Horizon Forbidden West brings spectacular open-world exploration, breathtaking visuals, and challenging combat. Fans eagerly sought to run this demanding title on powerful handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally. However, a significant frustration arises: Horizon Forbidden West crashes on ROG Ally. Players investing in the latest portable hardware expect seamless performance, yet frequent crashes threaten to derail the adventure entirely.
This in-depth guide addresses why Horizon Forbidden West struggles on the ROG Ally, offers practical fixes, and discusses how to optimize gameplay settings for smoother experiences. Gamers determined to roam the Forbidden West anywhere will discover how to tame performance issues and unlock the game’s full potential on this exciting handheld device.
Why Horizon Forbidden West Appeals to ROG Ally Owners
Horizon Forbidden West remains one of the most ambitious open-world games on modern hardware. Its sprawling landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and mechanical beasts demand substantial computing power. Players seeking portability naturally gravitate toward devices like the ROG Ally.
The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers:
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High-performance AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
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Integrated Radeon graphics capable of modern AAA titles.
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Portable form factor perfect for gaming on the go.
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Windows operating system supporting PC versions of major games.
Gamers frequently ask, Can you play Horizon Forbidden West on ASUS ROG Ally? because combining powerful hardware and a premium title sounds ideal. Yet crashes on the ROG Ally suggest potential compatibility gaps between the game’s demanding engine and the portable hardware’s unique architecture.
Horizon Forbidden West Crashes on ROG Ally: Core Issues
Numerous threads and community discussions reveal Horizon Forbidden West crashing on ROG Ally for varied reasons. Common symptoms include:
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Crashes during high-detail cutscenes.
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Sudden black screens after fast travel.
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System freezes when engaging in large battles.
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Repeated errors tied to graphics drivers.
Understanding why Horizon Forbidden West crashes on ROG Ally not resolved for many users starts with examining both the game and the handheld’s technical limitations.
ROG Ally combines integrated graphics with limited thermal headroom. Horizon Forbidden West pushes visuals to extremes, potentially overwhelming the handheld’s cooling capacity and causing stability failures. Moreover, driver conflicts sometimes arise, especially when new updates to Windows or AMD software roll out.
ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Horizon Forbidden West Performance Factors
Running Horizon Forbidden West on the asus rog ally z1 extreme horizon forbidden west combination demands significant resources. Factors influencing stability include:
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Thermal throttling: Sustained high temperatures trigger clock speed reductions, leading to instability.
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VRAM limitations: The integrated GPU shares memory with the system, sometimes leading to crashes during texture-heavy scenes.
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Driver versions: AMD’s Adrenalin software occasionally introduces bugs impacting specific titles.
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Power profiles: ROG Ally balances battery life against performance. High-performance modes reduce crash likelihood but drain the battery rapidly.
Understanding these variables helps players adjust settings strategically, reducing the chances of mid-game crashes.
Recommended PC Settings for Horizon Forbidden West on ROG Ally
Gamers eager to keep the game stable search for the perfect horizon forbidden west pc settings to match the ROG Ally’s unique capabilities. Achieving balance between performance and visuals becomes crucial.
Optimal settings typically include:
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Resolution: Lower to 720p for smoother performance. Higher resolutions increase crash likelihood.
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Texture quality: Medium keeps visuals impressive without exhausting VRAM.
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Shadows: Drop to Low to reduce GPU stress.
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Anti-Aliasing: Use TAA at low levels to avoid flickering while minimizing performance costs.
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Ambient Occlusion: Turn off or lower to Medium for stability.
Testing each setting individually helps isolate problematic features contributing to crashes. Players often discover that ultra settings strain the ROG Ally far beyond safe operational thresholds.
Common Crash Scenarios and Solutions
Players frequently report crashes under specific conditions. Understanding patterns helps prevent future interruptions.
1. Cutscene Crashes
Detailed cutscenes sometimes overwhelm the GPU. Solutions include:
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Lowering texture and effects quality before pivotal story sequences.
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Disabling overlays like Steam or Windows Game Bar that introduce additional processing.
2. Fast Travel Crashes
Loading large environments rapidly stresses system memory. To mitigate:
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Avoid fast traveling repeatedly in quick succession.
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Monitor VRAM usage via monitoring tools.
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Restart the game periodically to clear memory caches.
3. Combat-Related Crashes
Large enemy groups, explosions, and effects cause sudden GPU spikes. Tips to avoid crashes:
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Reduce particle effects.
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Lower crowd density settings if available.
