Arthur Fuentes

Article (news)

Asus ROG Ally

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17658682415581.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>The standard ROG Xbox Ally (2025). Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — After using the ROG Xbox Ally (2025) for two weeks, there was only one thought on my mind: I want one.As a PC gamer, I had a satisfying experience on the ROG Ally. I could play my computer games on a handheld device and say it would perform well, even with AAA games. That’s because it is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, an AMD Radeon Graphics GPU, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM (6400MT/s dual channel), and 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD storage.The grip is well-designed, as it was inspired by the Xbox, delivering comfort while I played with my favorite games — I could wrap it around my fingers instinctively. The buttons also feel premium, and the device&#x27;s lightweight 670 g (1.48 lbs) doesn&#x27;t feel heavy in the hands, prioritizing a comfortable user experience.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765868278158IMG_5594.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>No complaints whatsover as I played Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on the ROG Ally. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News</div>When you first boot it to a Windows setup, it takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, including updates, so you should ensure that you have a fast internet connection for this process.I was welcomed to a library showing all your installed games—from Xbox to Steam and Epic Games. It&#x27;s an all-in-one media center, delivered by the Xbox Full Screen Experience.ROG Ally provides a full gaming experience, allowing us to run games at 1080p with low to medium settings (30–60 fps) and at 720p to 900p with medium to high settings at 60 fps. Its display boasts a 7-inch IPS, 1920×1080 (Full HD), and 120Hz refresh rate.Asus&#x27; Armoury Crate—the game control center—streamlines the settings, accessed through the Xbox button. It&#x27;s where we could access the power modes (Silent, Performance, and Turbo), customize button mappings, and even adjust the stick sensitivity.Real-life battery life depends on what you play and what performance mode you&#x27;re using, but on my end, I was stuck on Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and played for around two hours.In a less demanding game such as Fall Guys, I was able to play for three hours as I bonded with my girlfriend.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765870366481IMG_5571.jpg" style="width:960px;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>ROG Ally is great for console-based games such as Fall Guys. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News</div>In the media library, it shows a prompt whether the game is console-supported or it&#x27;s just for PC. As a Dota 2 gamer, I tried installing and playing the game on the ROG Ally. However, it is not console-supported, so I needed a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to play. Unfortunately, I had a hard time hovering and clicking on the map, and the small screen is not suitable for a complex game designed for PCs. The ROG Ally also has Microsoft applications preinstalled, as it functions on a Windows operating system—and tell me if that&#x27;s attractive enough. For die-hard handheld gamers, it should be irritating, as the ROG Ally should be a gadget dedicated solely to that purpose. But as a person reliant on PCs, it was somewhat nice to have those.And, yes—I was able to work on the ROG Ally while I was in the field covering sports, I just needed a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for the convenience of writing stories just like on a PC.At times, I experienced hiccups when trying to pop up the keyboard on the bootup screen, and if that happens, I just restart the device, although it has a fingerprint reader for security at the power button.The keyboard also occupies half of the screen—understandably so—but one can always adjust the settings on the accessibility section. If one needs more power for graphics, it supports external GPUs through one of its 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, but I was not able to try it with one of those. It is still a good option for users looking for a better experience with their AAA games.The user can charge it in around 1.5 to 2 hours, thanks to its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 using the stock charger, although real-life charging time may vary, especially if you are using it while charging. Although it has a Battery Care feature that lets you limit charging to 80 percent, aiming to prolong battery health.I also tested the device&#x27;s sound quality, which is operated through dual front-firing Smart Amp speakers with Dolby tech, and played it at a busy Jollibee branch, and I must say that the sound plays quite well, it overcomes the noise and it still gives the user an immersive experience. In a more quiet setup, the built-in speakers give the dialogues well-defined sound.With a price tag of P36,995, the ROG Ally delivers comfort, cpnveninence and performance with its lightweight and accessibility to top publishers&#x27; games, powered by Asus&#x27; Armoury Crate and a Windows operating system.

Eyeing to play the whole day? The ROG Xbox Ally is built for comfortable gaming and performance.

Eyeing to play the whole day? The ROG Xbox Ally is built for comfortable gaming and performance.

REVIEW: ROG Xbox Ally 2025 delivers performance, convenience for gamers

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REVIEW: ROG Xbox Ally 2025 delivers performance, convenience for gamers

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 23, 2025 12:17 PM PHT

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Updated December 23, 2025 01:37 PM PHT

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