Premium PC handheld or budget retro toy: the choice is stark

Display

The ASUS ROG Ally wins by a huge margin. It uses a 7-inch Full HD 120Hz IPS touchscreen with 500 nits of brightness, which is far beyond what you get from a 3.0-inch color screen on the Zexrow. The Ally’s larger panel, sharper resolution, higher refresh rate, and much better brightness make modern games readable and responsive, especially in action-heavy titles. The Zexrow’s tiny screen is fine for simple retro games, but it is not in the same league for clarity, immersion, or usability. Winner: ASUS ROG Ally.

Performance

This is the biggest gap in the comparison. The ASUS ROG Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, paired with 16GB RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and AMD Radeon Graphics running Windows 11. That means it can handle modern PC games, emulation, launchers, and productivity tasks, making it a true handheld gaming computer. The Zexrow is a dedicated retro device with 500 classical games built in, which is enough for basic 8-bit and 16-bit style gaming but nowhere near the performance class of the Ally. If you want power, versatility, and access to current titles, the Ally is the only serious option. Winner: ASUS ROG Ally.

Build quality and design

The ASUS ROG Ally also takes this category. ASUS is a premium gaming brand, and the Ally reflects that with a modern ergonomic handheld design, a high-end screen, and hardware that feels purpose-built for demanding gaming. The Zexrow is a budget retro console, and its design is functional rather than premium; the 3-inch screen and compact shell are more about portability and simplicity than durability or comfort for long sessions. The Zexrow does have a kid-friendly, gift-oriented appeal, and its lightweight nature may suit casual use, but it does not match the Ally’s overall quality or polish. Winner: ASUS ROG Ally.

Battery life

This category is closer in concept than in practice, but the Zexrow is likely the easier device to keep going for long casual sessions because it is built around low-power retro gaming and has a 1020mAh rechargeable battery. However, raw battery capacity alone does not tell the full story, and the ASUS ROG Ally’s much more powerful hardware and 7-inch 120Hz display will generally consume far more energy when gaming. In real-world terms, the Zexrow is the simpler, lower-drain device for quick pick-up play, while the Ally trades battery endurance for much higher capability. If the question is pure battery efficiency for simple games, the Zexrow has the edge; if the question is practical gaming value, the Ally’s battery tradeoff is justified. Winner: Zexrow.

Price and value for money

The Zexrow wins on upfront affordability by an enormous margin at £19.88. For that price, you get 500 preloaded games, TV output support, and two-player capability, which is strong value if your budget is tiny or you want a casual gift. But value is not only about the purchase price; it is about what you actually get for your money. The ASUS ROG Ally is a premium device with a much broader feature set, and while its price is not listed here, it sits in a completely different category and delivers far more capability. If you only need a cheap retro toy, the Zexrow is excellent value. If you want a handheld that can replace a gaming laptop-lite experience for portable play, the Ally is the better long-term value. Winner: depends on budget, but for most serious gamers the ASUS ROG Ally offers better value overall.

Game library and features

The ASUS ROG Ally dominates this category because it runs Windows 11 and includes 3 months of Xbox Game Pass. That means access to a huge, constantly changing library of modern PC and Xbox titles, plus storefronts like Steam and Epic, emulators, and productivity apps. The Zexrow’s 500 classical games are appealing for nostalgia, but they are fixed, limited, and likely centered on older arcade-style experiences. It does add TV connectivity and two-player support, which is nice for simple family play, but it cannot compete with the Ally’s software ecosystem. Winner: ASUS ROG Ally.

Overall user experience

The ASUS ROG Ally delivers a far more complete and future-proof experience. It is designed for people who want a real handheld PC with strong performance, a premium display, modern game access, and room to grow. The tradeoffs are cost, complexity, and likely shorter battery life under load. The Zexrow is the opposite: simple, cheap, and easy to hand to a child or casual player, but limited in scope and much less satisfying for anyone who wants more than basic retro entertainment. For most buyers searching this comparison, the Ally is the device you will still be happy with after the novelty wears off. The Zexrow is only the better choice if your needs are extremely light and your budget is the main driver. Overall winner: ASUS ROG Ally.

Summary: The ASUS ROG Ally is the clear winner for anyone who wants a real gaming handheld with modern performance, a far better screen, and access to a massive game library. The Zexrow only wins on price and simplicity, making it a niche pick for ultra-budget retro play or a kids’ gift.