At its 9W Silent profile, the original 2023 ASUS ROG Ally is a strong fit for lightweight games and many older emulated titles, but demanding 3D games often need lower internal resolution, reduced effects, or a move to 15W. HotHardware’s June 14, 2023 tests show that trade-off clearly; they are historical results, not fresh benchmarks of 2026 game versions.
What HotHardware tested on page 3
Page 3 of HotHardware’s six-page ROG Ally review focuses on gaming at the original Ryzen Z1 Extreme Ally’s nominal 9W Silent profile. The device has a 1920×1080 display and a 40Wh battery. Because the tests were run in 2023, their settings and results reflect the games, drivers, and firmware available then—not necessarily how the same games perform after subsequent updates.
HotHardware’s 9W examples are useful as a guide to the kinds of workloads that suit the profile, rather than a guarantee for every title in a genre. For a current owner, updated game patches, Windows, drivers, firmware, and battery condition can all change the experience.
What “9W” means—and why performance can fall sharply
Silent is the review’s name for the Ally’s nominal 9W operating profile; it does not mean the entire handheld draws only 9W from the battery. In HotHardware’s testing, whole-device draw in Silent mode was approximately 11.5–15W, because the screen, memory, storage, fans, controllers, wireless radios, and other components also use power. Actual battery life therefore depends on more than the profile label.
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- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme combines Zen 4 CPU cores with RDNA 3 graphics. At a low power limit, performance can be constrained by memory bandwidth and power available to the APU, not just by the graphics core’s ability to render pixels. Lowering resolution can help substantially: the GPU has fewer pixels and less image data to process. The review’s practical lesson is to try a lower internal resolution before indiscriminately reducing every visual setting.
That does not make 9W universally bad. Lightweight games can run well without a large power budget; moderately demanding games may be playable with tuning; heavy 3D workloads are much less comfortable at the lowest profile.
Where 9W works best
Lightweight 2D and indie games
HotHardware described 30XX as running flawlessly at 9W and as a particularly good match for the Ally. That is an example of a lightweight game that can make good use of the handheld’s screen and controls without needing the APU’s full performance. The native 1080p display and high refresh rate are more useful here than they would be in a game that must render at a much lower resolution to keep up. The result should not be generalized to every modern 2D game: engine, effects, frame-rate cap, and game updates still matter.
Hollow Knight, Terraria, 20XX, and similar lightweight titles are sensible candidates to try first at 9W. These are recommendations by workload type, not additional benchmark results from HotHardware’s page-three test.
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Older console emulation
HotHardware reported smooth operation at 9W for demanding Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii emulation, with older systems generally working well too. That finding is encouraging but does not establish that every game in those libraries will run smoothly. Performance and frame pacing vary with the emulator, graphics backend, resolution, shader compilation, game, and configuration; some titles are more CPU-sensitive, others more GPU-sensitive. The review’s observations are not independent 2026 retests.
Games that need tuning at 9W
The following are HotHardware’s 2023 observations, not current universal settings. Game patches may change performance or menu labels.
| Game | HotHardware’s 9W observation | Main compromise or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | Playable after reducing resolution and several settings; heavy enemy groups or detailed environments could still cause problems. | 1280×720 internal resolution with Radeon Super Resolution upscaling; anti-aliasing, post-processing, and shadows reduced to High. |
| Fortnite | Performance Mode could run at approximately 60 FPS in the 2023 test. | Prioritize Performance Mode for consistency. DirectX 12 with Lumen and Nanite was more demanding, and ray-traced effects added memory pressure. |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Typically around 60 FPS with the recommended tuning. | Balanced quality, approximately 70% base resolution scale, and Dynamic Resolution enabled. |
| Warframe | Indoor missions were viable at 9W with medium settings and automatic resolution scaling; open-world areas were too demanding. | Image quality could fall to about 960×540 internally before upscaling, and shader-compilation stutter could be severe early in a mission or after new content appeared. |
How to read the Bloodstained result
HotHardware found that Bloodstained ran flawlessly at native resolution with Epic settings at 15W, but that native-resolution play was not consistently acceptable at 9W. Its proposed 9W compromise was 1280×720, Radeon Super Resolution to upscale to the display output, and High rather than maximum settings for anti-aliasing, post-processing, and shadows. Upscaling can make a lower-resolution image fit the screen, but it cannot restore detail that was never rendered.
