Asus ROG Ally X: The Gaming Handheld You Should Consider
The Asus ROG Ally X has recently been announced as an upgraded version of the 2023 ROG Ally. While it may not be a direct sequel, this new iteration boasts several small but significant improvements that make it a compelling option in the handheld gaming PC market. Priced at $799, it’s worth taking a closer look at this device.
Enhanced Specs and Upgrades
The basic specifications of the Ally X include a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, an AMD Radeon GPU, 24GB LPDDR5 on-board memory (up from 16GB on the ROG Ally), and up to 1TB of SSD storage (up from 512GB on the ROG Ally). Additionally, it features a 3.5mm audio jack, a MicroSD card reader, and two USB-C ports (up from one on the ROG Ally).
While it may seem that the Ally X has the same display, CPU, and GPU as its predecessor, there are important differences. One major advantage is that the Ally X runs Windows 11 out of the box, giving users easy access to games from various storefronts like the Epic Games Store and Xbox Game Pass. In contrast, Steam Deck owners have to put in more effort to access these games due to Steam Deck’s custom version of Linux.
Thoughtful Improvements
Asus didn’t stop at just upgrading the internals of the Ally X. The motherboard has been redesigned to include an M.2 2280 slot, allowing users to easily upgrade the device’s storage. Another notable improvement is the larger 80Wh battery, which is double the size of the battery in the older ROG Ally.
In terms of design, Asus has given the Ally X a sleek black colorway and a more ergonomic button layout. The new analog sticks are expected to be more durable, with Asus claiming they can withstand 5 million cycles. The back buttons have been made smaller to reduce the chances of accidental presses during gameplay. Additionally, the analog sticks and face buttons have been placed at a slightly more comfortable angle, making it easier to move your thumbs between them.
Impressive Hands-On Experience
While my hands-on time with the Ally X was brief, it was evident that Asus has made substantial improvements compared to the original model. The new ergonomic button placements felt comfortable, and sliding my thumbs from the sticks to the face buttons was seamless. The device’s grips on the back provided a steady center of gravity, making it feel secure in hand. I never experienced any accidental back button presses, which was a relief compared to my experience with the Steam Deck.
Despite the internal improvements, the Ally X is only 0.15lbs heavier than its predecessor, which is hardly noticeable. Asus also promises better thermals to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions, although this couldn’t be fully tested in a short hands-on session.
Game performance is expected to be similar to the original ROG Ally, as the CPU and GPU remain unchanged. However, with more RAM, the Ally X may offer better performance in hardware-intensive games. During my hands-on experience, playing 2020’s Battletoads, the visuals were sharp and impressive on the Ally X’s display, running at well above 60 FPS.
The Device for Early Adopters
With a $100 higher price tag than the existing high-end ROG Ally, it may not be worth upgrading from the previous model to the Ally X. However, this device serves as a case study on why early adoption can sometimes be disappointing. The Ally X embodies the improvements that should have been present in the original version. Its thoughtful internal and external changes make it a strong contender in the increasingly competitive handheld gaming PC market. Furthermore, the inclusion of Windows 11 from the start is a significant advantage, even for those who are enamored with the Steam Deck.
In conclusion, while the Steam Deck OLED is an impressive device, the Asus ROG Ally X offers a compelling alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked. With upgraded specs, thoughtful improvements, and Windows 11 pre-installed, it’s certainly worth considering for those looking to enter the handheld gaming PC market.