ASUS ROG Portable Gaming Device "ROG Ally X" Hands-On Review! Upgraded Memory and Battery Make for a More Comfortable Device

When playing games, you likely spend a lot of time sitting at a desktop PC with a display, but it is the nature of us gamers to want to play even while traveling or during a little downtime.
Speaking of ways to play casually while out and about or during downtime, portable gaming devices are the answer, and in recent years, various manufacturers have released them, increasing the options available.
The "ROG Ally X" will be released on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
The "ROG Ally X" is the successor to the ROG Ally, which was released in 2023. Saiga NAK borrowed the ROG Ally X ahead of its release to get a feel for it, and we are ready to deliver our review right away!

Unbox!

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First, let's start with the ROG Ally X unboxing!
The next-generation device, the ROG Ally X, has arrived!
The device itself is printed on the black packaging.

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On the side of the outer box are the words "ROG Ally X" and an ASUS sticker!
The back surface, which is based on black with a matte texture, is simple, heavy, and cool.

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After observing the exterior carefully, it's time to unbox it!
The "ROG Ally X" has appeared!

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The "ROG Ally X" is released in black, and you can feel the coolness even through the film!
We want to touch it soon.

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The contents are as follows:

• ROG Ally X main unit
• Power adapter
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card
• Stand

You can use the included stand to prop up the main unit.
Also, the included power adapter is a 65W Type-C adapter.

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We peeled off the film from the main unit!
The ROG lettering carved into the grip is cool.

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The "ROG Ally X," the successor to the ROG Ally, is not only an improvement in memory and battery.
The interfaces now include one additional Type-C port, bringing the total to two.
This alone is reason enough to switch to the "ROG Ally X."

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We compared the ROG Ally and the "ROG Ally X"!
The white one is the ROG Ally, and the black one is the "ROG Ally X."
The grip of the "ROG Ally X" has a slightly more rounded design compared to the ROG Ally.
The ease of holding has improved!
Also, the stick parts are all black.

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The arrangement of the other interface parts also changed.
Additionally, the trigger and bumper buttons on the "ROG Ally X" now have a rounded structure.
The ease of pressing has improved.

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The macro buttons on the back of the main unit are more compact compared to the conventional model.
The ROG logo serves as a vent.

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Also, a line that shines in rainbow colors is designed in the center of the back.
"REPUBLIC OF GAMERS" is engraved there.

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The size of the "ROG Ally X" is 280.6mm wide x 111.3mm deep x 24.7 to 36.9mm high, which is not significantly different from the ROG Ally.
It fit perfectly into the ROG Ally Travel Case.

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When you start it up, the Windows 11 setup begins first.
As you proceed with the Windows 11 setup, fingerprint authentication appears.

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When setting up fingerprint authentication on the "ROG Ally X," you can use your finger on the power button at the top of the main unit.
If you set up fingerprint authentication, it's convenient because you can unlock the device simply by placing your finger on the power button when starting up and unlocking the device!

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The Windows 11 setup was completed successfully!

The Highlight (?) Armoury Crate

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Armoury Crate, which was also installed in the previous model, the ROG Ally, shows the ROG Ally in the tutorial, not the ROG Ally X.
However, the button layout is the same, so there is no problem.

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Launch Armoury Crate and select the platform you want to play on.
It's easy to understand because the background changes accordingly when you select Xbox or Steam.
The ROG Ally is often compared to the Steam Deck, but the fact that you can play on platforms other than Steam is definitely its strength.

Time to Play Games on the ROG Ally X!

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Now that all the settings are complete, let's play a game right away! Since we're here, you'd probably want to see a test with a game that puts a decent load on the device, fully utilizing the ROG Ally X's specs, right?
The game chosen for this review is "ELDEN RING," which Reika (@SoprettyGyudon) streams daily on weekdays on Twitch!

We launched "ELDEN RING" from Steam.
The "ROG Ally X" has an improved memory of 24GB and storage of 1TB compared to the existing model.

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We set the quality setting to the highest in the in-game graphic settings.
The operation is smooth, and the textures of objects, shadows, and light are wonderful!

You can have a Smooth "Elden Ring" Experience with the ROG Ally X

Reika said: "I usually play on a gaming PC, but it's comparable—or rather, I can't tell the difference at all; it's so smooth and crisp that it's a Smooth Elden Ring!"

The "ROG Ally X" Goes on Sale Wednesday, July 24!

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The "ROG Ally X" will be released on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
The retail price is 139,800 yen (tax included), and pre-orders are currently being accepted at the ASUS Store and elsewhere!
Even those who usually play on a desktop PC may want to play while out and about.
Battery life is a concern when playing outside, but the "ROG Ally X" has a battery of 80Wh, which is double that of the existing model, the ROG Ally, so you can rest assured!
Please check the "ROG Ally X" Product Page for product details.