ASUS ROG Ally X review

The ASUS ROG Ally X takes handheld PC gaming to the next level, enhancing an already excellent experience with a new hardware iteration. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the ROG Ally, this upgraded model brings meaningful enhancements that cater to gamers on the go. In my previous review of the original ROG Ally, I had high praise for its sleek design, powerful gaming capabilities, and the versatility of running Windows 11. With access to gaming libraries on platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and other cloud services, the hardware sets a high bar for portable gaming devices.

The new ROG Ally X raises the bar even higher, delivering improved performance, refined controls, and other new features. Let’s dive into what the it offers and how it pushes the handheld gaming experience to the next level.

Setting up the ROG Ally X

Inside the box, you’ll find the ROG Ally X handheld device, USB-C power adapter, and quick-start guide. The software setup is intuitive, thanks to the Windows 11 interface. While you’ll need to complete the usual steps, like logging in and installing updates, the process is quick. Once set up, the device launches into the Armoury Crate, ASUS’s software hub for customization and performance tuning. This app has also seen a few upgrades with the launch of the ROG Ally X, offering a better user interface (UI) and much snappier performance that will help organize your gaming library.

ROG Ally X hardware

The ROG Ally X feels substantial and more balanced thanks to its improved redesign. While it’s slightly heavier than the original Ally, weighing in at 1.49 lbs. (678g), its added weight can be attributed to some of the hardware’s upgrades, specifically the battery. The enhanced internal components include double the SSD storage, twice the battery capacity, and increased RAM, making it a powerhouse in the handheld gaming space.

By the numbers, it boasts an impressive 1TB of SSD storage, a robust 80Wh battery, and a generous 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM. At the heart of the device is the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, delivering excellent performance in a handheld form factor. This combination of premium components offers faster load times, smoother gameplay and longer gaming sessions without frequent recharges.

Sleek, modern design

One of the most striking changes to the ROG Ally X is its new black design. It’s a striking difference, one that I like both for its aesthetics and practicality. The new colour helps to contrast the screen better and puts what you are playing and watching at the forefront. Outside of this, it retains many elements of its predecessor with minor ergonomic tweaks for better grip and usability.

Updated gaming controls

The upgrades on the ROG Ally X extend beyond its appearance, with significant improvements to the gaming controls. Building on the feedback from the original model, it introduces improved analog sticks, triggers, and a redesigned D-pad for more precise inputs. I especially like the changes to the D-Pad and found it far more responsive with menu navigation and with classic fighting games. The controls feel snappy and responsive. Many of these changes, while subtle, add up to a much-improved piece of hardware in your hands.

I/O options and indicators

The ROG Ally X includes multiple I/O options with some additions that increase the versatility and performance of the hardware. One key change is that the XG Mobile port has been swapped out for a multi-use USB-C port. It’s great to have the extra connection option for charging, docking or other compatible wired accessories. The thermal venting has also been moved further away from the SD card port to avoid overheating issues with storage.

In total, the device has two USB-C ports, a microSD card slot for expanding storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are two LED indicator lights at the top of the unit, one for power and the other for battery. The battery light is great for at-a-glance charge status: white light turns on when fully charged and orange when charging is in progress.

ROG Ally X’s bright, vivid display

The ROG Ally X packs a seven-inch FHD touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering fluid visuals and vibrant colours. Although it’s not an OLED screen, it still offers fantastic colour expression and deep blacks. Whether playing high-octane shooters like Call of Duty or indie games, the screen offers crisp details with minimal input lag.

When it comes to the touchscreen, I did run into the odd issue interacting with elements within the Windows environment. Thankfully, this didn’t interfere with my gaming time, which is impressive on the device. Because of the screen size, sometimes pressing desktop shortcuts, for example, didn’t register.

Outside of my qualms with the touchscreen, the ROG Ally X offers the most versatile set of features on a portable PC gaming device.

Armoury Crate

The Armoury Crate software remains a standout feature in the ROG Ally’s arsenal. It provides granular control over the ROG Ally X’s performance, lighting effects, and game library with the push of a button. The improved interface feels intuitive, with options to create custom performance profiles for specific games or applications. With real-time monitoring, you can easily optimize power consumption or maximize frame rates.

My favourite aspect of Armoury Crate is just how well it organizes all my games from different services and gaming platforms.

Performance modes on the ROG Ally X

The performance modes on the ROG Ally X cater to various gaming scenarios. The software Command Center lets you adjust on the fly with the press of a button. On the left-hand side of the device, there is a Quick Access button that enables you to switch modes effortlessly, ensuring optimal settings for any situation. Silent Mode conserves battery by limiting power to 13W, ideal for indie games or light usage. Performance mode provides a balance at 17W, while Turbo mode unlocks the device’s full potential at 25W, which is ideal for AAA titles that are more demanding.

Battery life

Battery life remains a challenge for powerful portable handhelds. Fortunately, the ROG Ally X has made meaningful steps in this area with an upgraded battery. It features double the capacity of the original model with an 80Wh battery. Your mileage will vary depending on what applications and games you are running. For more demanding titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, you are looking at 2.5–3 hours of playtime. Less technically demanding titles that can be played in Silent Mode offer 6–8 hours of play, with light gaming or media consumption.

Overall, ROG Ally X shows marked improvement over the original ROG Ally, offering users more game time on the go.  

Final thoughts on the ROG Ally X

The ASUS ROG Ally X builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor, delivering better performance, enhanced ergonomics, and more refined controls. The Ally X is undoubtedly a top contender in the handheld gaming market. For gamers seeking the ultimate portable PC experience, it’s a compelling choice that raises the bar for handheld devices.

Check out the ASUS ROG Ally X, available now at Best Buy Canada.