Asus has officially unveiled the ROG Ally X, its next-generation handheld gaming PC. The device boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life, enhanced RAM, and increased storage capacity. It also features a sleek black color variant, setting it apart from the original model.
the new ROG Ally X vs. the existing ROG Ally. All the details here: https://t.co/LlaKZRDMVu pic.twitter.com/PG2MC0cPLa
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 2, 2024
Meet the new #ROGAllyX 😍
✅ Improved ergonomics
✅ Double the battery
✅ Larger 1TB M.2 2280 storage
✅ Faster 24GB LPDDR5X RAM
✅ US$799Available for pre-orders now!
Learn more👉https://t.co/COigmrnVjc pic.twitter.com/DllriG9Irx— ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) June 2, 2024
It has a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for storage and retains the Micro SD Card slot for additional expansion. The device also packs 24GB of LPDDR5-7500 RAM, ensuring smooth performance. Addressing the battery life concerns of the previous model, the ROG Ally X now includes an 80Wh battery.
The Ally X reveal is just around the corner!
Join us on YouTube and Twitch tomorrow June 2, 1:30AM PST👉https://t.co/6TYBHUK2Qx#ROGAlly #ROGAllyX #ROGComputex2024 pic.twitter.com/dSf2n6sRMm— ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) June 1, 2024
An extra vent has been added to improve thermal management, promising to keep the device up to 6 degrees Celsius cooler during operation. Running on the Windows 11 operating system, the ROG Ally X is powered by the same AMD Z1 Extreme CPU processors and RNDA 3 AMD Radeon graphics as its predecessor. It maintains a 7-inch LCD display with up to 1080p resolution support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology.
While not officially branded as the ROG Ally 2, the ROG Ally X represents a more refined iteration of the original design. Asus intends to develop an even more powerful version in the future. The ROG Ally X is now available for pre-order at a price of $799.99 through Best Buy.
The device is set to ship on July 22nd, bringing a host of notable enhancements to the handheld gaming market. One of the key improvements is the inclusion of an 80-watt-hour battery, doubling the capacity of the original model. The ROG Ally X also features double the storage, double the USB-C ports, and significantly revised ergonomics for improved user experience.
The device’s internal layout has been overhauled, resulting in a stronger, thinner, and lighter chassis. The cooling system has also been upgraded with custom-designed fans and a new series of vents to more effectively cool the touchscreen.
Asus boosts Ally X battery life
The joysticks on the ROG Ally X have been completely revamped, utilizing high-grade ALPS sticks for enhanced durability and performance. The controls are modular and rated for an impressive 5 million rotation cycles. Asus has addressed I/O limitations by incorporating a full-length M.2 2280 PCIe 4 SSD slot and replacing the proprietary XG Mobile eGPU port with a second USB-C port that offers Thunderbolt 4 capabilities.
Other notable improvements include an eight-way D-pad, taller face buttons for stability, upgraded speakers for better volume and bass, repositioned haptic actuators for more pronounced feedback and redesigned shoulder and trigger buttons for durability and enhanced user experience. The ROG Ally X also boasts forward-thinking features such as modular components for easier customization and upgrades, a battery rated to retain 80% capacity after three years, and a cloud backup service for seamless settings migration from the original ROG Ally. Existing owners of the ROG Ally will appreciate the extended two-year warranty now offered for North American users, providing added peace of mind.
While the ROG Ally X may not yet dethrone the Steam Deck OLED due to its chip and screen limitations, it represents substantial progress in setting a new standard for future handheld gaming devices. In Taiwan, the ROG Ally X has been listed for preorder on the online retailer Momoshop, known for offering official ASUS ROG products. The model RC72LA device is priced at 25,999 TWD, which translates to approximately $800 USD.
The ROG Ally X’s preorder listing reveals impressive specifications, including a 7-inch Gorilla Glass Victus FHD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080, a 120Hz refresh rate, 7ms IPS-level display, 500 nits of brightness, and support for FreeSync Premium anti-tear technology. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor built on the Zen 4 architecture, the device features an 8-core, 16-thread setup with a total cache of 24MB and the ability to boost up to 5.10 GHz. The graphics performance is handled by AMD Radeon Graphics, offering 12 CUs and up to 8.6 Teraflops of power.
The ROG Ally X has 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD for storage. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort, a UHS-II microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The handheld also features dual speakers with Smart Amplifier Technology and a built-in array microphone.
Compared to the previous model, the ROG Ally X offers notable enhancements in memory capacity, storage size, and battery life, making it an attractive option for handheld gaming enthusiasts seeking a powerful and portable device. The preorder listing provides an exciting glimpse into the capabilities of ASUS’s latest handheld gaming console, which is poised to impress with its high-end specifications and robust performance.