Asus ROG Ally X: A Game Changer in Portable PC Gaming

A little over a year after launching the original ROG Ally, Asus is set to release a refined version of its portable gaming device, the ROG Ally X. Priced at $800 and shipping from July 22, this Windows-based handheld promises to elevate the gaming experience with notable hardware improvements and a focus on usability.

The Rise of Handheld PC Gaming

Valve’s Steam Deck, released in 2022, paved the way for mainstream handheld PC gaming, balancing specifications, portability, and affordability. This success spurred other manufacturers, including Asus with the ROG Ally and Lenovo with the Legion Go, to explore the handheld gaming market.

The ROG Ally X features a seven-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, flanked by a comprehensive array of gaming buttons and joysticks. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, the ROG Ally X offers more ergonomic controls, akin to a full-size controller, enhancing the gaming experience.

Hardware and Design

The ROG Ally X stands out with its comfortable grip and well-designed controls. The joysticks mimic those on a modern Xbox controller, while the A/B/X/Y buttons are large and tactile. However, the D-pad falls short, feeling less responsive compared to other premium controllers. Additionally, the placement of the View and Menu buttons could be more intuitive.

Two macro keys at the back of the device offer customizable functionality, and dedicated buttons for performance tweaks and launching the Asus Armoury Crate add to the device’s user-friendliness.

Software Experience

The primary software interface, Armoury Crate SE, serves as a central hub for launching games from various platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. While functional, it occasionally suffers from bugs and slow response times. The command center, essential for on-the-fly performance adjustments, also faces similar issues.

Performance and Usability

Despite its weight and occasional warmth during use, the ROG Ally X offers a comfortable gaming experience for shorter sessions. It excels in playing indie games and titles that do not demand high-end PC specs, delivering smooth performance in games like *Jusant*, *Cocoon*, and *Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown*.

For AAA games, the device requires some compromise in settings to maintain playable frame rates. The AMD Z1 Extreme APU, coupled with 24GB of RAM, ensures decent performance, but games like *The Last of Us: Part I* may need lower settings to achieve a stable frame rate.

Battery Life

Battery performance varies significantly based on game type and power settings. While less demanding games can run for extended periods, high-performance modes for graphically intensive games will drain the battery faster. Comprehensive battery benchmarks are expected from reviewers soon.

Versatility and Future Prospects

The ROG Ally X is essentially a Windows PC in a handheld form, offering the flexibility to install any software compatible with Windows. However, navigating Windows without a traditional mouse and keyboard can be cumbersome, making it more suitable for gaming and light tasks rather than extensive PC use.

The device’s console-like form factor hints at the future of PC gaming, merging the convenience of consoles with the versatility of PCs. While it doesn’t deliver a fully polished console experience like the Nintendo Switch, it represents a significant step toward the future of portable PC gaming.

The Asus ROG Ally X is a compelling device for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful gaming experience. Its robust hardware, thoughtful design, and ability to handle a variety of games make it a noteworthy contender in the evolving landscape of handheld gaming.

As PC gaming continues to shift towards more portable formats, the ROG Ally X offers a glimpse into the potential future of this dynamic industry.