ROG Ally X - 2024

An exciting mid-generation refresh to the original ROG Ally, offering meaningful upgrades and thoughtful redesigns.

About

The ASUS ROG Ally X represents a significant mid-generation upgrade to the original ROG Ally, delivering meaningful upgrades and thoughtful redesigns. It features a larger 80Wh battery, redesigned ergonomics for improved comfort, and enhanced hardware. The inclusion of USB 4 (40 Gbps) ensures better compatibility with external GPUs, while the new AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with RDNA 3 graphics and 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM boosts performance.

Battery performance is notably enhanced with optimized power profiles and modes such as Quiet mode at 13W and performance mode at 17W. The 7-inch 120Hz IPS display, coupled with a redesigned 8-way D-pad and analog sticks, provides a superior gaming experience. The pre-installed Armory Crate 1.5 software offers an overhauled game launcher and more accessible performance settings, solidifying the ASUS ROG Ally X as a strong contender in the handheld gaming market.

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Specs

Specification	Details
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Processor	CPU: AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor (“Zen4” architecture with 4nm process, 8-core /16-threads, 24MB total cache, up to 5.10 Ghz boost) GPU: AMD Radeon™ Graphics (AMD RDNA™ 3, 12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops) TDP: 9-30W
Display	7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS-level sRGB: 100%, Adobe: 75.35% Gorilla® Glass Victus™, Touch Screen, 120Hz, 7ms, 500nits, FreeSync Premium
Memory	12GB*2 LPDDR5 on board, Support dual channel memory
Storage	1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2280)
I/O Ports	1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery 1x Type C support USB 4 (Thunderbolt™ 4 compliance, DisplayPort™ 1.4 with Freesync support, Power Delivery 3.0) 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)
Control and Input	A B X Y buttons D-pad L & R Hall Effect analog triggers L & R bumpers View button Menu button Command Center button Armoury Crate button 2 x assignable grip buttons Thumbsticks: 2 x full-size analog sticks Haptics: HD haptics Gyro: 6-Axis IMU
Audio	AI noise-canceling technology Hi-Res certification (for headphone) Smart Amp Technology Dolby Atmos Built-in array microphone 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
Network and Communication	Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.2
Battery	80WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Power Supply	TYPE-C, 65W AC Adapter
AURA SYNC	Yes
Weight	678 g (1.49 lbs)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	28.0 x 11.1 x 2.47 ~ 3.69 cm (11.02″ x 4.37″ x 0.97″ ~ 1.45″)
Xbox Game Pass	Xbox Game Pass Ultimate_3 months
Security	Built-in Fingerprint Sensor, Microsoft Pluton security processor

Lets dig it!

The ASUS ROG Ally X is an exciting mid-generation refresh to the original ROG Ally, offering meaningful upgrades and thoughtful redesigns. With a larger battery, ergonomic improvements, and hardware enhancements, this device aims to elevate the handheld gaming experience.

Unboxing & Build Quality

The ROG Ally X includes a 65W PD fast charger and a pair of stands for easy desk placement. A significant improvement is the 80Wh battery, double the capacity of the original, promising extended play sessions. Its redesigned ergonomics feature rounded corners and improved grips, making it more comfortable for long gaming sessions. The device feels slightly thicker due to the larger battery, but this trade-off is well justified.

Design & Port Changes

One noticeable change is the removal of the XG Mobile port, replaced with USB 4 (40 Gbps), allowing for better compatibility with external GPUs. The button layout has also been improved; the M keys on the back are now slimmer and better positioned, minimizing accidental presses.

Performance Enhancements

Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with RDNA 3 graphics, the Ally X boasts 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM (up from 16GB), enhancing multitasking and gaming performance. The storage is equally impressive, with a 1TB SSD expandable up to 8TB. It features a 7-inch 120Hz IPS display, the same as its predecessor, delivering vibrant visuals with up to 500 nits of brightness.

Battery & Power Profiles

Battery performance is a highlight, with optimized power profiles that adjust TDP levels. Quiet mode now runs at 13W (up from 10W), while performance mode operates at 17W (previously 15W). Turbo remains at 25W, ensuring gamers can push performance when needed.

Improved Controls

The redesigned 8-way D-pad and new analog sticks provide a superior tactile experience, catering especially to fighting game enthusiasts. Triggers also have a satisfying throw, enhancing overall gameplay precision.

Software – Armory Crate 1.5

The pre-installed Armory Crate 1.5 introduces an overhauled game launcher with enhanced customization options. Users can adjust layouts, cover art, and themes, including light or dark modes. Performance settings are now more accessible, allowing users to tweak power profiles easily.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Ally X refines the handheld gaming formula with better battery life, ergonomic improvements, and hardware upgrades. While the removal of the XG Mobile port might disappoint some, the addition of USB 4 compensates with broader compatibility. Whether you’re a current ROG Ally user or new to the handheld gaming scene, the Ally X is a strong contender worth considering.