light
• 48 Wh – 6-cell (Battery 61+) – Balanced size and runtime
• 72 Wh – 6-cell extended (Battery 61++) – Maximum runtime, larger “bump” on the back

All three are compatible with the T480 as long as the physical form matches and you’re using genuine or high-quality compatible replacements. Below are the most common choices and when each one makes sense.

3.1 24Wh external battery – Lenovo 01AV423 (Battery 61, 3-cell)

The 24 Wh external 3-cell battery is the slimmest option. It keeps your T480 profile close to flat and is great if you prioritize portability and low weight over all-day runtime.

Typical characteristics:

• Part number: 01AV423 (Battery 61 family)
• Capacity: 24 Wh, 3-cell
• Shape: Low-profile pack that barely extends from the back edge of the laptop
• Best for: Traveling light, frequent desk use, users who plug in often

External T480 Battery – 24Wh Lenovo 01AV423 (61)

Compact 24 Wh external battery for ThinkPad T480. Ideal if you want to keep your laptop as light and slim as possible, while still benefiting from the Power Bridge dual-battery design.

View 24Wh external 01AV423 battery

3.2 48Wh external battery – Lenovo 01AV427 (Battery 61+, 6-cell)

The 48 Wh 6-cell battery is often labelled as Battery 61+. It’s one of the best all-round options for the T480 because it balances runtime and portability.

Typical characteristics:

• Part number: 01AV427 (and related 01AV425 / 01AV426 / 01AV428 family, depending on model)
• Capacity: 48 Wh, 6-cell
• Shape: Slightly thicker than the 3-cell; creates a small “bump” on the back that can tilt the keyboard for more comfortable typing
• Best for: Users who want noticeably longer battery life without going to the largest extended pack

Combined with the internal 24 Wh pack, a 48 Wh external battery gives you around 72 Wh total, which is excellent for business travel and full workdays away from power, depending on your workload and settings.

External T480 Battery – 48Wh Lenovo 01AV427 (61+)

48 Wh 6-cell external battery for ThinkPad T480, a great middle-ground between weight and runtime. Ideal if you regularly work on battery for several hours and want a noticeable upgrade over the 24 Wh pack.

View 48Wh external 01AV427 battery

3.3 72Wh external battery – Lenovo 61++ (6-cell extended)

For maximum runtime, Lenovo offers the 72 Wh 6-cell extended battery, commonly known as Battery 61++. This is the “big” option that sticks out further from the back of the laptop but dramatically increases battery life.

Typical characteristics:

• Battery family: 61++ extended 6-cell
• Capacity: 72 Wh, 6-cell
• Shape: Extended pack that raises the rear of the laptop and adds weight
• Best for: Users who work away from power all day – outdoor work, long flights, conferences, field work

Paired with the internal 24 Wh battery, this gives a total of up to 96 Wh capacity, which is about as much as you can reasonably carry in a business notebook under typical airline battery limits.

External T480 Battery – 72Wh Lenovo 61++ (extended)

72 Wh extended external battery for ThinkPad T480. This is the right choice if you need the longest possible runtime and don’t mind extra weight or a larger rear “bump” on the laptop.

View 72Wh external 61++ battery

4. Quick comparison: T480 battery combinations

Here’s a simple way to look at possible combinations on a T480 with an internal 24 Wh battery:

Actual hours will depend heavily on your screen brightness, CPU load, wireless usage and power profile, but the total Wh capacity is a good way to compare options.

5. How to check which batteries your T480 has

Before ordering replacements, it’s smart to confirm which batteries are currently installed.

5.1 Checking the external battery

1. Shut down your T480 (or at least disconnect the charger).
2. Turn the laptop over and locate the external rear battery.
3. Slide the battery release latches and remove the pack.
4. On the label, look for the “Battery 61 / 61+ / 61++” marking and the part number (e.g. 01AV423, 01AV427).

Match this number with your replacement choice to be sure of compatibility.

5.2 Checking the internal battery (without opening the laptop)

The internal battery is almost always a 24 Wh pack in the T480. To see its information in Windows without opening the chassis, you can:

• Use Lenovo Vantage or Lenovo Commercial Vantage (on many systems) to view battery details.
• Generate a Powercfg /batteryreport from an elevated Command Prompt to see design capacity and current full charge capacity.

If you’re replacing the internal battery, it’s still a good idea to power off, open the bottom cover carefully and visually confirm the part number before ordering.

6. How to choose the right T480 battery configuration

Here are some practical recommendations based on typical usage:

Office & home users (mostly near a charger)

• Internal: 24 Wh 01AV421
• External: 24 Wh 01AV423 (Battery 61)
• Why: Light weight, slim profile, perfectly fine if you’re usually plugged in or only do short mobile sessions.

Business travelers & students

• Internal: 24 Wh 01AV421
• External: 48 Wh 01AV427 (Battery 61+)
• Why: Great compromise between bulk and runtime. Many users find ~72 Wh total capacity enough for a full working day with moderate loads.

Field work, long flights, power-hungry tasks

• Internal: 24 Wh 01AV421
• External: 72 Wh 61++ extended
• Why: Maximum possible runtime – ideal if you rarely have access to power and don’t mind extra weight and a larger battery bulge.

7. Installation tips and safety

Some quick best practices when replacing T480 batteries:

• External battery:
  • Shut down or at least sleep the laptop before swapping.
  • Use the rear latches instead of forcing the battery.
  • Make sure the new battery clicks firmly into place.
• Internal battery:
  • Power off completely and disconnect the AC adapter.
  • Use an ESD-safe work area if possible.
  • Remove the bottom cover carefully (use the right screwdriver, don’t pry aggressively).
  • Disconnect the battery cable before lifting the pack.
  • Follow Lenovo’s hardware maintenance manual if you’re not familiar with ThinkPad disassembly.
• After replacement:
  • Boot into Windows and check that both batteries are detected correctly.
  • Let the system charge to 100%, then use it on battery to verify stable operation.

8. Summary: what battery does the T480 use?

To recap:

• The ThinkPad T480 uses a dual-battery design with:
  • Internal battery: 24 Wh 3-cell (FRU 01AV421)
  • External battery options:
    • 24 Wh 3-cell Battery 61 (01AV423)
    • 48 Wh 6-cell Battery 61+ (e.g. 01AV427)
    • 72 Wh 6-cell extended Battery 61++
• You can mix a single internal pack with any of the external options to match your weight vs. runtime needs.
• When replacing batteries, always match the part number and confirm physical compatibility.

If your T480 no longer lasts as long as it used to, refreshing the internal 24 Wh pack and choosing the right external 61 / 61+ / 61++ battery is one of the most effective upgrades you can make—keeping a trusted business laptop running strong for years to come.

The ASUS ROG Ally is a handheld Windows gaming PC. It doesn’t use a closed console store like a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation – instead, it runs full Windows 11, just like a regular gaming laptop.

So when people ask, “Do you have to pay for games on ASUS ROG Ally?”, what they really want to know is: do you need special paid games just for the Ally, or can you use free games, Game Pass and your existing library?

The short answer is: you don’t pay ASUS for games. You install games from the same places as any Windows PC – some are paid, some are free, and some are included in subscriptions.

1. The ROG Ally is a PC, not a closed console

The most important thing to understand is that the ROG Ally is basically a small gaming PC with a built-in controller. It runs Windows 11, so you can install:

• Steam
• Epic Games Store
• GOG Galaxy
• Xbox app (PC Game Pass)
• EA app, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net
• Launchers for other PC platforms and cloud services

That means you pay for games (or don’t pay) the same way you would on a normal Windows gaming laptop. ASUS does not charge a separate “ROG Ally game fee” or require a special store.

2. Paid games: one-time purchases

Most PC games you play on the ROG Ally will be standard paid titles that you buy once from a store, for example:

• Buying a new AAA game on Steam
• Purchasing an indie game on the Epic Games Store
• Buying a DRM-free classic on GOG

Once you’ve bought the game on your account, you can install it on the ROG Ally (and on your other PCs), as long as you log into the same store account. You don’t pay extra just because it’s a handheld.

