After its early unveiling last month, ASUS has officially released the ROG Ally X, the latest addition to its handheld gaming PC lineup. This model is not a direct successor to last year’s ROG Ally but rather a more premium version that addresses several of the original model’s shortcomings.
Enhanced Battery and Memory
The most significant upgrade in the ROG Ally X is the new 80Wh battery, which is twice the size of the original ROG Ally’s battery. Although Asus hasn’t specified the exact battery life, it is expected to provide nearly double the backup time.
Storage capacity has also been doubled, from 512 GB in the previous model to 1 TB of PCIe NVMe SSD. Upgrading storage should be easier and more cost-effective as the ROG Ally X uses the more common M.2 2280 size drives instead of the 2242 size drives used in the original Ally.
While the RAM hasn’t doubled, it has seen a substantial increase, now offering 24 GB of 7500MHz LPDDR5, up from 16 GB of 6400MHz LPDDR5. This increase in RAM allows the GPU to allocate more resources from the OS and apps, potentially enhancing gaming performance.
Improved Cooling System
The internal design has been revamped to enhance cooling efficiency. The new slimmer fans provide a 10% boost in airflow. This new design directs air toward the display, helping to keep it cooler during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the microSD card slot has been relocated away from the exhaust vent to prevent malfunctions, a common issue with the original model.
Refined Design
While the exterior may look familiar, the new model features smoother curves compared to the sharper angles of its predecessor. The handgrips have been deepened for a more secure and comfortable hold. The positioning of the joysticks and controls has been adjusted for smoother transitions.
The joysticks have been enhanced for better feedback and durability. The D-pad has been redesigned to reduce stickiness during circular movements. The fingerprint sensor at the top is now recessed for easier access. The back buttons have been resized to minimize accidental presses.
The original USB-C and ROG XG Mobile Interface connector ports have been replaced with two USB-C ports, one Thunderbolt 4, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Other Features
The rest of the specifications, including the display, charging, speakers, and main chipset, remain unchanged. However, the software has been upgraded to a newer version of ASUS Armoury Crate SE, which will also be available for the older model.
The Asus ROG Ally X is available in a single black color option and starts at $799.
