India’s handheld gaming console market has traditionally been small, with limited official presence from major players like Nintendo and Sony. However, there is evidence of demand, as reflected in the availability of grey-market Nintendo Switch units, online listings for niche Chinese manufacturers, and retro console enthusiasts in online forums. Despite this, smartphone gaming dominates the Indian market, with popular titles like PUBG/BGMI gaining immense popularity and casual games generating significant revenue. The number of Indian smartphone gamers has also grown exponentially, with over 500 million estimated players, double the figure from just five years ago. This shows the immense market potential for gaming in India.
However, questions arise as to the specific games that Indian players are engaging with, their willingness to spend money, and how gaming hardware and software fit into their lives. Is there room for dedicated portable gaming devices in the Indian market? Can the Asus ROG Ally, priced higher than entry-level gaming laptops, fill this gap? After spending time with the device and speaking with Asus, here is my take on the matter.
The Asus ROG Ally is available in India in a single variant, featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC for enhanced gaming performance. Priced at Rs. 69,990, the device offers impressive specifications for the cost. However, the packaging includes only a charger and power cable, omitting a case, which is disappointing given its portability. Asus does offer a separate case with storage compartments for microSD cards, but this incurs additional expense. Third-party alternatives may soon become available.
In terms of functionality, the Asus ROG Ally resembles a full-fledged computer rather than a traditional handheld console. It features a standard processor with an integrated GPU and runs on Windows 11 Home. Its ability to run almost any PC game, including free titles, is a significant advantage. It does not seek to compete with established gaming ecosystems like Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony, allowing users to download games from various sources such as Steam, Epic Games, and EA. The ability to install any launcher, use cloud or subscription services, and connect external drives offers flexibility. Additionally, PC games are often more affordable than console titles, and older games frequently receive significant discounts.
However, the ROG Ally’s price point of Rs. 69,990 makes it less attractive to mobile gamers seeking to elevate their gaming experience, as they would likely opt for a gaming laptop instead. The ROG Ally is not a replacement or alternative unless one has both extreme space constraints and an existing non-gaming computer. Asus envisions the ROG Ally not only as a handheld device but also as a docked console connected to a TV. Additional accessories like the XG Mobile external GPU can further enhance its capabilities.
Battery life and performance while running on battery power are important considerations, especially for PC games that often require Internet connectivity. The ROG Ally may not be suitable for those seeking uninterrupted gameplay during long flights or commutes. However, it does offer non-gaming use cases, such as watching movies on its 7-inch touchscreen, and with the addition of peripherals and USB docks, it can become a versatile device for various situations.
In summary, the Asus ROG Ally appears to be an indulgence for gamers who already possess a traditional gaming setup, such as students wanting a device for dorm use, frequent travelers, or dedicated couch potatoes. It is challenging to envision choosing the Ally over a similarly priced laptop. Hopefully, in the future, prices will decrease, and devices like the ROG Ally will become more affordable, creating a new tier of gaming PCs.
Physically, the ROG Ally is larger than the Nintendo Switch but smaller than the Steam Deck. Built with an emphasis on weight reduction, it weighs only 608g and boasts comfortable ergonomics. The front-firing speakers offer clear and immersive sound, while a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button provides convenient security. The 7-inch full-HD display strikes the right balance, ensuring comfortable viewing without the need to hold the device too close. However, viewing angles and color vibrancy could be improved.
While the ROG Ally’s design offers a seamless gaming experience, the limited screen size presents challenges when using Windows 11. Some text elements can be difficult to read, particularly during the setup process when the virtual keyboard can obstruct the screen. Typing can be cumbersome, necessitating the use of a stylus or memorizing shortcut functions. The device features buttons for in-game controls, an Asus control panel, and an Armoury Crate software shortcut.
In terms of gaming performance, the ROG Ally’s ABXY buttons provide decent quality, while the trigger buttons offer analog control. Asus currently does not offer swappable buttons, triggers, or sticks like high-end console controllers. The ROG Ally offers a range of capabilities and possibilities beyond gaming, making it suitable for various scenarios when coupled with additional peripherals.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Ally demonstrates potential as an additional gaming device alongside a traditional setup, catering to specific user profiles such as students, travelers, and enthusiasts with space constraints. While the device’s premium price may deter some potential buyers, future price drops could pave the way for a more affordable tier of gaming PCs.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
