The Asus ROG Ally X has emerged as a significant player in the handheld gaming market, showcasing impressive hardware capabilities that outshine its main competitors, the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. However, this powerhouse comes at a steep price, and the limitations of Windows 11 as its operating system might detract from the overall user experience. In this article, we'll delve into the salient features, performance metrics, and usability aspects of the ROG Ally X, analyzing its position within the gaming ecosystem.
Introduction to the Asus ROG Ally X
As an iterative update to the ROG Ally, the ROG Ally X debuted just nine months after its predecessor, making a noteworthy impression in a market that has seen limited competition in handheld gaming. Following the launch of the Steam Deck in early 2022, several manufacturers, such as MSI and Zotac, have expressed interest in capitalizing on this new handheld trend. The original ROG Ally was one of the first to make headway in this crowded space, setting the stage for the ROG Ally X.A Quick Overview of the Changes
The ROG Ally X features several enhancements over the original model:- Battery: Increased from a 40Wh to an 80Wh capacity, promising better longevity during gaming sessions.
- Storage: The SSD has been updated to 1TB, doubling the previous capacity.
- RAM: Upgraded to 24GB from 16GB, providing enhanced performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Charging Speed: Now supports up to 100W charging speeds, although the included charger remains 65W. Despite these enhancements, the ROG Ally X retains the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, the same display specs—7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) at 120Hz—and other critical performance metrics, which has led to dissatisfaction among some who expected a more noticeable generational leap.
Hardware Specifications
The ROG Ally X is built with cutting-edge components aimed at delivering solid gaming performance. Here are its essential technical specifications: - CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with 8-core, 16-thread architecture
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-7500
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
- Display: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz, 500 nits brightness
- Ports: Two USB Type-C ports, combo audio jack, microSD card reader
- Weight: 678g
Design and Usability
At first glance, the ROG Ally X resembles the Nintendo Switch, with its dual thumbsticks, D-Pad, and face buttons aligning in a familiar layout. Its new black color scheme bears similarities to the Steam Deck and incorporates RGB lighting around the thumbsticks for a touch of personalization.Design Improvements
- Comfort: The Ally X has received ergonomic improvements with rounder edges, making it more comfortable to hold during prolonged gaming sessions.
- Fingerprint Scanner: A built-in fingerprint scanner enhances security, allowing for quicker logins—a notable advantage over the Steam Deck's interface.
Size and Weight
While the improvements make the device more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, they do come with an increase in bulk. The Ally X is bigger and heavier than both its predecessor and the Steam Deck, which may be a concern for those seeking a truly portable option.Performance Review
The core of the ROG Ally X’s appeal lies in its performance. We'll look at how it fares against demanding titles and the benchmark results that provide a clearer picture of its capabilities.Benchmark Results
- 3DMark Time Spy: 3,336
- GeekBench 6.3: 2,544 (single-core), 11,255 (multi-core)
- PCMark 10 Battery Life (Gaming): Approximately 3:04 hours Performance can vary significantly depending on the games and settings used. For example, Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut ran at around 30fps at high settings, showing the limitations of running modern games on integrated graphics.
Gaming Experience
- Less Demanding Games: The ROG Ally X excels with indie titles, delivering a smooth gaming experience with games like Hades 2 and Balatro.
- AAA Titles: However, high-demand games like Cyberpunk 2077 struggle to maintain playable frame rates without substantial graphical concessions. While optimized settings can yield respectable performance, users may find challenges achieving the visual fidelity they desire on platforms like this.
Battery Life
Battery performance is crucial for handheld gaming. The ROG Ally X features a larger battery, providing users with substantial improvements over its predecessor. - General Usage: In lighter usage scenarios (like web browsing), the Ally X achieved over eight hours of battery life, but under gaming conditions, expect around three to five hours depending on the intensity of the game. While these numbers are decent for a handheld device, they may not fulfill the expectations of users accustomed to longer play sessions without recharging.
Operating System Challenges
The ROG Ally X runs on Windows 11, which poses both advantages and drawbacks. While it allows for comprehensive compatibility and access to various game libraries (including Steam, Epic Games Store, and others), Windows 11 was primarily designed for desktop usage, and the lack of optimization for handheld devices becomes evident.Usability Issues
Navigating Windows can often feel cumbersome on a touchscreen device. Small icons and pop-up windows can lead to a frustrating gaming experience. This contrasts sharply with the dedicated OS used on competing devices like the Steam Deck, where user experience is more streamlined.Advantages of Windows 11
On the upside, using Windows allows for: - Native App and Game Support: No need for compatibility layers, leading to potentially better performance across the board.
- Broader Game Library Access: Freedom to install and play from any platform, enhancing the device's value.
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Ally X is priced at $799.99, positioning it among budget gaming laptops rather than lower-cost gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, which starts at $399. The higher price tag necessitates a strong justification for potential buyers.Market Competition
In the current landscape, competing products such as the Lenovo Legion Go provide similar or even better specs at a lower price point. This puts the ROG Ally X in a precarious position—especially with Asus still marketing the more affordable original ROG Ally.Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Asus ROG Ally X?
The Asus ROG Ally X brings promising specs and a robust gaming performance to the table. However, Windows 11's limitations as an operating system for handhelds create an inconsistent, sometimes frustrating user experience. Here are some concluding thoughts:Pros
- Powerful hardware capable of handling many current titles
- Improved battery life and storage capacity
- Solid design with ergonomic features
Cons
- High price tag compared to competitors and its predecessor
- Windows 11 presents usability challenges in a handheld format
- Limited improvements in core gaming performance
Ideal Users
- Those seeking a powerful handheld gaming experience
- Gamers who value compatibility and access to various platforms
- Users primarily interested in indie games
Recommendations
If you can overlook the operating system's frustrations and are looking for a high-performance handheld device, the ROG Ally X might be a fit. However, if cost is a primary concern or if you prefer a more seamless handheld gaming experience, alternatives or the original ROG Ally could prove to be smarter options. For the latest information, you can check the full review on TechRadar. Source: TechRadar