Rank #2
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Why Fortnite’s mode matters
In the 2023 test, Performance Mode was the route to approximately 60 FPS at 9W. The more elaborate DirectX 12 presentation with Lumen and Nanite could run at higher power, but frame-rate stability was a concern; ray-traced effects also increase demands on memory. Fortnite changes frequently, so these results and menu options should not be treated as current instructions. Competitive play favors steady frame pacing, low latency, and reliable input over demanding lighting effects.
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Why a stable image matters in Ori
For Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the review recommended Balanced graphics, about 70% base resolution scale, and Dynamic Resolution, while leaving vertical scaling at 100%. It reported performance typically around 60 FPS with that tuning; at 15W, it reported flawless play at High quality and native resolution. For a precision platformer, a consistently paced image can feel better than a sharper one that repeatedly drops frames.
Warframe’s content-dependent limit
Warframe illustrates why a single average frame rate does not define playability. HotHardware found indoor missions workable with medium settings and automatic resolution scaling, but open-world environments too demanding for 9W. Shader compilation could cause pronounced stutter during the first minute or two of a mission or when encountering new content; previously visited areas could be smoother after shaders had compiled. A game can therefore feel uneven even when its average performance seems acceptable, and online conditions add another variable.
Why resolution is often the first setting to lower
Rendering at 1280×720 instead of 1920×1080 substantially reduces the pixel workload. At the Ally’s low power limit, that can ease pressure on memory bandwidth and help a game approach or exceed 60 FPS when native resolution struggles. Dynamic resolution and upscaling offer related compromises: render fewer pixels internally, then scale the image to the screen.
- Try resolution first when the game has low or inconsistent frame rates but no clear single effects setting is responsible.
- Reduce demanding effects next if shadows, post-processing, or anti-aliasing still cost too much performance.
- Judge the result in motion: a softer picture may be acceptable on a seven-inch screen, but upscaling does not add genuine fine detail.
- Prefer stable pacing for games where timing and precise input matter more than native resolution.
When to move from 9W to 15W or higher
HotHardware’s broader review describes a dramatic performance improvement when moving from 9W to 15W, making 15W a more practical starting point for many demanding games. There is no single percentage gain that applies to every title: the result depends on its workload, settings, and game version.
| Workload or situation | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Lightweight 2D games | 9W |
| Older games and many emulators | 9W |
| Optimized 3D games | 9W–15W |
| Most modern 3D games | 15W or higher |
| Plugged-in play where performance takes priority | 25W/Turbo, with attention to heat, fan noise, and airflow |
| Competitive games | Whichever setting delivers stable frame pacing and acceptable latency |
Move up from 9W when frame pacing is inconsistent, a large 3D area or heavy effects overwhelm the profile, shader stutter is disruptive, or the internal resolution has become unacceptably soft. The review’s 25W/Turbo discussion also makes clear that higher performance is not free: Turbo could push the APU substantially above the nominal 25W label and drive temperatures high. When docked, allow adequate airflow.
Battery life: lower power helps, but does not make demanding games last all day
The Ally’s 40Wh battery puts the 9W profile in context. In the wider review, HotHardware reported best-case gaming endurance of around three hours and worst-case endurance of approximately 49 minutes. Those are review-era results, not a promise for a device in 2026: brightness, refresh rate, wireless use, background activity, game updates, firmware, and battery health all affect runtime. A low-power profile can improve endurance, but a demanding game can still drain the battery quickly.
