The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerhouse of a handheld gaming PC, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games on the go. But what about capturing those epic moments, showcasing your skills, or creating content for your audience? Recording gameplay on the ROG Ally is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you capture the best possible footage of your gaming sessions.
Understanding Your Recording Options
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to understand the different options available for recording gameplay on the ROG Ally. Each method has its pros and cons regarding performance, ease of use, and features. Selecting the right approach depends on your specific needs and technical expertise.
Built-in Solutions: Xbox Game Bar
The simplest way to record gameplay is using the Xbox Game Bar, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11 (the operating system on the ROG Ally). This offers a quick and easy recording experience without needing to install any additional software. Pressing the Windows key + Alt + R will start or stop the recording. Windows key + Alt + Print Screen captures a screenshot.
However, the Game Bar is known for its limitations. It may not be as feature-rich as dedicated recording software, and it might impact performance, especially on graphically demanding games.
Dedicated Recording Software: OBS Studio
For more advanced features and better control over your recordings, consider using dedicated recording software like OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software). OBS Studio is a free and open-source program widely used by streamers and content creators. It offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to adjust video quality, resolution, frame rate, and audio settings.
It can also stream directly to Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, and can record multiple sources at the same time. Learning curve is present, but there are tons of tutorials available.
Hardware Capture: External Capture Cards
For the highest possible recording quality and minimal performance impact, you can use an external capture card. This device sits between your ROG Ally and your display, capturing the video signal directly without relying on the Ally’s internal resources. This is the most expensive option.
Capture cards are great if you are recording gameplay on another device like a desktop PC.
Setting Up Xbox Game Bar for Recording
If you’re opting for the simplicity of the Xbox Game Bar, here’s how to set it up for optimal recording:
Accessing Game Bar Settings
To access the Xbox Game Bar settings, press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings app. Then, navigate to “Gaming” and then “Xbox Game Bar.” Ensure that the “Enable Xbox Game Bar” toggle is switched to “On.”
Customizing Recording Settings
Within the Game Bar settings, you can customize various recording options. Click on “Captures” to adjust settings such as:
- Recording Length: Set the maximum recording length, ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Audio Quality: Choose the audio quality for your recordings (Standard or High).
- Video Quality: Select the video quality (Standard or High) and frame rate (30 or 60 FPS). Higher quality and frame rate require more resources and storage space.
- Capture Mouse Clicks: Decide whether to include mouse clicks in your recordings.
- Record Audio When I Record a Game: Make sure this option is enabled if you want to capture in-game audio.
- System Audio: Manage the audio from your system.
Understanding Game Bar Limitations
Keep in mind that the Xbox Game Bar has certain limitations. It may not work with all games, and its performance can be inconsistent. If you experience performance issues or recording errors, consider using OBS Studio or an external capture card. Game Bar can’t capture the Desktop, just applications running within a window.
Configuring OBS Studio for Gameplay Recording
OBS Studio provides a more robust and customizable recording solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting it up for recording gameplay on your ROG Ally:
Downloading and Installing OBS Studio
First, download OBS Studio from the official website (obsproject.com). Install the program following the on-screen instructions. The installation is straightforward, and the software is lightweight.
Setting Up a New Scene
After launching OBS Studio, you’ll need to create a new scene for your gameplay recording. Click the “+” button in the “Scenes” panel (usually located in the bottom-left corner) and give your scene a descriptive name (e.g., “ROG Ally Gameplay”).
Adding a Game Capture Source
Next, you need to add a source to capture your game. In the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button and select “Game Capture.” In the “Create/Select Source” dialog, give your source a name (e.g., “Game”). You have a few options for how to capture the game:
- Capture Specific Window: This allows you to select a specific game window to record. This is ideal if you want to avoid capturing other applications on your screen.
- Capture any fullscreen application: Capture any application that’s in full screen mode.
- Capture foreground window with hotkey: You can assign a key that, when pressed, captures the front-most application.
Choose the appropriate option based on your needs. Select the game you want to record from the dropdown menu.
Configuring Video Settings
Now, configure the video settings for your recordings. Click on “Settings” (usually located in the bottom-right corner) and navigate to the “Video” tab. Here you can adjust the following:
- Base (Canvas) Resolution: This is the resolution of your OBS Studio canvas. It should typically match the resolution of your ROG Ally’s display.
- Output (Scaled) Resolution: This is the resolution of your recorded video. You can choose to record at the same resolution as your display or scale it down to reduce file size and improve performance.
- Downscale Filter: Select a downscale filter if you’re scaling down your resolution. “Lanczos” is generally considered the best option for quality, but it can be more resource-intensive.
