There is one ASUS ROG Ally, but users can get various tiers soon to bring various options depending on their preference and budget, with the company introducing the Z1. The original release of the ASUS ROG Ally came with the Z1 Extreme processor, best known for its behemoth performance that trumps different competitors in the market, but came with the expense of its small-capacity batteries.
The Z1 is expected to bring less of the original's performance, but is it enough to deliver the complete game experience, alongside the Windows 11 interface?
ASUS ROG Ally Z1: Is It a Good or Bad Console?
ASUS said that its ROG Ally Z1 version is coming soon, and essentially, this would be the base model of its handheld gaming console under the same series.
However, earlier reviews of the ROG Ally Z1 are already seeing negative remarks, with Digital Trends claiming that the Z1 is "weaker than even the Steam Deck."
First off, the Z1 would be available for $600, and it is only $100 cheaper than the $700 ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. The base model would feature the same 512 GB Storage and 16 GB LPDDR5 memory, alongside the 1080p, 120Hz screen.
Reviews Claim it is Worse than the Original
However, its internal drastically changed. The Z1 only has six Zen 4 CPU cores, while the Z1 Extreme has eight.
Next, the Ryzen Z1 chip only features four RDNA 3 GPU cores, while the Z1 Extreme has twelve. The Valve Steam Deck even has twice as many graphics "Compute Units" (CUs), as regarded by Digital Trends.
If the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme already received mixed reviews because of its poor battery life, the Z1 version is now seeing a negative connotation in the industry, worse than the original, and worse than the Steam Deck.
Handheld Gaming Consoles
When ASUS unveiled the ROG Ally earlier this year, it promised massive performance and capabilities of the device, centering on its massive campaign to rival the renowned Valve Steam Deck. Indeed, the ASUS ROG Ally brought one of the most impressive performances in the market, but other factors that make up the device have been the center of controversies.
Still, one of the leading handheld gaming consoles in the market is the Valve Steam Deck, and this remains the iconic device that offers massive processes and tech for all. Despite this, Valve is still looking to improve more of the handheld gaming console soon, with hints of a version two.
However, there is also the widely hyped and promising take by Lenovo, with its device called the Legion Go, a highly-regarded one with removable controllers from either side.
ASUS wants to bring users a more affordable, stripped-down version of the ROG Ally, getting the base Z1 processor that is already seeing adverse regard now.
