ASUS ROG Ally X Review: The Ultimate Handheld Windows Gaming Device
Introduction: A Gaming Revolution in Your Hands
Remember when gaming on the go meant compromising on performance? Those days are quickly fading into memory. As someone who’s spent countless hours testing portable gaming devices, I’ve watched the evolution of handheld gaming with anticipation. The original ROG Ally marked a significant milestone, but now ASUS has raised the bar even higher with the ROG Ally X. This new iteration promises to address the pain points of its predecessor while delivering an uncompromised Windows gaming experience. But does it deliver? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What’s New with the ASUS ROG Ally X?
The ROG Ally X isn’t just a minor update it represents a thoughtful evolution of ASUS’s handheld gaming vision. Here’s what’s changed:
- Doubled battery capacity: 80Wh vs the original’s 40Wh
- Upgraded RAM: 24GB of LPDDR5X at 7500MHz (up from 16GB at 6400MHz)
- Redesigned ergonomics: Rounded corners and improved grip design
- Revamped controls: New 8-way D-pad and improved analog sticks
- USB 4 connectivity: Replacing the XG Mobile port for better eGPU compatibility
- Relocated M-buttons: Slimmer design and better positioning to prevent accidental presses
- Improved power profiles: Higher TDP options in each mode
Unboxing and First Impressions
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The ROG Ally X gaming handheld
- 65W PD fast charger
- Two display stands
- Documentation
Hardware Specifications: The Power Behind the Play
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| Graphics | RDNA 3 iGPU with 12 compute units (up to 2700MHz) |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X @ 7500MHz |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe SSD (upgradeable to 8TB) |
| Display | 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz with FreeSync, 500 nits brightness |
| Battery | 80Wh with up to 100W fast charging |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB 4 (40Gbps), USB 3.2, microSD card slot |
| OS | Windows 11 Home with Armory Crate SE 1.5 |
| Weight | 678g |
Redesigned for Comfort: Ergonomics Deep Dive
Better in the Hand: Grip and Feel
The ROG Ally X addresses one of the biggest complaints about the original model those sharp corners that could dig into your palms during extended play sessions. With its:
- Rounded corners for improved comfort
- Thicker profile that better contours to your hands
- Redesigned back grips that provide better support
Control Improvements: Precision When It Matters
The 8-Way D-Pad Revolution
Fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate the attention paid to the new 8-way D-pad:
- Better directional precision
- Improved tactile feedback
- Enhanced performance in fighting games
Analog Sticks and Buttons
- New analog sticks with improved accuracy and feel
- Repositioned M-buttons to prevent accidental presses
- Triggers with generous throw distance for better control
Armory Crate SE 1.5: The Software Experience
UI Overhaul and New Features
The latest version of Armory Crate brings significant improvements:
- Redesigned game launcher with horizontal or vertical layouts
- Customizable game library with cover art options
- Expanded performance management options
- Improved platform integration
Power Profile Management
- Silent mode: Now up to 13W (from 10W)
- Performance mode: Now up to 17W (from 15W)
- Turbo mode: Maintains 25W for maximum performance
- Manual mode: Up to 30W sustained (with 65W charger connected)
Memory Allocation Options
With 24GB of system RAM, you can now allocate:
- Up to 16GB for the system
- Up to 8GB for the iGPU
Performance Analysis: How Does It Stack Up?
Benchmarks: ROG Ally X vs. Original ROG Ally
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (15W TDP, 1080p Low)
- Original ROG Ally: 34 FPS
- ROG Ally X: 39 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (15W TDP, 1080p Low)
- Original ROG Ally: 42.94 FPS
- ROG Ally X: 44.69 FPS
3DMark Time Spy
- Original ROG Ally: 3,243
- ROG Ally X: 3,518
Real-World Gaming Performance
Fighting Games
- Street Fighter 6: Excellent performance at 1080p Medium
- D-pad improvements noticeable but still not perfect for fighting game purists
High FPS Gaming
- Hades 2: Consistent 120 FPS at 1080p Medium in Silent mode
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: 100 FPS average at 1080p Balanced with Frame Generation
AAA Gaming
- Cyberpunk 2077: 76 FPS at 1080p Low in Turbo mode
- Fallout 4: Steady performance at 1080p Medium
Battery Life: The Game-Changer
Detailed Battery Testing
Testing conditions: 1080p gaming, 50% screen brightness, Wi-Fi on, Bluetooth on, RGB off
| Power Mode | Power Draw | Estimated Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| Silent Mode | 21W | 3 hours 53 minutes |
| Performance Mode | 25W | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Turbo Mode | 34W | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Video Playback | 6.4W | 12 hours 7 minutes |
Battery Life Comparison
- Nearly doubles runtime compared to original ROG Ally
- Competitive with other premium handheld gaming devices
- Fast charging support for quick top-ups
Connectivity Options: Expanding Your Gaming
USB 4 and External GPU Support
- 40Gbps bandwidth for connecting external GPUs
- More affordable eGPU options compared to XG Mobile
- Better compatibility with third-party accessories
Dock and Display Options
- External monitor support
- Full Windows desktop experience when docked
- Compatibility with existing accessories
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
For Original ROG Ally Owners
- Battery life alone makes a compelling case
- Ergonomic improvements enhance long gaming sessions
- Performance gains in RAM-intensive games
- USB 4 opens up more expansion options
For New Buyers
- Most complete Windows gaming handheld experience
- Better value proposition than the original model
- Strong alternative to Steam Deck for Windows gaming
Conclusion: The New King of Windows Handhelds?
The ROG Ally X represents a significant evolution in the Windows gaming handheld space. While it maintains the same core processor as its predecessor, the thoughtful improvements to battery life, ergonomics, and memory make it a much more complete package. For those willing to pay the premium, it delivers the most refined Windows gaming handheld experience currently available.
The doubled battery capacity addresses the original’s biggest weakness, while ergonomic refinements make extended gaming sessions more comfortable. Performance gains may be modest in some games, but the combination of quality-of-life improvements makes this a compelling option for portable PC gaming enthusiasts.
FAQ Section
What is the ASUS ROG Ally X?
The ASUS ROG Ally X is an upgraded version of ASUS’s Windows gaming handheld, featuring doubled battery capacity, more RAM, improved ergonomics, and enhanced controls compared to the original ROG Ally.
How much battery life does the ROG Ally X have?
The ROG Ally X features an 80Wh battery that delivers approximately 3-4 hours of AAA gaming in Silent mode and over 12 hours of video playback, roughly double the runtime of the original ROG Ally.
Can the ROG Ally X connect to external GPUs?
Yes, the ASUS ROG Ally X replaces the proprietary XG Mobile port with USB 4, allowing connection to standard external GPUs at up to 40Gbps bandwidth.
Is the ROG Ally X worth upgrading from the original ROG Ally?
For original ROG Ally owners, the upgrade value comes primarily from the doubled battery life, improved ergonomics, and USB 4 connectivity, rather than raw performance gains.
What are the main differences between ASUS ROG Ally X and the original model?
The main differences include: 80Wh battery (vs 40Wh), 24GB RAM (vs 16GB), improved ergonomics with rounded corners, a new 8-way D-pad, USB 4 connectivity, and redesigned M-buttons.
Can the ASUS ROG Ally X run AAA games well?
Yes, the ROG Ally X can run modern AAA games at playable framerates, especially when using 1080p low/medium settings and technologies like AMD’s frame generation.
