Tag: ASUS ROG Ally X

  • Microsoft’s New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

    Microsoft’s New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Windows 11 on handheld devices can be frustrating due to touchscreen limitations, often requiring external monitors for better usability.
    2. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated to create a new Xbox full-screen experience for handhelds, optimizing controls for easier access to games.
    3. The Xbox full-screen mode enhances usability but does not significantly improve performance compared to existing Windows features.
    4. Future improvements are needed for the Xbox full-screen experience to provide better gaming performance and usability without relying heavily on Windows.
    5. There is a notable performance difference between Windows and SteamOS versions on handhelds, with SteamOS offering better optimization for gaming.

    Gaming handhelds are becoming increasingly popular, but they also highlight the challenges of using Windows 11 with touchscreens. Setting up a new Windows handheld can be quite frustrating on such a small display, often leaving users feeling irritated before they even begin to play games. The best workaround up to now has been connecting the handheld to an external monitor using a USB-C power supply and additional input devices, allowing for a setup similar to a regular PC without relying on the touchscreen.

    Microsoft’s Collaboration with Asus

    Microsoft has recognized this problem and worked closely with Asus to introduce the new Xbox full-screen experience, which we examined in our review of the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. Upon startup, the handheld will automatically open the Xbox app (or Asus’ Armoury Crate SE, if preferred), and it has been optimized for handheld controls. Users can now also install other game launchers, such as Steam, Ubisoft, EA, GoG, Epic, etc., directly from the Xbox full-screen mode. The games will appear in the Xbox app and can be launched from there.

    Enhancements and Limitations

    Overall, the new Xbox full-screen mode is a positive change and enhances usability, but it remains “just” a new mode layered over the existing Windows operating system. While unnecessary background services have been turned off, this was already a feature of the well-known Game Mode. We did not observe any significant performance improvements with the new Xbox full-screen mode.

    Future Improvements Needed

    The Xbox full-screen experience is certainly a move in a better direction. It is also useful to switch to desktop mode to access all Windows features. However, we are uncertain how many users will actually take advantage of this. Looking ahead, we hope for further optimizations to the Xbox full-screen mode so that it isn’t merely an additional layer over Windows. Restarting the device to switch to full desktop mode wouldn’t be a problem, for instance.

    This could also enhance gaming performance, which should be the primary concern. In our review of the Lenovo Legion Go S, we observed a notable performance gap between the Windows and SteamOS versions. SteamOS was able to extract significantly more from the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (between 30-35%), showcasing a considerable difference. You can certainly install SteamOS (available for the Ally X) or Bazzite as alternatives, but this would limit the selection of games.

    Microsoft's New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost PerformanceMicrosoft's New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

     

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  • Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

    Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The gaming handheld market is divided into two types: high-performance devices for modern games and budget-friendly retro emulators like the L35.
    2. The L35, priced under €30, is designed for emulating older games but struggles with more demanding titles like those from the Sony PSP.
    3. It features an RK3326 SoC with four Cortex-A35 cores, which can reach speeds of up to 1.5GHz, but has performance limitations.
    4. The L35 includes two joysticks, a D-pad, action buttons, four shoulder buttons, and a 3.5-inch IPS display.
    5. Additional features of the L35 are a 3,000mAh battery, USB-C charging, an SD card slot, a built-in speaker, and support for ArkOS and EmuELEC operating systems.

    The gaming handheld market is quite extensive and can be split into two main types. One type includes handheld devices that can run modern video games fairly well. An example of this is the Asus ROG Ally X, which we have previously reviewed. The other type is the L35, a retro gaming handheld that you can now find for less than €30 on Aliexpress. While it can’t handle current game releases, it is made to emulate games from various older platforms.

    Performance Considerations

    However, emulating games demands a system on chip (SoC) that offers a specific level of performance. The RK3326, featuring four Cortex-A35 cores that can reach speeds of up to 1.5GHz, does have some limitations in this area. While older systems like different Game Boy versions should run without problems, emulating games from the Sony PSP may present challenges, depending on the game title in question.

    Features and Specifications

    Regardless, this wallet-friendly handheld is equipped with two joysticks, a D-pad, action buttons, and four shoulder buttons in total. The back of the device has a textured finish, and it sports a 3.5-inch IPS display. As is standard, there’s an SD card slot, and it supports both ArkOS and EmuELEC operating systems. A built-in 1-watt speaker is included, along with a battery capacity of 3,000mAh. Finally, the L35 charges via USB-C and also includes a USB OTG port and a standard headphone jack.

