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Enjoying the larger gadgets occasionally is a pleasant diversion from the fast-paced nature of vintage handhelds. Naturally, I'm looking at the ROG Ally X this time around. Please wait a bit longer so I can formally test this beast if you want our complete review.

ROG Ally X: Specs

Since I've only had a few hours to use it, I've been able to collect some ideas. However, let's first stand back and consider what the ROG Ally X offers.

  • Display: 7-inch 120Hz IPS w/ Gorilla Glass Victus / 100% SRGB FreeSync Premium
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
  • Peak Brightness: 500 nits
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Up to 5.10GHz)
  • GPU: AMD Radeon, RDNA 3
  • RAM: 24GB (2x 12GB) LPDDR5
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 / Wi-Fi 6E
  • I/O: 1x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DisplayPort and Power Delivery; 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C; microSD card slot;
  • Audio: 3.5mm Audio Combo Jack; Dual speakers; Built-in microphone
  • Battery: 80WHrs

The main difference is the screen, which looks similar to what Valve did with the Steam Deck OLED. This is okay because the VRR-capable screen is still quite striking. Nevertheless, I still wish ASUS had switched to OLED.

ROG Ally X: Ergonomics

Windows vs SteamOS isn't the main factor that made me choose the original Steam Deck over the ROG Ally. Because I'm platform-neutral, that doesn't concern me. Instead, it was the grasp since Ally felt uncomfortable, particularly during extended playing sessions.

With the ROG Ally X, ASUS has partially responded to the demand thus far. I'm holding a controller rather than a piece of glass and plastic since there's just enough bump. Again, I haven't been able to devote much significant playing time to this, but things appear promising thus far.

With the grips, ASUS didn't want to go "full Steam Deck" or Legion Go. The Ally X, which sits between the original Ally and the Steam Deck, is the company's happy medium.

I was almost finished writing this piece when I remembered something. The D-Pad is just not fantastic. Maybe it's a "me" thing, but I felt that using the RG40XX H was similar to using the RG40XX H, even if they utilize two separate styles. I put my finger on it, but it was worth mentioning anyway.

ROG Ally X: Software and Armoury Crate

We're also getting a totally redesigned Armoury Crate and a "new" handheld. Although this updated version is already winning me, it still lags behind what Valve has accomplished with SteamOS.

I adore adding my games and apps to the Library. It also lessens my need to visit the Windows interface to perform tasks like checking for updates. You can add the .exe file to the Armoury Crates library as long as you know where it is.

Apart from that, the Ally X remains a Windows handheld device. If this is your first time using it, you'll need to get used to understanding when to switch between the desktop and gamepad control modes. In any case, "Auto" still doesn't function as I would anticipate. However, this is the best we can get with a handheld device with thumbsticks for navigation.

ROG Ally X: Gameplay and Performance

Although I haven't completed all of the benchmarks on the Ally X yet, I have begun and will provide those with the comprehensive evaluation. Nevertheless, I could enjoy emulation and play some titles, including Cyberpunk 2077.

We all know that Ally X is superior to anything else, but I would love to sit here and tell you that. Here, ASUS continues to use the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme, but it now has 24GB of RAM. Therefore, even with occasional boosts, they don't significantly alter the situation.

So far, the only issue I've seen was when I was attempting to use Red Dead Redemption 2 to perform some benchmarks. I have the Steam version, but the Rockstar Games Launcher still needs to be installed. Additionally, the Rockstar launcher keeps freezing for no apparent reason, preventing me from starting the game. Although I have not yet discovered a solution, a workaround may be necessary.

ROG Ally X: A Quick Word About Battery

I have owned the ROG Ally X for less than 72 hours as of this posting. There isn't enough time for me to reach a firm conclusion.

BUT

I've noticed that the standby time is amazing. I anticipated being able to use it for at least a portion of the day, so I charged it to 100% this morning at around nine a.m. But then life occurred, and those dreams never materialized.

But when I turned it on just now to try to get RDR2 functioning, it had only dropped by 3%. A 3% reduction over 13 hours is fairly decent, in my opinion. I'm also eager to see how long I can make this device last between charges.

ROG Ally X: What's Next?

I have some suggestions for the comprehensive review, including the obvious ones, like hitting more benchmarks and spending more than 30 minutes playing a game. A few of these might or might not involve making some improvements, while others might or might not (but always do) involve modding in a way that would make Ban proud. Yes, and yes. Although it might not be for the final review, I intend to post Bazzite here.

We want to know what you want to see in our last review. Would you like to view several charts and graphs and play the numbers game? Would you like me to check out any particular games? Or you may have an idea but lack your own x86 portable.