ROG Ally X: The Ultimate Windows Gaming Handheld?

The Asus ROG Ally made a significant impact in the market for Windows-based gaming handhelds with its release in 2023. Despite some shortcomings, including a notoriously unreliable SD card reader, the Ally positioned itself as a formidable contender, particularly as competitors like Lenovo and MSI entered the field. Earlier this year, Arnold Su, the Vice President of Asus’ consumer and gaming PC division, emphasized the company’s philosophy of being first to market with innovative products, a strategy that has seen success in India.

Capitalizing on its initial success, Asus has expanded its handheld offerings with the introduction of the ROG Ally X. Launched in India last month, the new model was revealed in June prior to Computex Taipei 2024. The Ally X features a single 1TB SSD storage option and is equipped with 24GB of RAM while still utilizing the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset and 7-inch display as its predecessor. However, the Ally X comes at a higher price point of Rs. 89,990 in India.

So, do the enhancements in this latest iteration justify the increased cost? My hands-on experience with the Ally X at Computex suggested that Asus made commendable choices for this mid-gen refresh. After extensive testing, it appears the company has indeed gone all out with improvements.

The ROG Ally X dwarfs the Nintendo Switch

Asus ROG Ally X Design: Enhanced Ergonomics

Dimensions – 280mm (width) x 111mm (height) x 24.7 ~ 36.9mm (depth)
Weight – 678g
Colour – Black

Asus revamped the design of the Ally X for enhanced comfort. While its aesthetic closely resembles the original model—features a sleek black color—several thoughtful adjustments improve handling. Notably, the grips are taller by 4.5mm and more curved, allowing for a better fit in your palms rather than causing discomfort during prolonged use. The textured grips work well to prevent slippage, although they might be slightly overly coarse, leading to some perspiration over extended gaming sessions.

Conversely, the rubber texture on the joysticks is quite appealing, keeping thumbs secure during intense gameplay. Additionally, the thumbsticks have deeper concave grooves that further enhance user comfort. Asus claims improved durability for the joysticks, which are said to withstand 5 million rotation cycles, and the addition of RGB lighting adds a modern touch.

The ROG Ally X features a more ergonomic design than its predecessor

The triggers have also seen a redesign, being wider with a gentler curve for improved handling. The D-pad has been refined for better responsiveness, providing satisfying feedback. It’s one of the standout features of this handheld. The bumpers and ABXY buttons are notably clicky as well, while the rear macro buttons have been downsized to minimize accidental presses during gameplay.

In a notable change, Asus has replaced the proprietary ROG XG Mobile Interface with a second USB Type-C port, improving accessibility. While having both USB ports on the top may not be optimal, the increased thickness and weight—now 70g heavier than the predecessor—gives the device a sturdy and premium feel.

The grips feature a slip-resistant texture that feels somewhat coarse

Asus ROG Ally X Display: An Unchanged Favorite

Size – 7-inch “IPS-level” touch display
Resolution – Full-HD (1920×1080 pixels)
Refresh rate – 120Hz

The Ally X retains the display from its predecessor, featuring a 7-inch multitouch LCD with a peak brightness of 500 nits, known for its sharp and vibrant color performance. Asus asserts that the Corning Gorilla Glass DCX coating reduces reflections, enhancing outdoor visibility. However, the omission of an OLED panel is a missed opportunity; while the LCD is commendable, an upgrade to OLED would have considerably enhanced the visual experience.

The ROG Ally X features two USB Type-C ports on the top

Asus ROG Ally X Software: Navigating Windows

OS – Windows 11 Home
Proprietary app – Armoury Crate SE

The Ally X operates on Windows 11 Home, but the experience is not without its challenges on a 7-inch touch display, with persistent frustrations similar to those found on other Windows-based handhelds. It’s clear that Microsoft needs to collaborate with hardware partners to improve the OS for handheld gaming, though this seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Valve has indicated a willingness to let third-party devices run its Linux-based SteamOS, yet it remains uncertain whether manufacturers will consider this.

