The “Xbox Ally X” Misnomer: Introducing the True Successor
For months, whispers within the gaming community hinted at a refreshed handheld from Asus, often dubbed the “Xbox Ally X” due to its seamless integration with Windows and Xbox Game Pass. While the moniker wasn’t entirely accurate, the anticipation was spot on. Asus has officially unveiled the ROG Ally X, a substantial upgrade to its original ROG Ally, focusing on addressing user feedback and delivering a premium portable gaming experience.
Asus ROG Ally X Key Upgrades and Enhancements
The ROG Ally X isn’t a ground-up redesign but rather a thoughtful evolution. Asus has meticulously refined the existing formula, targeting the most common pain points and enhancing key areas for a superior handheld experience.
Unprecedented Battery Life: Doubling the Capacity
The single most significant upgrade is the battery. The ROG Ally X boasts an 80Wh battery, a massive leap from the original’s 40Wh. This addresses the primary concern of many users, promising significantly longer playtime on a single charge and enhancing its true portability.
Enhanced Performance: RAM and Storage Boost
While the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor remains, Asus has amplified its capabilities with crucial memory and storage improvements:
- Increased and Faster RAM: The Ally X now features 24GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, up from 16GB. This increase in both capacity and speed will provide smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding games.
- Expanded and Upgradeable Storage: Storage has been doubled to a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Importantly, the switch to the 2280 form factor makes future storage upgrades more accessible and potentially more cost-effective for users.
Refined Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Durability
The ROG Ally X sports a new, sleek black color scheme. Beyond aesthetics, the design has been tweaked for improved comfort and durability:
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The device is slightly thicker and heavier (adding 70 grams to reach 678g), allowing for deeper, more rounded hand grips designed for longer, more comfortable gaming sessions.
- Improved Controls: The joysticks have been upgraded with more durable modules rated for a 5-million-cycle lifespan, and the D-pad has been refined to offer more precise 8-way directional input.
- Optimized Thermals: Asus has redesigned the cooling system with smaller yet more efficient fans. A crucial change is the relocation of the MicroSD card slot away from the primary heat vents, addressing a known issue that could cause problems on the original Ally.
Asus ROG Ally X Core Components Retained
Despite the significant upgrades, the ROG Ally X maintains two key components from its predecessor:
- Processor: It still utilizes the potent AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, which continues to offer excellent performance for a wide range of games.
- Display: The Ally X retains the impressive 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz VRR display, known for its vibrant colors and smooth visuals.
Asus ROG Ally X Pricing and Availability
The Asus ROG Ally X is positioned as a premium handheld, reflected in its price of $799. It is scheduled for release on July 22nd, with pre-orders currently open.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Upgrade?
The Asus ROG Ally X appears to be a compelling upgrade for those seeking a high-end Windows-based handheld gaming experience. By directly addressing the primary concerns of the original model – most notably battery life and the MicroSD card placement – while also boosting RAM, storage, and refining the design, Asus has created a more robust and user-friendly device. While it comes at a higher price point, the ROG Ally X positions itself as a strong competitor in the increasingly crowded handheld gaming market, offering a refined and powerful portable PC gaming solution.