So yes, many games on the ROG Ally are paid games – but you pay the game publishers or platforms, not ASUS, exactly like a regular computer.

3. Free-to-play games: no purchase needed

You don’t have to spend money to play on the ROG Ally. There are many free-to-play games you can install and enjoy without paying up front, for example:

• Popular battle royale and hero shooters
• MOBA and card games
• Many multiplayer co-op and casual titles

Most of them make money through:

• Optional cosmetics (skins, emotes, battle passes)
• Extra content, expansions or season passes

You can download these games directly from Steam, the Xbox app or other PC launchers on your ROG Ally. Whether you spend money inside them is completely up to you.

4. Subscription services (Game Pass and others)

Another big category is subscription gaming. On the ROG Ally, you can use services like:

• PC Game Pass via the Xbox app
• Other PC subscription libraries (where available in your region)
• Cloud gaming subscriptions (for streaming, not local installs)

With a subscription:

• You pay a monthly or yearly fee.
• You get access to a library of games to download and play as long as your subscription is active.
• When your subscription ends, you lose access to those games (unless you buy them separately).

This is similar to Netflix for games. You’re not paying for each individual title, but you are paying a recurring fee to keep access. On the ROG Ally, this works just like it does on a gaming laptop or desktop.

5. Cloud gaming: sometimes free, sometimes paid

Because the ROG Ally is a full Windows device with Wi-Fi, you can also use cloud gaming services (where available in your country). In this case:

• The game runs on a remote server, not on the Ally itself.
• Your ROG Ally simply streams the video and sends your inputs back.

Some cloud services use:

• A subscription model (pay monthly, get access to a catalog).
• A bring your own games model (you pay for the game on Steam/Epic/etc., then stream it from the cloud).

This technically lets you play very demanding games on the Ally even if the hardware would struggle to run them locally. But again, you pay the cloud service or the game store, not ASUS directly.

6. Emulation and your own game library

Many people also use the ROG Ally for emulation and retro gaming. Legally, you should only emulate games you actually own, and you need to follow copyright laws in your country.

From a payment perspective, there are a few possibilities:

• You already own the original games and are not buying anything new.
• You pay for legal re-releases or collections of classic games on Steam/GOG, then run them on the Ally.
• You might buy front-end software or specific emulators if they are paid apps (many are free, some are not).

Again, the ROG Ally itself doesn’t charge you a fee for this. You’re just using it like a small Windows PC that runs your favorite software.

7. Pre-installed content: do you get any free games?

Depending on the region and promotion, your ROG Ally might come with:

• Trial subscriptions (for example, a limited period of a game service)
• Launcher shortcuts or pre-installed software

These offers change over time, and they’re more like bonus deals than permanent features. Even if you get some free time or free games initially, you’ll usually need to pay if you want to keep using the subscription after the trial ends.

It’s always a good idea to check the box, receipt or ASUS promo page for your region to see if any free trials are currently included.

8. Do you ever pay ASUS directly for games?

In normal use, no.

You pay:

• Game stores (Steam, Epic, GOG, etc.) for individual games.
• Subscription providers for Game Pass or other services.
• Cloud providers if you use cloud gaming.

ASUS charges you for the hardware (the ROG Ally console itself), not for each game you install on it. There’s no “ROG Ally tax” on your games.

9. Practical examples: how a new user might play

Here are a few typical scenarios:

Scenario 1: The budget player

• Buys the ROG Ally.
• Installs Steam and the Xbox app.
• Plays free-to-play games plus free promos and demos.
• Total: pays nothing extra for games if they stick to free content.

Scenario 2: The subscription-focused player

• Buys the ROG Ally.
• Subscribes to a PC game subscription service.
• Downloads a rotating library of AAA and indie games.
• Total: pays monthly or yearly, but doesn’t buy many individual games.

Scenario 3: The traditional PC gamer

• Buys the ROG Ally.
• Logs into their existing Steam/Epic/GOG accounts.
• Installs games they already bought over the years.
• Total: pays nothing new for those games, just reuses their existing library.

10. Final answer: do you have to pay for games on ASUS ROG Ally?

The ASUS ROG Ally itself does not require you to pay for games in any special way. It’s simply a powerful handheld Windows PC. You can:

• Play paid games you buy on Steam, Epic, GOG and other stores.
• Enjoy free-to-play games and demos without spending anything.
• Use subscription services if you like the “all-you-can-play” model.
• Reuse your existing PC game library by logging into your usual accounts.

So, you don’t have to pay for games in the sense of a mandatory fee, but you will pay for games, subscriptions or DLC if you choose to – exactly like on any other Windows gaming PC.

If you’re happy playing free-to-play titles and occasional promos, you can absolutely enjoy the ROG Ally without constantly buying new games. If you love building a big library of AAA releases and indie gems, you’ll pay for those games the same way you already do on your desktop or laptop.

The ASUS ROG Ally comes in two main versions: the more powerful Z1 Extreme model and the more affordable Z1 (non-Extreme) version. On paper they look similar – same chassis, same gorgeous 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz display, same 16 GB RAM and NVMe SSD – but the Z1 has a weaker APU and usually a lower price.

That leads to the big question: Is the ROG Ally Z1 worth it, or should you skip it and go straight for the Z1 Extreme or a different device?

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down what you actually get with the ROG Ally Z1, how it performs in real games, who it’s good for, and when it’s smarter to spend a little more (or choose something else).

1. ROG Ally Z1 vs Z1 Extreme: What’s the Difference?

First, it’s important to understand that the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme share almost everything:

• Same 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz VRR screen
• Same 16 GB LPDDR5 memory
• Same storage type (512 GB NVMe SSD in most configs, upgradeable)
• Same Windows 11 OS and Armoury Crate SE software
• Same chassis, cooling design and controls

The main difference is inside the chip:

• ROG Ally Z1: Fewer CPU cores and fewer GPU compute units, lower peak GPU performance.
• ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: More CPU cores/threads and a significantly stronger integrated GPU, better suited for AAA games.

In simple terms: the Z1 model is a cut-down, lower-power version of the Z1 Extreme. You’re trading performance for a lower price.

2. Real-World Performance: What Can the Z1 Handle?

2.1 AAA Games

The ROG Ally Z1 can run modern AAA games, but this is where the gap to the Z1 Extreme is most visible. With the Z1, you should expect:

• Resolution: Often 720p (1280×720) or even below, with FSR/upscaling enabled.
• Graphics preset: Low, sometimes Low–Medium for lighter titles.
• Target FPS: 30 FPS is realistic for demanding games; 40–45 FPS in some better-optimized titles.

Games like dense open-world RPGs or graphically heavy shooters will run, but the settings and resolution compromises are larger than on the Z1 Extreme. If your main goal is to play big AAA releases at the highest possible quality on a handheld, the Z1 is the more “budget-friendly but compromised” option.

2.2 Esports & Competitive Games

For competitive games and esports titles, the Z1 actually holds up pretty well:

• Hero shooters & tactical shooters: With tuned settings (low/medium, 720p–900p), you can aim for smooth gameplay.
• MOBAs & arena games: Generally run very well and can often reach higher frame rates.
• Battle royale games: Playable, but you’ll need to be aggressive with settings to maintain stable performance.

These games are usually well-optimized and don’t need ultra presets to be fun, so the performance gap between Z1 and Z1 Extreme is much less painful here. If your library is heavy on esports titles, the Z1 may be enough.

2.3 Indie & 2D Games

This is where the ROG Ally Z1 shines relative to its price. Most indie and 2D games are light on hardware but benefit from:

• A good display with 1080p resolution
• Responsive controls
• Fast SSD storage

The Z1 can run indie games at 1080p, high/max settings, often 60 FPS+ without breaking a sweat. If your main interest is in platformers, roguelikes, JRPGs, deck-builders and retro-style games, the cheaper Z1 model handles them almost as well as the Z1 Extreme.

