Following the launch of the ROG Ally last year, Asus unveils its upgraded handheld PC, ROG Ally X, a Windows-based console boasting impressive hardware and shipping July 22nd for $800
Valve’s Steam Deck, introduced in 2022, assisted in the widespread adoption of transportable PC gaming. Valve was not the first company to investigate the form factor; however, it achieved the optimal balance of specifications, portability, and cost.
PC manufacturers took notice when it became an immediate sensation. Lenovo launched the Legion Go, while Asus introduced the ROG Ally, its take on handheld PC gaming. In addition, there are other niche manufacturers, including Ayaneo.
The device boasts a seven-inch display that is both vibrant and has a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is surrounded by the typical gaming controls and joysticks, as seen on a Nintendo Switch.
In contrast to the Switch, the controls are not as diminutive. The ROG Ally X is comparable to a full-size controller when held in your hand. The joysticks are visually and tactilely similar to those on a contemporary Microsoft Xbox controller.
The A/B/X/Y buttons are clicky and of a substantial size. Additionally, the analog triggers possess an abundance of travel.
Nevertheless, I was not entirely convinced by the D-pad. It is somewhat similar to the D-pad found on a third-party budget controller, as it has a spongy texture.
Similarly, the View and Menu buttons are difficult to access. I must extend my thumbs to halt a game as they are situated near the display.
Two additional macro controls are located at the rear of the device. These controls were configured as View and Menu buttons, which proved advantageous.
Additionally, a command center button is on each side of the screen, allowing users to adjust their performance in real-time. An Armoury Crate icon is also present to display Asus’ game launcher.
Armoury Crate SE, the primary software interface of the ROG Ally X, is, at best, satisfactory. It functions as a game launcher, consolidating all content you have installed from Steam, the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and other sources.
Additionally, it can modify the parameters of your device, including the profiles of the gamepad and the LEDs on the joystick.
It is effective when you allocate minimal time to it. However, there are bugs (a game I installed using GOG Galaxy inexplicably disappeared from my list), the menu can be frustratingly slow to access, and I experienced a few crashes.
The command center is no exception. It is an essential tool for adjusting settings on the move, such as transitioning from Silent to Performance or Turbo mode. However, it may occasionally experience a delay in responding to your interactions.
The device is comfortable to wield for brief periods. The primary concern with these transportable PC gaming devices is their weight. Additionally, they become toasty, particularly when engaging in a game.
Before testing the ROG Ally X, I spent hours experimenting with the Logitech G Cloud, an Android handheld expressly engineered for cloud gaming and remote play.
The G Cloud is a fanless device, ensuring it operates quietly. It is also effortless to manipulate and requires no battery replacements.
We are still at the inception of this significant transition in PC gaming, from full-fledged PC desktops to nimble but capable handhelds. Over time, gaming handhelds will become more compact, lighter, and quieter. They will resemble a handheld device that is based on Android. Nevertheless, the G Cloud and other experiences are currently restricted.
Conversely, the ROG Ally X appears to be the ultimate gaming handheld. It was like one could play NES games on the go when Nintendo released the Game Boy 35 years ago.
The ROG Ally X is an ideal gaming companion for daily commutes on the metro or extended travel days. Despite their substantial weight, I have not encountered any difficulties in dedicating several hours to playing games.
An indie game machine
The AMD Z1 Extreme is the only APU that Asus has maintained for the ROG Ally X in terms of performance. Nevertheless, the RAM amount has increased from 16GB to 24 GB. This affects gaming performance, as memory is shared between system RAM and VRAM.
The handheld has a 1TB NVMe storage device that the user can replace in 2280 format. The battery is twice as large (80Wh) as its predecessor, and the proprietary eGPU interface has been replaced with a more standard USB Type-C port that supports USB 4.
The device is particularly effective with games that do not necessitate a high-end PC, such as Cocoon, Jusant, or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Those games can be rendered at 60 to 120 frames per second in 1080p without the need for the 30W boost mode by the ROG Ally X.
Certain concessions must be made to develop AAA games. By enabling AMD’s resolution upscaling feature, RSR, I achieved approximately 45 frames per second with the high graphics preset in Marvel’s Spider-Man.
No magic is involved in titles experiencing significant difficulties on previous handhelds. For example, to achieve a frame rate of 30 frames per second in The Last of Us: Part I, it is necessary to employ aggressive resolution scaling and low parameters.
However, the ROG Ally X may not be the optimal form factor for those fond of strategy or simulation games. If that is your sole PC, you can at least connect it to a monitor and utilize a mouse and keyboard.
The battery life is contingent upon the power mode and the activities played. You can play Baba is You in “silent mode” for an extended period.
However, using “boost mode” in The Last of Us will significantly affect your device’s battery life. Regrettably, I have not had sufficient time to conduct comprehensive tests on the device; however, I anticipate numerous reviewers will publish benchmarks this week.
One of the most unexpected aspects of the ROG Ally X as a gaming console is that it is a PC that operates on Windows, at least in theory. Certainly, you are free to install any software you desire and utilize it in a desktop environment.
However, the experience of using Windows without a mouse and keyboard is quite frustrating. Installing a game launcher and a limited number of titles is permissible. However, using a laptop or smartphone for all other purposes is more convenient.
Similarly, installing all Windows-compatible applications is feasible on a personal computer. However, some will perform better than others, necessitating you modify your expectations. Additionally, it is possible to modify the parameters to enhance the visual appeal of games or extend the battery life.
The form factor of the ROG Ally X is similar to that of a console. However, do not anticipate a refined, console-like experience; this is not a competitor to the Nintendo Switch.
In numerous respects, the ROG Ally X, or at least this transportable form factor, could be regarded as an early look at the future of PC gaming. A future that resembles a console that functions similarly to a personal computer.
