ASUS has announced the ROG Ally X, the new model of its handheld game console, the ROG Ally, now with improved hardware, upgraded storage, and more.

The new ROG Ally X features the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, but now with upgraded storage, RAM, and battery life, as well as a redesigned chassis for better cooling, ergonomics, and connectivity.

With the Armoury Crate SE 1.5 application, the device features a new customizable game library and unified system update. Improved with user feedback, a new 1 TB SSD is included in this new iteration of the handheld device, up from 512 GB on the original Ally. Now with a redesigned motherboard that features an M2. 2280 form factor slot, which allows users to upgrade their storage more easily.

Along with the storage upgrade, the device also gets 24 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM. As an APU processor, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme shares its VRAM with the system RAM. Modern games utilize more VRAM for high-resolution textures, and the 24 GB system memory is designed to allow the allocation of more memory for better performance.

Another improvement on the new Ally is the 80 Wh battery, double the capacity of the original. While the Ally X only weighs 70 grams more than the original, ASUS claims that the weight distribution allows for the device to feel lighter than what its 678 weight would imply.

Redesign Chassis

For the chassis, the device received a facelift with a brand-new black colorway, slightly deeper handles, and a more rounded shape for improved comfort – all while not adding much to its overall thickness. In this new model, the buttons and analog sticks are also arranged at a slightly more ergonomic angle, while the triggers have a slant for ease of pressing.

The macro buttons on the back of the devices are now smaller, reducing accidental presses while ensuring that they are still accessible. Its analog sticks have also been replaced with a more durable material with stiffer springs. Similarly, the D-Pad has also been improved with better precision.

After many requests, the original XG Mobile port has also been replaced with a more universal I/O with 2 USB-C ports, one of which is Thunderbolt-compatible with third-party docks and external GPUs.

With a new battery, the Ally X has fans that are 23% smaller, but with 50% thinner blades for improved airflow. There are also 2 new tunnels in the fan housing directing air up and out toward an additional, third exhaust vent on the upper edge of the device.

This new improvement to thermal solution claims to provide 24% more air volume to be pushed through the device, cooling not only the internals but also the touch screen.