2.4 Emulation

For retro gaming and emulation (NES up through PS2/GameCube/Wii era), the Z1 is also very capable. Many older systems are CPU-light and GPU-light compared to modern games, so you still get:

• Smooth 60 FPS in classic systems
• Higher internal resolutions for better image quality in older 3D games

For very demanding newer console emulation, the Z1 Extreme has clear advantages, but for retro and mid-era consoles, the Z1 is usually enough.

3. How Much Cheaper Is the ROG Ally Z1?

The biggest argument in favor of the Z1 version is price. The Z1 variant is usually positioned as the budget-friendly entry point into the Ally ecosystem. Depending on region and timing, the Z1 model may be:

• Significantly cheaper than the Z1 Extreme at MSRP
• Heavily discounted during sales compared with its original launch price

The key value question is: How big is the price gap where you live?

• If the Z1 is much cheaper (for example, a big discount compared to the Z1 Extreme), it can be a good deal for indie/emulation-focused players.
• If the price difference is small, the Z1 Extreme almost always offers better long-term value because you get much more GPU power for only a bit more money.

4. Battery Life: Any Advantage for Z1?

Because the Z1 is less powerful, in some scenarios it can be a little more efficient than the Z1 Extreme at similar performance targets. However, in practice:

• If you try to push similar frame rates in the same game, both chips end up using similar power.

So while the Z1 can be slightly more efficient on paper, in real-world gaming the difference in battery life is usually not dramatic enough to be the main reason to choose it. Battery life on both models is limited by the same small handheld-sized battery.

5. Use Cases: Who Is the ROG Ally Z1 For?

You should consider the ROG Ally Z1 if:

• You mainly play indie, 2D and retro games or lighter 3D titles.
• You care more about portability and price than maximum AAA performance.
• You already have a powerful desktop or console for heavy AAA gaming and just want a handheld companion.
• You find the Z1 model at a very good discount compared to the Z1 Extreme.

You should skip the ROG Ally Z1 (and go Z1 Extreme or something else) if:

• Your main goal is to play new AAA games with fewer compromises.
• You want the handheld to last as long as possible before it feels underpowered.
• The price difference between Z1 and Z1 Extreme in your region is small.
• You don’t have another gaming PC or console and this will be your primary gaming machine.

6. Future-Proofing and Longevity

When thinking about “worth it,” future-proofing matters. The Z1 Extreme’s stronger GPU gives you more headroom for:

• Heavier future PC games
• Higher internal resolutions and better image quality
• Stable performance as system requirements slowly climb

Because modern games are getting more demanding, the Z1 version will hit its limits sooner than the Z1 Extreme. That means:

• The Z1 may feel “low-end” for AAA games in fewer years.
• The Z1 Extreme will age more gracefully, especially if you mainly care about 3D graphics.

If you plan to keep the device for several years and use it as your main gaming system, the extra GPU power of the Z1 Extreme often pays off in the long run.

7. Summary: Is ROG Ally Z1 Worth It?

The ROG Ally Z1 can be worth it, but only for the right type of user and at the right price.

Yes, the ROG Ally Z1 is worth it if:

• You get it at a significant discount versus the Z1 Extreme.
• Your focus is on indie games, 2D titles, emulation and lighter 3D games.
• You already own a strong desktop or console for high-end AAA gaming.
• You understand and accept that AAA performance will be limited to lower settings and resolutions.

No, it’s probably not worth it if:

• The Z1 is only slightly cheaper than the Z1 Extreme where you live.
• You want the best possible handheld performance for modern AAA games.
• This will be your primary gaming device for several years.

Bottom line: The ROG Ally Z1 is a good budget-friendly handheld for indie, retro and lighter PC gaming – especially when found at a great price. But if you care a lot about AAA performance and long-term relevance, the Z1 Extreme is usually the smarter investment.

The ASUS ROG Ally has made handheld PC gaming more popular than ever. At the same time, traditional gaming laptops are more powerful and affordable than they were a few years ago. If you have a limited budget, choosing between a ROG Ally and a gaming laptop can be confusing.

This article walks you through the differences in performance, portability, battery life, comfort, upgradability and use cases so you can decide which one actually fits your life better.

1. What Is the ROG Ally, and What Is a Gaming Laptop?

ROG Ally in a nutshell

• A handheld Windows 11 gaming PC with built-in controllers.
• 7″ 1080p 120 Hz display, AMD Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme APU, 16 GB RAM, NVMe SSD.
• Designed primarily for portable gaming, like a high-end Switch that runs PC games.
• Can be docked to a monitor, keyboard and mouse to act like a tiny desktop.

Gaming laptop in a nutshell

• A traditional clamshell laptop with a keyboard, trackpad and larger screen.
• Typically 15.6″–17.3″ display, dedicated GPU (NVIDIA/AMD), replaceable SSD and often RAM.
• Designed for general computing + gaming: work, study, browsing, content creation and games.
• Usable in more environments (office, school, travel) because it looks and behaves like a normal laptop.

Both devices can play PC games, but they’re aimed at slightly different lifestyles and priorities.

2. Performance: Which Is Faster?

ROG Ally performance profile

• Uses an APU (CPU and GPU in one chip), sharing power and thermal budget.
• Excellent performance at 720p–900p in a handheld format.
• Can run modern AAA games at low–medium settings; indie and esports games run very well.
• Power limit usually 10–30 W, depending on mode and whether it’s plugged in.

Gaming laptop performance profile

• Has a separate CPU + dedicated GPU (e.g. RTX 4060, 4070, etc.).
• Much higher power headroom: 80–150 W+ combined in many mid-range models.
• Comfortably runs AAA games at 1080p with medium–high or even ultra settings, often at higher FPS.
• Better for heavy tasks like video editing, 3D rendering and streaming.

If raw performance is your top priority, a gaming laptop wins easily. The ROG Ally is powerful “for a handheld”, but a mid-range gaming laptop is still on another level.

3. Portability and Form Factor

ROG Ally

• Small and light enough to carry in a sling bag or large jacket pocket.
• No extra controller needed—inputs are built in.
• Perfect for sofa gaming, bed, travel, commuting, hotel rooms, airplanes.
• Feels like a console: pick up, press power, you’re in a game.

Gaming laptop

• Heavier and bulkier (often 2–3 kg plus power brick).
• Still portable, but less comfortable for quick play sessions standing or lying down.
• Ideal for desk or table use—coffee shops, offices, classrooms, hotel desks.
• Needs a mouse for proper gaming if you don’t like trackpads.

If you want something that truly feels like a handheld console, the ROG Ally is far more portable and casual. If your “portable gaming” always happens near a table or desk, a gaming laptop may be more practical.

4. Screen Size and Comfort

ROG Ally’s 7″ display

• Sharp 1080p resolution with 120 Hz refresh makes games look great up close.
• Small UI elements can be hard to read in some PC games (tiny fonts, icons, menus).
• Better suited to controller-friendly games with simple HUDs.

Gaming laptop displays

• 15–17″ screens are more comfortable for reading text, managing inventory, etc.
• Higher refresh options (144–240 Hz) common on gaming models.
• More immersive for cinematic games and easier for work or study.

If you play games with dense UI, lots of text or detailed menus (strategy, MMO, management games), a bigger laptop screen is more comfortable. For action games, platformers and casual play, the Ally’s screen is fine.

5. Battery Life and Noise

ROG Ally

• Heavy games: often around 1–2 hours on battery at higher power modes.
• Lighter indie games or lower TDP: 2–3+ hours.
• Fans can be audible but are generally acceptable for a handheld.

Gaming laptop

• On battery, most gaming laptops also struggle with AAA games; performance is often reduced.
• For web, office and media, laptop batteries can last 4–8 hours, depending on model.
• Fans can get very loud under load, especially in thin-and-light designs.

Neither device is amazing for heavy AAA gaming far away from a power outlet. For everyday non-gaming use (browsing, email, office), the gaming laptop is usually more efficient and lasts longer per charge.

6. Versatility and Everyday Use

ROG Ally

• Runs full Windows, so in theory you can browse, email and work—but the 7″ screen + controller layout is not ideal for serious productivity.
• Docked with a monitor, keyboard and mouse, it can behave like a small desktop PC.
• Best suited as a dedicated gaming and media device with occasional PC use.

