Asus ROG Ally X Review: Must Read Before Buy!

Last Updated on 09/21/2024 by M Kumar

Meet the new Asus ROG Ally X. A Deep Dive into the Asus ROG Ally X Review, Features, and Performance.

Introduction

In recent years, handheld gaming PCs have grown in popularity, offering gamers a portable way to enjoy their favorite titles without being tied to a desk. When the Asus ROG Ally first launched in 2023, it began making waves in the gaming world, following in the footsteps of the popular Steam Deck. Now, with the release of the Asus ROG Ally X, the bar has been set even higher. This review dives deep into what makes the ROG Ally X stand out, its design improvements, performance, and how it compares to the Steam Deck.

The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs

Handheld gaming PCs have been around for a while, but they only started gaining serious attention with the release of the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck made portable PC gaming accessible to a broader audience, offering a combination of affordability and performance that was hard to beat. Asus noticed this trend and entered the market with the ROG Ally, bringing their experience in gaming hardware to the handheld space. The success of the Steam Deck and other devices like the ROG Ally has helped make handheld gaming PCs a popular choice for gamers who want to take their games on the go.

Asus ROG Ally X: What’s New?

Enhanced Cooling System: The ROG Ally X features an improved cooling system with additional exhaust ports to keep the device cooler during extended gaming sessions.

Larger Battery: The battery capacity has been doubled to 80 WHr, providing significantly longer playtime compared to the original model.

Increased RAM: The device now comes with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM, offering better performance in memory-intensive games and smoother multitasking.

Refined Design: The ROG Ally X has a slightly thicker chassis, redesigned back buttons for better comfort, and a new black colorway for a sleek appearance.

Additional USB-C Port: The ROG XG port has been replaced with a second USB-C port, adding more connectivity options for peripherals.

Powerful Performance: With the same AMD Z1 Extreme chip but enhanced by more RAM and better cooling, the ROG Ally X delivers improved gaming performance, especially in demanding titles.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Asus ROG Ally X looks quite similar to the original ROG Ally, but a closer look reveals several key differences. The device is slightly thicker, and the black color gives it a sleek, modern look. The chassis now includes an extra exhaust port, which plays a vital role in improving the cooling system. Asus has also redesigned the back buttons, making them smaller and more comfortable to use.

One of the more notable changes is the replacement of the ROG XG port, which wasn’t very practical for most users. Instead, Asus has added a second USB-C port, offering more flexibility when connecting peripherals. These design tweaks might seem small, but they contribute significantly to the overall user experience, making the ROG Ally X more comfortable and functional.

Performance and Specifications

Asus ROG Ally X’s performance is great. It’s powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme chip, the same one found in the original ROG Ally, but the additional 8GB of RAM gives it a noticeable edge. During testing, the ROG Ally X consistently outperformed its predecessor, particularly in games that require a lot of memory.

For example, in Hitman 3, the ROG Ally X averaged 55 frames per second (fps) at 1080p, compared to 48 fps with the original model. This 14% improvement might not seem huge, but it makes a big difference in gameplay smoothness. In more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the ROG Ally X showed an even larger performance gain, managing 31 fps compared to the Lenovo Legion Go’s 27 fps.

Another area where the ROG Ally X excels is battery life. The larger 80 WHr battery is a game-changer, allowing for up to 9 hours and 23 minutes of use on a single charge. Even during intense gaming sessions, the device can last for 3-4 hours without needing to be plugged in. This is a significant improvement over the original model, making the ROG Ally X much more practical for gaming on the go.

The Display and Audio Experience

The display on the Asus ROG Ally X is another standout feature. It’s a 7-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for gaming. The higher resolution and refresh rate provide sharp visuals and smooth gameplay, making the gaming experience much more immersive.

The speakers have also seen an upgrade. While the difference in volume compared to the previous model isn’t huge, the sound quality has improved, particularly during intense gaming moments. The speakers work well with the display, delivering clear and powerful audio that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Navigating Windows 11 on a Handheld

One of the main challenges of using the Asus ROG Ally X is navigating Windows 11 on a touchscreen. While Asus has made some improvements, such as allowing the right analog stick to act as a pointer and the right bumper and trigger to function as left and right clicks, it’s still not as smooth as it could be.

Apps that aren’t optimized for touchscreens or controllers, like the EA app or the Epic Games Store, can be particularly tricky to navigate. Despite these challenges, the ROG Ally X’s performance and flexibility make it worth the effort, especially for gamers who want access to the full range of Windows-based games.

Comparing Asus ROG Ally X and Steam Deck

Here’s a point-by-point comparison between the Asus ROG Ally X and the Steam Deck:

Is the Asus ROG Ally X Worth the Upgrade?

Whether the Asus ROG Ally X is worth upgrading depends on your current device and what you’re looking for in a handheld gaming PC. If you already own an original ROG Ally, the decision might be more difficult. The ROG Ally X offers better performance, longer battery life, and a more comfortable design, but the core experience remains similar.

For gamers who are still using an older handheld device or who haven’t yet jumped into the handheld PC gaming market, the Asus ROG Ally X could be a fantastic upgrade. The improvements in performance, cooling, and battery life make it a top contender for those looking for a powerful and portable gaming solution. However, if you’re already satisfied with your current setup and don’t feel limited by it, the upgrade might not be necessary.

For those on the fence, it’s important to consider how much the extra power, battery life, and design enhancements matter to your gaming experience. If you’re someone who plays a lot of graphically intensive games or finds yourself gaming for long periods away from a power source, the Asus ROG Ally X is likely worth the investment. But if your current handheld meets your needs, waiting for the next big leap in technology might be the better choice.

Conclusion

The Asus ROG Ally X represents a significant step forward in the world of handheld gaming PCs. With its powerful AMD Z1 Extreme chip, expanded 24GB of RAM, and greatly improved cooling and battery life, it’s clear that Asus has listened to feedback and made meaningful upgrades that enhance the overall gaming experience.

However, the ROG Ally X is not without its challenges. Navigating Windows 11 on a touchscreen remains a tricky experience, and while Asus has done what it can to make this smoother, it’s still not as user-friendly as the Steam Deck’s SteamOS. That said, for those who want access to the full range of Windows-based games and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, the ROG Ally X offers unmatched power and flexibility in a handheld form.

If you’re in the market for a new handheld gaming PC and want the best performance available right now, the Asus ROG Ally X is hard to beat. It offers a solid upgrade over the original ROG Ally, and while it may not be essential for everyone, it’s certainly the top choice for gamers who demand the best.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older device or stepping into the handheld gaming world for the first time, the Asus ROG Ally X is a compelling option that sets a new standard in portable gaming. Its blend of power, portability, and advanced features make it a standout in a growing market, ensuring that handheld gaming PCs are here to stay.

FAQ’s