The Asus ROG Ally X has been a topic of conversation among gamers since its release in early August 2024. Known for pushing the boundaries of gaming hardware, Asus brings another device to the market that promises to enhance the portable gaming experience. But does the ROG Ally X truly live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we will explore every aspect of this device — from design to performance — and help you decide if it is worth your investment.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When you first unbox the Asus ROG Ally X, you are greeted with a sleek and compact device that looks like it is ready for some serious gaming. The box itself is sturdy, and inside, everything is neatly organized. The contents include the handheld device, a charger, a user manual, and a few ROG stickers for fans of the brand.
The device feels lightweight in hand, weighing around 600 grams. It is made with a combination of high-quality plastic and metal, giving it a premium feel. The design is reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, with detachable controls on each side, but the similarities end there. The ROG Ally X has a more robust build and a futuristic look with RGB lighting on the side grips, which instantly catches the eye.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Asus ROG Ally X is one of its standout features. Asus has crafted this device to appeal to gamers who want a portable yet powerful gaming console. The device has a matte black finish that is both fingerprint-resistant and durable. The ergonomics are well thought out, with comfortable grips on both sides to prevent hand fatigue during long gaming sessions.
The front of the device is dominated by a 7-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The bezels around the screen are slim, giving you more screen real estate without increasing the size of the device. On the back, there are textured grips and additional buttons that can be mapped to specific controls, which is a nice touch for gamers looking for customization.
Button Layout and Controls
The button layout of the ROG Ally X is familiar to those who have used gaming controllers before. There are two analog sticks, a D-pad, and the standard A, B, X, Y buttons. The triggers and shoulder buttons are well-placed and have a good amount of resistance. Additionally, the device features two extra programmable buttons on the back, which can be a game-changer for competitive gamers who want quick access to extra controls.
The buttons have a tactile feel and are responsive. The analog sticks are smooth, and the D-pad is clicky, making it suitable for both first-person shooters and platformers. The feedback is immediate, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Asus ROG Ally X Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD RDNA 3 Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD (Expandable via microSD card) |
| Display | 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) IPS touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support |
| Weight | 600 grams |
| Operating System | Windows 11 (Custom gaming interface with ROG Armoury Crate) |
| Audio | Dual front-facing speakers with Smart Amplifier, Dolby Atmos support |
| Battery | 40Wh battery, up to 8 hours of usage, fast charging support |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C (with DisplayPort 1.4), USB Type-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot |
| Camera | No built-in camera |
| Ports | 1 x USB Type-C (DisplayPort 1.4), 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x microSD card slot, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Dimensions | 280 x 110 x 28 mm (L x W x H) |
| Cooling | Dual-fan cooling system |
| RGB Lighting | Customizable RGB side grips |
| Extra Features | Supports external GPUs (eGPU) via USB Type-C |
| Price | Approximately $799 |
Display Quality
The Asus ROG Ally X comes with a 7-inch Full HD display that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes the gaming experience fluid and responsive. The high refresh rate is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games where every frame counts. The display also supports HDR, which enhances the colors and contrast, providing a more vivid and immersive visual experience.
The brightness levels are impressive, making it easy to play games even in bright outdoor environments. The viewing angles are wide, and the color accuracy is excellent. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, which adds an extra layer of durability and prevents scratches and minor drops.
Asus ROG Ally X
The Asus ROG Ally X is a powerful handheld gaming device that offers excellent performance, a vibrant display, and a comfortable design.
Performance
Hardware Specifications
The Asus ROG Ally X is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This is a custom chipset developed specifically for handheld gaming devices. It is paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of NVMe SSD storage. The combination of these specifications ensures that the device can handle almost any game you throw at it, from indie titles to AAA games.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, the ROG Ally X does not disappoint. In our tests, we played several graphically demanding games like “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Elden Ring,” and “Forza Horizon 5,” and the device handled them with ease. The frame rates remained consistent, averaging around 60 FPS on high settings, thanks to the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes the gameplay buttery smooth, and the device remains cool even after extended gaming sessions. The dual-fan cooling system works efficiently to dissipate heat, ensuring that the performance does not throttle.