Rank #3
- [Superior Display] 7" IPS FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Touchscreen Display; Wi-Fi 6E MT7922, Bluetooth 5.4, No Fingerprint
- [Powerful Performance] 2nd Gen Ryzen Z2 A 2.80GHz Processor (upto 3.8 GHz, 4MB Cache, 4-Cores, 8-Threads, ); AMD Radeon shared Integrated Graphics
- [High Speed and Multitasking] 16GB OnBoard RAM; 65W PSU, Type-C Power-In, 4-Cell 60 WHr Battery; White Color
- [Enormous Storage] 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD; 2 USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro SD Reader, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, Windows 11 Home-64, 1 Year Manufacturer warranty from GreatPriceTech (Professionally upgraded by GreatPriceTech)
- [Includes] Dockztorm 11-in-1 RGB Docking Station for ROG Xbox Ally/ROG Ally X/ROG Ally, it combines 10 physical ports with RGB lighting: HDMI, RJ45, USB-C host, USB-C 10Gbps, USB-A ports, PD input, plus SD/TF slots—built to expand your ROG Ally setup for gaming, networking, and accessories
ASUS documents Battery Care among Armoury Crate SE’s features. It can be useful for owners who commonly keep the device plugged in, but it does not change the underlying power demands of a game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Updating and troubleshooting an original Ally in 2026
ASUS support documentation continues to cover the original ROG Ally (2023), model RC71L, including Armoury Crate SE, firmware, drivers, BIOS, and recovery resources. ASUS’s BIOS page lists version 342 dated March 7, 2025; check the RC71L BIOS support page for the applicable listing rather than assuming BIOS updates arrive through Armoury Crate. ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE documentation covers the original Ally and describes version 2.1.10.0 or later for its documented feature set. Its Gamepad Layout Keyboard feature requires Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.3624 or later, according to ASUS.
- Confirm that the device is the original ROG Ally (2023), RC71L.
- Install available Windows updates.
- In Armoury Crate SE, open Settings → Update Center → Check for Updates.
- Check ASUS support separately for BIOS and driver updates; do not assume one utility includes every update.
- Restart after BIOS, chipset, graphics, or controller updates.
- If a game behaves abnormally, compare its performance at 9W and 15W before concluding that the hardware cannot run it.
- If the sticks or triggers feel wrong, use Armoury Crate SE’s calibration tools; also check the control mode and game profile if a game does not recognize input.
- If software corruption persists, consult ASUS recovery documentation. Recovery may reinstall Windows and erase data, so back up important files first.
For affected games with audio crackling at low wattage, ASUS says disabling additional Dolby Atmos or audio effects may help. For recovery and current driver resources, use the original Ally support downloads page, the Armoury Crate SE support FAQ, and ASUS’s ROG Ally support FAQ. The latter also links to relevant support and troubleshooting information.
Who should use 9W—and what it means for a buyer
Existing owners
Use 9W as a per-game option for indies, retro games, and emulation that perform well within its limits. Keep a tuned profile for games that benefit from lower resolution, and switch up to 15W when a demanding scene or poor frame pacing makes the compromise too large.
Used-market buyers
The original Ally is most compelling when its price reflects its age, smaller battery, and the possibility that a used unit has reduced battery health. Before buying, verify battery condition, controls, microSD operation, and BIOS status. The 2023 9W results establish what the launch-era device could do in the tested games, not the condition or performance of an individual used unit.
AAA-focused or battery-first buyers
Expect to use 15W or more for many modern 3D games, with shorter battery life than lightweight gaming provides. Buyers who put endurance and newer hardware first should compare the original Ally with newer handhelds, including the Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally family; this is a buying consideration, not a claim that the 2023 review benchmarked those devices.
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Choose the profile and visual settings that sustain consistent frame pacing and acceptable latency. A nominal 60 FPS or a high average is not enough if shader compilation, traversal, or frame-time spikes make controls feel unreliable.
Quick Recap
Sources
- HotHardware: ASUS ROG Ally review, page 3
- HotHardware: ASUS ROG Ally review, page 2
- HotHardware: full ASUS ROG Ally review
- ASUS Armoury Crate SE support FAQ
- ROG Ally support FAQ
- ASUS original Ally BIOS support
- ASUS original Ally downloads and recovery support
- ROG Xbox Ally support page
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