- Common FPS Values: Set the frame rate for your recordings. 60 FPS provides a smoother and more visually appealing experience, but it requires more processing power. 30 FPS is a good compromise if you’re experiencing performance issues.
Configuring Output Settings
Navigate to the “Output” tab in the Settings window to configure the output settings for your recordings. Here you can adjust:
- Output Mode: Set the Output Mode to “Advanced”. This unlocks more options.
- Recording Path: Select the folder where you want to save your recordings.
- Recording Format: Choose the recording format (MP4 is a widely compatible option).
- Encoder: Select the video encoder. Options include “x264” (CPU-based encoding), “AMD HW H.264 Encoder”, and “AMD HW HEVC Encoder”. Experiment to see which one provides the best balance of quality and performance on your ROG Ally. The AMD hardware encoders are generally faster and less CPU intensive.
- Bitrate: Set the bitrate for your recordings. A higher bitrate results in better quality but also larger file sizes. Experiment to find a bitrate that works well for your system. For 1080p 60 FPS, a bitrate of 8000-12000 kbps is a good starting point.
Configuring Audio Settings
In the “Audio” tab, you can configure the audio settings for your recordings. Make sure your microphone is selected as the “Mic/Auxiliary Audio” device if you want to record your voice. Adjust the volume levels as needed.
Testing and Optimizing Your Settings
Before recording a full gameplay session, it’s important to test your settings and optimize them for your system. Record a short test clip and review the footage to check for any performance issues, audio problems, or video quality issues. Adjust your settings as needed to achieve the desired results.
Using an External Capture Card
Using an external capture card is the most advanced method for recording gameplay. It requires additional hardware but provides the highest possible recording quality and minimal performance impact.
Choosing a Capture Card
Select a capture card that is compatible with your ROG Ally and your display. Consider the resolution and frame rate you want to record at, as well as the connectivity options (HDMI is the most common). Popular brands include Elgato and Razer.
Connecting the Capture Card
Connect your ROG Ally to the input port of the capture card using an HDMI cable. Connect the output port of the capture card to your display (or another display) using another HDMI cable. Connect the capture card to your recording device (e.g., a desktop PC) via USB.
Installing Capture Card Drivers and Software
Install the necessary drivers and software for your capture card on your recording device. This software will allow you to view and record the video signal from the capture card.
Configuring Recording Software
Configure your recording software (e.g., OBS Studio) to use the capture card as a video source. Select the capture card from the list of available video sources and adjust the settings as needed.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Capture Cards
Using a capture card offers several benefits, including:
- High Recording Quality: Capture cards capture the video signal directly, resulting in the highest possible recording quality.
- Minimal Performance Impact: Capture cards offload the recording process to dedicated hardware, minimizing the impact on your ROG Ally’s performance.
- Versatility: Capture cards can be used to record gameplay from various devices, including consoles and other PCs.
However, capture cards also have some drawbacks:
- Cost: Capture cards can be expensive.
- Complexity: Setting up a capture card can be more complex than using built-in recording solutions or software-based solutions.
Tips for Improving Gameplay Recordings
Here are some tips for improving the quality and professionalism of your gameplay recordings:
- Optimize Game Settings: Adjust your in-game graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate without sacrificing too much visual quality. Lowering settings can result in better performance and more stable recordings.
- Minimize Background Noise: Reduce background noise by using a quiet recording environment and a good quality microphone. Consider using noise reduction software to further minimize noise.
- Use a Pop Filter: A pop filter can help reduce “popping” sounds caused by plosive consonants (e.g., “p,” “b,” “t”) in your voice.
- Monitor Audio Levels: Make sure your audio levels are properly adjusted to avoid clipping or being too quiet. Use a headset to monitor your audio while recording.
- Add Overlays and Graphics: Consider adding overlays and graphics to your recordings to make them more visually appealing and informative. You can use OBS Studio to add elements like your webcam feed, game stats, and social media links.
- Edit Your Recordings: Edit your recordings to remove unnecessary segments, add transitions, and improve the overall flow. Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Filmora can be used for this purpose.
Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues
If you encounter any issues while recording gameplay, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Performance Issues: If you’re experiencing performance issues, try lowering your in-game graphics settings, reducing the recording resolution or frame rate, or upgrading your hardware.
- Audio Problems: If you’re having audio problems, check your microphone connections, adjust your audio levels, and make sure your microphone is selected as the correct input device in your recording software.
- Recording Errors: If you’re encountering recording errors, try restarting your recording software, updating your drivers, or checking your storage space.
