The Asus ROG Ally X refines the handheld PC gaming experience, building upon the foundation laid by the original ROG Ally. While the original remains a strong contender, the Ally X boasts enhancements in nearly every aspect, from improved specifications and ergonomics to a larger battery and a sleek new black design. However, this upgrade comes at a premium, with the Ally X priced at $800 compared to the original’s often-discounted price of around $600. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison to determine if the ROG Ally X justifies its higher price tag.
Enhanced Specifications and Features
Asus ROG Ally handhelds side by side.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Both handhelds share the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, ensuring a robust gaming experience. However, the ROG Ally X distinguishes itself with several key upgrades:
- Increased Memory: The Ally X features 24GB of LPDDR5-7500 RAM, compared to the original’s 16GB LPDDR5-6400. This increase benefits both system memory and VRAM, offering performance advantages in certain titles.
- Expanded Storage: The Ally X supports up to a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD, facilitating easier storage upgrades and potentially accommodating up to 8TB.
- Versatile Connectivity: A USB 4 port replaces the ROG XG Mobile connector, expanding external GPU compatibility and opening up new possibilities.
- Doubled Battery Capacity: The Ally X packs an 80Wh battery, a significant upgrade from the original’s 40Wh, promising substantially longer gameplay sessions.
Refined Design and Improved Ergonomics
Ghost of Tsushima running on the Asus ROG Ally X.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Beyond the new black colorway, the Ally X features subtle yet impactful design refinements:
- Enhanced Grips: Deeper, more rounded handles provide a more comfortable and secure grip.
- Optimized Button Layout: Slightly adjusted button and stick placement, along with slanted triggers, enhances overall ergonomics.
- Durable Joysticks: Upgraded joysticks boast a 5 million cycle lifespan for increased reliability.
- Improved D-Pad: A more precise eight-direction D-pad offers enhanced control and responsiveness.
- Refined Cooling System: Smaller, more efficient fans and redesigned air tunnels improve airflow and thermal management, reducing noise and temperatures.
D-pad on the Asus ROG Ally X.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
These seemingly small changes culminate in a noticeably improved handheld experience. The Ally X feels more comfortable and responsive, addressing the shortcomings of the original’s D-pad, triggers, and joysticks.
Performance Boost and Power Profiles
Asus ROG Ally X performance at 1080p.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
While both handhelds utilize the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, the Ally X’s increased and faster memory provides a performance edge in memory-intensive games. The difference may not be substantial in all titles, but it’s noticeable in games that can leverage the extra resources.
The Ally X also features refined power profiles, offering a more usable Silent mode at 13W compared to the original’s 9W. This allows for better balanced performance and battery life across different gaming scenarios.
Performance for the different power modes of the Asus ROG Ally X.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Lies of P running on the Asus ROG Ally.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Software Enhancements
Both devices benefit from Asus’ improved Armoury Crate SE software, which offers a smoother, faster, and more feature-rich user experience. This includes faster startup, access to AMD FSR, customizable controller profiles, and a redesigned game library.
The Asus ROG Ally X overlay.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade, But at a Cost
Armoury Crate SE on the Asus ROG Ally X.Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
The ROG Ally X undoubtedly delivers a superior handheld gaming experience, with improvements across the board. The enhanced ergonomics, significantly improved battery life, and performance gains in certain titles make it a compelling option. However, the $800 price tag represents a significant premium over the original ROG Ally. The value proposition depends largely on individual needs and budget. If the price difference narrows with sales and discounts, the Ally X becomes a much more attractive proposition. For now, the original ROG Ally remains an excellent value, especially for budget-conscious gamers.
