ASUS ROG Ally X: The Handheld Hero We Hoped For?

The original ASUS ROG Ally was a bold swing, attempting to dethrone the Steam Deck from its handheld gaming throne. While it packed a punch, it also stumbled in key areas like battery life and ergonomics. Now, ASUS is back with the ROG Ally X, promising a refined experience that addresses those shortcomings. Does it deliver on the promise, or is it just a marginal upgrade? Let’s dive in.

Right off the bat, the improved ergonomics are noticeable. ASUS has subtly redesigned the chassis, making it more comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The grips feel more substantial, and the button placement is more intuitive. The weight distribution also seems better balanced, reducing fatigue during long play sessions. This isn’t a radical overhaul, but a thoughtful refinement that makes a real difference.

Under the hood, the ROG Ally X sports the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor. However, ASUS has significantly improved the cooling system, allowing the chip to sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods without thermal throttling. This translates to smoother frame rates in demanding games, particularly when pushing for higher graphical settings. The improved cooling also contributes to a quieter fan profile, a welcome change from the original.

The most significant upgrade, however, is the RAM. Doubling it to 24GB not only future-proofs the device but also dramatically improves performance in memory-intensive games and applications. Coupled with the updated Armoury Crate software, multitasking is now a breeze. Switching between games and apps is faster and smoother, making the Ally X feel more like a true all-in-one portable PC.

Storage woes are also a thing of the past, thanks to the inclusion of a 1TB NVMe SSD. This provides ample space for a sizable game library, without the need for constant juggling of installations. While it’s still possible to upgrade the storage yourself, the generous initial capacity is a huge plus.

Battery life was arguably the original Ally’s biggest weakness. ASUS has addressed this head-on, fitting a much larger battery into the Ally X. This translates to a significantly longer playtime, especially when playing less demanding titles. While you still won’t get all-day battery life playing AAA games at max settings, the improvement is substantial enough to make the Ally X a much more viable option for on-the-go gaming.

However, the Ally X isn’t perfect. The screen remains largely unchanged, which is a shame. While the 120Hz refresh rate is great, the color accuracy and brightness could be better. It’s perfectly serviceable, but it’s an area where ASUS could have made a more significant leap forward. The price also positions it against some stiff competition, including the Steam Deck and other emerging handhelds.

Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Ally X is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It addresses many of the original’s shortcomings, offering a more refined and enjoyable handheld gaming experience. This device is best for gamers who want a powerful and versatile handheld PC that can handle a wide range of games and applications.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon