The gaming community is buzzing with anticipation as details about the ASUS ROG Ally X, the next iteration in the ROG handheld gaming line, have surfaced online. This handheld promises to deliver a top-tier gaming experience with specific enhancements over the current model, the ROG Ally, which is available for $399.99.
At first glance, the ROG Ally X retains a similar aesthetic to its predecessor. However, upon closer inspection, noticeable changes come to light, such as the updated d-pad. The new ‘Precision D-Pad’ is designed to endure up to five million cycles, ensuring longevity and reliability for gamers who demand the best from their hardware.
One significant alteration in the design is the removal of the proprietary ROG XG Mobile port. It has been swapped out for a more versatile USB4 port featuring DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP 1.4) and USB Power Delivery 3.0 compatibility. While this change means the device will not support ASUS’ existing ROG XG Mobile external GPUs, it opens up connectivity to a wider range of peripherals.
Accompanying this port is an additional USB Type-C connector supporting the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard, though the speeds are reportedly slower. In terms of memory and storage, the ROG Ally X ramps up its game with a substantial 24 GB of LPDDR5-7500 RAM and a 1 TB SSD, which adheres to the more common M.2 2280 form factor.
Staying true to its roots, the device will continue to feature a 7-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, backed by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. The real game-changer lies with its battery—a formidable 80 Wh unit, doubling the capacity found in its predecessor. The device will also feature a smaller, yet more efficient, cooling fan touted to increase airflow by 10% despite having 50% thinner fins.
Despite the beefed-up battery, the ROG Ally X maintains relatively compact dimensions at 280 x 114 x 36.9 mm, only slightly larger than the ROG Ally. With this new battery comes additional heft, bringing the weight to 678 g—an increase of 70 g.
As for the price point, rumor has it that the ROG Ally X will debut at $799. Gamers can expect to learn more about this promising handheld when ASUS unveils further details on June 2.
For those in the gaming community looking for a powerful, portable gaming solution, the ASUS ROG Ally X emerges as a strong contender. Its hardware upgrades, coupled with the Precision D-Pad and increased connectivity, make it an exciting prospect in the handheld gaming market.
