The Asus ROG Ally X: Transforming PC Gaming into a Portable Console

Just over a year after the debut of the ROG Ally, Asus is launching an improved version, the ROG Ally X. This Windows-based portable gaming device is set to ship on July 22 for $800. Having had the chance to test it out for a few days, I’m already impressed by its hardware.

Handheld Asus Gaming Evolution

Valve’s Steam Deck, released in 2022, popularized handheld PC gaming. While it wasn’t the first in this space, Valve’s mix of specs, portability, and price struck a chord. Other manufacturers took notice, with Lenovo releasing the Legion Go and Asus presenting the ROG Ally. There are also niche options from companies like Ayaneo.

Display and Controls

The ROG Ally X boasts a vibrant seven-inch display with 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is surrounded by standard gaming buttons and joysticks, similar to a Nintendo Switch. However, unlike the Switch, the controls are comfortably sized, resembling those of a full-size controller. The joysticks and A/B/X/Y buttons are particularly satisfying, though the D-pad and View/Menu buttons could be better.

Additional Features

Two macro keys on the back can be customized, which I found useful for accessing the View and Menu functions more easily. The device also includes a command center button for performance adjustments and an Armoury Crate button for game launching.

Software Experience

The main software interface, Armoury Crate SE, serves as a game launcher, integrating titles from platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. While functional, it has some bugs and can be slow. The command center, though essential for on-the-fly settings changes, sometimes lags as well.

Comfort and Usability

The ROG Ally X is comfortable to hold for short gaming sessions but can become heavy and warm during extended use. Comparatively, the Logitech G Cloud offers a quieter, lighter experience for cloud gaming, though it’s limited in scope.

The Future of Handheld Gaming

Handheld gaming devices are evolving. They are expected to become smaller, lighter, and quieter, resembling Android-based handhelds more. Currently, the ROG Ally X represents a significant step forward, akin to the experience of playing NES games on the original Game Boy.

The ROG Ally X uses the AMD Z1 Extreme APU with increased RAM of 24GB, improving gaming performance. It includes a 1TB user-replaceable NVMe storage and a larger battery. It excels with indie games, running smoothly at 60 to 120 frames per second in 1080p. AAA games require some compromises, but performance is still commendable.

Battery Life and Gaming Versatility

Battery life varies depending on the game and power mode. While lightweight games in “silent mode” last longer, more demanding games in “boost mode” drain the battery quickly. The device also offers the flexibility to connect to a monitor and use a keyboard and mouse for different gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The ROG Ally X, despite being a Windows PC, offers a console-like form factor. However, the experience isn’t entirely polished compared to a dedicated console like the Nintendo Switch. It represents a glimpse into the future of PC gaming, merging the functionalities of a PC with the convenience of a console.