The ASUS ROG Ally X is a powerful gaming handheld that caters to gamers seeking high-end performance in a portable format. It is driven by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which operates on Zen 4 architecture and features RDNA 3 graphics, delivering up to 2.7GHz and 8.6 teraflops of processing power. This makes the Ally X capable of running the latest AAA titles and other demanding games with ease. The device comes equipped with an impressive 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, clocked at 7500MHz, enabling seamless multitasking and rapid application switching. The inclusion of a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD provides ample storage space for games and ensures incredibly fast load times, further enhancing the gaming experience.
The 7-inch Full HD touchscreen display on the Ally X supports a 120Hz refresh rate and incorporates AMD FreeSync Premium technology. This combination ensures crisp, fluid visuals with minimal tearing or stuttering, making it ideal for fast-paced games where smooth motion is critical. The display’s high refresh rate and clarity allow gamers to fully appreciate the graphical details of modern games, whether they are playing in handheld mode or connected to a larger screen via the device’s versatile dual USB Type-C ports.
The ergonomic design of the Ally X is tailored for extended gaming sessions, featuring a lightweight 1.49-pound chassis with well-designed handgrips, refined macro keys, and upgraded joysticks. This thoughtful design makes the device comfortable to hold and use for long periods, reducing strain during gameplay. The ROG Intelligent Cooling system, with its Zero Gravity Thermal System and dual fans, ensures that the device remains cool and quiet even under heavy loads. This system includes anti-gravity heat pipes and ultra-thin fans that increase airflow and efficiently dissipate heat, allowing the Ally X to sustain peak performance without thermal throttling.
One of the standout features of the ROG Ally X is its integration with Windows OS, providing access to a vast range of gaming libraries, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more. This makes the device incredibly versatile, allowing gamers to play their favorite titles across different platforms. The device also supports cloud gaming and features ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, ensuring smooth online gaming and quick downloads even on congested networks. The Armoury Crate SE 1.5 software pre-installed on the Ally X offers extensive customization options, including performance tweaks and a comprehensive game library, making it easy to manage and optimize the gaming experience.
The Ally X’s 80Wh battery provides a reasonable amount of playtime, though it may not support all-day gaming on a single charge. However, the fast-charging capability, which can restore 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes, helps mitigate this limitation, allowing for quick top-ups during breaks. The device also includes modern security features such as a Windows Hello fingerprint reader and Windows Defender antivirus protection, ensuring that personal data and gaming profiles remain secure.
In terms of audio, the Ally X is equipped with dual front-firing Smart Amp speakers with Dolby Atmos, delivering rich and immersive sound quality. The Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation feature ensures clear voice communication by filtering out background noise, making it ideal for online multiplayer games. The comprehensive port selection, including USB 4 and USB 3.2 Type-C, allows for a wide range of peripherals and accessories to be connected, enhancing the overall gaming setup.
In summary, the ASUS ROG Ally X is a formidable gaming handheld that combines cutting-edge hardware with thoughtful design and a rich feature set. Its powerful processor, ample memory, and high-speed storage make it capable of handling the most demanding games, while the high-quality display and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable and visually stunning gaming experience. Despite some limitations in battery life, the Ally X stands out as an exceptional choice for gamers looking for a portable yet powerful device capable of delivering top-tier performance both on the go and at home.
