ASUS ROG Ally X Now Available: Enhanced Specs and Competitive Pricing

ASUS has officially launched the ROG Ally X, a powerful handheld gaming device priced at $799. This new model, which costs $200 more than its predecessor, brings several significant upgrades while maintaining some core features.

Key Upgrades and Features

The ROG Ally X is not a complete replacement for the original model but rather an enhanced version with several notable improvements:

Processor and Display: Both the original and the new models are powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU (8-core Zen4 and 12 CU RDNA3 graphics) and feature the same 7-inch, 1080p 120Hz display.
Battery and Memory: The Ally X introduces an 80Wh battery, doubling the original’s capacity, significantly extending gaming sessions. It also includes 24GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, up from 16GB, and 1TB of internal storage, compared to 512GB in the original.
Design Enhancements: The new model is slightly heavier and thicker to accommodate the larger battery and additional hardware. This design change improves ergonomics, with repositioned buttons to prevent accidental presses and enhance grip comfort. The Ally X now supports the M.2 2280 SSD form factor and has a repositioned SD Card slot to prevent overheating issues seen in the 2023 model.

Performance and Usability

While the ROG Ally X does not offer a substantial performance leap, it excels in extended playability. The new battery life is a significant improvement, offering more than two hours of gameplay at maximum settings, compared to just over an hour with the original Ally.

Connectivity and Compatibility

ASUS has removed the XG Mobile port from the Ally X, signaling the end of this external GPU option. Instead, gamers now have access to USB4, providing broader support for external solutions.

Pricing and Availability

The release of the Ally X has led to price reductions for existing hardware:

ASUS ROG Ally X (2024): $799 (BestBuy, ASUS Store)
ASUS ROG Ally (2023): $594 (Amazon affiliate), $649 (ASUS Store, BestBuy)
LENOVO Legion GO: $629 (Amazon affiliate)
MSI Claw (16G+512GB): $649 (BestBuy)

For a more technical review, we recommend checking out The Phawx.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Ally X offers a compelling upgrade for handheld gaming enthusiasts, with enhanced battery life, improved ergonomics, and better memory and storage options. Its competitive pricing and advanced features make it a strong contender in the handheld gaming market.