### The Asus ROG Ally X: An In-Depth Review
The handheld gaming segment has experienced a wave of advancement, with devices such as the Steam Deck paving the way for mobile PC gaming. Asus joined this competitive field with the initial ROG Ally, a Windows-operated handheld gaming PC designed to exceed the Steam Deck’s capabilities, though it faced its own set of trade-offs. Now, with the launch of the ROG Ally X, Asus has enhanced its product, making it a more appealing choice for gamers in pursuit of a high-performance handheld experience. But does it justify the $800 price tag? Let’s take a closer look.
### What’s Different in the ROG Ally X?
The ROG Ally X expands on the groundwork established by its predecessor, featuring several significant enhancements that make it a stronger choice for devoted gamers. Here’s a succinct overview of the specifications:
– **Display:** 7-inch IPS display, 1920×1080 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, 100% sRGB, FreeSync, Gorilla Glass Victus.
– **OS:** Windows 11 (Home).
– **CPU:** AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4, 8 cores, 24M cache, up to 5.10 GHz).
– **RAM:** 24GB LPDDR5X 6400 MHz.
– **GPU:** AMD Radeon RDNA3, 2.7 GHz, 8.6 Teraflops.
– **Storage:** 1TB M.2 NVME 2280 Gen4x4.
– **Networking:** Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2.
– **Battery:** 80 Wh (65W max charge).
– **Ports:** Two USB-C ports, 3.5 mm audio jack, Micro SD slot.
– **Size and Weight:** 11×4.3×0.97 inches, 1.49 lbs (678 g).
– **Price:** $800.
The primary upgrades encompass a larger battery, increased RAM, and more storage. Asus has also enhanced ergonomics and button responsiveness, improving comfort during lengthy gaming sessions. The microSD card slot has been strategically relocated to mitigate overheating problems that affected the original ROG Ally.
### Performance and Battery Longevity
A standout enhancement in the ROG Ally X is its battery longevity. The device is equipped with an 80 Wh battery, nearly doubling the capacity of its forerunner. Asus has also recalibrated the power modes—Silent, Performance, and Turbo—to deliver improved battery efficiency. In practical tests, the ROG Ally X lasts up to 4 hours on Silent mode, about 3 hours on Performance mode, and just over 2 hours on Turbo mode. This marks a substantial improvement, particularly for a device intended to handle demanding AAA titles.
The increase in RAM markedly boosts performance as well. Games that previously struggled on the original ROG Ally now operate more fluidly, especially in Performance mode. The unit’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and Radeon RDNA3 GPU provide sufficient power for most contemporary games, although adjustments may be necessary for the more resource-intensive titles.
### User Experience
The ROG Ally X emphasizes not only performance but also the overall handling experience. Asus has implemented various ergonomic improvements, such as enhanced weight distribution and more textured surfaces. While the device is somewhat heavier than its predecessor, the additional weight is hardly perceivable due to these design enhancements.
The buttons and thumbsticks have also received upgrades. The thumbsticks now feature a more textured edge, minimizing the chance of unintentional screen touches—a frequent issue with the original ROG Ally. The face buttons are no longer sticky, and the newly added third vent on top contributes to a quieter operation, particularly in Silent and Performance modes.
### Software: The Weak Link
Notwithstanding its hardware advancements, the ROG Ally X continues to face software challenges. The device runs Windows 11, which, while providing extensive compatibility, is not tailored for handheld gaming. The Asus Command Center overlay has improved somewhat, but it still feels more like a workaround than a fully integrated solution. Armoury Crate, Asus’ game launcher, is more stable than it has been, though still prone to occasional crashes and oddities.
The inherent restrictions of Windows on a compact display remain. Notifications can disrupt gameplay, and navigating the OS with a gamepad can be unwieldy. While the prospect of utilizing SteamOS on the ROG Ally X is enticing, it hasn’t yet come to fruition, and potential buyers should not base their purchase on that expectation.
### Final Judgment: Is It Worth $800?
The ROG Ally X clearly stands out as the leading Windows-based handheld gaming PC available, but it comes with its caveats. Priced at $800, it costs $100 more than its predecessor and is notably pricier than the Steam Deck OLED, which provides a more seamless gaming experience at a lower price point.
