This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:15:14
The video by SpawnPoiint provides an in-depth review and hands-on demonstration of the new ROG Ally handheld gaming console from Asus. It begins with an unboxing and initial impressions, noting the device's larger size compared to other handheld consoles and its impressive 7-inch touchscreen display with 1080P resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Key features include the asymmetrical thumbstick layout, customizable controls, and robust performance powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, praised for handling demanding games like Spider-Man and Forza Horizon.
The ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, allowing users to download and play a wide range of PC games from platforms such as Steam, the Epic Store, and Xbox Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus games. It also supports offline gameplay, which enhances its versatility. The console includes haptics and six-axis gyro for an immersive gaming experience, and can connect to external controllers via Bluetooth.
Additional features discussed include the device's command center for real-time system monitoring and settings adjustments, and the capabilities offered by its USB-C port, including connecting to external monitors and peripherals like a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Sound quality is highlighted through front-facing Dolby Atmos-supported speakers, and the device is noted for its effective cooling system and decent battery life, lasting between 90 minutes to three hours depending on usage.
The video concludes with a recommendation of the ROG Ally for users seeking a portable gaming PC that offers extensive game compatibility, ergonomic design, and good value, with a starting price of $599.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter, SpawnPoiint, introduces the ROG Ally, a new handheld gaming console from Asus. He highlights that unlike some other consoles, the ROG Ally allows for downloading and playing games offline, including PC games from Steam, the Epic Store, and the Xbox Game Pass library, as well as PlayStation Plus games due to its Windows 11 operating system. He mentions that his review unit was sent by Asus but his opinions are unbiased. He then unboxes the console, showing the contents: the console itself, a warranty card, a quick start guide, and a 65W power brick with a USB-C connector.
First impressions reveal a light and well-balanced device, larger than an iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max, or a Switch OLED console, weighing a bit over 600 grams. The device has well-placed controls, glossy colorful buttons, and several ROG logos. It features a 7-inch touchscreen display with 1080P resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate, which he describes as sharp and clear without any ghosting, despite it not being an OLED screen. The screen brightness maxes out at 500 nits, which is decent for indoor and cloudy outdoor play. He notes that direct sunlight may pose issues, similar to other glossy screens, but overall, the screen has excellent reflection handling.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the capabilities and features of a gaming device, emphasizing its support for 120 frames per second and variable refresh rate (VRR) to avoid stuttering and screen tearing, particularly highlighting its performance in games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The controls feature an asymmetrical thumbstick layout, customizable LED rings around them, and a firm D-pad. The top includes configurable left and right bumpers and triggers, a power button with a fingerprint reader, volume buttons, a USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.4, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/microphone port. Rear mappable macro buttons allow further customization. The speaker also covers the device’s command center, which lets users adjust settings like brightness, sound, performance modes, and screen resolution, monitor real-time stats, and access the game library, which centralizes all installed games and apps.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the process of managing and adding apps to a specific library on a device. Unlike Android or iOS, users need to manually download apps from websites and add them to the library if they do not appear automatically. The video also delves into the capabilities of the AMD Ryzen Z1 series chip in the device they are discussing, particularly the Z1 Extreme, highlighting its superior processing power with eight cores and 8.6 teraflops. The speaker tests games like Spider-Man Remastered and Forza Horizon 5, praising the performance and offline play capability. The device features haptics and a six-axis gyro for enhanced gaming experience. Thumbstick responsiveness is compared to Xbox and PlayStation 5 controllers, and the comfortable design and ergonomic grips are noted. Additionally, users can connect external controllers via Bluetooth. The speaker mentions a limitation with PlayStation Remote Play where the DualSense controller requires a wired connection. Finally, users can stream or download games for offline play via the Game Pass App, with streaming dependent on internet speed.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the performance and versatility of gaming on different platforms. They mention playing games like Forza Horizon 4 smoothly. For PlayStation, two methods to play away from the console are highlighted: Remote Play and PlayStation Now. Remote Play allows streaming from a PS4/PS5 to various devices but requires a PS5 controller for gameplay. PlayStation Now offers cloud gaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus app without needing the console on. The device running Windows 11 can install normal Windows apps, including emulators for older consoles. The speaker emphasizes the importance of uninstalling unnecessary pre-installed apps and describes the functionality and gesture controls of the device, noting that it can also serve non-gaming purposes like watching videos or working with Office apps.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the versatility and features of a portable mini PC, including connecting it to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and an external monitor via a USB-C port. The presenter tested it with a 40-inch ultra-wide monitor, confirming it supports ultrawide displays. They then explore the sound system, highlighting the front-facing Dolby Atmos-supported speakers that offer distortion-free sound and good quality despite the device’s small size. The video also notes the fans’ performance, which remain quiet in standby mode and moderately audible in performance mode, ensuring that the device does not overheat during use while keeping the buttons and grips cool.
The presenter tested the battery life, which lasted two hours under performance mode and 75% brightness, with charging capable of reaching 50% in 30 minutes using the provided 65-watt charger. Battery longevity varies from 90 minutes to three hours depending on use.
Finally, the video addresses the value of the device, recommending it for those seeking a portable PC for gaming across various platforms, emulating classic games, and using Windows apps not found elsewhere, highlighting its ergonomic design and ease of use. It also mentions the price point starting at $599, with a higher-end model costing $699.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker promotes their 77-inch LG G3 OLED TV video, highlights that it covers the new 2023 model which was unboxed a few weeks ago, and encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.