The improved Armory Crate SE software presents a user-friendly console-like interface, serving as a hub for games and device settings. The latest version includes features for customizing game libraries and settings, allowing for adjustments in memory allocation and power settings. The ability to modify the fan curve for better thermal management is an added bonus.

The intuitive Armoury Crate SE enhances the overall Windows experience, making it easier to manage games and adjust performance settings. The Command Centre, activated via a dedicated button beside the display, allows users to quickly switch power profiles and modes, significantly enhancing usability compared to similar solutions on competitors’ devices.

The joysticks are designed for durability, featuring slip-resistant rubber tops

Asus ROG Ally X Performance: A Consistent Option

Processor – AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
RAM – 24GB LPDDR5
Storage – 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD + M.2 SSD (2280) slot for additional storage
Graphics – AMD Radeon Graphics (RDNA 3, up to 8.6 teraflops)

The Ally X is powered by the same Ryzen Z1 processor as its predecessor, operating within a TDP range of 9-25W, adjustable in manual settings down to 7W. Asus offers multiple operating modes: Silent, Performance, and Turbo, allowing users to alter power consumption as needed. While Turbo mode on AC power enhances performance, the handheld’s upgraded RAM and efficient system give it an edge in gameplay smoothness.

During tests with demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p with medium settings, I experienced frame rates between 35-45fps, with performance dipping in busy scenes. Switching to Turbo mode improved averages to around 42fps. At 720p, I was able to achieve seamless gameplay with an average of 63fps.

Playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the Ally X

In terms of racing games like Forza Horizon 5, I registered frame rates of 76fps at 30W while charging, and 72fps when unplugged. Even at the 17W Performance setting, the Ally X holds up well, averaging at 68fps. These figures indicate solid performance across various demanding titles.

The Windows experience can be cumbersome on gaming handhelds

While handhelds perform admirably with AAA titles, they truly excel with smaller games that are more suited to their format. For example, titles like Hollow Knight easily exceed 110fps at 1080p resolution on lower power settings. Games like Hades maintain similar performance near 120fps, while slightly more demanding games yield respectable frame rates that still reflect the Ally X’s capability.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the ROG Ally X

Asus ROG Ally X Battery: Leading the Pack

Battery capacity – 80Whr
Charger – 65W AC adapter

One of the notable advancements of the Asus ROG Ally X is its battery, which has doubled from the original model’s capacity to 80Whr. This improvement allows the handheld to function more effectively as a portable gaming device. Where previous models struggled to maintain battery life for an hour or so while gaming, the Ally X can deliver over two hours, easily surpassing its competition. During gameplay of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, I enjoyed approximately two-and-a-half hours before depleting the battery, even while using Turbo mode.

In addition, light-weight games can be efficiently powered with settings as low as 13W, extending gaming sessions to nearly four hours. By lowering brightness and adjusting performance profiles, players can enjoy significantly longer playtimes for various indie titles, making the Ally X a standout regarding battery life.

Verdict

Upon its initial launch, the Asus ROG Ally set a commendable benchmark for the Windows gaming handheld market, albeit not quite matching the battery efficiency of its OLED-equipped competitors. However, the ROG Ally X succeeds in retaining the features that resonated with players while addressing prior weaknesses. The device boasts a larger battery, enhanced memory, and better cooling, resulting in an overall reliable performer that ranks significantly above rivals.

Nonetheless, the price point of Rs. 89,990 places it at nearly double that of the original model, which may inhibit potential buyers. A OLED screen would have further enhanced its appeal. Yet, for gamers seeking the top Windows-based handheld currently available, recommending the ROG Ally X becomes a straightforward decision. With its excellent battery and notable performance improvements, the Ally X indeed proves to be a reliable companion for gamers.

Pros

Exceptional battery life
Reliable performance
Enhanced ergonomic design
Responsive, tactile buttons
Improved thermal management
Smooth user experience with Armoury Crate SE