When it comes to portable gaming, ASUS has raised the bar with its Republic of Gamers (ROG) series. The latest entries, the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme, are handheld gaming consoles designed to deliver a top-notch gaming experience on the go. Let’s dive into what these devices offer, their similarities and differences, and which might be the right choice for you.
What Are the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme?
The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme are powerful handheld gaming consoles that provide the ability to play AAA games with the convenience of portability. These devices are part of ASUS’s effort to bring PC-quality gaming to a mobile form factor, competing directly with other handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck.
Similarities Between ASUS ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme
Both the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme share several features, making them robust choices for gaming enthusiasts:
- Display: Both devices sport a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and responsive touch input.
- Storage: They come equipped with 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, offering fast load times and ample space for games.
- Operating System: Both units run on Windows 11, providing a familiar interface and compatibility with a wide range of PC games and software.
- Connectivity: They feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring robust wireless connectivity for online gaming and peripherals.
- Design: Both models share the same ergonomic design, including customizable controls, RGB lighting, and robust cooling solutions.
- Cooling: Both utilize the ROG Intelligent Cooling system to efficiently dissipate heat, keeping your games running smoothly even during intense sessions.
- Upgradability: Both Z1 and Z1 Extreme support the innovative ROG XG Mobile external graphics card enclosure, allowing you to boost graphical performance when docked at home.
- RAM: Both units feature 16GB LPDDR5.
Differences Between ASUS ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme
While the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme share many core features, their differences can significantly impact performance and suitability for different types of gamers. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Feature | ASUS ROG Ally Z1 | ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 (6 cores, 12 threads, 4 CU GPU) | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads, 12 CU GPU) |
| Graphics Performance | Lower, suitable for most games at moderate settings | Higher, capable of handling demanding AAA titles at high settings |
| Battery Life | Slightly longer due to lower processing power (Approx 8 hours) | May be slightly shorter due to more powerful components (Approx 6 hours) |
| Price | More affordable | Pricier |
Use Cases for Each Device
ASUS ROG Ally Z1
The ROG Ally Z1 is perfect for gamers who:
- Enjoy casual gaming and indie titles.
- Need a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
- Prefer longer battery life for extended gaming sessions on the go.
- Play less demanding AAA games or are okay with playing on lower settings.
ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is tailored for gamers who:
- Want the best possible performance in a handheld device.
- Play the latest and most demanding AAA games at higher settings.
- Engage in multitasking or use their device for other resource-intensive applications.
- Are willing to invest more for a superior gaming experience.
Who Should Own One?
If you crave the freedom of playing PC games anywhere, the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme are compelling options. The Z1 offers excellent value for casual players, while the Z1 Extreme caters to those who prioritize raw power. No matter your choice, you’ll be getting a powerful and versatile handheld gaming PC that redefines the way you play. So, ditch the bulky setups and embrace the future of gaming – the future you can hold in your hands.