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Maintain adequate system cooling by playing in well-ventilated environments.
These targeted adjustments dramatically reduce crash frequency on the ROG Ally.
Keeping Drivers Updated: Crucial for Stability
Many crashes link directly to outdated or conflicting drivers. ASUS frequently releases updates to enhance ROG Ally compatibility with AAA titles like Horizon Forbidden West. Regularly checking for:
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AMD Adrenalin software updates.
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Windows OS patches.
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BIOS and firmware updates specific to ROG Ally.
proves essential. Players often resolve crashes simply by installing the latest drivers.
Power Modes and Stability
ROG Ally features several power modes designed to balance performance against battery consumption. Players seeking stability in Horizon Forbidden West should avoid low-power profiles during demanding sessions.
High-performance mode:
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Boosts CPU and GPU clocks.
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Increases fan speeds for better cooling.
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Reduces crash potential in graphics-heavy scenes.
However, high-performance mode drains the battery rapidly. Many players connect the ROG Ally to power when running Horizon Forbidden West to sustain optimal conditions.
Monitoring Temperatures and Preventing Throttling
Thermal management remains vital. Sustained high temperatures force the ROG Ally to throttle performance, leading to instability. Simple solutions include:
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Keeping ambient room temperature low.
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Elevating the device to improve airflow.
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Avoiding playing on soft surfaces like beds, which block ventilation.
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Cleaning vents regularly to prevent dust buildup.
Monitoring tools like Armoury Crate offer temperature readouts, allowing players to adjust settings proactively before heat causes crashes.
Can Asus ROG Ally Run Every Game?
Enthusiastic gamers often ask, Can Asus ROG Ally run every game? because marketing highlights impressive compatibility. While ROG Ally handles many modern titles, games like Horizon Forbidden West reveal limitations when pushing visual boundaries.
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme delivers excellent performance for most AAA games. However, players must adjust expectations for the most demanding titles. Careful tweaking makes even Horizon Forbidden West playable, though ultra settings remain unrealistic on portable hardware.
Exploring the Impact of Windows Updates
A hidden culprit behind Horizon Forbidden West crashes on the ROG Ally often lies in Windows updates. Players eager to keep their devices secure install new patches promptly. However, sometimes these updates:
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Alter system-level graphics libraries.
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Introduce conflicts with AMD drivers.
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Change power management features unexpectedly.
Anyone experiencing fresh crashes after an update should:
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Check for new graphics drivers released post-update.
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Roll back recent patches if issues began afterward.
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Test games thoroughly after any major Windows change.
Windows remains the lifeblood of ROG Ally’s functionality. Yet its ever-evolving nature occasionally disrupts game compatibility until manufacturers catch up with patches and driver revisions.
Understanding VRAM Demands in Horizon Forbidden West
Modern AAA games demand significant VRAM. Horizon Forbidden West ranks among the most VRAM-hungry titles. On desktop PCs, dedicated graphics cards handle large textures effortlessly. Yet the ROG Ally’s integrated graphics share system memory with other operations.
During intense scenes—lush jungles, swirling sandstorms, or large-scale battles—the game may exceed available VRAM, leading to:
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Texture pop-in.
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Freezing during asset loading.
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Sudden crashes when memory spills over.
Players on ROG Ally mitigate these risks by:
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Lowering texture resolution.
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Disabling high-end lighting effects.
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Closing background apps to free system memory.
Monitoring VRAM consumption ensures smoother gameplay, even on portable hardware.
Tuning Performance via Armoury Crate
ROG Ally includes Armoury Crate, a powerful utility offering:
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Power profile adjustments.
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GPU and CPU frequency tuning.
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Fan curve customization.
Players struggling with Horizon Forbidden West crashes on ROG Ally often find relief by:
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Locking frame rates to reduce heat buildup.
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Increasing fan speeds for better cooling during demanding missions.
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Disabling background animations in Armoury Crate itself.
Experimenting with Armoury Crate allows each player to tailor their device precisely for Horizon Forbidden West’s unique demands.
Comparing Horizon Forbidden West to Other Titles on ROG Ally
Players naturally ask, Can I play Jedi Survivor on ASUS ROG Ally? or similar questions because they want their device to handle various AAA experiences. Interestingly, Jedi Survivor and Horizon Forbidden West share some traits:
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Both feature massive open worlds.
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Both require high VRAM allocations.
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Both push CPUs heavily during asset streaming.
However, Jedi Survivor often runs smoother on ROG Ally because:
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It offers more scalable PC settings.
