In the ever-evolving world of gaming, handheld gaming PCs have been gaining traction, and the Asus ROG Ally X is a prime example of why. Combining the power of a gaming PC with the portability of a handheld device, the ROG Ally X promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience on the go. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, design, and overall value of the Asus ROG Ally X to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your gaming needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Asus ROG Ally X boasts a sleek and ergonomic design that feels comfortable in hand, even during extended gaming sessions. Its robust build quality ensures durability, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. The device features a 7-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The bezels are relatively thin, maximizing the screen real estate for an immersive gaming experience.
The controls on the ROG Ally X are well-placed, with responsive buttons and analog sticks that offer precise inputs. The device also includes customizable rear buttons, allowing gamers to tailor their controls to their preferences. The overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with RGB lighting accents adding a touch of flair.
Display
The 7-inch Full HD display is one of the standout features of the Asus ROG Ally X. With a resolution of 1920×1080, the screen delivers sharp and detailed visuals, making games look stunning. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, which is essential for an immersive gaming experience. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and fluid gameplay, especially in fast-paced games.
The touchscreen functionality is responsive and intuitive, allowing for easy navigation and interaction with the device’s interface. Whether you’re playing games, browsing the web, or streaming content, the display on the ROG Ally X offers an excellent visual experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Asus ROG Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. This combination delivers impressive performance, capable of handling modern AAA titles with ease. The device comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times and smooth multitasking.
In benchmark tests, the ROG Ally X consistently delivers high frame rates, even in graphically demanding games. The device’s thermal management system, featuring dual fans and heat pipes, effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining optimal performance during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any handheld gaming device, and the ROG Ally X doesn’t disappoint. The device is equipped with a 65Wh battery, providing up to 8 hours of gaming on a single charge. Of course, battery life can vary depending on the game’s intensity and the device’s settings. For instance, playing graphically demanding games at maximum settings will drain the battery faster compared to casual or indie games.
The ROG Ally X also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. This feature is especially useful for gamers on the go who don’t have time to wait for a full charge.
Software and User Interface
The Asus ROG Ally X runs on Windows 10, providing a familiar and versatile operating system for gamers. This allows you to access a wide range of PC games and applications, including those available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass. The device also supports game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, expanding your gaming options even further.
The user interface is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a dedicated gaming center that provides quick access to your games, settings, and performance monitoring tools. The customizable RGB lighting and macro settings can be adjusted through the ROG Armoury Crate software, allowing you to personalize your gaming experience.
Connectivity
The ROG Ally X offers a variety of connectivity options to enhance your gaming experience. The device includes a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections for online gaming and peripheral devices.
The USB-C port supports external GPU (eGPU) connectivity, allowing you to boost the device’s graphics performance by connecting an external graphics card. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to enjoy high-end gaming at home while still having the option to take the device on the go.
Audio
Audio quality is another area where the ROG Ally X excels. The device features front-facing stereo speakers that deliver clear and immersive sound. The speakers are enhanced with Dolby Atmos technology, providing a surround sound experience that adds depth to your games and media.
For a more private gaming experience, the device includes a 3.5mm audio jack and supports Bluetooth headphones. The built-in microphone offers clear voice communication, making it suitable for multiplayer games and voice chats.
Price and Value
The Asus ROG Ally X is priced competitively, considering its impressive specifications and features. While it may be more expensive than traditional handheld gaming consoles, it offers the performance and versatility of a gaming PC. The device’s ability to run a wide range of PC games and applications makes it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
When compared to other handheld gaming PCs on the market, the ROG Ally X stands out with its high-quality display, powerful performance, and extensive connectivity options. The device’s robust build quality and thoughtful design further enhance its value, making it a top choice for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful gaming solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, the ROG Ally X delivers exceptional gaming performance.
- High-Quality Display: The 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers sharp and smooth visuals.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multiple ports and wireless connectivity options ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices and peripherals.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of gaming on a single charge, with fast charging support.
- Ergonomic Design: Comfortable to hold and use, with customizable controls and RGB lighting.
Cons
- Price: Higher price point compared to traditional handheld gaming consoles.
- Size: Slightly larger and heavier than some handheld gaming devices, which may affect portability for some users.
- Limited Availability: May be harder to find in certain regions or markets.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Ally X is a game-changer in the realm of handheld gaming PCs. Its powerful performance, high-quality display, and versatile connectivity options make it an excellent choice for gamers who want a portable yet capable gaming device. While it comes at a higher price point than traditional handheld consoles, the ROG Ally X offers the performance and versatility of a gaming PC, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or streaming games from the cloud, the ROG Ally X delivers a top-notch gaming experience on the go. Its robust build quality and thoughtful design ensure durability and comfort, while the customizable controls and RGB lighting add a personal touch. If you’re in the market for a handheld gaming PC that can keep up with your gaming demands, the Asus ROG Ally X is definitely worth considering.
