Introduction to the ROG Ally X
A little more than a year after launching the ROG Ally, Asus is releasing a refined version of its portable device, the ROG Ally X. This Windows-based machine starts shipping on July 22 for $800. I’ve been playing with the portable console for a few days, and there’s already a lot to like — especially on the hardware front.
Evolution of Handheld PC Gaming
Released in 2022, Valve’s Steam Deck helped mainstream handheld PC gaming. It wasn’t the first company to explore the form factor, but Valve hit on the right combination of specs, portability, and price. When it became an instant hit, PC manufacturers took note. Lenovo released the Legion Go, and Asus had its own take on handheld PC gaming with the ROG Ally. Other niche manufacturers, such as Ayaneo, also entered the market.
Hardware Features of the ROG Ally X
Display and Controls
The device has a bright seven-inch display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Like on a Nintendo Switch, the display is flanked by standard gaming buttons and joysticks. Unlike the Switch, the controls aren’t frustratingly small. The ROG Ally X feels like a full-size controller in your hands. The joysticks resemble those on a modern Xbox controller, and the A/B/X/Y buttons are large and clicky. The analog triggers have plenty of travel as well.
Design and Ergonomics
While the device is comfortable to hold for short sessions, it is heavy and tends to get warm during extended gameplay. There are two additional macro keys at the back of the device, which I configured as View and Menu buttons, enhancing usability. On each side of the screen, there’s a command center button to tweak performance on the fly and an Armoury Crate button to display Asus’ game launcher.
Software and Performance
Armoury Crate SE
The ROG Ally X’s main software interface, Armoury Crate SE, acts as a game launcher, centralizing everything installed from Steam, the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and more. It can also change your device’s settings, from joystick LEDs to gamepad profiles. However, the interface can be buggy and slow, sometimes even crashing.
Command Center
The command center is essential for adjusting settings on the fly, such as switching from Silent to Performance or Turbo mode. However, it can be slow to react to interactions at times.
Comfort and Usability
The main issue with these kinds of PC gaming handhelds is their weight and heat during extended gameplay. Prior to testing the ROG Ally X, I spent hours playing with the Logitech G Cloud, an Android handheld designed for cloud gaming and remote play. While the G Cloud remains quiet and easy to hold, the ROG Ally X feels more robust and versatile for a wider range of games.
Performance and Gaming Experience
APU and RAM
The ROG Ally X retains the same AMD Z1 Extreme APU as its predecessor but increases RAM from 16GB to 24GB. This enhancement improves gaming performance as memory is shared between VRAM and system RAM.
Storage and Battery
The handheld comes with a user-replaceable 1TB NVMe storage card and an 80Wh battery, twice as large as its predecessor. The proprietary eGPU port has been replaced with a more standard USB Type-C with USB 4 support.
Game Compatibility
The ROG Ally X excels with indie games like Jusant, Cocoon, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, rendering 60 to 120 frames per second in 1080p without using the 30W boost mode. However, AAA games require some compromises. For example, Marvel’s Spider-Man runs at around 45 frames per second with high graphics settings enabled via AMD’s resolution upscaling feature.
Battery Life and Versatility
Battery life varies significantly depending on the game and power mode selected. Silent mode extends playtime for less demanding games, while boost mode for AAA titles significantly reduces battery life. The device can be connected to a monitor and used with a mouse and keyboard for a more traditional PC experience.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
The ROG Ally X, with its console-like form factor, represents an early preview of the future of PC gaming. While it doesn’t offer a polished, console-like experience like the Nintendo Switch, it provides a versatile and powerful option for gamers looking to play PC games on the go. As the technology advances, we can expect gaming handhelds to become smaller, lighter, and quieter, shaping the future of portable PC gaming.