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It manages VRAM usage better on medium settings.
By comparison, Horizon Forbidden West’s breathtaking environments sometimes resist aggressive downscaling, leading to persistent crash risks without careful tuning.
Can You Use ROG Ally as a Console?
Gamers exploring alternative uses for the device often ask, Can you use ROG Ally as a console? The answer is a resounding yes. The ROG Ally connects via HDMI or USB-C to external displays, transforming it into a mini-console. When docked:
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Thermal headroom increases thanks to stationary use.
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Power constraints vanish since it stays plugged in.
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Cooling improves as airflow remains unobstructed.
Docking proves ideal for Horizon Forbidden West. Connecting to a monitor and using an external controller delivers console-like performance, reducing the chance of crashes associated with handheld thermal limitations.
Operating Systems and Game Compatibility
Another frequent question emerges: Which OS does ROG Ally use? The device runs Windows 11, providing broad game compatibility unmatched by proprietary handheld systems. However, Windows introduces potential pitfalls:
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Regular updates can destabilize game performance.
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Background services sometimes consume precious resources.
For Horizon Forbidden West, maintaining a clean Windows environment—free from excessive startup applications—reduces the likelihood of unexpected crashes.
Beyond Crashes: Bugs Unique to Horizon Forbidden West
Aside from crashes, players report unique in-game issues specific to Horizon Forbidden West on PC. Some encounter the notorious Aloy “No Shoot” Bug, where the protagonist refuses to draw her bow or engage enemies. Those interested in troubleshooting such oddities should explore more details on the Horizon Forbidden West Aloy No Shoot Bug.
Addressing these separate issues remains critical for a smooth experience on any device, ROG Ally included.
Cross-Save Functionality and PC Port Benefits
Players frequently ask, Does Horizon Forbidden West have cross save? The answer remains nuanced. Currently, the game lacks direct cross-save between PlayStation and PC versions. However:
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Steam Cloud or Epic Game saves sync progress across PCs.
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No official integration allows direct save transfers from PS5 to PC.
For ROG Ally owners, that means starting fresh if shifting from console to portable PC gaming. The payoff comes in portability and the potential for modding, even if cross-save isn’t fully supported.
Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers
Curious PC players often wonder, Does Horizon Forbidden West use adaptive triggers on PC? or How to turn off haptic feedback in Horizon Forbidden West? On PC, adaptive triggers remain tied to specific controller hardware. ROG Ally supports external DualSense controllers, but:
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Haptic features work inconsistently outside PlayStation hardware.
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Players may disable haptics via game menus if stutters or crashes occur.
Disabling advanced controller effects sometimes reduces CPU and driver strain, indirectly helping prevent crashes during intense scenes.
Exploring Horizon Forbidden West’s Narrative Impact
Beyond technical hurdles, players remain engrossed in Horizon Forbidden West’s narrative. Topics like Why was Varl killed off Horizon Forbidden West? or Did Varl get Zo pregnant? spark lively discussions. While these story elements don’t influence crash behavior, they highlight how compelling the game remains—even for those battling technical frustrations.
Similarly, debates rage over Will there be a Horizon 3? Rumors swirl, and Sony’s commitment to the franchise suggests further adventures for Aloy await. ROG Ally users hope that future PC ports launch more optimized for portable devices, preventing repeats of current crash issues.
Hidden Gear and Post-Game Content
Many fans wonder, Is there secret armor in Horizon Forbidden West? Yes—unique armor sets like the legendary Nora Thunder Warrior exist, though obtaining them often requires:
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Completing difficult endgame missions.
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Finding hidden collectibles.
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Engaging in large-scale arena challenges.
Solo players on ROG Ally can indeed pursue secret gear, provided they manage crash issues. Additionally, the game allows continued exploration after credits roll. Players often ask, Can you keep playing Horizon Forbidden West after you beat it? Absolutely—post-game content remains robust, though high-end areas strain the ROG Ally’s resources further.
Romance in Forbidden West
Gamers interested in character relationships often ask, Can you romance in Forbidden West? Officially, Horizon Forbidden West lacks traditional romance mechanics. While Aloy shares deep bonds with characters like Varl and Erend, no true romance path exists. Players seeking romantic narrative arcs will have to wait for potential developments in future titles.
Facing Horizon Forbidden West’s Hardest Challenges
Players debating game performance on ROG Ally also wonder, What is the hardest fight in Horizon Forbidden West? The Slaughterspine and Apex Tremortusk rank among the most brutal encounters, demanding:
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Rapid reflexes.
