Gaming Enthusiast Doubles ROG Ally Battery Life with DIY Mod and SteamOS Switch
A determined Reddit user has tackled one of the ASUS ROG Ally's most criticized shortcomings—its limited battery life—by implementing a comprehensive upgrade that combines hardware modification with operating system optimization. The user, known as u/BetweenInkandPaper, replaced their ROG Ally Z1 Extreme's standard 40Wh battery with an 80Wh unit and switched from Windows 11 to SteamOS, achieving what they claim are unprecedented battery performance improvements.
The stock ROG Ally Z1 Extreme typically delivers around two hours of gaming time at 10W power consumption, a limitation that has frustrated many users of the otherwise capable handheld gaming device. The modded system now reportedly achieves approximately 8 hours of standby time, over 6 hours of gaming at 15W total power draw, and around 2 hours at higher 30W settings—figures that represent a substantial improvement over the original configuration.
The battery upgrade involved sourcing an 80Wh replacement unit from AliExpress and installing it alongside a custom 3D-printed backplate to accommodate the larger battery size. According to the Reddit user's testing, the system draws approximately 40W total power when the APU is limited to 30W through DeckyTDP settings, with additional power consumption coming from the display, cooling fans, and other components.
However, these impressive claims have raised eyebrows within the gaming handheld community. Comparative testing by YouTube content creator The Phawx on the official ROG Ally X—which features the same 80Wh battery capacity and a more efficient APU—shows notably different results on Windows 11. The Ally X achieves 4-5 hours of standby time, 6 hours at 15W TDP, and 3 hours at 30W TDP, suggesting the modded original Ally's performance gains may be attributed to SteamOS's superior power efficiency.
The discrepancy highlights the significant impact that operating system optimization can have on battery performance in handheld gaming devices. SteamOS, being a Linux-based system designed specifically for gaming hardware, appears to offer substantial power management advantages over Windows 11, particularly during standby and light workload scenarios.
DIY Battery Modification Guide Available
For users interested in attempting similar modifications, repair specialist iFixit has published a comprehensive step-by-step guide for the ROG Ally battery upgrade. The modification involves replacing the original battery with an ASUS A42N1403 laptop battery and requires a custom 3D-printed backplate to accommodate the increased size. The project is rated as moderate difficulty, requiring 2-3 hours of work and basic repair tools, though it does involve careful disassembly of the device.
While the reported performance improvements are impressive, users should approach such modifications with caution. The upgrade involves voiding the device warranty, requires technical skill, and carries inherent risks associated with lithium battery handling and device disassembly. Additionally, the long-term reliability and safety implications of using non-original battery components in portable gaming devices remain considerations for potential modders.
The growing interest in ROG Ally battery modifications reflects broader user demand for improved battery performance in handheld gaming devices. As the portable gaming market continues to expand, these community-driven solutions demonstrate both the potential for hardware optimization and the importance of efficient software platforms in maximizing device capabilities.