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01best overall controller for ASUS ROG Ally
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02Best value controller for ASUS ROG Ally
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03Best retro controller for ASUS ROG Ally
If you’re looking for the best controller for ASUS ROG Ally, then we’ve got just the selection for you.
After you’ve figured out where to buy the ASUS ROG Ally, the sky’s the limit for what controller you can pair with the Steam Deck rival. Of course, the Ally only has a single USB-C port though, so if you want to use a controller with USB-A connectivity, you may want to check out the best docks for the ROG Ally. With the Xbox controller design of the ROG in mind, we’ve selected what we consider to be the best controllers to pair with your ROG Ally.
Best controller for ASUS ROG Ally at a glance
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Compatibility
Xbox Series X/S, PC
Connectivity
Wired/ Wireless
Battery
40h rechargeable battery
Weight
1lbs
8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4g Wireless Controller with Charging Dock
Compatibility
iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV, PC Windows 10, Android, Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally
Connectivity
2.4g / Wired
Battery
15 play hours
Ports
USB-C
Weight
2.4g
Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Compatibility
Xbox One / Windows 10/11
Buttons
Classic X, B, A, Y, LT, RT, Black (RB), and White (LB) button layout (including Option and View buttons)
Connectivity
Wired
Ports
USB-C
Weight
1.65lbs
As you probably know, a controller is amongst the best accessories you can get for the ASUS ROG Ally. Choosing an Xbox controller is definitely a priority since it means what you see on your controller will line up with what you see on your games. We’ve decided to prioritise controllers with the ABXY button layout so it matches with the Ally. We hope you enjoy our picks!
Best overall controller for ASUS ROG Ally – Xbox Wireless Controller 2
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Compatibility
Xbox Series X/S, PC
Connectivity
Wired/ Wireless
Battery
40h rechargeable battery
Weight
1lbs
- Button layout compliments the Ally’s
- Mappable buttons
- Durable
- Premium pricing
The Xbox Wireless Controller 2 is a great pick for your Ally, especially if you’re planning to use your controller between multiple devices.
With the help of Windows 11, Xbox gamers can finally enjoy playing Xbox games on the go without requiring an internet connection. Surely this is a cause for celebration given it’s taken twenty years for a handheld PC to do such a job. What’s more, the Ally itself closely resembles the buttons and stick configurations of an Xbox controller, meaning the Wireless Controller 2 is a natural fit. Take a look at the comparison of the Xbox Elite 2 vs the DualSense Edge to get a detailed breakdown of the controller’s performance.
You get a host of premium features with this controller, namely mappable buttons and a very short trigger travel distance. That means if you’re planning to take advantage of the Ally’s 120Hz refresh rate in first person shooter games, the Wireless Controller 2 should be amongst your top choices. Moreover, its wireless feature is preferable if you’re planning on taking your controller out and about.
Best value controller for ASUS ROG Ally – 8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4g Wireless Controller with Charging Dock
8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4g Wireless Controller with Charging Dock
Compatibility
iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV, PC Windows 10, Android, Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally
Connectivity
2.4g / Wired
Battery
15 play hours
Ports
USB-C
Weight
2.4g
- Comes in white, pink and black
- Charging dock
- Rumble vibration
- 8Bitdo app is great
- Missing Bluetooth connection
If you’re looking for a controller with an excellent form factor that punches above its weight, then look no further. It’s significantly more compact than the other controllers we’ve highlighted, making it a good choice if you plan to go out and about with your Ally. It also comes equipped with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 22 hours, also making it a good choice for travel.
It features two prominent rear paddles, trigger sensitivity and mappable buttons. It also allows you to map the vibration intensity. The software also makes this controller stand out. It allows you to customize the controller to the nth degree, including the ability to remap the buttons, choose between profiles and decide between different profiles depending on which device you’re playing on. For this reason, it’s a great controller for someone reluctant to spend over 50 bucks on a new controller but wants something versatile.
Best retro controller for ASUS ROG Ally – Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Compatibility
Xbox One / Windows 10/11
Buttons
Classic X, B, A, Y, LT, RT, Black (RB), and White (LB) button layout (including Option and View buttons)
Connectivity
Wired
Ports
USB-C
Weight
1.65lbs
- Great thumbsticks
- Nostalgic feel
- Fun design
- Not suitable for those with small hands
- Shoulder buttons could be better
Go for this controller if you want a healthy dose of nostalgia and a retro feel to your Ally experience. In fact, it’s primarily a pick for hardcore Xbox fans who remember the classic Xbox controller well and who plan to play classic Xbox games. While some might prefer a modern and sleek controller to fit with the Ally’s white futuristic theme, we can’t help but recommend the Hyperkin wired controller for a dose of retro fun.
Be wary that people with small hands will likely find the button placement of this controller tricky. If you’ve got large hands, you’ll probably love this chunky controller. Indeed, the original Xbox controller was mocked for its size when it was first released in 2001 but admired for its squishy circular Dpads and italicised face buttons which are still included in the modern recreation. Overall, we recommend this controller if you’re planning to play lots of Xbox games on your ROG Ally.
Final word
Overall, just about any controller is compatible with the ASUS ROG Ally, so it really comes down to personal preference and budget when picking what’s right for you. If you’re interested in going for a pro controller, feel free to check out the best pro controllers for PS5, or read our review of the PlayStation DualSense Edge.
