rog ally x review

ROG Ally X: A Powerful Handheld Gaming PC with Caveats

The ROG Ally X is here, and it’s generating a lot of buzz. As a powerful handheld gaming PC, it promises a premium on-the-go experience. But does it live up to the hype? This ROG Ally X review dives deep into its performance, features, and whether it’s the right choice for your portable gaming needs.

Unpacking the ROG Ally X: What’s New?

ASUS has refined its handheld offering with the ROG Ally X. While building on the foundation of its predecessor, this iteration introduces several key upgrades that aim to address user feedback and push the boundaries of portable PC gaming.

Design and Ergonomics

One of the most significant changes is the redesign. ASUS has opted for a slightly larger form factor, which, surprisingly, enhances the ergonomics. The grips are more pronounced, making extended gaming sessions significantly more comfortable. The overall build quality feels robust and premium, as expected from ROG.

Display Excellence

The 7-inch, 120Hz, FHD VRR display remains a standout feature. It delivers crisp visuals and smooth motion, making games look absolutely stunning. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters or visually rich RPGs, the screen truly shines.

Performance Under the Hood

When it comes to raw power, the ROG Ally X doesn’t disappoint. It’s equipped to handle a wide range of PC titles, offering a compelling alternative for those who want to game without being tethered to a desk.

The Z1 Extreme Chipset

At its core, the ROG Ally X features AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This powerhouse chip is more than capable of running demanding games at respectable frame rates. You’ll find that many modern titles are playable, often at medium to high settings, depending on the game’s optimization.

Storage and RAM Upgrades

A notable improvement is the doubled storage capacity to 1TB and the increased RAM to 16GB LPDDR5X. This means more games installed and smoother multitasking, reducing the need for constant game management or reliance on external storage.

Software and User Experience

The software experience is crucial for any handheld PC, and ASUS has made strides here, though some challenges remain.

Armoury Crate SE

ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE software continues to be the central hub for managing your games and settings. It offers a unified interface for all your launchers, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more. While it’s improved, some users still find its complexity a bit daunting.

Windows 11 Integration

Running Windows 11 means the ROG Ally X is a full PC. This offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to install any software or game you desire. However, it also means dealing with Windows updates and the occasional compatibility quirks that come with a desktop OS on a handheld device.

The Microsoft Ecosystem: A Double-Edged Sword

The integration with Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem is a significant aspect of the ROG Ally X. While offering access to a vast library of games through Xbox Game Pass, the reliance on Microsoft’s strategy can be a point of contention for some.

Xbox Game Pass Advantage

Access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a major draw. It provides a massive library of high-quality games for a monthly subscription, making the ROG Ally X a fantastic portal to a diverse gaming world. Many AAA titles are available day one, offering incredible value.

Strategic Shifts and User Sentiment

However, recent shifts in Microsoft’s gaming strategy have caused some apprehension within the gaming community. While the article doesn’t delve into specifics, it’s worth noting that user sentiment can be influenced by broader industry trends and decisions made by platform holders. This can sometimes create a perception of uncertainty, even for otherwise excellent hardware.

ROG Ally X vs. The Competition

The handheld PC market is competitive. The ROG Ally X faces stiff competition, most notably from the Steam Deck.

Key Differentiators

• Performance: The ROG Ally X generally offers superior raw performance, especially in graphically demanding titles.
• Display: The Ally X boasts a higher refresh rate and brighter display.
• Software Ecosystem: While the Ally X integrates well with Xbox Game Pass, the Steam Deck is deeply integrated with Steam.
• Price: The ROG Ally X often comes with a higher price tag, making it a more premium investment.

Who is the ROG Ally X For?

This handheld is ideal for gamers who:

1. Prioritize top-tier performance in a portable form factor.
2. Are invested in the Xbox ecosystem and Game Pass.
3. Appreciate a high-quality display and robust build.
4. Are comfortable with the Windows 11 environment on a handheld.

Conclusion: A Powerful, Premium Portable

The ROG Ally X is an undeniably powerful and impressive piece of hardware. Its performance, coupled with an excellent display and improved ergonomics, makes it a top contender in the handheld gaming PC space. While it comes with a premium price and the inherent complexities of running Windows on a portable device, its capabilities are clear. For those seeking a high-fidelity gaming experience on the go and who are aligned with the Xbox ecosystem, the ROG Ally X is a compelling, albeit costly, choice.

What are your thoughts on the ROG Ally X? Let us know in the comments below!

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A powerful and premium handheld gaming PC, the ROG Ally X offers top-tier performance and an excellent display. This ROG Ally X review explores its features, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against the competition.

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