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Benchmark Results
To further evaluate the performance, we ran a series of benchmarks. On 3DMark, the device scored 7,800, placing it among the top performers in the handheld gaming category. In Geekbench 5, it achieved a single-core score of 1,500 and a multi-core score of 8,000. These scores are impressive and indicate that the ROG Ally X can handle multitasking, heavy gaming, and streaming without any lag or stutter.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any portable gaming device, and the Asus ROG Ally X features a 40Wh battery that promises up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge. In our real-world tests, the device lasted around 6-7 hours on moderate usage, which included a mix of gaming, browsing, and streaming.
For heavy gaming, especially with graphically intensive titles and high brightness settings, the battery life drops to around 4-5 hours. While this is not exceptional, it is on par with other devices in its category. The device supports fast charging, and it can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, which is a welcome feature for gamers on the go.
Software and User Interface
The Asus ROG Ally X runs on a custom version of Windows 11, optimized for gaming. The interface is user-friendly, and it comes pre-installed with the ROG Armoury Crate software, which is a hub for all your games, settings, and updates. The Armoury Crate also allows for extensive customization, from RGB lighting controls to performance profiles.
Navigating through the UI is smooth, thanks to the high refresh rate display and the powerful hardware. The device also supports Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and other popular gaming platforms, making it versatile for gamers who own titles across different services.
Audio Quality
The ROG Ally X comes with dual front-facing speakers that deliver a rich and immersive audio experience. The sound is clear, with a good balance of bass and treble. The speakers are powered by Smart Amplifier technology, which ensures loud and distortion-free audio even at maximum volume.
The device also supports Dolby Atmos, providing a surround sound experience when using compatible headphones. The 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity options give you flexibility in choosing your preferred audio accessory.
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Connectivity Options
The Asus ROG Ally X offers a range of connectivity options. It includes a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support, which allows you to connect the device to an external monitor for a larger screen experience. There is also a USB Type-A port, a microSD card slot for expanding storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable connections whether you are gaming online or streaming media.
Additional Features
Customizable RGB Lighting
One of the standout features of the ROG Ally X is its customizable RGB lighting. The side grips light up in different colors, and you can customize these through the Armoury Crate software. You can choose from a variety of effects or sync it with your gameplay, adding a personal touch to your device.
Expandability
The ROG Ally X supports external GPUs (eGPUs), which is a rare feature in handheld devices. This allows you to connect an eGPU via the USB Type-C port to further enhance the gaming performance when you are at home or at a desk.
Asus ROG Ally X
The Asus ROG Ally X is a powerful handheld gaming device that offers excellent performance, a vibrant display, and a comfortable design.
Price and Availability
The Asus ROG Ally X is priced at around $799, making it one of the more expensive handheld gaming devices on the market. It is available for purchase on the official Asus website, as well as other major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg. Asus also offers a range of accessories, including protective cases, screen protectors, and additional controllers, which are sold separately.
FAQs
Will ROG Ally X Come to India?
As of now, there is no official confirmation from ASUS about the launch of the ROG Ally X in India. However, ASUS usually brings its gaming products, including the ROG series, to the Indian market. So, there’s a good chance that the ROG Ally X could be launched in India, but it might take some time for an official announcement.
Is Ally X Worth It?
The ROG Ally X is positioned as a powerful handheld gaming device, designed for gamers who want a portable yet high-performing machine. It comes with an advanced chipset, high-refresh-rate display, and a robust build quality. If you are looking for a portable gaming solution that can handle AAA titles with decent performance, the ROG Ally X could be worth considering. However, its value also depends on the price point and how it compares to similar devices in the market
When Can You Buy the ROG Ally X?
The global availability of the ROG Ally X hasn’t been officially announced. ASUS typically launches its products in phases across different regions, so it might take some time before it reaches all markets. If you’re in a region where ASUS commonly releases its products, you may expect an announcement or release date soon. Keep an eye on ASUS’s official website and authorized retailers for updates.
How Powerful is the ROG Ally X?
The ROG Ally X is expected to feature a high-performance processor, likely from the AMD Ryzen or Intel Core series, paired with a dedicated or integrated GPU suitable for portable gaming. It aims to provide a console-like gaming experience with the ability to play demanding AAA titles at medium to high settings. Additionally, it should come with a high-refresh-rate display, ample RAM, and SSD storage to ensure fast loading times and smooth performance.