Experience Portable Gaming with the ASUS ROG Ally X

Design: Bigger, Chunkier, and Better

First impressions matter, and the ROG Ally X certainly makes a statement. It’s bulkier than its predecessor, the first-generation ROG Ally. If the original was akin to a sleek sports car, the Ally X feels more like an SUV—substantial and robust. This added heft is due to a larger 80kWh battery, which is double what the first-gen offered. While bigger isn’t always synonymous with better, in this case, it translates to significantly more playtime, which is a win in my book.

The controls have also received a much-needed facelift. The AXBY buttons now boast improved tactile feedback, eliminating the mushy presses that plagued earlier models. The joysticks are reportedly twice as durable, ensuring they can withstand the rigours of intense gaming. The shoulder buttons provide a satisfying click and have longer travel, making them feel more responsive. Overall, the control scheme gets a thumbs up for enhancing the gaming experience.

Specs: The Same on the Surface, Different in Feel

At first glance, the specs of the Ally X may appear unchanged from its predecessor. It still features the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and display. However, the bump to 24GB of RAM is where the real differences emerge. More RAM means better multitasking and smoother gameplay when juggling resource-hungry applications. I tested the Ally X with demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West, a game notorious for pushing gaming laptops to their limits. To my surprise, the Ally X handled it impressively well. While it may not deliver 100+ FPS, the performance is commendable for a handheld device. When plugged in, it unlocks its full potential, providing a seamless gaming experience. However, beware of occasional hiccups, including crashes when trying to resume from sleep mode.

The Good, the Bad, and the Battery Life

Let’s dive into the most critical aspects of any handheld gaming device: battery life. The sleep mode functionality on the Ally X is perplexing. Unlike the Steam Deck that enters sleep mode seamlessly, Ally X struggles with this feature. The fans continue running, risking progress loss if forced to sleep.

Should You Buy It?

So, is the ASUS ROG Ally X worth your hard-earned money? If you’re a gamer who’s always on the move but refuses to compromise on game quality, this handheld might just be the dream machine you’ve been waiting for. Yes, it has quirks, but overall, the Ally X represents a significant improvement over the first-generation model and stands as a serious competitor to the Steam Deck.