Whenever I travel somewhere, I always take my ROG Ally X gaming handheld with me. Since it is such an expensive device, I only transport it in a protective case.
I've tried several different carrying cases and shells through the years, so I was curious when I saw the Waterfield ROG Ally Magnetic Case, which is zipperless.
I entrusted the Waterfield ROG Ally Magnetic Case to keep my gaming handheld safe on a recent work trip from the USA to Taiwan. I was a little nervous since it isn't a hardshell case. Here's how that went.
Waterfield ROG Ally X Magnetic Case: Price and availability
Waterfield Designs is a renowned San Francisco company that produces premium tech bags and cases. I've owned several different Waterfield bags through the years and can attest that this company's focus on quality, convenient storage pockets, and elegant design makes it stand out from the crowd.
But as with most premium bags, this carrying case doesn't come cheap.
The Waterfield ROG Ally Magnetic Case has a starting price of $84 for the ballistic nylon or waxed canvas options, but costs $89 if you go with one of the leather designs (like the blue one I reviewed). The leather options are available in black, blue, chocolate, white, or waxed canvas + chocolate, so you can pick the look you like best.
You can get this magnetic case in two different sizes to fit either the white ROG Ally or the slightly larger ROG Ally X. It's only purchasable through the Waterfield website.
Waterfield ROG Ally X Magnetic Case: The good
As familiar as I am with Waterfield, I was completely unsurprised to find that the ROG Ally Magnetic Case is well made using high-quality materials. It looks and feels absolutely elegant.
I've had a protective dBrand Killswitch grip case installed on my ROG Ally X for several months, so I was curious to see if my handheld would fit in the Waterfield bag while this dBrand case was installed. I'm happy to say that it does, but just barely.
As such, you might be able to use this carrying case with any form-fitting casing you already have installed on your Ally.
Over the years, I've owned several gaming handheld carrying cases, but they've always had a zipper, so it felt a little strange not seeing one on this bag. Not having a zipper definitely gives the case a more refined air.
I also love that I don't make zipper noises in quiet areas (like on a plane) when I go to access my handheld. So, how well did the magnetic opening work?
My ROG Ally X was never in danger of falling out while using this case. The magnets snap shut when I press the two sides of the case together, and only ever open when I specifically use my fingers to pry the two sides apart.
I typically prefer to have a hard shell carrying case when traveling long distances, especially by plane. But, even though this carrying case doesn't have a hard shell, it did protect my handheld very well on my 13,000-mile trip.
That's because the interior of the ROG Ally Magnetic Case is lined with a super-soft material that keeps my handheld padded in transit. So there is no danger of scratching the screen.
Still, if you anticipate that your handheld will need tougher protection, then you might be better suited with a hard shell case.
The two inner pockets are relatively small, but large enough to fit accessories like earbuds or a microfibre towel. It would be nice if there were more storage, but then this case wouldn't be as sleek as it is.
Waterfield ROG Ally X Magnetic Case: The bad
My biggest complaint with this carrying case is one that's common for Waterfield bags — it doesn't come with a wrist strap or handle.
There are two small loops on either side of the carrying case, and I could pay for a $3 carabiner or a shoulder strap for $25 at Waterfield's website, but it would be nicer if I didn't have to pay extra for a handle of some sort.
Waterfield ROG Ally X Magnetic Case: Should you buy it?
✅You should buy this if ...
- You want a premium handheld carrying case that's made of quality materials.
- You like the idea of having a zipperless case that stays shut unless you specifically try to open it.
❌You should not buy this if ...
- You specifically want a hard shell carrying case to better protect your handheld.
- You're looking for a more budget-friendly carrying case.
I absolutely love the look of the Waterfield ROG Ally Magnetic Case. It's sleek, provides me with plenty of color options, and is rather protective for not having a hard shell case.
The soft inner pockets do a great job of preventing my screen from getting scratched while I'm traveling, and the tough leather protects my handheld casing against the normal jostlings and bumps of transit.
If you're interested in some of the best ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X accessories, and don't need a ton of storage space, then this is definitely one to consider.
You can get this magnetic carrying case in a smaller size for the ROG Ally or a larger size for the ROG Ally X. It's comes in a number of different colors with your choice of premium leather or ballistic nylon.
👉 See at: SFBags.com
