Asus has unveiled the powerful ROG Ally X, its latest gaming handheld, loaded with several key enhancements that exhibit a commitment to advancing mobile gaming technology. This device now boasts an 80 Wh battery, a significant improvement from its predecessor’s capacity, promising extended gaming sessions for users on a single charge.
The ROG Ally X comes with an ergonomic design overhaul. Asus touts it as “way more comfortable,” making longer gaming sessions more enjoyable. Improvements include a repositioned D-pad that’s closer to the screen for easier access, and the introduction of compact M-keys on the back, adding to the ease of control.
In terms of size, the ROG Ally X has distinct dimensions of 208.2 x 114 x 36.9 mm, a slight tweak from the previous model’s measurements. However, the device has gained some weight, now 678 grams, likely attributable to the larger battery.
The enhancements extend to memory and storage, with the ROG Ally X featuring a robust 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, doubling the previous storage option. RAM has also seen an impressive upgrade, jumping from 16 GB of LPDDR5 6400 MHz to a hefty 24 GB slice of LPDDR5 clocked at an impressive 7500 MHz.
An interesting change comes with the exclusion of the ROG XG Mobile Port, which provided 63 Gbps bandwidth for external graphics card support, akin to the capabilities of OCuLink. Instead, Asus has opted for a USB4 port, which delivers a maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps.
The singular variant of the new handheld gaming PC is kitted out with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, offers universal charging, an improved cooling system, and boasts more durable joysticks, solidifying its pedigree as a do-it-all gaming powerhouse.
Asus has set the launch price of the ROG Ally X at $799 and has commenced with preorders. When compared to the $699 launch price of the top-tier variant of the original model, the $100 increase seems a worthwhile trade for the multitude of enhancements that accompany the new model.
The ROG Ally X launch is an important mark in the gaming landscape, signaling a continued push towards powerful, portable gaming solutions. As mobile gaming platforms evolve, developments such as this suggest that gamers can look forward to more immersive and longer-lasting gameplay experiences, even while on the go. With features like extended battery life, improved ergonomics, and increased memory and storage, the ROG Ally X is setting a new benchmark for handheld gaming devices.