Gaming laptop

• Fully functional laptop for work, school and creative tasks.
• Easier multitasking: multiple windows, big spreadsheets, long documents.
• Better keyboard + trackpad for writing, coding and office tasks.

If you need something for gaming + study + work, a gaming laptop is far more versatile and easier to live with as your main computer. The Ally is more like a “luxury extra” unless you really commit to docking it.

7. Upgradability and Longevity

ROG Ally

• SSD can be upgraded (M.2 2230), letting you increase storage.
• RAM and APU are soldered and not upgradeable.
• If you want more graphical power, you’d need an external GPU dock (expensive and niche).

Gaming laptop

• SSD is almost always upgradeable.
• Many models allow RAM upgrades, extending useful life.
• CPU/GPU are usually fixed, but overall performance starts higher.

A gaming laptop generally has a longer effective life because you start with more performance, and sometimes you can add RAM or a bigger SSD to keep it relevant.

8. Price and Value

Prices vary a lot by country and time, but in many markets the ROG Ally and an entry/mid-level gaming laptop can cost a similar amount.

ROG Ally value profile

• Great value if you already have a desktop or work laptop and want a second device just for gaming.
• Less value if you need to buy extras (dock, monitor, keyboard, mouse) to make it function like a laptop.

Gaming laptop value profile

• Better value if you want one device that does everything—work, study, media and gaming.
• Usually offers more performance per dollar for demanding games.

If budget is tight and you can only buy one machine, a gaming laptop usually gives better overall value. The ROG Ally makes more sense when you already own another main PC.

9. Quick Comparison Table

10. Which Should You Buy?

Choose the ROG Ally if:

• You already own a decent desktop or laptop for work/study.
• You want a portable gaming console that plays your PC library.
• You mostly play indies, AA titles, older AAA games or esports.
• You value playing on the sofa, in bed, while travelling more than having maximum graphics settings.

Choose a gaming laptop if:

• You need one machine for everything: work, school, browsing and gaming.
• You care about higher performance in AAA games, higher settings and bigger screens.
• You play lots of games with dense UI, text or strategy elements.
• You want better long-term value and upgradability (RAM/SSD).

Final Verdict

In simple terms:

• ROG Ally = second device / portable gaming toy. Amazing if you already have a main PC and want to take your games anywhere.
• Gaming laptop = main computer + gaming machine. The sensible choice if you can only buy one device and need it to do everything.

If you prioritize freedom and portability, and you love the idea of a PC-powered handheld, the ROG Ally is a fantastic choice. If you need a practical, powerful system for daily life that also plays games very well, your money is usually better spent on a solid gaming laptop.

The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming PC with a bright 120 Hz screen, a Ryzen Z1-series APU and full Windows 11. It’s portable, flexible and surprisingly fast for its size. But before spending your money, one big question comes up:

How long will an ASUS ROG Ally actually last?

The honest answer is: it depends on how you use it. With normal care, many users can expect around 3–5 years as an active gaming handheld, and potentially longer if later used more like a small PC for lighter tasks. This blog breaks down what “lasting” really means: battery life, hardware reliability, performance relevance and software support, plus tips to extend its lifespan.

1. What does “last” really mean for a handheld PC?

When people ask how long a ROG Ally will last, they usually mix several different ideas:

• Battery lifespan – how many years before the battery capacity becomes annoyingly low.
• Hardware reliability – how long before something like the thumbsticks, buttons, SSD or cooling system fails.
• Performance relevance – how many years before it feels “too slow” for new games.
• Software and driver support – how long ASUS/AMD and Microsoft keep drivers and OS updates flowing.

To really understand how long a ROG Ally can serve you, you have to look at each of these pieces separately.

2. Expected hardware lifespan (chassis, buttons, sticks, fans)

The ROG Ally is built as a portable console-style device, not a fragile toy. With normal use (careful handling, no drops, no extreme heat or moisture), it’s reasonable to expect the main hardware to last 4–6 years or even more.

Components most likely to wear out first

• Thumbsticks & buttons: Heavy daily gaming can eventually cause drift or button wear. This is similar to any controller. With moderate use, they often last several years before giving problems.
• Fans & cooling: Dust buildup and years of high temperatures can wear fans. Good ventilation and regular cleaning help a lot.
• Ports & connectors: USB-C, audio jack and the microSD slot may wear faster if cables are constantly yanked or angled.

If you treat the Ally like a laptop, not like a throw-around toy, the physical hardware can easily outlive the battery and remain usable long after its “peak” gaming years.

3. Battery lifespan: the first thing you’ll notice aging

All handheld gaming devices share one weak point: the battery. The ROG Ally uses a lithium-ion battery, which slowly loses capacity over charge cycles and exposure to heat.

Typical battery behaviour over time

• After about 1–2 years of heavy use (daily gaming, many charge/discharge cycles), you may notice significantly shorter runtimes.
• After 2–4 years, many users see the battery fall to around 60–80% of its original capacity, depending on how it’s treated.
• After 4–5+ years, for heavy users, battery life may feel poor enough that you treat it more as a “plugged-in” device.

In many designs, the battery is technically replaceable but not as simple as swapping AA cells. Replacing it often requires opening the device, which may be done via a repair shop or DIY if you’re comfortable with electronics.

How to help the battery last longer

• Avoid leaving the Ally permanently at 100% while very hot (for example, plugged in and gaming hard for hours on end).
• Try not to drain it to 0% all the time—frequent deep discharges stress lithium cells.
• Store it at roughly 40–60% charge if you won’t use it for several weeks.
• Keep it cool and ventilated; heat is the enemy of battery health.

With reasonable care, most users can expect the battery to remain “good enough” for everyday portable use for around 2–4 years. After that, it may still work, but run-time will be shorter.

4. Performance relevance: when does it feel “too slow”?

The ROG Ally uses a modern AMD APU (Z1 or Z1 Extreme) with Zen CPU cores and RDNA graphics. At launch, that gives it performance similar to, or better than, many budget gaming laptops—especially at 720p–900p.

Rough timeline for performance expectations

• First 1–2 years: Most AAA games are playable with tuned settings; indie and esports titles are great; performance feels current.
• 2–4 years: New AAA games may require lower settings and aggressive upscaling, but the Ally still handles many releases; indie and older games continue to run beautifully.
• 4–6+ years: For the latest heavy games, you’ll likely be at very low presets and 30 FPS targets, but the device remains excellent for indie, retro, emulation and older AAA titles.

If your main gaming diet is indie titles, 2D games, retro games and esports, the ROG Ally will feel “fast enough” much longer than if you always chase the newest AAA releases at high settings.

5. Software & driver support over time

Because the ROG Ally runs Windows 11, its long-term usability depends heavily on:

• Microsoft continuing to support Windows 11 and future Windows on this hardware.
• AMD providing updated GPU and APU drivers.
• ASUS maintaining tools like Armoury Crate SE and firmware updates.

Typically, gaming laptops and devices in this class receive several years of driver and firmware updates. Even after official updates slow down, Windows usually remains usable, and many games still run fine with older drivers.

Realistically, you can expect decent software support for at least 3–5 years from release, with the device likely remaining usable beyond that as long as Windows still runs and your games support the OS.

6. Usage patterns: heavy vs. casual players

How long an ASUS ROG Ally lasts in the real world depends a lot on how you actually use it:

If you’re a heavy gamer

• Daily long gaming sessions, high TDP modes and high temperatures will age the battery faster.
• Thumbsticks, buttons and fans see more wear and tear.
• You may feel the performance limitations of the APU sooner as new AAA games release.

For a very heavy gamer, planning for 3–4 intense years as a primary handheld is realistic, with possible battery replacement around the mid-point if you want to keep mobility.

If you’re a casual or mixed user

• You play 2–3 times a week, often shorter sessions.
• You mix indie, retro and some AAA titles.
• You don’t always run at the highest power mode.

In this case, the Ally can easily feel like a solid device for 4–6 years, especially if you take care of the battery and avoid physical abuse. After that, it may still be perfectly fine for lighter use, streaming and emulation.

