The gaming handheld market has been heating up, and Asus is throwing its hat into the ring with the ROG Ally X.
This powerful device aims to challenge the Steam Deck’s dominance and carve out its own niche in the world of portable PC gaming.
However, you will be enlightened in this blog about what makes the Asus ROG Ally X tick and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Key Takeaways:
- Improved Comfort: Redesigned grips and buttons for enhanced comfort during long gaming sessions
- Performance Boost: Upgraded specs including 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD
- Extended Battery Life: Massive 80WHr battery, doubling the capacity of the original model
- Windows 11 Integration: Full PC functionality with improved Armoury Crate SE software overlay
- Premium Pricing: At $800, it’s positioned as a high-end option in the handheld gaming market
Asus ROG Ally X Review
The Asus ROG Ally X is the latest iteration of the company’s gaming handheld, building upon the foundation laid by the original ROG Ally.
With improved ergonomics, enhanced performance, and a beefier battery, this device seeks to address the criticisms of its predecessor while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a Windows-based portable gaming system.
Design and Build Quality
Here are the basic design and build quality of the Asus ROG X:
Refined Ergonomics
The ROG Ally X may look similar to its predecessor at first glance, but Asus has made significant improvements to the device’s ergonomics.
The sharp corners have been rounded off, providing a more comfortable grip during extended play sessions. The rear buttons have been dramatically reduced in size and repositioned, eliminating accidental presses that plagued the original model.
Control Enhancements
Asus has paid close attention to the control scheme, making several key upgrades:
- Joysticks: Rated for twice the durability and slightly stiffer for improved precision
- D-pad: New matte finish with better diagonal input control
- Triggers and Shoulder Buttons: Redesigned for clearer differentiation and improved tactile feedback
Connectivity and Expansion
The ROG Ally X now features dual USB-C ports, with one supporting USB4 for external GPU compatibility. This addition opens up new possibilities for expanding the device’s capabilities when docked.
Performance and Specifications
Under the Hood
The Asus ROG Ally X packs some serious hardware:
| Component | Specification |
| CPU/GPU | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Display | 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz |
| Battery | 80WHr |
Gaming Performance
While the ROG Ally X uses the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip as its predecessor, the increased RAM and faster SSD contribute to noticeable improvements in some games:
- Cyberpunk 2077: Similar performance to the original Ally
- Horizon Zero Dawn: Significant fps boost due to increased memory allocation
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection: Smooth gameplay at high settings
It’s important to note that performance gains are not uniform across all titles, but games that can utilize the extra memory show marked improvements.
Battery Life and Power Management
One of the most significant upgrades in the ROG Ally X is its massive 80WHr battery, doubling the capacity of the original model. This translates to:
- Up to 6 hours of gameplay for less demanding titles
- 5 to 3 hours for graphically intensive games
Asus has also refined the power profiles:
- Turbo: 25W (30W when plugged in)
- Performance: 17W (up from 15W)
- Silent: 13W (up from 9W)
These tweaks provide more usable performance across all modes, giving users better control over their power consumption and performance trade-offs.
Software and User Experience
Armoury Crate SE 1.5
Asus has maintain its Armoury Crate SE software, bringing a more console-like experience to the Windows-based handheld:
- Quick Startup: Near-instant boot to the Armoury Crate interface
- Customizable Overlay: Easy access to performance settings and features like AMD’s Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF)
- Game-specific Profiles: Improved button mapping and sharing capabilities
While the software improvements are substantial, some users have reported occasional bugs with the overlay system, which Asus will likely address in future updates.
Windows 11 Integration
The ROG Ally X still runs on Windows 11, which brings both advantages and challenges:
Pros:
- Full PC functionality and compatibility
- Access to multiple game stores and services
Cons:
- Interface can be cumbersome on a small touch screen
- Some Windows processes may impact gaming performance
Comparison to Competitors
ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
| Feature | ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
| Price | $800 | $549 (64GB) – $649 (512GB) |
| OS | Windows 11 | SteamOS (Linux-based) |
| Display | 7″ 1080p IPS, 120Hz | 7.4″ 1280×800 OLED, 90Hz |
| Battery | 80WHr | 50WHr |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD |
While the ROG Ally X offers more raw power and Windows compatibility, the Steam Deck OLED counters with a more tailored gaming experience and a lower price point.
Conclusion: Is the Asus ROG Ally X Worth It?
The Asus ROG Ally X represents a significant step forward in the Windows gaming handheld space.
Its improved ergonomics, increased performance, and substantially better battery life address many of the concerns raised about the original model.
For those who value the flexibility of a Windows-based system and are willing to navigate its quirks, the ROG Ally X offers a premium portable gaming experience.
While it may not be for everyone, it certainly carves out a niche for those seeking a no-compromise Windows gaming handheld.