Why the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is My Ultimate Work & Gaming Machine in 2025 – A Deep Dive Review
- Gav Mag
- Jun 18
- 5 min read
It's 2025, and the boundaries between work machines and gaming handhelds are blurred. You don't have to make a choice between buying a work laptop or a gaming computer with the likes of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, which is that versatile. After months of research and practical testing, I can confidently say that the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is the top all-in-one for work, gaming, and entertainment enthusiasts.
This Windows 11 handheld powerhouse is a game-changer.
1. Why I Chose the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Instead of a Laptop
1.1 Unbeatable Performance-to-Price Ratio
Most gaming laptops on the market in 2025 with the same specifications as the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are 20k+, but the Ally is under 12K. Here's what you get:
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU (8 cores, 16 threads, RDNA 3 graphics)
16GB LPDDR5 RAM (soldered, yet enough for gaming & multitasking)
512GB NVMe SSD (upgradeable SSD or expandable through microSD or USB-C)
7-inch 1080p 120Hz screen (better than most budget laptops)
By comparison, a similarly priced laptop might include:
A lesser Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor
Integrated Intel Xe or Radeon (weaker than RDNA 3)
A 60Hz display (not perfect for gaming)
Verdict: If you want desktop-level gaming performance in a phone, the Ally provides.
1.2 Ultimate Portability & Flexibility
Laptops are portable, but the ROG Ally is more versatile:
✔ Fits in a small backpack (smaller than most 13-inch laptops)
✔ Built-in gamepad controls (no need for an external controller)
✔ USB-C dock support (can be a full PC with a monitor)
Need to work? Plug in a mouse and keyboard. Want to play games? Use the controls built in.(Doing work does require a monitor, and this Mecer Portable one will do the job terrifically). Of course a larger Monitor that is not portable is a bonus when working or gaming from home or office.
1.3 Future-Proof for 2025 and Beyond
With AMD's latest Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture, the Z1 Extreme can play:
AAA games from begining of 2025 going backwards on 1080p (Medium-High settings, 60+ FPS) Depends on the game though
Emulation (PS3, Switch, Xbox 360 games all run well)
AI workloads (thanks to the NPU in Zen 4)
Most medium-cost laptops can't compete with this longevity.
2. Working with the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme for Work & Productivity
2.1 Microsoft Office & Windows Applications Run Smoothly
Because the ROG Ally ships with full Windows 11, it can run all the usual productivity software:
Pro Tip: Pair Bluetooth peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam (Probly needs a USB hub or dock)) for a laptop-like experience.
2.2 Web Browsing & Multitasking
With 16GB of RAM, the Ally processes:
✔ 20+ Chrome tabs (no lags)
✔ Discord + Game + Browser (lag-free multitasking)
✔ Light photo/video editing (Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve)
Note: Intensive 4K video editing is not ideal, but 1080p editing is feasible. It not really for expert graphic design or video editing.
2.3 Docking Mode: Make It a Desktop
With a USB-C hub, the Ally turns into a full desktop replacement:
Connect a 4K display (through DisplayPort Alt Mode)
Use wired Ethernet (for a stable internet, although WiFi has become better at this nowdays)
Add external storage (USB SSD for additional space)
My Equipment:
ROG Ally (docked)
24-inch 1080p monitor
Logitech MX Keys + Mouse
External SSD for additional storage
This setup is cheaper than a gaming laptop and more multifunctional.
3. Gaming Performance: Is It on Par with a Laptop or Desktop?
3.1 Benchmarks: ROG Ally Z1 Extreme VS Budget Gaming Laptops
Key Takeaway: The Ally is nearly as potent as a budget RTX 3050 laptop but is lighter and less expensive.
3.2 Emulation: PS3, Switch, Xbox 360 Games
Due to the outstanding single-threaded performance of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, emulation is top-notch:
Switch – Majority of games at full speed
PS3 – Playable (some games require tweaking)
Xbox 360 – Runs wonderfully (Halo, Gears of War)
Note that we cannot use the name of the emulators, but a simple search will find all you need to know.
Best Emulation Setup:
Use EmuDeck for Windows (configures emulators automatically)
Expand your storage with a 1TB microSD (for retro games)
4. Why ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is the Best Budget Gaming PC of 2025
4.1 Less Expensive Than Purchasing a Gaming PC
Constructing a entry level budget gaming PC in 2025 will cost no less than 8-10+ (excluding peripherals):
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gives you the same performance in a mobile form factor for R10799-R12999 depending on the special or exchange rate of new stock.
4.2 More Portable Than a Laptop
Weighs just 608g (lighter than most 14-inch laptops)
Packs into a small sling bag
Play anywhere (no need for a desk, the ultimate travel companion especially on long flights)
4.3 Future-Proof with Upgrades
USB-C eGPU support (add a future RTX 4060)
Windows 11 updates (complete software compatibility)
Cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce NOW)
5. ROG Ally Accessories to Enhance Your Experience
5.1 Essential Accessories
5.2 Optional (But Helpful) Enhancements
External SSD (1TB NVMe) – For additional games
Xbox Controller – For couch gaming
Carrying Case – Extra protection
6. Who Should Purchase the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme in 2025?
✅ Gamers who need a mobile PC
✅ Students who require a work + gaming laptop
✅ Remote workers who travel frequently
✅ Value buyers (less expensive than laptop + console)
Who Should Avoid It?
❌ Professional video editors (without GPU power)
❌ Those users who require a big laptop screen
❌ macOS/Linux users (Windows-only)
Final Verdict: The Best Hybrid Device of 2025
The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is more than just a gaming handheld - it's a full-fledged Windows 11 PC in your hand. No matter if you're:
✔ Working on Excel spreadsheets
✔ Gaming on the go
✔ Bed viewing of movies
…does all of this without carrying the same cost as a laptop.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you would:
A portable gaming computer
A budget work machine
A different console
No, if you:
Require a big screen for productivity
Need cutting-edge GPU performance
Where to buy the Asus Rog Ally in 2025? www.buysave.co.za
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme proves you don't require a laptop and desktop to work and play. It's affordable, portable, and powerful—hence, the top all-in-one machine of 2025. What do you think? Would you make the transition from a laptop to the ROG Ally? Let's talk about it in the comments!
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