“ROG Ally X Outpaces PS4, PS5 in Emulated Bloodborne Performance”
The recent tests on the ROG Ally X, a handheld gaming device, have shown impressive performance while emulating the famed game Bloodborne. This new evaluation specifically highlights how the Ally X outperforms both PS4 and PS5 in this context. Tom Morgan explored these capabilities after analyzing the upgrades to PC emulation for Bloodborne, using the latest ShadPS4 build.
ROG Ally X Performance Insights
The testing results reveal that the ROG Ally X can deliver frame rates ranging from 50 to 70 frames per second. This performance surpasses that of the original PS4, which typically runs the game at 30 frames per second, and even the backwards-compatible PS5.
Technical Specifications and Settings Adjustments
To achieve this level of performance, several settings were modified on the ShadPS4 build. Key adjustments included disabling chromatic aberration and employing a resolution tweak to 720p. While this lowers the resolution compared to the PS4’s standard 1080p, it frees up resources. The result is significantly higher frame rates even while maintaining good visual quality.
- Max Frame Rate: 50 to 70 FPS
- Resolution: 720p (compared to 1080p on PS4)
- Power Consumption: 35W for optimal performance
Running on a 720p resolution is crucial for achieving these high frame rates. Players can still revert to the original 1080p, although that typically results in frame rates between 33 and 40 FPS.
Performance Consistency and Stutter Management
During testing, initial gameplay experiences showed some stuttering, primarily due to shader compilation. Enabling shader caching helped mitigate this issue. Once shaders are compiled, gameplay remains largely smooth, although minor stutters may still occur.
Power settings on the ROG Ally X can also impact performance. While operating on mains power at 35W significantly boosts capabilities, switching to battery mode reduces performance by approximately 10%. Users have reported that adjusting settings in the command center can enhance performance during battery use, although the experience is not as smooth.
Comparison with GPD Win 5
In a comparison with the GPD Win 5, which utilizes a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, the performance is even more compelling. At 35W, the GPD Win 5 can sustain frame rates in the high 50s to around 70 FPS in 1080p resolution.
Efficiency and Experience
- Performance at 35W: High 50s to 70 FPS (1080p)
- Performance Boost: 8% increase at 65W and up to 17% at 80W
- Battery Life: Approx. two hours at optimal settings
The striking visuals at 1080p make the GPD Win 5 a standout option for serious gaming enthusiasts. Both devices showcase the potential for emulating demanding games like Bloodborne on handheld systems, raising questions about the future of gaming.
In summary, the ROG Ally X has proven to exceed expectations in emulating Bloodborne, clearly outperforming both PS4 and PS5 in terms of frame rate and overall gaming experience. As technology evolves, so does the possibility of enjoying high-performance gaming on portable devices.