7. Common failure points and how to avoid them

To maximize the lifespan of your ROG Ally, pay attention to these potential weak spots:

1) Heat and ventilation

• Don’t block the rear vents with blankets, pillows or your hands while gaming.
• Avoid playing in very hot environments for long periods.
• Use a stand or cooling pad when docked to improve airflow.

2) microSD card slot

• Try not to cover the exhaust area; heat can stress the card and slot.
• Use good quality cards and avoid frequently inserting/removing them while hot.

3) Thumbsticks and buttons

• Avoid pressing excessively hard or twisting sticks aggressively.
• Don’t drop the device or toss it in bags without protection.
• Consider a carrying case for travel.

4) Ports and cables

• Support cables near the connector; don’t let them hang and bend the port.
• Unplug gently rather than yanking cables out.

8. Practical summary: how long will an ASUS ROG Ally last?

If you want a simple, realistic expectation:

• As a main handheld gaming device: About 3–5 years for most users, depending on intensity of use and care.
• Battery in good portable condition: Around 2–4 years before you notice a major drop in run-time (sooner if heavily used, longer if treated gently).
• As a general Windows mini-PC / emulation machine: Potentially 5+ years, especially if you’re okay gaming plugged in and focusing on lighter titles.

In other words, the ASUS ROG Ally is not a disposable gadget. With sensible settings, good cooling and basic care for the battery and controls, it can serve you well for several years. Over time, it will naturally transition from “newest AAA handheld” to “perfect indie and retro machine” — but that doesn’t mean it stops being useful.

If you go in expecting a lifespan similar to a gaming laptop rather than a cheap toy, and you’re willing to take a little care of it, the ROG Ally can be a solid long-term part of your gaming setup.

The Asus ROG Ally is a handheld Windows 11 gaming PC designed to give you “real PC gaming” in a portable form. One of the first questions most buyers ask is simple:

Can the ROG Ally play Steam games?

The short answer is yes. The ROG Ally runs full Windows, so it can install and play Steam games just like a regular gaming laptop or desktop. But there are important details about performance, controls, storage and settings that you should understand to get the best experience.

1. Why the ROG Ally Works So Well With Steam

The ROG Ally isn’t using a console OS or a locked-down store; it runs Windows 11 Home. That means the standard desktop Steam client works exactly the same way it does on a PC:

• You download and install Steam for Windows.
• Log in with your existing Steam account.
• Download your games and play them on the Ally.

There’s no need for compatibility layers or Proton (like on the Steam Deck), because games are running in their native Windows version. Technically, if a game runs on a mid-range Windows gaming laptop, it can usually run on the ROG Ally — with settings adjusted to fit handheld hardware.

2. Types of Steam Games the ROG Ally Can Play

2.1 AAA Blockbuster Games

The ROG Ally’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and RDNA graphics are powerful enough to run modern AAA titles from Steam, including:

• Open-world games (RPGs, action-adventure)
• Racing games
• Shooter campaigns and co-op games

For big, demanding titles you’ll usually aim for:

• Resolution: 1280×720 (720p) to 1600×900 (900p)
• Graphics preset: Low to Medium
• Upscaling: FSR or in-game resolution scaling where available
• Power mode: Performance or Turbo when plugged in

With those settings, many AAA Steam games are very playable on the Ally, often in the 30–60 FPS range depending on the title.

2.2 Competitive & Esports Games

Steam is full of esports and competitive titles that run extremely well on the ROG Ally, such as:

• Hero shooters and tactical shooters
• Battle royale games (where available on Steam)
• MOBAs, arena fighters and sports titles

Because these games are heavily optimized, you can typically target:

• Resolution: 720p–900p
• Preset: Competitive/Low for maximum FPS
• Frame rate: 60 FPS or higher, taking advantage of the 120 Hz display

For players who mainly care about online competitive games, the Ally works very well as a portable Steam esports device.

2.3 Indie & 2D Titles

Many of the most popular Steam games are actually indie and 2D titles, which are perfect for the ROG Ally:

• Pixel-art platformers and metroidvanias
• Roguelikes and deck-builders
• Management, simulation and story-driven indie games

These titles often run at:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 (native panel resolution)
• Settings: High or Max
• Power: Silent or low TDP modes

That means quiet fans, longer battery life and a great handheld experience — perfect for using the Ally as an “indie machine” for your Steam backlog.

2.4 Retro PC & Classic Steam Games

Steam is also home to countless classic PC games: older FPS titles, RTS games, CRPGs and remastered collections. These tend to be very light on hardware, so the Ally can run them easily at 1080p and high settings.

In many cases, the limiting factor will be controls rather than performance (for example, older games designed only for mouse and keyboard). In those situations, you can either:

• Play docked with mouse and keyboard.
• Use Steam Input or third-party tools to map keyboard/mouse controls to the Ally’s gamepad.

3. Installing and Running Steam on the ROG Ally

Getting Steam running on the Ally is straightforward:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and run through Windows 11’s initial setup.
2. Open the Microsoft Edge browser or any browser you prefer.
3. Go to store.steampowered.com and download the Windows Steam installer.
4. Run the installer, log into your Steam account, and you’re ready to download games.

You can then pin Steam to the Start menu, taskbar, or add it into Armoury Crate SE so it appears in your game library alongside non-Steam titles.

4. Controller Support and Steam Input

The ROG Ally’s built-in controls are detected by Windows as an Xbox-style controller. On Steam, that means:

• Most modern games will recognize the Ally’s controls automatically.
• Steam’s Big Picture mode can give you a console-like interface.
• Steam Input lets you customize controller layouts per game.

With Steam Input, you can:

• Remap buttons and sticks.
• Use gyro aiming if you like motion controls.
• Create community or personal layouts for games that don’t have native controller support.

If you run into a game that feels awkward with the default controls, try launching it through Big Picture mode and customizing the layout — or search for community templates tailored for handheld devices.

5. Limitations: When Steam Games Don’t Work Perfectly

Although the ROG Ally plays most Steam games well, there are some limitations to be aware of.

5.1 Very Demanding AAA Games

The Ally’s APU is powerful for a handheld, but not on the same level as a high-end desktop GPU. The newest, most demanding AAA Steam games may require:

• 720p resolution or lower
• Low graphics presets
• Upscaling to maintain 30 FPS

These games can still be playable, but you must be ready to compromise on image quality, especially if you want higher frame rates.

5.2 Anti-Cheat & Compatibility Issues

A small number of Steam games may have issues due to:

• Aggressive anti-cheat systems that behave unpredictably if you’ve modified Windows or drivers.
• Very old games with outdated DRM or 16-bit installers that don’t play nicely with modern Windows 11.

These cases are rare, but they’re part of why no PC — handheld or desktop — can honestly claim to run every Steam game perfectly.

5.3 Storage Space

Steam libraries grow quickly. The Ally’s internal SSD (often 512 GB) fills up fast when:

• Modern AAA games are 80–150 GB each.
• You install multiple big titles at the same time.

You can upgrade the internal M.2 2230 SSD and add a microSD card, but practically, you’ll often need to manage your installed Steam games, rotating titles in and out depending on what you’re playing.

6. Steam Big Picture, Deck-Style Experience and the Ally

If you like the Steam Deck’s console-like interface, you can come close on the ROG Ally by:

• Using Steam’s Big Picture mode as your primary launcher.
• Mapping the Ally’s controls (via Armoury Crate SE) so you can navigate Big Picture with the gamepad.
• Setting Windows to log in automatically and launching Steam at startup.

This doesn’t turn your Ally into a Steam Deck; it’s still Windows underneath, with all its pros and cons. But it does make the Steam experience more living-room friendly and controller-driven, which is ideal in handheld mode.

7. Practical Tips for a Better Steam Experience on the Ally

• Use game-specific performance profiles: Set different TDP and fan profiles per game (Silent for indie, Performance for AAA).
• Lower resolution before lowering everything else: 720p on a 7-inch display still looks good and helps frame rates a lot.
• Experiment with FSR and in-game upscaling: Many modern Steam games include these features; they’re perfect for handhelds.
• Back up your save data: Where possible, rely on Steam Cloud so you can safely reinstall or swap drives later.

