The ROG Ally X bursts onto the handheld gaming scene as a formidable contender, marrying the power of a gaming PC with the portability of a console. It promises to redefine how we experience AAA titles on the go, but does it deliver on its lofty aspirations? Let’s take a deep dive into its strengths, weaknesses, and potential future in the gaming landscape.

Powerhouse Performance in a Portable Package

The ROG Ally X flexes its muscles with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a dedicated RDNA 3 graphics chip, a combination designed to handle the most demanding games with impressive visual fidelity. The device is equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM, clocked at 7,500 MHz, and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, solidifying its performance credentials and offering substantial storage and speed for a handheld. Early benchmarks suggest it can comfortably run modern titles at 1080p with decent frame rates, a feat previously unheard of in handhelds.

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

The Ally X’s 7-inch, 120Hz Full HD touchscreen display delivers a crisp and vibrant image, making games come alive with stunning detail. Its 100% sRGB color gamut ensures accurate color reproduction, while the 500-nit peak brightness guarantees visibility even in bright environments. The built-in dual speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos support, provide an immersive audio experience, further enhancing the gaming immersion.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Ally X feels surprisingly comfortable to hold despite its powerful hardware. Its well-balanced weight distribution and textured grips ensure a secure hold during long gaming sessions. The button layout, analog sticks, and triggers are thoughtfully positioned, offering a natural and intuitive gaming experience reminiscent of traditional console controllers. However, the device is thicker and heavier compared to its predecessor, weighing in at 1.49 lbs, which might be noticeable during extended play.

The Ally X’s Place in the Gaming Landscape

The ROG Ally X stakes its claim as a premium handheld gaming console, targeting gamers who crave the power of a PC on the go. Its impressive performance, stunning display, and comfortable design make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-end gaming experience without being tethered to a desk.

Comparison with Competitors

The Ally X’s closest competitor is arguably the Steam Deck, another powerful handheld aiming to bridge the gap between PC and console gaming. While the Steam Deck boasts a lower price point, the Ally X’s superior hardware, display, and build quality justify its premium price tag of around $799.99. Other handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and the Aya Neo, while offering unique features, fall short in terms of raw performance compared to the Ally X .

Potential Future Updates

The ROG Ally X has a bright future ahead, with potential updates that could further enhance its capabilities. ASUS could explore partnerships with cloud gaming services to expand its game library and offer a more seamless gaming experience across devices. Software optimizations and driver updates could also unlock additional performance gains, making the Ally X even more capable in the future.

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

While the Ally X impresses in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The battery life, though improved with an 80Wh battery, could still be better to enable longer gaming sessions on a single charge. The device’s price point, while justifiable given its premium features, might be a barrier for budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, the relatively small game library compared to traditional consoles is something ASUS needs to address to broaden the Ally X’s appeal .

Verdict

The ROG Ally X is a remarkable handheld gaming console that pushes the boundaries of portable gaming. Its impressive performance, stunning display, and comfortable design set a new standard for handheld gaming. While it’s not without its weaknesses, its strengths far outweigh its flaws, making it a worthy investment for gamers who crave a high-end gaming experience on the go. The Ally X has the potential to redefine the handheld gaming landscape and usher in a new era of portable PC gaming.