- Game Bar Not Working: Game Bar can be finicky. Make sure the Game Bar setting is enabled, and try launching the game first, then opening the Game Bar overlay.
Recording gameplay on your ASUS ROG Ally is a great way to share your gaming experiences, create content, and improve your skills. By understanding the different recording options and following these tips, you can capture high-quality footage of your gaming sessions and create engaging content for your audience. Consider the performance implications of each recording method, especially if you are recording graphically intense games.
Can I record gameplay directly on the ASUS ROG Ally without external software?
Yes, the ASUS ROG Ally has built-in screen recording capabilities through the Xbox Game Bar, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11. You can easily access the Game Bar by pressing the Windows key + Alt + R simultaneously. This will start a recording of your active window, capturing your gameplay footage directly onto the device.
The Xbox Game Bar provides basic recording functionality, allowing you to start and stop recordings, take screenshots, and adjust some audio settings. However, for more advanced features like custom resolutions, bitrates, and overlay options, you might consider using dedicated recording software.
What are the best external software options for recording ASUS ROG Ally gameplay?
Several excellent third-party software options exist for recording gameplay on the ASUS ROG Ally, each offering a unique set of features and customization options. OBS Studio is a popular free and open-source choice known for its flexibility and extensive plugin support. Another widely used option is NVIDIA GeForce Experience (ShadowPlay), which provides hardware-accelerated recording for NVIDIA GPU users and offers minimal performance impact.
Other notable options include Streamlabs Desktop, a derivative of OBS Studio with a more streamlined interface, and Bandicam, a lightweight and user-friendly recording software known for its efficient compression and support for various video formats. Choosing the best software depends on your individual needs and preferences, considering factors like ease of use, features, and performance.
How do I optimize my ASUS ROG Ally settings for smooth gameplay recording?
Optimizing your ROG Ally for recording involves balancing performance and visual quality. Lowering in-game graphics settings can significantly improve performance while recording, especially in demanding titles. Consider reducing resolution, texture quality, and shadow details to maintain a stable frame rate.
Additionally, closing unnecessary background applications can free up system resources and prevent performance bottlenecks. Make sure your ROG Ally is running on a high-performance power profile to provide adequate power to the CPU and GPU. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that allows for smooth recording without sacrificing too much visual fidelity.
What is the recommended resolution and bitrate for recording ROG Ally gameplay?
The ideal resolution and bitrate for recording depend on your target audience and storage limitations. For sharing gameplay on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, a resolution of 1080p (1920×1080) is generally recommended as a good balance between quality and file size.
As for bitrate, a range of 10-15 Mbps is suitable for 1080p recordings at 30 frames per second (fps), while 15-20 Mbps is recommended for 60fps. If you’re aiming for higher quality recordings for personal use or video editing, you can increase the bitrate further. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal settings for your specific setup and game.
How can I record gameplay with my microphone and system audio on the ASUS ROG Ally?
To record both your microphone and system audio, you’ll need to configure your recording software accordingly. In the Xbox Game Bar, you can adjust audio inputs in the settings menu. Ensure that your microphone is selected as the input device and that system audio is enabled to capture in-game sounds.
For more advanced software like OBS Studio, you’ll need to add audio input and output devices as sources in your scene. Select your microphone as an audio input capture and your system audio as an audio output capture. Adjust the volume levels to ensure that both audio sources are balanced and clearly audible in your recordings.
What are some common issues and fixes when recording gameplay on the ROG Ally?
One common issue is performance drops during recording, leading to stuttering or low frame rates. This can be resolved by lowering in-game graphics settings, closing background applications, and ensuring that your recording software is using hardware acceleration if available. Another potential problem is audio issues, such as microphone not being recognized or distorted audio.
To troubleshoot audio issues, check your microphone connections, ensure that your microphone is selected as the input device in your recording software, and adjust the audio levels accordingly. Also, make sure your ROG Ally drivers are up to date. If you encounter any error messages or crashes, consult the documentation or online forums for your recording software.
How do I edit the recorded gameplay footage from my ASUS ROG Ally?
Once you’ve recorded your gameplay, you can edit the footage using video editing software. Several options are available, ranging from free and simple editors like Windows Movie Maker (or its successor, Clipchamp) to more professional and feature-rich programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
The editing process typically involves trimming unwanted segments, adding transitions and effects, incorporating text overlays, and adjusting audio levels. Depending on your needs and skill level, you can create simple highlight reels or more elaborate video productions. Mastering the basics of video editing will enhance the quality and appeal of your recorded gameplay footage.