8. Final Answer: Yes — With the Right Expectations

So, can the ROG Ally play Steam games? Absolutely.

The Ally is effectively a compact Windows gaming PC with built-in controls and a 1080p 120 Hz screen. It can install and run the vast majority of Steam titles, from indie hits and retro classics to modern AAA blockbusters, provided you adjust resolution and settings to match its handheld hardware.

It won’t max out every new game at ultra settings, and a handful of titles may have quirks due to anti-cheat or legacy DRM. But for most players, the practical reality is simple: if your favorite games are on Steam and run on a typical gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Ally is a very capable, portable way to enjoy them almost anywhere.

The Asus ROG Ally is a powerful handheld Windows gaming PC, packed into a device roughly the size of a Nintendo Switch. With an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, 16 GB of RAM and a 1080p 120 Hz screen, it looks on paper like a tiny gaming laptop with controller controls built in.

That leads to a common question: can the Asus ROG Ally play all games?

The short answer is: the ROG Ally can run a huge portion of the modern PC game library, but not literally “all games” in every scenario. There are technical, performance, OS and input limitations you need to understand.

1. What “All Games” Really Means

Before we talk about the Ally itself, we need to define what “all games” means. There are a few different categories:

• Windows PC games – Games available through Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox app, EA app, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, etc.
• Console-exclusive games – PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox titles that don’t have a PC version.
• VR-only titles – Games designed for PC VR headsets or standalone VR systems.
• Legacy / very old PC games – Titles that may rely on outdated APIs, 32-bit installers or DRM that no longer behaves well on modern Windows.

The Asus ROG Ally is fundamentally a Windows 11 PC in handheld form. It’s not a PlayStation, not a Switch, and not a dedicated VR headset. That means its strongest compatibility is with modern Windows games. Everything else is either indirect (via cloud streaming or emulation) or not supported at all.

2. Windows 11 and PC Game Compatibility

Because the ROG Ally runs full Windows 11, it has excellent compatibility with the modern PC game ecosystem.

Game platforms you can use natively

• Steam – Your entire Steam library, including AAA and indie titles.
• Epic Games Store – Fortnite, exclusives and weekly free games.
• GOG Galaxy – DRM-free classics and newer releases.
• Xbox app & PC Game Pass – A subscription library of hundreds of games.
• EA app, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net – Launchers for EA, Ubisoft and Blizzard titles.
• Cloud services: GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming (via browser or app), and other streaming platforms.

If a game is sold as a Windows PC title and works on a mid-range gaming laptop, there’s a very high chance it can also run on the ROG Ally—subject to performance and storage constraints.

3. Performance Limits: Can It Run, and Is It Playable?

Even if a game can technically launch, the next question is whether it is playable at acceptable settings on a handheld APU.

What the Ally handles well

• Indie / 2D games: Often run at 1080p, high settings, 60 FPS+ with very low power usage.
• Esports / competitive titles: Games like Valorant, Overwatch 2, League of Legends and Dota 2 typically hit high frame rates at 720p–900p with tuned settings.
• Older AAA games: Titles from a few years ago (The Witcher 3, GTA V, older Assassin’s Creed games, etc.) often run smoothly with medium or better settings.

Where it starts to struggle

• Cutting-edge AAA releases: Very demanding new games may require 720p, low presets and aggressive scaling to stay around 30 FPS.
• Badly optimized ports: Some games are heavy even on desktops, and the Ally can only do so much with limited power and cooling.
• Ultra settings and 4K textures: These are beyond what a handheld APU can realistically handle for smooth gameplay.

So, the Ally can “play” most modern Windows games in the sense that they will launch and run, but you should expect to tune resolution, TDP and graphics settings, especially for newer and more demanding titles. It’s not a 4K desktop GPU.

4. Input, Anti-Cheat and DRM Limitations

There are a few non-performance reasons why some games may not work well—or at all—on the ROG Ally.

1) Input method (controller vs. mouse & keyboard)

• Most modern games support Xbox-style controllers, which the Ally emulates by default.
• But some older or niche PC games are designed only for mouse and keyboard, with poor or no controller support.

In those cases, you have options: play docked with a keyboard and mouse, or use tools and community layouts to map controls—but it’s not always convenient on the handheld itself.

2) Anti-cheat and kernel-level drivers

• Some competitive games use aggressive anti-cheat systems that can be picky about certain Windows or driver configurations.
• On a standard Windows 11 PC like the Ally, most of these work, but occasionally you may run into compatibility issues, especially if you tweak system settings or virtualisation features.

3) DRM and legacy titles

• Certain very old games rely on outdated DRM (like SecuROM or SafeDisc) or 16-bit installers that no longer run properly on modern 64-bit Windows versions.
• Some of these have updated releases on GOG or Steam that work fine; older untouched versions may not.

These are edge cases, but they are good examples of why “plays all games” can’t be guaranteed, even if the hardware is capable.

5. Console, VR and Platform Exclusives

There are entire categories of games that the ROG Ally cannot run natively.

Console exclusives

• Nintendo Switch / Wii U / 3DS exclusives that have no PC ports.
• PlayStation exclusives that haven’t been released on PC.
• Xbox console-only titles that don’t have a Windows PC build (though many do these days).

You can’t install these games directly like you would on their original consoles. You may be able to access some via cloud streaming (Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play from your own console, etc.), but that’s not the same as native local play.

VR-only games

• Games that require a PC VR headset (like Valve Index) or standalone VR (Quest, PS VR) cannot be used in VR mode with just the Ally.
• In theory, you could connect the Ally docked to a VR headset and try some PC VR titles, but you’re now into niche, highly experimental territory with performance and driver challenges.

Practically speaking, if a game is truly VR-only or console-exclusive with no PC version, you should not expect to play it natively on the ROG Ally.

6. Storage and File Size Limits

From a purely technical perspective, storage is another limiting factor in “playing all games.”

• The Ally typically ships with a 512 GB NVMe SSD, part of which is used by Windows and recovery partitions.
• Many modern AAA games are 80–150 GB each, with some exceeding 200 GB with high-resolution textures.

While you can upgrade the internal SSD and use microSD cards, you can’t realistically have a huge number of giant games installed at the same time. You’ll often need to rotate installed titles and manage your library actively.

7. Emulation and Cloud Gaming: Extending the Library

Even though the Ally can’t natively run every console game ever made, there are two major ways it can expand its effective library—with some caveats.

1) Emulation

• The Ally is powerful enough to emulate many older consoles up to the PS2/GameCube/Wii era very well, using popular emulators.
• Newer systems (PS3, Switch, etc.) are very mixed: some titles run acceptably, others are far too demanding or simply not supported yet.
• You must respect copyright and only emulate games you legally own, following local laws and license terms.

2) Cloud gaming

• Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW and others let you stream games from powerful servers to the Ally.
• As long as your connection is good, you can “play” games that the Ally’s hardware alone couldn’t handle.
• The trade-offs are input latency, dependence on internet quality and subscription costs.

Through emulation and cloud streaming, the ROG Ally can access far more games than it could natively. But again, this is not the same as guaranteeing that every game runs perfectly on local hardware.

8. Practical Answer: What You Should Expect

So, can the Asus ROG Ally play all games? Realistically, you should think of it this way:

• Modern Windows PC games: The Ally can run the vast majority, often very well, but you may need to lower settings or resolution for the newest AAA titles.
• Indie and older games: It handles these easily, often at 1080p and high settings, with great performance and battery life.
• Esports and competitive titles: Most run smoothly at 60 FPS+ with tuned settings, making the Ally a strong portable esports machine.
• Console exclusives and VR-only games: Not natively playable; only possible via streaming or other indirect methods.
• Very old or odd PC titles: Many work, especially remastered versions, but a few will have issues with modern Windows, DRM or drivers.

9. Final Verdict: No, Not “All Games” – But Close Enough for Most Players

The Asus ROG Ally is not a magic device that can literally play every game ever made. Platform exclusives, VR-only titles, some legacy PC games and a handful of anti-cheat or DRM-problematic games are outside its reach. Ultra-demanding AAA games will also force you to compromise on graphics quality and frame rate.

