ROG Ally X Review—Did ASUS create the ultimate handheld?
Welcome to our first review on gaming handhelds! Today, we’re reviewing the ROG Ally X, ASUS’s most powerful Windows-based gaming…
Welcome to our first review on gaming handhelds! Today, we’re reviewing the ROG Ally X, ASUS’s most powerful Windows-based gaming handheld and iteration to the already very popular Ally.
Build & Ergonomics
The Ally X has a premium, comfortable design with a sturdy black chassis. At 678g, it’s well-balanced, and the grippy thumb sticks with a concave design make precise control easy. The shoulder pads, triggers, and buttons are responsive, using an Xbox-style layout that works smoothly.
Specs
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor and AMD Radeon™ Graphics, the Ally X can handle AAA and indie games alike. The 7-inch FHD touch screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, vivid colour accuracy, and is protected by Gorilla® Glass Victus™. With 24GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and expandable storage via microSD, it’s built for both performance and versatility.
Gameplay
Playing on the Ally X is smooth, with Windows providing broad game compatibility, including titles like Minecraft Java with shaders at 35-45 FPS. In Turbo mode, it ran Forza Horizon 5 at 75-80 FPS with medium settings, while even resource-heavy games like Cities Skylines 2 maintained a stable 30 FPS on lower settings. Also I tried out the new Monster Hunter Wilds on it, and it ran quite stable with frame insertion enabled. Indie games also ran perfectly, making it versatile across game types.
Battery
Battery life averages 3-4 hours, which compares well with devices like the Switch. Although it charges quickly, the included 65W charger could benefit from an upgrade to 100W to maximise charging efficiency.
Display
The Ally X’s display is impressive for an IPS panel, with a high 500-nit brightness and solid colour reproduction. Its variable refresh rate enables smooth transitions, though visibility in direct sunlight can be a bit limited.
Sound
The speakers are strong for the Ally X’s size, providing immersive sound quality. The 3.5mm combo jack also allows easy connection for headsets.
Improvements
While the launcher is effective, it could benefit from more app integrations and smoother game detection. Additional features, like RGB sync options such as Razer ChromaSync would be great. For the future I could imagine an OLED display would enhance the experience. Also at the price point I would like to see ASUS adding a case and perhaps higher-wattage charger.
Conclusion
Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X is a powerful and enjoyable handheld gaming device. During my review time, it made me just want to pick it up and discover new games or even ones I have’t played in years. It’s ideal for both AAA titles and emulation, with a perfect balance of weight and portability. Its build quality, versatility, and solid battery life make it an excellent choice.
Recommended links
Purchase and learn more about the Ally X here: https://rog.asus.com/gaming-handhelds/rog-ally/rog-ally-x-2024/
Bazzite (SteamOS) dual-boot guide by @RetroGameCorps:• SteamOS on Handheld PCs! Bazzite Setu… Perfecting the ROG Ally X with mods, cases, grips and skins: • Perfecting the ASUS ROG Ally X
Minecraft ROG Allx Modpack (Adds controller support to java edition, improves overall performance): https://modrinth.com/modpack/rog-ally-modpack
My favourite Minecraft Shader Pack: https://modrinth.com/shader/complementary-unbound/version/latest
Emulation on the ROG Ally X: • Emulation on the ROG Ally X (is Super…
Review
The ASUS ROG Ally X is a powerful and enjoyable handheld gaming device. It’s ideal for both AAA titles and emulation, with a perfect balance of weight and portability. Its build quality, versatility, and solid battery life make it a great choice if it fits your budget.
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