Editor 
The gaming world is buzzing with excitement over Asus’ latest release: the ROG Ally X. As a formidable competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X promises to address some of the key issues gamers had with its predecessor, and it packs some noteworthy upgrades. Let’s dive into what this device brings to the table and how it stacks up against the competition.
A Deeper Dive into the ROG Ally X’s Upgrades
Asus made several significant improvements to the ROG Ally X, clearly aiming to make it more appealing to hardcore gamers and tech enthusiasts. One of the standout features is the enhanced ergonomics, which makes it a much more comfortable device to hold during extended gaming sessions. This is a crucial upgrade, as handheld gaming can often lead to hand fatigue, hampering the overall gaming experience.
Another major upgrade is the move to a larger 80Wh battery. This change should alleviate one of the primary complaints users had with the original ROG Ally—its insufficient battery life. With the new battery, gamers can expect to play longer without needing to recharge, a significant advantage for those who like to game on the go.
The ROG Ally X also boasts an increase in RAM, now offering a robust 24GB. This improvement is a game-changer in terms of performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and better multitasking capabilities. Whether you’re switching between different games or running demanding applications, this extra memory will be a welcome addition.
Despite these notable upgrades, the device retains the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 7-inch FHD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate from its predecessor. These components ensure that the gaming experience remains top-notch, with fantastic visuals and responsive performance.
What’s Missing from the ROG Ally X?
While the upgrades are impressive, some might argue that they aren’t groundbreaking enough to make a significant impact in the market. For one, the ROG Ally X doesn’t include an OLED display—something that many gamers were hoping for to enhance visual fidelity. The absence of more powerful CPU options is another point of contention. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme is a formidable processor, having additional, more powerful options would have given consumers more choices to tailor their gaming experience to their needs.
How Does it Compare to the Steam Deck?
Comparing the ROG Ally X to the Steam Deck, Asus’ device certainly holds its own. The enhanced ergonomics and larger battery are clear advantages over the Steam Deck, which has faced similar criticisms regarding comfort and battery life. The increase in RAM also likely positions the ROG Ally X ahead of the Steam Deck in terms of performance for memory-intensive applications and multitasking.
However, the Steam Deck’s unique selling points include its deep integration with Steam’s extensive library and a more mature ecosystem for gaming. Valve’s device continues to be the go-to for many gamers who have invested deeply into the Steam ecosystem, making it a tougher market for Asus to penetrate.
The Final Verdict
The Asus ROG Ally X is a solid upgrade from its predecessor, addressing many of the issues that users had with the original ROG Ally. The improvements in ergonomics, battery life, and RAM make it a strong contender in the handheld gaming market. However, the lack of an OLED display and more potent CPU options might make some gamers hesitate.
Ultimately, the ROG Ally X represents a meaningful step forward for Asus in the handheld gaming space. It offers a compelling choice for gamers looking for a powerful, ergonomic, and long-lasting device, even if it doesn’t check every box on the wish list.
Stay tuned to see how the ROG Ally X fares in the competitive landscape of handheld gaming and whether it can carve out a niche for itself against the established juggernaut that is the Steam Deck.
