I just got my ROG Ally X and so far, it's pretty cool.
However, there are some software features I expected to exist, which do not.
1. CPU Boost toggled On/Off should be saved to game profiles. Manually changing this kind of takes me out of the experience. When I launch a game, I just want to set things up 1 time and never worry about my settings again. Manually switching this back On/Off makes the software feel less feature-complete.
2. Custom Keyboard Overlay with working Gamepad input. I know this one is probably a bigger ask, but the Windows on-screen keyboard is a nightmare to use. I really wish the keyboard shortcut command would pull up a custom on-screen keyboard that actually works with the D-Pad and ABXY buttons. I really want to be able to use the following features with the on-screen keyboard:
- - hover over letters using the D-Pad
- - "A" button to select a letter.
- - "B" button for backspace.
- - "X" to "Enter" the text
- - "Y" button for Space.
- - Right Trigger to set the next letter to a capital letter. Double-tap Right Trigger to enable caps lock.
- - Right Bumper to toggle between a keyboard of letter, numbers, and symbols.
- - "R3" (Press on the right joy stick) to toggle between the keyboard profile and the Desktop profile. I.E., pressing R3 would re-enable the mouse with your joy stick and R1 and R2 do left and right click like they normally do. Press R3 again to go back to the keyboatd controls. (This is helpful if you want to keep the keyboard displayed, quickly use the mouse to click on a different text field, then switch back to the keyboard controls)
- - Left trigger to close the on-screen keyboard, maybe this should be a "long" press for 1 second to activate.
3. Auto-Login on Windows Startup/Wake. I just want to be able to pick up my Ally and jump straight into my games, bypassing the Windows Lock/Login screen. Obviously, this should not be on by default for security reasons, but I would love this as an option since am willing to take that risk (I highly doubt my Ally will be in the possession of strangers.) I also want to acknowledge that I know this is possible via Registry edits, but having an easy option via the ASUS app would be awesome.
4. Gyro Launch Argument for executables. Implement some kind of command or "launch argument" that we can put into Steam Games that will enable Gyro functionality when launching games via Steam instead of the Armory app. I'm not sure exactly how/if this is possible, but it would be super cool to just add something like "-ROGGyro" as a launch argument in Steam on the games that I want to use Gyro on. Yes, I know we can launch games via the Armory app and Gyro works anyways, but having the option via the Steam app would be greatly appreciated!
Final Thoughts:
The Ally (and especially the Ally X!) are undoubtably the best-performing handhelds on the market right now, but if I'm being honest, the Steam Deck still has a WAY better out-of-the-box experience and navigating with gamepad controls is SO easy on that device. I genuinely believe that if these features I'm suggesting are added to the Ally software, it will help close the gap in this regard.
