Recently, I received a parcel from China containing two items for my Aus Rog Ally portable console: a silicone case and a tempered glass screen protector. These items were advertised as a three-in-one bundle, with an additional bonus of silicone caps for the thumbsticks, which are designed to increase grip and reduce wear and tear. I’ve been using thumbstick caps for years, starting with the Xbox 360 and PS3, and find them very comfortable. However, when the package arrived, I realized the caps were missing. Although the seller on AliExpress promoted it as a three-in-one deal, it ended up being only a two-in-one package.
This was frustrating, especially since I had specifically bought it for the three-in-one offer. The caps, although cheap, were an essential part of the product. After waiting about two weeks for the shipment, I now had to order the caps separately, pay for additional shipping, and wait even longer. Feeling disappointed, I filed for a refund. Unfortunately, the seller was uncooperative, providing pictures of the package’s weight instead of addressing the issue directly. I explained the problem in both English and Chinese, but it didn’t seem to make a difference. Thankfully, AliExpress stepped in and issued a refund.
Though it was a frustrating experience, I still want to share this review, but please keep in mind that you may or may not receive the thumbstick caps, as it could just be an isolated incident with my order.
The Silicone Cover: A Better Grip and Protection
Let’s move on to the actual product review, starting with the silicone case. Despite the Aus Rog Ally being white, I opted for the black color, but there are a variety of color options to choose from. The silicone case is priced similarly to plastic shell covers, but I preferred the silicone version for its flexibility.
One of the main advantages of a silicone case is the superior grip it offers compared to a hard plastic shell. The silicone material feels more resin-like and naturally provides a better hold, especially during extended gaming sessions. Another reason I chose the silicone case is its thinner profile. If you plan to use a docking station with your handheld, a thicker plastic shell might not fit properly, and you’d have to remove it every time you want to dock the device. This would quickly become annoying. Silicone cases, however, are thin enough not to interfere with docking.
Another great feature of the silicone case is how easy it is to remove, wash, and clean. Over time, controllers, gamepads, and handheld consoles like the Rog Ally collect dirt, sweat, and skin cells in the seams of the casing. This can result in unsightly grime and, unfortunately, a breeding ground for bacteria. Regularly cleaning these seams helps prevent this buildup, and with a silicone case, you can wash it easily with soap and water to keep it fresh.
The silicone case also fits the Rog Ally perfectly, with precise cutouts for the ports and even the air intake grill at the back. While the case doesn’t seem to affect the device’s cooling performance, I did notice a slight issue with the long parts of the cover near the top and bottom of the screen. These sections tend to be a little wobbly, as there’s nothing to hold them in place. While double-sided tape could fix this, it might make removing the case harder and could get messy due to heat from the device.
The cutouts around the thumbsticks have a raised rim, which acts as a shock absorber, protecting the sticks from getting damaged when they’re not in use. However, when the sticks are pushed to their extreme positions, the silicone stretches a little, and although it doesn’t directly contact the screen, it does cause some minor stretching.
Overall, I’m happy with the silicone cover. It provides excellent protection, better grip, and ease of cleaning, making it a great choice for my device.
Tempered Glass Screen Protector: A Must for Larger Screens
The second item I received was a tempered glass screen protector, specifically designed for the Rog Ally console. Many handheld devices, including the Rog Ally, suffer from a problem where bubbles can form between layers of the screen after heavy use. This issue is not a scratch or a crack but a bubble of air trapped in the adhesive that holds the layers of the screen together. The good news is that these bubbles usually disappear after a little more use, but it’s still something that can be bothersome.
The tempered glass protector I received fits perfectly on the Rog Ally. It only leaves a small gap of less than 1 mm around the edges, ensuring a tight and secure fit. Installation was a breeze—I simply used the included cleaning wipes to degrease the screen and remove any dust, then applied the protector. In less than 10 seconds, it adhered to the screen without any bubbles at all.
For larger screens, such as the one on the Rog Ally, I strongly recommend using tempered glass over film protectors. Film protectors can be difficult to apply without creating bubbles, and since the Rog Ally screen is over 5 inches, a tempered glass protector is a much better choice. It provides a higher level of protection and a clearer, more responsive touch experience.
Final Thoughts
Despite the issue with the missing thumbstick caps, I’m satisfied with the two remaining products in the package. The silicone cover provides excellent grip, protection, and cleaning ease, while the tempered glass screen protector fits perfectly and offers solid protection against scratches and minor impacts. If you’re considering purchasing these items for your Rog Ally, just be aware that the thumbstick caps might be missing, and you’ll have to deal with that separately. Still, the silicone cover and screen protector are great additions that enhance the functionality and longevity of your device.