Why the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is My Ultimate Work & Gaming Machine in 2025 – A Deep Dive Review

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:

Software	Performance	Best Use Case
Microsoft Word	Flawless	Document editing, reports
Microsoft Excel	Smooth (even with large datasets)	Data analysis, budgeting
PowerPoint	No lag	Presentations, slideshows
Outlook	Works great	Email management
Teams/Zoom	Good (with a webcam)	Video calls, remote work

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

Game (1080p)	ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (FPS)	Budget Gaming Laptop (RTX 3050, FPS)
Cyberpunk 2077	45-60 (Medium)	50-65 (Medium)
Elden Ring	40-50 (High)	55-70 (High)
Fortnite	70-90 (Performance Mode)	100-144 (Performance Mode)
GTA V	70-90 (Very High)	80-100 (Very High)

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):

Component	Budget Option	Cost
CPU	Ryzen 5 7600	R4500
GPU	RX 6600	R5500
RAM	16GB DDR5	R1000
SSD	512GB NVMe	R800
Case + PSU	Budget options	R800
Total		R12600 excl Windows 11

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

Accessory	Why You Need It	Budget Option
USB-C Dock	For monitor & peripherals	From UGreen or JSAUX
Bluetooth Keyboard	Faster typing	Logitech
Portable Monitor	Dual-screen setup	Mecer Portable 15inch
MicroSD Card	Extra storage	1TB SanDisk

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!