However, for most players, the more practical question is: “Can the ROG Ally play the games I actually care about?”

If your gaming revolves around:

• Modern PC games from Steam/Epic/Game Pass
• Indies, 2D titles and retro games
• Competitive online titles and popular multiplayer games

…then the Asus ROG Ally can probably play almost everything you want, as long as you accept some tweaks to resolution and graphics. It’s not truly “all games,” but for a huge slice of the PC gaming world, it comes very close in a portable, flexible form factor.

The Asus ROG Ally is a handheld Windows gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, a 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz display and full Windows 11. On paper that sounds powerful, but what does it mean in practice?

In other words: what games can the Asus ROG Ally actually play, and how well?

This guide walks through the main categories of games that run well on the ROG Ally — from AAA blockbusters to indie titles and emulators — plus realistic expectations for settings and performance.

1. Big AAA PC Games

Thanks to its Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and modern RDNA 3 graphics, the ROG Ally can run most modern AAA titles as long as you’re willing to tune resolution, power limit and graphics settings.

Examples of AAA games you can play

• Open-world / action: Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Starfield
• Story-driven / cinematic: Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War (PC), A Plague Tale: Requiem, Control
• Action RPGs: Elden Ring, Lies of P, Diablo IV, Monster Hunter: World / Rise
• Racing: Forza Horizon 5, Need for Speed titles, F1 series

Typical settings for AAA games

On the Ally, you normally aim for:

• Resolution: 720p (1280×720) to 900p (1600×900) internally, sometimes with FSR upscaling to 1080p
• Preset: Low to Medium, with some demanding options (Ray Tracing, ultra shadows, high distance detail) disabled
• Power mode: Performance or Turbo, usually 15–25 W on battery, up to ~30 W when plugged in

With those settings, many AAA games can run in the 30–60 FPS range, depending on how demanding they are. You won’t get desktop-level ultra settings, but for a handheld, the results are impressive.

2. Competitive & Esports Titles

Fast-paced competitive games are a great fit for the ROG Ally because they tend to be well-optimized and less demanding than heavy AAA single-player titles.

Popular competitive games that run very well

• Hero shooters & tactical: Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege
• Battle royale: Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone (with tuned settings)
• MOBA: League of Legends, Dota 2, Smite
• Fighting & sports: Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, FIFA / EA Sports FC (with sensible settings)

Why these games work so well

• Most have built-in resolution scaling and competitive presets.
• They’re designed to run well on a wide range of hardware, including older PCs.
• The Ally’s 120 Hz screen lets you benefit from higher frame rates where possible.

With tuned graphics and a 15–20 W power limit, it’s realistic to target 60 FPS or higher in many esports games, especially at 720p–900p.

3. Indie & 2D Games

This is where the ROG Ally absolutely cruises. Most indie and 2D titles are far less demanding than AAA games, so you can often enjoy:

• 1080p resolution
• High or max settings
• Quiet fan noise and lower power modes

Examples of indie and 2D games that are perfect on the Ally

• Platformers & action: Hollow Knight, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Celeste, Dead Cells
• Roguelikes & metroidvanias: Hades, Vampire Survivors, Slay the Spire, Rogue Legacy 2
• Simulation & management: Stardew Valley, RimWorld, Factorio, Cities: Skylines (watch CPU load)
• Pixel-art classics & remasters: many GOG/Steam classics, HD-2D style JRPGs, etc.

These games often run at 60 FPS+ even in Silent or low TDP modes, which means more battery life and less heat. If your library is heavy on indie titles, the Ally is an excellent portable machine.

4. Emulation – Retro to Modern

As a Windows PC, the ROG Ally supports a wide range of emulators. How far you can go depends on the platform you’re emulating and the quality of the emulator itself, but broadly:

• 8-bit / 16-bit / 32-bit era: NES, SNES, Mega Drive/Genesis, PlayStation 1, etc. – basically trivial for the Ally.
• GameCube / Wii / PS2: Very strong performance (Dolphin, PCSX2, etc.) with 2x–3x internal resolution or more in many titles.
• PSP / PS Vita / 3DS / DS: Generally smooth with high internal resolution scaling.
• PS3 / Switch / early PS4-era: Heavily game- and emulator-dependent; some titles are playable, others are too demanding.

Always respect the legal aspects: only emulate games you own and follow local laws and license agreements. But from a pure performance standpoint, the ROG Ally is a very capable emulation device up through about the PS2/GameCube/Wii generation, with selective success beyond that.

5. PC Game Stores & Launchers

Because the ROG Ally runs Windows 11, it can access almost any modern PC game storefront or launcher.

Stores and services you can use on the Ally

• Steam – Your full Steam library, including Proton-based Windows games (they’re just native Windows apps here).
• Epic Games Store – Weekly free games, Fortnite and other exclusives.
• GOG Galaxy – DRM-free classics and modern titles.
• Xbox app & PC Game Pass – A rotating library of games you can install locally.
• EA app, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net – Launchers for EA, Ubisoft and Blizzard titles.
• Cloud services: GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming (via browser), and others.

If a game is available for Windows and your hardware is up to it, you can install and play it on the ROG Ally. You’re not locked into a single ecosystem like a traditional console.

6. Recommended Game Types vs. Settings

The table below gives a rough guideline for what kinds of games the Ally handles best at different settings targets. It’s not a benchmark, just a practical planning tool:

Your exact experience will depend on the specific game, driver version and how aggressively you tweak TDP and settings, but this gives a reasonable picture of what to expect.

7. Limitations: What the Ally Struggles With

While “can it launch?” is almost always “yes” on Windows, there are some practical limits:

• Ultra-demanding, poorly optimized AAA games (especially the latest releases) may only be comfortable at very low settings and 30 FPS targets.
• Some always-online games with aggressive anti-cheat can be fussy about handheld/Windows configurations and controller mapping.
• Very CPU-heavy simulations (grand strategy with huge maps, large city-builders with lots of agents, etc.) can bottleneck on the CPU, not just the GPU.
• Games designed for mouse & keyboard only may require extra tweaking, community layouts or playing docked.

That said, as a general rule: if a game runs decently on a mid-range gaming laptop, you can usually get it playable on the ROG Ally with some compromise on resolution and settings.

8. Conclusion: What Games Can Asus ROG Ally Play?

The honest answer is: almost everything in the modern PC ecosystem — with the right expectations.

• For AAA titles, think 720p–900p, Low/Medium settings and 30–60 FPS depending on the game.
• For esports and competitive games, 60 FPS or higher is realistic with tuned settings.
• For indie, 2D and retro games, the Ally is overkill in a good way: 1080p, high settings and great battery life are common.
• For emulation, it’s excellent up through the PS2/GameCube/Wii era, with selective success on newer systems.

If you’re willing to tweak settings and understand that a handheld won’t match a high-end desktop at 4K Ultra, the Asus ROG Ally opens up an enormous range of PC and retro games in a portable form factor. For many players, that flexibility is exactly what makes it such an attractive device.

The Asus ROG Ally is one of the most talked-about handheld gaming PCs of the last few years. It promises “your Steam library, Xbox Game Pass and PC games in your hands” with a bright 120 Hz screen and a powerful AMD APU inside a Nintendo Switch–style device. But with strong competitors like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and newer models such as the ROG Ally X and Xbox-focused variants, many gamers are asking a simple question:

Is it still worth buying the original ROG Ally today?

This blog takes a practical, professional look at the ROG Ally’s strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares in 2025, so you can decide if it fits your budget and your style of gaming.

1. What Exactly Is the Asus ROG Ally?

The original ROG Ally (2023) is a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display running at 120 Hz with FreeSync Premium. Inside, the main configuration uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU (Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 graphics), 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 512 GB NVMe SSD.

