The ROG Ally burst onto the scene in 2023 as a great alternative to the Steam Deck, offering access to even more games thanks to it running on a Windows operating system. Last year saw the release of the ROG Ally X that not only beefed up the internals, but also made the device far more comfortable to hold with better cooling.
While the ROG Ally’s biggest selling point is its portability, it’s nice to have the option to kick back on the couch and play games on the TV or on gaming monitor. Thankfully, both ROG Ally models can be connected to an external display so you can experience your games on the big screen. Check out the full rundown below to find out how to connect your ROG Ally to a TV or monitor, as well as step-by-step instructions and recommendations.
How to Connect With an Adapter
There are multiple ways to connect your ROG Ally to your TV or monitor, but an adapter is a simple solution that doesn’t take up much space. Whether you prefer a small dongle-style adapter, direct cable, or the official ROG Gaming Charger Dock, there are plenty of options available.
What You’ll Need
Asus has made connecting the ROG Ally to a TV incredibly easy. The best adapter option that takes up the least amount of space is the official ROG Gaming Charger Dock as it doubles as a charger for your device. All you’ll need is a USB-C and HDMI cable and you’re good to go! The Charger Dock also features a USB-A port that you can use to connect a mouse and/or keyboard.
If you opt for a third-party USB-C to HDMI adapter, you can connect it directly to the ROG Ally’s USB-C port. Then, simply connect an HDMI cable to the adapter and your TV or monitor. If you want a one-cable solution, you can purchase a USB-C to HDMI cable that goes directly from your ROG Ally to your TV or monitor with no additional steps.
It’s worth noting that some USB-C to HDMI adapters also feature a passthrough USB-C port to provide power to your ROG Ally while it’s connected to an external display. If your adapter has this passthrough power port, you’ll need an additional USB-C cable and your power adapter to charge the internal battery while you play.
How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions
Plug a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or cable) into the ROG Ally’s USB-C port on the top of the enclosure. If you’ve opted for the ROG Gaming Charger Dock, plug one end of a USB-C cable into the ROG Ally’s USB-C port and the other end into the USB-C charging port on the Charger Dock.Connect an HDMI cable to one end of the adapter (or Charger Dock) and plug the other end into a vacant HDMI port on your TV or monitor. If you’re utilizing a direct USB-C to HDMI cable, simply plug the HDMI end into your TV or monitor. (Optional) If your USB-C adapter includes a passthrough USB-C port for charging, connect your ROG Ally’s power adapter to the passthrough USB-C port to provide power.Power on the ROG Ally; it should automatically detect and output the video signal.Switch your input on the TV or monitor to the correct HDMI input to see your ROG Ally’s display.
How to Connect With a Docking Station
If you’d prefer more of a Nintendo Switch-like solution, opt for a docking station. While the ROG Ally doesn’t have an official docking station (outside of the ROG Gaming Charging Dock, which is more of an adapter), there are plenty of third-party options available. Docking stations allow you to place the ROG Ally into a stand to connect to your TV or monitor while charging.
What You’ll Need
The most basic docks designed for the ROG Ally feature an HDMI port and a USB-C passthrough charging port to supply power to the unit while it’s connected to your TV or monitor. If you’re looking for something more robust, however, there are more intricate docks that include additional USB ports for connecting peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard, external hard drives, Ethernet ports for a more stable wired internet connection, SD card slots to expand the internal memory, and even a Display Port to connect an additional display. Smaller, more portable dock options make it easy to travel with the ROG Ally and connect to larger displays while on the go. Many of the docks compatible with the Steam Deck will also work with the ROG Ally.
How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions
Place your ROG Ally into the dock.Connect the USB-C power cord to the ROG Ally’s USB-C port on the top of the enclosure.Connect your ROG Ally’s power adapter to the USB-C charging port on the ROG Ally.Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the dock with the other end connected to a vacant HDMI port on your TV or monitor.Power on the ROG Ally and it should automatically detect and output the video signal.Switch your input on the TV or monitor to the correct HDMI input to see your ROG Ally’s display.
You’ll Also Need a Controller
While you can connect a mouse and keyboard to your ROG Ally docking solution of choice, arguably the easiest (and most comfortable) experience is using a wireless controller when playing on a larger display. Thankfully, the ROG Ally is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller. You can see our recommendations for the best Steam Deck controllers below, which will also work with the ROG Ally.
This includes first-party options like PS5’s DualSense, the Xbox Wireless Controller, or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, plus plenty of third-party controller options. Some controllers use a 2.4GHz wireless connection with an included USB adapter that typically offers lower latency and better range than standard Bluetooth controllers. Additionally, you can opt for a wired USB controller if you’re sitting close enough to your ROG Ally or docking station for a simple plug-and-play solution.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