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    Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

     

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  • Radeon 780M Laptop Rankings: Fastest to Slowest by 3DMark

    Radeon 780M Laptop Rankings: Fastest to Slowest by 3DMark

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon 780M was the fastest integrated GPU from AMD until the Radeon 890M was released in 2024, but few laptops with the 890M are expected.
    2. A comparison chart of over 40 laptops with the Radeon 780M shows stable performance metrics, excluding mini PCs which generally perform better.
    3. The Asus ROG Ally X is the top performer with the Radeon 780M, outperforming typical systems by 15% due to its superior CPU and RAM.
    4. The HP EliteBook 865 G10 and EliteBook 845 G10 are among the slowest models with the 780M, running 40-50% slower than average.
    5. The performance of integrated GPUs can be significantly affected by configuration, particularly the use of dual-channel memory instead of single-channel.

    The Radeon 780M held the title of the fastest integrated GPU from AMD until the first half of 2024. Following this, it was replaced by the Radeon 890M. However, since most manufacturers are not expected to release many laptops featuring this GPU, our comparison chart below is likely to remain stable with little changes anticipated. The chart includes over 40 laptops from our database, all utilizing the same Radeon 780M GPU to compare their performance. It’s important to mention that mini PCs with the 780M are excluded from this list because they typically outperform the average ultra-thin laptop.

    Unexpected Top Performer

    Interestingly, the top-performing system with the Radeon 780M isn’t a bulky design or a large screen device. Instead, it’s a compact portable handheld designed for gaming on the move: The Asus ROG Ally X. The integrated GPU in this device operates around 15 percent quicker than the typical system in our database with the same 780M GPU. This enhanced performance is due in part to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and LPDDR5x-7467 RAM, both of which are superior to what most other AMD laptops provide.

    Slower Alternatives

    On the flip side, there are some of the most sluggish 780M models available: The HP EliteBook 865 G10 and EliteBook 845 G10. The performance gap is quite significant, with these models running about 40 to 50 percent slower than the average 780M for two primary reasons. First, these laptops are designed for business use, meaning they lack optimizations for gaming. Second, our test units are equipped with a single SODIMM module in single-channel mode, which greatly hinders the iGPU’s performance. It’s crucial to fill both SODIMM slots whenever possible to maximize the capabilities of the integrated GPU, regardless of which system you select.

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  • AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 Aims to Compete with Nvidia Smooth Motion

    AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 Aims to Compete with Nvidia Smooth Motion

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD is developing Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 to improve quality over the previous version, AFMF 2.0.
    2. AFMF 2.1 will be included in an update to the HYPR-RX software suite within the AMD Software: Adrenaline Edition driver package.
    3. The new update will not require any new hardware, making it compatible with older AMD Ryzen processors.
    4. AFMF 2.1 aims to enhance motion smoothness without needing specific AI hardware, unlike AMD FSR 3 and Nvidia’s DLSS.
    5. A release date for AFMF 2.1 is not yet announced, but it is expected to coincide with the AMD Radeon RX 9070 series GPU launch.

    The recent competition between AMD and Nvidia in the field of AI gaming has taken a new turn with AMD’s announcement of Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 currently being in the works. The main detail known about AFMF 2.1 is that it aims to offer better quality than its predecessor, AFMF 2.0, which was launched in October of the previous year.

    Upcoming Update Details

    As reported by VideoCardz, AMD is expected to release AFMF 2.1 as a part of an update to its HYPR-RX software suite, included in the AMD Software: Adrenaline Edition driver package. The release of AFMF 2.0 was a major improvement, but Nvidia’s Smooth Motion quickly took the lead, as gamers frequently pointed out issues with artefacts and image quality in Fluid Motion Frames.

    Compatibility and Hardware Requirements

    It appears that AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 won’t necessitate any new hardware, making it a feasible choice for enhancing motion smoothness on older AMD Ryzen processors. This includes devices like the Asus ROG Ally X, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy.

    The frame-generation technology at the driver level offers an alternative to options such as AMD FSR 3 and Nvidia’s DLSS, both of which need specific AI hardware and tailored game implementations. In contrast, AFMF can enhance motion smoothness even for games that no longer receive updates, provided they run on Vulkan, DirectX 11 or 12, or OpenGL.

    Anticipated Release Timing

    AMD has not yet specified the launch date for the updated FMF 2.1, but it is anticipated to be around the same time as the release of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs, creating excitement among gamers and enthusiasts alike.

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X: Lunar Lake APU Boosts Performance

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X: Lunar Lake APU Boosts Performance

    In our assessment of the MSI Claw 8 handheld gaming device, we determined that the first-generation Claw 8 was “not worthy of our recommendation.” A significant factor in this judgment was the Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H, which not only lagged behind the Ryzen Z1 Extreme present in the Rog Ally but also showed inefficiency.

