ASUS has introduced a new handheld gaming console, the ROG Ally X, which serves as an upgraded version of last year's ROG Ally. Let's delve into the notable enhancements featured in this latest gaming handheld.
ASUS ROG Ally X: Doubled Battery Capacity
While the ROG Ally X is more of a mid-cycle update than a complete successor, it retains the same 7-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset. However, the significant upgrade lies in its battery capacity, which has been doubled to 80Wh from the previous 40Wh. This enhancement aims to address the battery life issues seen in the original model, promising better performance even during intense gaming sessions.
Enhanced Storage and Memory
In addition to the battery, the storage capacity has also seen a substantial increase. The ROG Ally X now boasts 1TB of M.2 SSD storage, up from its predecessor's 512GB. It features a full-size 2280 module, allowing for potential future upgrades with larger drives and compatibility with various third-party options. Memory has also been bumped up to 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM, compared to the 16GB on the original ROG Ally.
Improved Cooling System
ASUS has introduced a new fan system in the ROG Ally X, which claims to offer 24% better airflow despite the fans being 23% smaller. The console also benefits from larger heat pipes, enhancing thermal dissipation. These improvements are crucial for portable gaming systems, ensuring smoother gameplay over extended periods. The performance mode now draws 17W, an increase from 15W, while the silent mode draws 13W, up from 10W, translating to slightly better gaming performance.
Refreshed Exterior Design
The ROG Ally X also brings changes to its exterior design. It now features a new black exterior and is slightly thicker, providing a better grip and more ergonomic buttons. The new precision D-Pad is a notable addition, although the joysticks still lack Hall Effect sensors but do feature stiffer springs for improved durability. Another significant change is the addition of a third vent on top and the replacement of the proprietary XG mobile connector with a second USB-C port, supporting USB 5 and Thunderbolt 4. This allows for the connection of an external GPU if desired.
Overall, ASUS has refined the original ROG Ally formula, addressing its shortcomings and creating a more rounded handheld gaming console in the ROG Ally X.
