ASUS ROG Ally X - Everything You Need to Know
BIKMAN TECHThe world of handheld PC gaming is evolving at lightning speed, and just when we thought it couldn't get any better, a new contender steps into the ring. The original ROG Ally set a high bar, but its successor is here to completely change the game. Welcome to the ultimate BIKMAN TECH guide to the ASUS ROG Ally X, an upgraded, refined, and more powerful version of the handheld you already love. We've dived deep into every detail to bring you everything you need to know about this portable powerhouse. 🚀
1. An Overview of the ROG Ally X
The ASUS ROG Ally X isn't just a minor refresh; it's a thoughtful redesign based on extensive user feedback. While it keeps the same powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and stunning 120Hz display, ASUS has re-engineered almost everything else. The focus here is on addressing the key areas for improvement from the original model: battery life, ergonomics, storage, and memory. It’s built for gamers who demand longer play sessions, more comfort, and the power to run demanding AAA titles without being tethered to a wall outlet.
2. Design and Ergonomics: Refined for Comfort
First impressions matter, and the ASUS ROG Ally X makes a statement with its new all-black chassis. It looks sleeker and more "gamer-centric" than its predecessor. But the changes are more than just cosmetic. ASUS has redesigned the grips, making them deeper and more rounded for a much more comfortable hold during extended gaming marathons. The buttons and thumbsticks have also been slightly repositioned for better accessibility. While it is slightly heavier at 678g (1.49 lbs), the improved ergonomics make the added weight feel balanced and manageable. We found the new Hall Effect joysticks to be more durable and precise, and the redesigned D-pad is a welcome improvement for fighting games and retro titles.
3. The Display: Still a Visual Treat
ASUS wisely chose not to change what already worked beautifully. The ASUS ROG Ally X features the same gorgeous 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen as the original. With a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology, motion clarity is exceptional, and screen tearing is a thing of the past. The display boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits, making it bright enough for gaming in well-lit environments, and it covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, ensuring that games look vibrant and true to life. It remains one of the best screens you can find on a gaming handheld today. ✨
4. The Power Core: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
At the heart of the ASUS ROG Ally X is the formidable AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. This chip combines Zen 4 CPU cores with RDNA™ 3 graphics, delivering desktop-class performance in the palm of your hand. It's the same chip found in the original high-end Ally, and for good reason—it’s incredibly capable. It can handle modern AAA games at 1080p with respectable frame rates, offering a fluid and immersive experience. The real performance boost for the Ally X comes not from a new chip, but from the supporting hardware that allows the Z1 Extreme to truly shine.
5. A Massive Leap in Memory and Storage
This is where the "X" factor really kicks in. The ASUS ROG Ally X now comes equipped with a massive 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 7500MHz. This significant increase from the original's 16GB provides more headroom for modern games that are increasingly memory-hungry and improves overall system multitasking. Furthermore, ASUS has listened to the community and upgraded the storage. It now includes a full-sized M.2 2280 SSD slot, making future storage upgrades far easier and more affordable. It ships with a generous 1TB NVMe SSD right out of the box, giving you plenty of space for your game library.
6. The Battery Boost We All Wanted 🔋
Perhaps the single biggest upgrade is the battery. The ASUS ROG Ally X packs a colossal 80Wh battery—that's double the capacity of the original model. This is a game-changer, directly addressing the most significant criticism of the first-generation Ally. While actual playtime will always depend on the game's intensity and your settings, this massive battery ensures significantly longer sessions away from the charger. You can now enjoy your favorite titles on a long commute or flight without constant battery anxiety. This upgrade alone makes the Ally X a much more viable portable gaming machine.
7. Enhanced Cooling System
More power requires better cooling. The ASUS ROG Ally X features a new thermal solution to keep temperatures in check. The new fans are 23% smaller but have 50% thinner fan blades, which allows them to move 10% more air. ASUS has also added a third exhaust vent and redesigned the internal tunnels to direct air more efficiently over the components and away from the screen. This results in a cooler-running device, ensuring sustained performance during intense gameplay without uncomfortable heat buildup.
8. Upgraded Connectivity and I/O
Connectivity has also been seriously upgraded. The proprietary ROG XG Mobile port is gone, replaced by a much more versatile setup. The ASUS ROG Ally X now features two USB-C ports. One is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, while the other is a full-featured Thunderbolt 4 port. This is a massive win for users, as it allows for simultaneous charging and connecting to peripherals, docks, or even high-speed external GPUs without needing a proprietary connector. The microSD card reader has also been moved away from the main vents to address potential reliability issues seen in the earlier model.
9. Software and User Experience
The ASUS ROG Ally X runs on Windows 11, giving you access to virtually every game launcher and PC game available. The experience is managed through the Armoury Crate SE software, which has received updates to make navigating your library and tweaking settings more intuitive. This unified interface lets you customize control profiles, monitor performance, and launch games from a single, controller-friendly dashboard. It provides the power of a full PC with the streamlined experience of a console.
10. ASUS ROG Ally X Technical Specifications
| CPU | AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor (Zen 4 architecture, 8-core /16-thread) |
| GPU | AMD Radeon™ Graphics (RDNA™ 3, 12 CUs) |
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS touchscreen, 120Hz, 7ms, 500 nits, FreeSync™ Premium |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X on board (7500MHz dual channel) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2280) |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ / power delivery), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x UHS-II microSD card reader |
| Audio | AI noise-canceling technology, Dolby Atmos, Smart Amp Technology, Built-in array microphone |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| Weight | 678 g (1.49 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 28.0 x 11.1 x 2.47 ~ 3.69 cm (11.02" x 4.37" x 0.97" ~ 1.45") |
11. Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- ✅ Massive 80Wh battery for significantly longer playtimes.
- ✅ Upgraded to 24GB of high-speed RAM for better performance.
- ✅ User-friendly M.2 2280 SSD slot for easy storage upgrades.
- ✅ Enhanced ergonomics and a sleek new black design.
- ✅ Versatile I/O with Thunderbolt 4 and a second USB-C port.
- ✅ Improved thermal management for cooler operation.
Cons:
- ❌ Slightly heavier and thicker than the original model.
- ❌ Utilizes the same APU and display, not a generational leap in core performance.
Is the ASUS ROG Ally X Right for You?
The ASUS ROG Ally X is a masterclass in refinement. It takes a proven formula and improves it in nearly every way that matters for a truly portable experience. If your primary concern with the first generation of handhelds was battery life, the Ally X is your answer. It's built for the enthusiast gamer who craves the freedom of PC gaming on the go but doesn't want to compromise on comfort, storage, or longevity. With its doubled battery capacity, increased RAM, and more comfortable design, it stands as one of the most complete and compelling handheld gaming PCs on the market.
Ready to experience the next evolution in handheld gaming? Explore the best deals on the ASUS ROG Ally X today! Thank you for reading this guide from BIKMAN TECH. Do you have any questions? Drop them in the comments below, and don't forget to share this post with fellow gamers! 🎮
