ROG Ally X Review – Comfort Meets Performance in a Pricey Package

The ROG Ally X maintains the core components that contributed to the original Ally’s success, and our review introduces a host of upgrades and tweaks. The Ally X aims to address user feedback and elevate the overall gaming experience in a market that has seen new entrants like the MSI Claw and updates to existing products such as the Steam Deck OLED. ASUS has focused on key improvements, including doubling the battery capacity, enhancing airflow, upgrading joysticks, and refining the ergonomics.

As we delve into this review, we’ll explore how these changes impact the user experience and whether the Ally X represents a worthy upgrade or a compelling option for newcomers to the handheld PC gaming scene.

Ergonomic Chassis and Software

The Ally X marks a significant departure from its predecessor with its new black color scheme. While this change offers a sleek, modern look, it may disappoint fans who appreciated the original’s distinctive white chassis that stood out in the market. This shift raises questions about potential future color options, similar to those offered by devices like the PS5.

Ergonomically, the Ally X showcases substantial improvements. The device features thicker and larger grips with a textured surface, significantly enhancing comfort and reducing hand fatigue during extended gaming sessions. This change is particularly noticeable for users with larger hands, who may have found the original Ally’s flatter backplate uncomfortable over time.

The Ally X comes pre-loaded with essential ASUS ROG software, including Armory Crate SE, Command Center, and Xbox GamePass. Armory Crate SE v1.5, a major overhaul from previous versions, serves as the main hub for the gaming experience. It offers both touchscreen and button navigation, with features such as automatic game detection, detailed settings adjustments, button mapping customization, and personalization management. Users can also manage screenshots, adjust performance, update software, manage connectivity, and edit Command Center shortcuts through this central interface.

The Command Center complements Armory Crate SE by providing quick access to fine-tuning options. Users can select operating modes, switch control modes, adjust individual game profiles, access the on-screen keyboard, limit FPS, and monitor real-time system performance. This comprehensive software suite allows users to tailor the Ally X to their preferences, balancing performance, battery life, and comfort for each gaming session.

Performance and Battery Life

In terms of performance, the ROG Ally X shows notable improvements over its predecessor, particularly due to increased RAM, offering a 10-15% boost. Testing several games at 1080p resolution with high settings on battery power revealed varying results. To gauge its capabilities, we tested several games at 1080p resolution with high settings, running on battery power with 50% brightness and the Operating Mode set to 25W Turbo.

Elden Ring averaged 34-35 FPS in Limgrave and 35-36 FPS in Siofra River, with a 28% battery drain in 30 minutes. Persona 3 Reload demonstrated fluctuating performance across different areas, maintaining 60 FPS in combat with occasional drops, and a 25% battery drain in half an hour.

Tekken 8 maintained a stable 60 FPS throughout battles on medium settings, draining 24% battery in 30 minutes. Zenless Zone Zero showed varying performance across different areas, ranging from 39 to 52 FPS depending on the location and action intensity. For most games, adjusting settings or lowering resolution is recommended for smoother gameplay. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the Ally X’s gaming capabilities and battery performance across different titles and scenarios.

The most significant upgrade in the Ally X is its battery capacity, doubled from 40WHrs to 80WHrs. This improvement allows for extended gaming sessions, typically doubling the play time compared to the original Ally. Despite the larger battery, the Ally X is only 11% heavier, a difference that’s barely noticeable in hand. The increased battery capacity particularly benefits performance mode gaming, offering a better balance between noise levels, battery life, and playable frame rates.

Issues From the Original Ally and How They’re Addressed

The ROG Ally X addresses several key issues from its predecessor, offering significant improvements across various aspects. Battery life, a major concern with the original Ally, has been substantially enhanced by doubling the battery capacity to 80WHrs. This upgrade allows for extended gaming sessions, particularly noticeable in Performance mode, which now strikes a better balance between battery longevity and playable frame rates.

Connectivity limitations have been resolved with the addition of a second USB-C port, enabling simultaneous charging and accessory use. This eliminates the need for separate charging docks or hubs in many scenarios, enhancing versatility for competitive gaming or LAN party situations.

Ergonomics have been significantly improved with thicker, larger grips featuring a textured surface. This design change benefits users with larger hands and helps reduce fatigue during longer gaming sessions. While the Ally X still lacks a built-in kickstand, ASUS has included two stands, offering more flexibility than the single plastic stand provided with the original model.

These enhancements collectively address the main criticisms of the original Ally, resulting in a more well-rounded and user-friendly gaming handheld. The improvements in battery life, connectivity, and ergonomics contribute to a more comfortable and versatile gaming experience, whether used on-the-go or for extended periods at home. Although the stand solution isn’t as convenient as a built-in kickstand, it provides a workable compromise for users who need to prop up their device.

Price and Verdict

ASUS prices the ROG Ally X at RM4,299 in Malaysia, marking a significant increase from the original Ally’s current price of RM3,399. This positions the Ally X firmly in the premium segment of the handheld gaming PC market. The price jump is quite substantial, representing a 30% increase over the original model. However, the 30% price increase for these improvements may be hard to justify for some users, especially those who already own the original Ally or are on a tighter budget.

The ROG Ally X represents a significant step forward in handheld gaming PC technology. It addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor and offers a premium gaming experience for those who prioritize performance and battery life in a portable form factor. For users new to handheld gaming PCs or those seeking top-tier performance in a portable package, the Ally X is a compelling option. However, budget-conscious gamers or those satisfied with the original Ally might find it harder to justify the upgrade.

Ultimately, the ROG Ally X stands as a powerful contender in the high-end handheld gaming PC market. It offers a refined and capable gaming experience for those willing to invest in premium portable gaming technology. For more reviews and impressions, check here.

Rog Ally X Specs

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