There is increasing buzz around the launch of ASUS’s handheld device, the ROG Ally – but you might be wondering how to install and download games. Well, we’re here to help.
The device lets you connect to many platforms like Steam, Xbox, Ubisoft Connect, EA App, etc, and play all those games on a handheld device. It’s an exciting new competitor to handheld devices like Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck from Valve, offering both portability and power. Boasting a great CPU and GPU, clear audio, a mega 120 Hz refresh rate, and an epic games store, the Ally is a fantastic handheld alternative to gaming PCs. Plus, you get three months free of the Xbox game pass with purchase.
If you get your hand on this powerful little piece of tech, you’ll probably want to know how to install and download games. Asus ROG Ally uses Windows 11 system. However, its processor is the custom-built AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. With this new hardware comes many questions, like how you will download and install games. This is especially true as the controls are not as familiar as, say, a keyboard and mouse.
How to Install and Download Games in Asus ROG Ally
Downloading and installing games in Asus ROG Ally is similar to how you would on a Windows 11 OS. For example, you can install Steam on the device and download any game you like. Once downloaded, you can open it and select the folder where you want to install it.
Likewise, you can also connect with other popular game launcher platforms like EA App, Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games, Xbox, etc. These can be managed from one app using the Armoury Crate SE feature.
How to Install and Download Games on an SD Card on Asus ROG Ally
Asus ROG Ally comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage space. If you would play only a few games, this space is enough. But what if you like to experiment by playing multiple games alongside your favorite ones, just like me? In that case, 512 GB might not be enough.
In that case, you are left with two options. The first is to upgrade Asus ROG Ally’s SSD card. However, the second and easier option is to insert a microSD card. The device has a microSD card slot that lets you quickly add external storage space.
Once you decide to use a microSD card, you must format it and start downloading and installing your games. Given below are the steps to format your SD card.
- Insert the card in the microSD slot
- A new drive will appear in Window’s File Explorer; press and hold the drive to get setting options
- Select “Format” from the drop-down list
- Give a name to this new drive and change its format to NTFS
- Click the “Start” option
Note: Changing the drive’s format to NTFS will erase all the existing data from the card. Hence, it is advised to back up any important data on the microSD card before formatting it.
After formatting the SD card, you can select the installation location to download and install games on the ROG Ally. However, the steps to choose the location may differ based on your chosen platform. We will go through each platform and the steps to add the new drive as the download and install location.
Steam
- Go to Steam and select “Settings”
- Tap “Downloads”
- Select “Steam Library Folders” and click the “+” sign to add a new folder
- Select your new SD card drive location and click “Add”
Xbox
When you begin to install and download games on Xbox, a dialog will appear saying where your game will be installed.
- Click the “Change” button under the dialog
- Select the SD card location and tap “INSTALL”
Epic Games
Like Xbox, you will be presented with an option to select where you want to install the game when using Epic Games on Asus ROG Ally.
- When you get the option, select “Browse”
- Browse to any folder inside your SD card drive and select it
- Tap “INSTALL” to begin download and installation
EA App and Ubisoft Connect
Both EA App and Ubisoft Connect also ask you to choose an install location before downloading and installing any game. All you need to do is change the location from the default to any folder from your SD card drive.
What Games Can You Download and Install on Asus ROG Ally?
Asus ROG Ally is like a handheld gaming PC, which can run almost every game. Whether you want to play PC games, Xbox games, or even PS4 games, you can enjoy them with your Asus ROG Ally.
Moreover, you can also connect the device to a monitor. Here are the steps to connect Asus ROG Ally to a monitor:
- Connect the ROG Ally to the dock
- Adjust your display
- Connect the controller and disable the in-built gamepad
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Ally provides an exceptional gaming experience, and understanding how to install and download games is essential for maximizing its potential. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can effortlessly set up your Asus ROG Ally and enjoy your favorite games in no time, just like on Valve’s Steam Deck, a desktop computer, a gaming laptop or other gaming consoles.
