The Asus ROG Ally X has stepped into the spotlight as a formidable competitor in the handheld gaming PC market, a space predominantly occupied by the Steam Deck. While it shares a similar external design with its predecessor, the ROG Ally X brings a host of upgrades that significantly enhance its performance and usability. Here’s an in-depth look at the ROG Ally X, covering its design, performance, battery life, and software updates.
Familiar but Different
At first glance, the ROG Ally X may appear almost identical to the original model, save for its sleek new black colorway. However, a closer inspection reveals substantial changes. The most notable improvement is in ergonomics. The Ally X now features a more rounded design compared to the sharp, angular corners of the original. This subtle change makes the device significantly more comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions.
The rear buttons, which were a point of contention on the original model due to their size and placement, have been redesigned. They are now about a quarter of their original size and repositioned towards the center, reducing accidental presses and making them less obtrusive. The grips on the sides have also been slightly enlarged by 4.5mm, providing a more secure and comfortable hold.
Another significant update is the enhancement of the face buttons, joysticks, D-pad, and trigger/shoulder buttons. The joysticks are now rated for twice the durability of the previous model and have a stiffer feel, improving control. The D-pad has been upgraded with a matte finish and better diagonal input control. The trigger and shoulder buttons have been redesigned to prevent accidental presses, with triggers now sitting deeper and featuring a more pronounced curve, while the shoulder buttons offer a clicky feel similar to Xbox controllers.
What’s Different?
The ROG Ally X’s internal upgrades are where it truly distinguishes itself from its predecessor. It now includes 24GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. This SSD format is the same size used in most PCs and laptops, making future upgrades simpler and more cost-effective. Users can upgrade to an 8TB SSD, allowing for extensive game storage.
Asus has replaced its proprietary XG Mobile connector with a USB4 port that supports external GPUs, in addition to the USB-C port used for charging. This change offers more flexibility for users looking to enhance their gaming experience with external hardware. The battery has also seen a significant upgrade, with the ROG Ally X now sporting an 80WHr battery—double the size of the original model’s battery. This provides a considerable advantage over competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Steam Deck OLED.
Despite these improvements, some issues persist. The microSD card slot remains in the same location as the original model, which has historically been problematic due to potential overheating. Asus addressed this with a BIOS update for the original Ally, but the continued placement of the slot raises concerns about future heat-related issues.
By the Numbers
The increase in memory to 24GB in the ROG Ally X can have a substantial impact on gaming performance. Although more memory doesn’t always translate to better performance, it is beneficial in memory-intensive games. At 1080p resolution, games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Returnal see significant performance boosts due to the additional memory. However, games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2 show little to no performance improvement.
The performance at 720p remains comparable to the original Ally, with the Steam Deck still offering similar performance at its native resolution despite its less powerful hardware. The power mode adjustments are noteworthy; Turbo mode now draws up to 30W when plugged in, Performance mode consumes 17W, and Silent mode uses 13W. These tweaks make the performance profiles more balanced and responsive.
A Boon to Battery Life
The ROG Ally X’s battery life is a highlight of the device. The 80WHr battery allows for extended playtime, often lasting twice as long as the original Ally. For example, playing Forza Horizon 5 with an uncapped frame rate on Turbo mode resulted in 72% battery remaining after an hour, with the device lasting just under three hours before dying. In contrast, the original Ally would drain its battery in about 90 minutes under similar conditions.
For lighter games, the ROG Ally X can achieve close to six hours of playtime, though it falls short of the Steam Deck’s battery life. Windows-related tasks, such as downloading games or configuring settings, drain the battery significantly, so gaming directly after startup is more efficient.
A New Software System
The ROG Ally X introduces Armoury Crate SE 1.5, a revamped version of Asus’s software overlay for Windows 11. This update enhances the user experience with faster startup times, a streamlined interface, and improved functionality. The software now features a startup video similar to the Steam Deck and offers better customization options, such as AMD’s Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) and per-game button assignments.
Despite initial bugs, such as unresponsive inputs and non-functioning AFMF, Asus has quickly addressed these issues with updates. The latest version of Armoury Crate SE is responsive and functional, providing a smoother and more intuitive interface for users.
Verdict
The ROG Ally X is a significant upgrade over the original model, offering improved ergonomics, enhanced performance, and better battery life. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $800 compared to the original ROG Ally’s $700. The improved features justify the premium for those willing to invest in a high-end handheld gaming PC.
For those who already own the original ROG Ally or the Steam Deck OLED, the ROG Ally X may not be worth the upgrade unless specific features like battery life or performance enhancements are crucial. For new buyers or those holding onto older devices, the ROG Ally X represents a substantial leap forward in handheld gaming technology, although the Steam Deck remains a competitive alternative, especially considering its lower price and the ability to run Windows.
