ROG Ally X: The Handheld Gaming PC Evolves
The ROG Ally landed with a bang, promising PC gaming on the go. But like any first-generation product, it had its quirks. Enter the ROG Ally X, ASUS’s iterative, yet significant, step forward. This isn’t just a spec bump; it’s a rethinking of the handheld gaming experience, addressing many of the original Ally’s shortcomings. Is it the ultimate portable gaming rig? Let’s dive in.
The first thing you notice is the redesign. ASUS has listened to feedback, slimming down the grips for improved ergonomics. The new black colorway adds a touch of understated cool, a welcome change from the original’s stark white. Build quality is solid; the device feels premium and capable of withstanding the rigors of mobile gaming. The button layout is tweaked for easier access, and the D-pad, notoriously subpar on the original, is now a responsive joy.
Performance is where the Ally X truly shines. While it sticks with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, the improvements lie in cooling and memory. The redesigned cooling system allows the Z1 Extreme to sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods, resulting in smoother frame rates and less thermal throttling. Crucially, the Ally X bumps the RAM up to 24GB of LPDDR5X, a significant increase that allows for smoother multitasking and improved performance in RAM-intensive games. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3, which previously stuttered at times on the original Ally, now run much more consistently.
Storage concerns are addressed with a massive 1TB NVMe SSD. Finally, enough space to install a decent library of games without constantly juggling files. The Ally X also retains the microSD card slot for expandable storage, offering further flexibility. Battery life is another major improvement. The larger battery pack nearly doubles the playtime, allowing for extended gaming sessions on the go. While it still won’t last for a full transatlantic flight, it’s a significant step up from the original Ally’s often frustratingly short battery life.
Software-wise, the Ally X relies on ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE, which remains a mixed bag. It provides a centralized hub for launching games, managing settings, and monitoring performance, but the interface can still feel clunky and overwhelming at times. It would be nice to see ASUS streamline the experience for easier navigation. The Ally X also fully supports Windows 11, which while offering unparalleled compatibility, also brings with it the inherent complexities of the Windows operating system.
Finally, the value proposition. The ROG Ally X is priced higher than the original Ally at launch. This increased cost will be a barrier for some, but the improvements in design, performance, storage, and battery life justify the price for those seeking a truly premium handheld gaming experience. It’s not a budget option, but for gamers who demand the best, the Ally X delivers.
Where to Buy:
ROG Ally X Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 92%
- Design: 92%
- Performance: 92%
- Quality: 93%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ The enhanced cooling system allows for sustained peak performance, eliminating frustrating thermal throttling.
- ✅ The substantial 1TB SSD provides ample storage for a vast library of games.
- ✅ Improved battery life allows for longer, more enjoyable gaming sessions on the go.
Key Cons
- ❌ The higher price point makes it a less accessible option compared to the original ROG Ally.
- ❌ Armoury Crate SE, while functional, can still feel overwhelming and clunky to navigate.
- ❌ Despite improvements, Windows 11 can still be cumbersome on a handheld device.
