

The ROG Ally is now official. ASUS’s handheld PC gaming console has been a hot topic for gamers leading up to its launch. We’ve had the privilege to try the ROG Ally for a little less than a day and here’s what we think of it so far.
But first, Unboxing!
- ROG Ally
- 65W PD Adapter
- Proof of purchase, user guide, and warranty
- Cardboard stand
Light, white, ready to fight
The ROG Ally tips the scales at 608g. Seems hefty but ASUS did a good job with weight distribution that you don’t really feel it as much. It certainly feels like something you can use for a couple of hours without feeling strain on your hands.
The reason why it’s white is because of the polycarbonate material that they used which is naturally white. ASUS opted not to paint over it to not put on any more unnecessary weight.
The sides curve to the edges to make it easy to hold. You’ll have no trouble reaching the left and right sticks, directional pad, and face buttons. The triggers are also easy to reach but it feels a little tougher to get to the shoulder buttons. Perhaps, it just takes some getting used to.
You also have extra triggers at the bottom of the device. These are also easy to reach and can be assigned any function based on whatever you’re playing.
As for the buttons themselves, they feel durable and tactile. I could use a little bit more click on the shoulders, but overall, have no complaints.
Windows + Armoury Crate SE
The true pain point of this thing is how Windows 11 is not at all optimized for this kind of device. Setting up and signing in to your accounts to get to your games can get a little bit cumbersome.
ASUS’ Armoury Crate software tries to help out with this, but even its “Desktop Mode” for its controllers doesn’t work as well as we hope. Thankfully, the gorgeous 1080p display is touchscreen making it a little easier to navigate the tiny Windows screen that you have to work with.
Microsoft is reportedly already working on a version of Windows that supports this particular form factor. Anyone trying the ROG Ally right now will tell you that it can’t come soon enough.
The sooner they can get something like Steam’s Big Picture mode running, the better for every manufacturer looking into making this kind of device.
All your games, all the time
Speaking of Steam, the ROG Ally does deliver on the promise of making all of your PC games available to you all the time. When you fire it up, Armoury Crate launches right away. From there, you can access both Steam and the Xbox Game Pass Apps right away.
Like Windows, launching and moving around the Xbox Game Pass app isn’t intuitive. Microsoft really has their work cutout for them in developing a Windows Handheld mode.
What’s interesting is that launching Steam takes you directly to Steam Deck mode. In fact, the app thinks you’re using a Steam Deck, even showing ‘Verified’ tags for games that have been tested to work well on Valve’s own handheld console.
In our limited time so far, we’ve played Dragon Ball FighterZ and NBA 2K22 on Steam. On Xbox Game Pass, we tried Hi-Fi Rush and Doom Eternal. That’s a couple of hours jumping through four games, but all of them ran well. There was no noticeable screen tearing or hiccups. That’s a testament to both the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Chip as well as the multiple display tech meant to help run games smoothly.
We’ll have more detailed tests on the review.
Oh and the front-firing speakers sound great. So good that I didn’t mind watching the “No Return” fancam of LE SSERAFIM Chaewon on it. 🫶🏼
#ROGAlly
Expectation: Gaming.
Reality: Chaewon Fancam. pic.twitter.com/0hJh5WKDcF— rodneil (@rodneilquiteles) May 10, 2023
ROG Ally Specs
Some of it has been leaked, but here’s the actual, official specs of the ROG Ally.
Model |
RC71L |
CPU | AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Processor
AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor
|
GPU | With AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Config:
With AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Config:
|
Panel | Full HD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz / 7 ms eDP1.4b, 500 nits, IPS-panel, 100% sRGB, FreeSync™ Premium, Gorilla® Glass Victus™ and Gorilla® Glass DXC, 10-point Touchscreen
Gyro support |
Memory | 16GB (LPDDR5 6400Mhz) dual channel LPDDR5 8GBx2 on board memory |
Audio | 2 x 1W speakers with smart amp technology, Dolby Atmos®, Hi-Res Audio, AI Noise Cancellation |
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) / Bluetooth® v5.2 |
Storage | M.2 NVMe 2230 Gen4x4 SSD 256GB (for Z1 config)
512GB (for Z1 Extreme config) +SD card slot UHS-2 |
I/O PORT | ROG XG Mobile interface (8PCI express lanes) and USB Type-C combo port (with USB 3.2 Gen2, DP 1.4 support) — (1x)
3.5mm Audio jack — (1x) Micro SD slot (UHS-II, Micro SD 4.0) — (1x) |
Battery | 40Wh |
Adapter | 65W PD adapter, supports pass through charging |
Dimensions | 280.44 * 111.18 * 21.22 mm
608g |
Price and availability
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme retails for US$ 699. The ROG Ally Z1 variant retails for US$ 599. Pre-orders begin on May 11. It will be available for sale worldwide on June 13, 2023.

Gaming
Fans created an amazing remake of Final Fantasy IX
It’s the best game you won’t be able to play

Remakes are popular in the world of gaming these days. Three Japanese studios — Square Enix, Capcom, and Konami — all have released or upcoming remakes of their popular titles. However, the most impressive remake right now comes from somewhere other than these three giants. A group of fans have successfully recreated Final Fantasy IX with modern graphics.
Initially released way back in 2000, Final Fantasy IX remains one of the most endearing entries in the decades-long franchise. It was released for the original PlayStation. Of course, because of the hardware limitations back then, the original game looks dated.
Now, more than two decades after the original game’s release, a team of over fifty fans worked hard since 2021 to create a short demo of Final Fantasy IX using modern technology. The team does have a storied resume, though. It included individuals with experience from big companies like Sony, Blizzard, Riot Games, and Sucker Punch.
We're thrilled to present the gameplay demo for our Final Fantasy IX Remake project, crafted with love and passion by over 50 professional videogame developers and artists over the span of three years.
We hope you enjoy the ride. pic.twitter.com/hUReF7ZuPR
— Final Fantasy IX: Memoria Project (@MemoriaProject) June 7, 2023
Unfortunately, if you want to play the remade game, you’re out of luck. The Memoria Project, as the collective is known, has no intentions of releasing a finished game — unless Square Enix gives them explicit permission to do so. Given how accurate the project is to the original game, copyright infringement is a legitimate concern.
As such, all fans have right now is a 25-minute gameplay video showcasing the opening Alexandria section of the game. It’s an impressive showcase, though. If you were a fan of the original, check out the video.
SEE ALSO: Final Fantasy XVI PS5 Bundle announced

In today’s gaming landscape, live-service games often come with a veneer of controversy. While the format ensures content continuously pouring through the gate, a lot of players equate it to the plagued world of microtransactions. Eager to break out of the stereotype, the newly released Diablo IV, itself a live-service game, is already promising a wealth of content coming in the future — including two expansion packs.
In an interview with Kinda Funny Games on YouTube, the franchise’s general manager Rod Fergusson has confirmed that the newly released entry in the popular series is getting at least two expansions down the line. With the live-service format, the studio can focus on polishing the content, rather than rushing them through the gate, according to Fergusson.
Though the expansions are already confirmed, neither Fergusson nor Blizzard have confirmed where the expansions will take players next. Both expansions will include unnamed narrative storylines, rather than focusing on introducing new mechanics.
Also, it will likely take a while before either expansion is announced. After all, Diablo IV just released a few days ago. Plus, the developers are working on putting out the first season of the title’s battle pass.
Two expansions are quite impressive for the new title. Both Diablo II and Diablo III only had one expansion.

Filipino players will now have access to the Sigil Tablet update for Ragnarok Origin, allowing them to enjoy more power-ups and boosts during battle.
This latest feature on the beloved mobile MMORPG lets players to acquire exciting bonus effects. This is done by embedding powerful sigils onto their stone tablets, pushing character customization and enhancement to a whole new level.
Here are a few things to know about the Tablet System update:
Unlocking the Tablet System
To access the Tablet System, players must reach base level 75; once a guide quest is completed, players will unlock the system and be able to acquire free sigils.
Customizing Sigils
With the Tablet System, players can embed one active sigil, one specific class sigil, and up to four passive sigils simultaneously; some sigils take effect upon embedding, while others can be manually activated during combat.
Sigil types
Sigils are categorized into three: active, job-exclusive, and passive.
- Active sigils can be actively used in combat, granting players a diverse range of additional skills (Primal, Power, Descent of Holy Light, and Excalibur);
- Job sigils are exclusive to specific jobs, and enhance particular skills. For instance, Lord Knights can benefit from the Aura Enchantment sigil;
- Passive sigils can be activated during battles, regardless of a player’s class, to enjoy their effects during combat.
Sigil activation and upgrade
Each sigil unlocked for the first time will activate corresponding collection stats that have a permanent effect.
Unlocking and upgrading sigils will earn players collection XP, which in turn unlocks bonus stats and item rewards.
Sigil upgrade process
To increase the level of a sigil, players may utilize sigil charts. Each upgrade will grant additional stats for a stronger character.
Once the maximum level has been reached, sigil shards can be used to repair the stone tablet. Increasing the repair level unlocks stat bonuses too for further power boosts.
Acquiring sigils
Where does one acquire sigils? Sigils and sigil shards can be obtained in the Juperos Ruins, Dungeon Leaderboard rewards, and by purchasing random sigil boxes in the Nyan Berry Shop and Diamond Shop.
Juperos Ruins
In the Juperos Ruins, players will assemble a five-member team to gear for an intense 10-minute battles where they will face off against three powerful boss monsters.
Each of the bosses’ revival will lead to increased difficulty, allowing players to win better rewards and scores.
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