    Improvements in the New Model

    Seven months later, we now have a glimpse into the enhancements that MSI has made with the second-generation MSI Claw 8. Dubbed the “Claw 8 AI+,” this handheld console is powered by the Core Ultra 7 258V, Intel’s latest Lunar Lake APU, and features a next-gen Xe2 Arc 140V iGPU. According to tests conducted by Dave2D, the Lunar Lake chip enables the MSI Claw 8 AI+ to finally compete effectively with the Asus Rog Ally X in terms of both performance and battery longevity.

    Performance in Gaming Tests

    When conducting gaming tests at 17 W with graphics set to 1080p/low, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ either matches or surpasses the performance of both the Asus Rog Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go in games like Ghost of Tsushima (33 FPS) and Black Myth: Wukong (23 FPS). Notably, the Claw 8 AI+ outperforms the Rog Ally X in Cyberpunk 2077 by 9% (48 vs 44 FPS), by 19.5% in Red Dead Redemption 2 (49 vs 41 FPS), and a remarkable 46% in F1 23 (51 vs 35 FPS).

    Enhancements with FSR/XeSS

    Additionally, using FSR/XeSS improves the low frame rates in demanding titles like Black Myth: Wukong, allowing the Claw 8 AI+ to achieve 51 FPS. Cyberpunk 2077 also sees an increase to 60 FPS with image reconstruction turned on.

    Under a 30 W load, maintaining the same resolution, graphics, and FSR/XeSS settings, all three handheld devices see slight performance enhancements. For example, Claw 8 AI+, Rog Ally X, and the Legion Go can run Black Myth: Wukong at approximately 60 FPS. The Claw 8 AI+ also edges out the competition slightly in Ghost of Tsushima and Baldur’s Gate 3.

    Battery Life Comparison

    In terms of battery longevity, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Rog Ally X have similar performance. Both systems are equipped with a large 80 Wh battery, allowing for extended use under light load. For instance, the Claw 8 AI+ can last 14 hours and 29 minutes while streaming YouTube, whereas the Rog Ally X manages 15 hours and 17 minutes.

    Moreover, the Claw 8 AI+ not only competes well but also lasts longer than the Rog Ally X during gameplay. While playing Cyberpunk 2077, the Claw 8 AI+ lasts an additional 19 minutes. However, the Rog Ally X takes the lead when it comes to Street Fighter 6.

    Pricing and Value

    Overall, MSI has successfully narrowed the performance gap that previously existed between its portable console and the Asus Rog Ally. However, the Claw 8 AI+ comes at a much higher price, which might be a significant drawback for handheld gamers at this time.

    While the MSI Claw 8 AI+ features a large 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory, the $899 price tag is quite steep when compared to its rivals. Currently, you can purchase the Lenovo Legion Go with 16 GB of RAM and a 144 Hz display for only $549.99 on Amazon. The Rog Ally with Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 2 TB of storage costs $749.99, while the Rog Ally X is available for $799 with 24 GB of RAM.

    Until MSI lowers the price, which is likely to happen eventually, it’s tough to recommend the Claw 8 AI+ despite its impressive capabilities.

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  • New Gamepad Keyboard for Legion Go & ROG Ally Enhances Typing

    New Gamepad Keyboard for Legion Go & ROG Ally Enhances Typing

    Anyone who has gamed on a handheld Windows PC knows that the built-in on-screen keyboard leaves much to be desired. Not only do you struggle to reach the keys with your thumbs across clunky controllers, but using a joystick to type can be pretty awkward. Plus, the traditional staggered QWERTY format is not very practical for handheld devices.

    Exciting New Developments

    However, a recent blog post from Microsoft reveals that the latest Windows Insider Preview includes a new on-screen keyboard designed specifically for handheld devices. This update not only expands the audience who can test this new keyboard, which has been thoughtfully designed for layout and physical usability, but it also indicates that Microsoft is getting ready to integrate it into the main Windows build soon.

    Key Features of the New Keyboard

    In their blog, Microsoft describes the keyboard as follows:

    "[Gamepad keyboard] New! This update starts the roll out of a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard. With it, you can use your Xbox controller to move around the screen and type. Button accelerators are also available; these include the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. For better movement patterns, the keyboard keys are aligned vertically."

    These modifications seem to be positive advancements, especially the shortcut keys and the straight keyboard layout, which should be especially handy for gamers who prefer inputting text via a controller. These improvements promise quicker and more intuitive navigation. While the Steam Deck’s dual touchpads might still outperform the new Windows gamepad keyboard, it’s encouraging to see Microsoft finally making changes that enhance the handheld gaming experience.

    Future of Handheld Gaming on Windows

    Windows gamers may still need to dive into the accessibility settings or manually set up a controller key combo to access the on-screen keyboard. This update comes on the heels of several enhancements to the Windows Game Bar. It seemed like Microsoft was just sitting back for a while, but the increasing popularity of handheld gaming devices—both running on Windows and Linux—has evidently motivated the tech giant to take handheld gaming more seriously. For more details, check out the complete update notes for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.4387 (KB5044380).