Key hardware highlights:

• Display: 7″ 1920×1080, 120 Hz, VRR (FreeSync Premium)
• Processor: Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores / 16 threads with RDNA 3 iGPU)
• Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD (user-replaceable M.2 2230)
• OS: Windows 11 Home

At launch, the Z1 Extreme model was generally priced around $649, but later it often appears on sale in the $349–$499 range at major retailers. Those discounts are a big part of why people are revisiting the “is it worth it?” question now.

2. Where the ROG Ally Really Shines

2.1 Performance for a Handheld PC

In terms of raw power, the ROG Ally with Z1 Extreme is still one of the faster handhelds in its class. At comparable settings, it can be noticeably faster than the original Steam Deck and can run at higher power limits (up to around 30 W in Turbo mode when plugged in).

In realistic use, you can expect:

• Modern AAA games at 720p–900p with a mix of low/medium settings and upscaling (FSR, etc.)
• Indie titles and older games at full 1080p with higher settings
• Excellent performance for emulation, especially for PS2, GameCube/Wii and earlier consoles

If your goal is a small device that can run almost any Windows PC game with some settings tuning, the Ally absolutely delivers on performance for its size.

2.2 Excellent Screen and Audio

The Ally’s display is widely considered one of the best in the handheld category: bright, sharp 1080p, 120 Hz refresh rate and pleasing colours. Combined with surprisingly punchy front-facing speakers, games look and sound better than you might expect from such a compact device.

For players who care about image quality and responsiveness, this screen is a major selling point over some competitors with lower resolution or refresh rate.

2.3 Windows and Game Library Flexibility

Unlike the Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS, the ROG Ally runs full Windows 11. That means you get native access to:

• Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, EA app, Ubisoft Connect, etc.
• Xbox app and PC Game Pass game library
• Cloud gaming services and game launchers exactly as on a small gaming PC

There’s no need for dual-booting or compatibility layers for non-Steam launchers: if it runs on a Windows gaming PC, it can essentially run on the Ally, within its performance limits. Asus also includes a custom launcher and control center via Armoury Crate SE to help organize games, performance profiles and controller layouts.

If you already own a large Windows PC game library spread across several stores, this “it’s just a PC” approach is a big advantage.

2.4 Docking, Controllers and eGPU Support

Because it’s a Windows PC, you can put the Ally in a dock, connect it to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and use it like a small desktop or living-room console. There’s also a proprietary XG Mobile port that supports Asus’s external GPU docks, allowing desktop-class graphics performance when docked.

The XG Mobile setup is expensive and relatively niche, but it shows the Ally’s flexibility: handheld, couch console or docked gaming PC, all using the same device.

2.5 Software Improvements Over Time

Early reviews criticised the Ally’s software for bugs and rough edges, especially around Armoury Crate and controller mapping. Over time, firmware and software updates have significantly improved stability, performance profiles and usability.

It is still Windows (more on that below), but overall the ROG Ally today is a much more polished experience than at launch.

3. The Major Drawbacks You Need to Accept

3.1 Battery Life: The Biggest Weak Point

The most consistent criticism of the ROG Ally is its limited battery life while gaming. Typical user reports and tests show:

• About 1–2 hours of battery life in demanding AAA games at higher power limits
• Around 2–3 hours in lighter titles with reduced TDP, lower resolution and moderate brightness
• Longer runtimes (5–6+ hours) mainly in light tasks like web browsing or streaming, not heavy gaming

In short: the Ally’s performance is strong, but it “eats battery” under load. If you want to play long sessions away from a power outlet, this is a serious downside. If you mainly play on the couch, desk, or in bed with a charger nearby, it matters less.

3.2 Windows on a Small Touchscreen

Running full Windows is both a strength and a weakness. While it unlocks all PC game stores and apps, it also means:

• Windows 11 is not optimized for a 7-inch touchscreen
• Controller-only navigation can feel clunky and inconsistent across different apps
• You sometimes have to deal with tiny UI elements, pop-ups and background processes

Armoury Crate SE and other Asus tools help by offering a console-style game launcher and quick settings menu, but the underlying OS still behaves like a regular desktop Windows installation. If you enjoy tweaking and customizing Windows, this might be fine; if you want something that feels like a console, the Ally will require more patience.

3.3 Heat, Fan Noise and the SD Card Reader Issue

Under heavy load at higher power modes, the ROG Ally can get warm and the fans become clearly audible. The cooling system generally does a good job of keeping the APU within safe temperatures, but you will notice fan noise during demanding games, especially in Turbo mode.

There has also been a widely discussed issue with the microSD card reader. Because it is placed near an exhaust vent, some units experienced SD card failures that appear to be related to thermal stress. Asus responded in various ways, including firmware tweaks and, in some regions, repair or replacement options, but the topic has left some buyers cautious.

This is unlikely to affect every unit, and many users never experience a problem, especially if they rely mainly on the internal SSD. Still, if you plan to store a lot of games on microSD, it is something to keep in mind.

3.4 Reliability and Warranty Concerns

Like any complex device, there have been reports of individual units suffering from stick drift, button issues or other hardware faults. Some high-profile warranty cases and communication missteps have also made headlines, which has influenced how certain enthusiasts perceive Asus support for the Ally line.

This does not mean the ROG Ally is inherently unreliable, but it is wise to buy from a retailer with a good return policy and consider extended protection if that gives you extra peace of mind.

4. ROG Ally vs. Newer Models and Competitors

4.1 ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X

Asus later introduced the ROG Ally X, which keeps the same Z1 Extreme processor but improves several key pain points from the original model:

• A significantly larger battery, offering clearly longer gaming sessions
• More memory (for example 24 GB) and more storage (often 1 TB) out of the box
• Refined ergonomics and internal layout for better comfort, cooling and expandability

In other words, the Ally X is a more refined, higher-end version of the same concept. But it also comes with a much higher price, which matters if you are shopping on a budget.

4.2 ROG Ally vs. Other Handhelds

Compared with the Steam Deck, general trends in reviews look like this:

• ROG Ally: better screen, higher maximum performance, more flexible for multiple game stores and launchers thanks to Windows
• Steam Deck: more polished console-like experience, better integrated software, often more efficient battery usage and strong community tools

Other Windows handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw and devices from smaller brands add their own trade-offs in size, ergonomics, display choices and price. In that landscape, the original ROG Ally is often viewed as a strong all-rounder, especially when discounted, but not the automatic winner for every type of user.

5. So, Is the Asus ROG Ally Worth Buying in 2025?

5.1 It’s Worth It If…

The ROG Ally is likely a good buy for you if:

• You can get the Z1 Extreme model at a significant discount (for example around $400–$500 or less).
• You value a great 1080p 120 Hz screen and strong performance in a handheld format.
• You already own a big Windows game library across Steam, Game Pass, Epic, etc.
• You don’t mind adjusting TDP, graphics presets and other settings to balance performance and battery life.
• You mostly play near a power outlet or are okay with 1–2 hour gaming sessions on battery.

For this kind of user, the Ally can be an excellent value handheld gaming PC, especially now that software updates have matured the experience and newer models have pushed its street price down.

5.2 You Should Probably Skip It If…

You might want to look at other options (Steam Deck OLED, ROG Ally X, other next-generation handhelds) if:

• You want console-like simplicity and minimal tinkering.
• Long battery life on the go (3–5+ hours of demanding games) is very important to you.
• You are uncomfortable with any potential thermal or SD card reader issues and want maximum robustness.
• You are willing to pay a premium for larger batteries, more memory and newer ergonomics.

6. Final Verdict

The original Asus ROG Ally is no longer the newest handheld on the market, but that actually works in its favour for value-conscious buyers. It still offers:

• Top-tier performance for a handheld PC
• One of the best displays in its category
• Excellent audio and very flexible Windows-based game compatibility

At the same time, you must accept:

• Short gaming battery life
• The quirks of running Windows on a 7-inch screen
• Past concerns around the SD card reader and some mixed impressions of warranty handling

If you find a good deal and you’re comfortable with a bit of PC tinkering, the Asus ROG Ally is absolutely still worth buying. But if you want maximum battery life, a very smooth console-like experience, or the latest hardware no matter the price, you should probably consider the ROG Ally X, Steam Deck OLED, or other next-generation handhelds instead.