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High damage output.
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Perfect dodge timing.
On ROG Ally, these fights push hardware to its limits. High particle effects and physics calculations sometimes trigger crashes. Lowering settings pre-battle minimizes risk while preserving thrilling gameplay.
Horizon Forbidden West: Plasma Mechanics
Another question arises: How to get rid of plasma Horizon Forbidden West? Enemies inflict plasma status, gradually filling a secondary damage meter. To counter plasma:
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Use specific resist gear.
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Dodge repeatedly until the effect expires.
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Employ Purgewater weapons to cleanse status.
Managing elemental afflictions becomes crucial, especially for players on portable devices where frequent crashing can interrupt critical battles.
Why Horizon Forbidden West Remains Worth Playing on ROG Ally
Despite technical hurdles, Horizon Forbidden West stands as a monumental achievement. For ROG Ally owners:
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Portable AAA gaming remains achievable with careful tuning.
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Visual fidelity still impresses even on lower settings.
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Storytelling and exploration remain deeply satisfying.
Players determined to conquer crash issues often succeed through patience and methodical optimization. Portable gaming always involves trade-offs—but many find the experience worthwhile for the joy of exploring the Forbidden West anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a PS5 controller on ROG Ally?
Yes, you can connect a PS5 DualSense controller to the ROG Ally via Bluetooth or USB-C. Some advanced features like adaptive triggers may have limited support.
Q: Can you install games on ASUS ROG Ally?
Absolutely. The ROG Ally runs Windows 11, allowing you to install games from Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and many other PC gaming platforms.
Q: Can you play anything on the ASUS ROG Ally?
Mostly, yes. The ROG Ally plays the vast majority of PC games. However, extremely demanding titles may require lowered settings for smooth performance.
Q: Why is Aloy LGBTQ?
In Horizon Forbidden West, Aloy’s sexuality isn’t explicitly labeled. However, some storylines and interactions suggest potential same-sex romantic interest.
Q: Does Aloy kiss a girl?
No, Horizon Forbidden West does not feature a scene where Aloy kisses a woman. Relationships remain largely platonic, though emotionally significant bonds exist.
Q: Will Aloy have a girlfriend in Horizon 3?
That remains unconfirmed. Guerrilla Games has not announced any official relationship arcs for Aloy in future titles.
Q: Who kills Varl?
Varl dies during a pivotal story moment in Horizon Forbidden West. Without revealing full spoilers, events tied to Far Zenith lead to his death.
Q: How old is Aloy?
In Horizon Forbidden West, Aloy is around 19-20 years old, following the timeline set after Horizon Zero Dawn.
Q: Should you spare Regalla?
That choice lies with the player. Sparing Regalla unlocks her assistance during the final battle. Executing her concludes her storyline immediately.
Q: Will there be a Horizon 6?
Currently, there’s no announcement for a “Horizon 6.” Guerrilla Games may continue expanding the franchise, but future titles beyond Horizon 3 remain speculative.
Q: Has Horizon 3 been filmed?
No, Horizon 3 hasn’t been filmed. Guerrilla Games is rumored to be developing the next game, but no live-action adaptation for Horizon 3 exists.
Q: What happens to Nemesis in Forbidden West?
Nemesis emerges as a looming threat at the end of Forbidden West, setting up major conflicts for potential sequels.
Q: Can the ROG Ally run all games?
While ROG Ally handles most PC games, extremely demanding titles may require reduced settings. It’s powerful but not equivalent to high-end gaming desktops.
Q: Can you play any Steam game on ASUS ROG Ally?
Almost all Steam games run on ROG Ally thanks to Windows compatibility. However, very graphically intense games might demand compromises.
Q: What gaming platforms are supported by ROG Ally?
ROG Ally supports Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, GOG, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect, and virtually any Windows-compatible gaming platform.
Q: What games run best on ROG Ally?
Indie games, eSports titles, and well-optimized AAA games perform beautifully on ROG Ally. Games like Hades, Hollow Knight, and Forza Horizon 5 shine on the device.
Q: Is it okay to play ROG Ally plugged in?
Yes, playing while plugged in ensures stable power delivery and prevents battery drain during intensive sessions. It’s recommended for demanding games.
Q: Is ROG Ally better than Steam Deck?
Both devices have strengths. ROG Ally runs Windows for broader compatibility, while Steam Deck offers a Linux-based system tuned for gaming. Preference depends on your ecosystem and desired performance.