    If you’re considering venturing into handheld gaming, you might want to look at the Asus ROG Ally X, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy.

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  • ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld Launches in India at Rs 89,990

    ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld Launches in India at Rs 89,990

    ASUS has launched its latest ROG Ally X handheld gaming console in India, following its debut in China. This new model maintains the portable design of its predecessor but includes a few upgrades, making it a mid-generation refresh. Let’s dive into its specifications, pricing, and availability.

    ASUS ROG Ally X Specifications

    The ROG Ally X features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, 100 percent sRGB color accuracy, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Inside, it is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, coupled with 24GB of LPRRD5X RAM and 1TB of NVMe M.2 SSD storage. The device packs an 80Wh battery that supports 65W charging via a USB Type C port.

    ASUS ROG Ally X Features

    The handheld runs on the Windows 11 operating system out of the box. It includes a new dual-fan system designed to improve cooling by offering 10 percent higher airflow. For connectivity, it offers a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort support, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a UHS-II microSD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.

    Audio-wise, the ROG Ally X comes with Hi-Res certified audio and AI noise cancellation. Additional improvements include a redesigned ergonomic chassis with deeper handgrips, better joysticks and D-pad, repositioned controls, and a processor fingerprint sensor.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ASUS ROG Ally X is priced at 89,990 INR, approximately 1,073 US Dollars. It is available for purchase through the brand’s official ROG Store, ASUS e-shop, Amazon India, and Flipkart. This means you can get it from both major online and offline channels.

    Please Note: We may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you buy something using the links in our articles.

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  • Asus ROG Ally X Launches in China at 5,799 Yuan ($797)

    Asus ROG Ally X Launches in China at 5,799 Yuan ($797)

    On July 13, Asus launched the ROG Ally X gaming handheld in China. This console, which had its global debut the previous month, offers several enhancements over its predecessor, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme model. It is priced at 5,799 yuan ($797) on JD.com in China and is also available globally for $799.

    Asus ROG Ally X Specifications

    The Asus ROG Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor, built on Zen 4 architecture and a 4nm process, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. It has a 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz IPS-level LCD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB color gamut, and a glossy finish protected by Corning Gorilla Victus. This handheld device comes with 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (2280), ensuring ample storage and quick data access.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The ROG Ally X is equipped with an 80Wh Li-ion battery and supports 65W USB Type-C charging. It runs on Windows 11 Home and features a new dual fan system that enhances airflow by 10% for better cooling. Connectivity options include a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort support, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a UHS-II microSD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E (triple-band), and Bluetooth 5.2. For audio, it offers Hi-Res certified sound with AI noise-cancellation.

    Enhanced Design

    The device also benefits from an improved internal cooling system, better airflow, and enhanced display cooling. The redesigned ergonomic chassis includes deeper handgrips, improved joysticks and D-pad, repositioned controls, and a recessed fingerprint sensor.

    Asus ROG Ally X Launches in China at 5,799 Yuan (7)

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  • ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld with 80Wh Battery

    ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld with 80Wh Battery

    The ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming console is set to debut in China on July 13. This information was disclosed by ASUS in an official statement about its forthcoming product launch event. Initially introduced to the global market in June, the ROG Ally X features the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and boasts an impressive 80Wh battery capacity. This new gaming handheld presents several enhancements over its predecessor, including a memory capacity of 24GB and an M.2 2280 solid-state drive slot.

    Enhanced Specifications and Features

    Announced just last month, the ASUS ROG Handheld X succeeds the first-generation ASUS ROG Handheld. It offers twice the battery capacity and doubles the hard drive space to 1TB compared to its initial version. The memory has also seen an upgrade to 24GB LPDDR5X-7500. Additionally, the joystick module now has an extended lifespan of 5 million activations, compared to the previous 2 million. The joystick’s spring mechanism feels tighter and is easily replaceable. The D-Pad cross-key design has been improved to provide clearer feedback.

    Modern Connectivity and Cooling System

    The ASUS ROG Handheld X includes two Type-C interfaces on top, replacing the XG Mobile graphics card slot from the original model. One USB-C port supports USB4, while the other is rated USB 3.2 Gen 2. Both interfaces are compatible with PD 3.0 charging and DisplayPort 1.4. The handheld features an upgraded zero-gravity cooling system capable of dissipating up to 30W of heat. The fan in the cooling system is smaller, but it moves more air. The ASUS ROG Handheld X gaming console is priced at $799.

    ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld with 80Wh Battery
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  • ASUS ROG Ally X: Upgrades in the Latest Handheld Gaming Console

    ASUS ROG Ally X: Upgrades in the Latest Handheld Gaming Console

    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.

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