The ASUS ROG Ally X builds on its predecessor’s strengths while addressing many of its weaknesses, delivering a flagship Windows-based handheld gaming PC that stands out in the market. With improved ergonomics, double the battery capacity, more RAM, and additional features like a second USB-C port, the Ally X refines the gaming experience for handheld enthusiasts.
Design and Display:
While the Ally X may look similar to the original ROG Ally at first glance, subtle design tweaks make a significant difference. ASUS has enhanced the ergonomics with more pronounced grips, slightly taller face buttons, and smaller rear paddles to prevent accidental presses. The new D-Pad is a notable improvement, although some might still prefer a traditional cross or Sony’s pentagon-style arrangement. Despite these enhancements, the device remains relatively compact, weighing just 1.49 pounds and measuring 1.45 inches at its thickest point.
The 1080p display, retained from the original Ally, delivers impressive brightness with a peak of 515 nits and features a 120Hz variable refresh rate, providing excellent visuals in a variety of lighting conditions. The display’s black levels are so deep that it can be mistaken for an OLED panel, making it a standout feature on this handheld device.
Performance:
While the Ally X uses the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip as its predecessor, ASUS has made significant upgrades elsewhere, including 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-7500 RAM and a larger 1TB M.2 SSD. These upgrades, along with better-optimized software, result in performance improvements of 5-10% in some games, despite the unchanged chip. The increased RAM, which is shared with the GPU, plays a key role in these performance gains, particularly in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
Software:
ASUS has streamlined its Armoury Crate app, making it more responsive and easier to use for managing game settings and launchers. However, Windows on handhelds still feels somewhat clunky compared to Valve’s Steam OS. Despite these software improvements, the experience of switching between different game launchers and menus remains less cohesive.
Battery Life and Ports:
One of the most significant upgrades in the Ally X is its battery capacity, which has doubled to 80Wh. This allows for two to two and a half hours of gaming on a single charge, a vast improvement over the original Ally. Additionally, ASUS replaced the proprietary XG Mobile connector with a second USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4, enhancing the device’s versatility and making it more suitable as a portable desktop.
Wrap-up:
The ASUS ROG Ally X is a near-perfect evolution of the original, addressing almost every criticism and adding valuable new features. While the price increase to $800 may be a sticking point for some, especially those who recently purchased the original Ally, the Ally X’s combination of improved performance, better ergonomics, and longer battery life make it one of the best handheld gaming PCs available, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Steam Deck.
