ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has unveiled the ROG Ally X, the successor to its popular ROG Ally handheld console. Designed for Windows 11 gaming on the go, the ROG Ally X retains the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but boasts significant upgrades in storage, memory, battery life, and ergonomics.
The ROG Ally X takes user feedback to heart with several key internal upgrades. First, storage capacity doubles to a whopping 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, providing ample space for your gaming library. The redesigned motherboard now features an M.2 2280 slot, allowing for future storage upgrades beyond the original capacity.
Next, the ROG Ally X moves to a generous 24 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM. This is particularly beneficial for modern games that utilize higher resolutions and complex textures. With more system memory, users can allocate more resources for both the system and the integrated GPU, potentially enhancing performance in demanding titles.
Battery life gets a significant boost as well. The ROG Ally X features an 80 Wh battery, doubling the capacity of the previous model. This translates to longer gaming sessions away from an outlet. Impressively, despite the larger battery, the weight increase is minimal, and the weight distribution is optimized for comfortable handheld gaming.
The ROG Ally X sports a redesigned chassis in a sleek black colourway. The handles are slightly deeper, and the overall shape is more rounded for improved comfort without adding significant bulk. The button and joystick layout has been tweaked for better ergonomics, with a slight slant to the triggers for easier activation. Macro buttons on the back are now smaller to reduce accidental presses while remaining accessible.
Gamers will appreciate the upgraded joysticks. These new modules boast a 5-million-cycle lifespan and stiffer springs, offering a more familiar and responsive feel for seasoned controller users. The D-Pad has also been improved, delivering precise eight-direction inputs for fighting and retro games.
In response to user feedback, the original XG Mobile port has been replaced with two USB-C® ports on the ROG Ally X. One of these ports is Thunderbolt™ compatible, offering broader interoperability with third-party docks and external GPUs.
To accommodate the larger battery, the ROG Ally X utilizes new fans that are 23% smaller but employ 50% thinner blades for improved airflow. Two redesigned tunnels within the fan housing direct air upwards and out through a new third exhaust vent on the top of the device. This 24% increase in airflow volume cools not only internal components but also the touchscreen, keeping it up to 6°C cooler for more comfortable extended gaming sessions.
Pricing & Availability
The ROG Ally X is expected to be available soon. No specific pricing details have been announced at the time of writing.