The Rise of Handheld Gaming: Asus ROG Ally X Takes Center Stage

July 26, 2024, 11:11 pm
ASUS
ASUS
ComputerContentGamingInformationLegalTechMaterialsPageProductSoftwareTechnology
Location: Taiwan, Keelung City
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1989
Total raised: $50M
Epic Games
Epic Games
3DContentDevelopmentEntertainmentGamingProviderSoftwareStoreTechnologyVideo
Location: United States, North Carolina, Cary
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1991
Total raised: $6.3B
Monster Prom
Monster Prom
3DActiveDevelopmentFutureGamingITOnlineOwnStudioVideo
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2002
Chats
Chats
GamingJobNewsPagePublisherPublishingVideo
Location: France, Ile-de-France, Saint-Mandé
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1986
Total raised: $763M
The world of gaming is evolving. Handheld devices are no longer just a niche. They are becoming powerhouses, and Asus is leading the charge with its latest offering, the ROG Ally X. Launched on July 22, 2024, this device is not just an upgrade; it’s a revolution in portable gaming.

The ROG Ally X is a sleek beast. It boasts a 7-inch display with a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. This is not just a screen; it’s a window into immersive worlds. The design is ergonomic, fitting comfortably in the hands, reminiscent of a full-sized controller. The buttons and joysticks are well-placed, making it feel like an extension of the gamer’s will.

At the heart of this device lies a powerful AMD Z1 Extreme processor. But the real game-changer is the memory. With 24GB of RAM, the ROG Ally X offers a significant leap from its predecessor. This increase in memory translates to smoother gameplay and faster load times. The RAM frequency has also been cranked up to 7500MT/s, ensuring that the device can handle demanding titles with ease.

Storage is another area where the ROG Ally X shines. It comes with a 1TB SSD, expandable to a whopping 8TB. This means gamers can carry their entire library in their pocket. No more deleting old favorites to make room for new ones. The device also features a USB 4 port, replacing the previous ROG XG mobile connector. This allows for easy connection to external GPUs, elevating the handheld to a new level of performance.

Battery life is crucial for any portable device. The ROG Ally X doubles the battery capacity of its predecessor, now boasting an 80 Wh battery. This means longer gaming sessions without the constant worry of finding a power outlet. Gamers can dive deep into their adventures, whether they’re exploring vast open worlds or battling in fast-paced arenas.

The software experience is handled by Armoury Crate SE. This interface serves as a hub for all installed games, pulling titles from Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect into one convenient location. However, it’s not without its flaws. While it centralizes access, some users find it lacking in polish. Still, it provides essential features like gamepad profiles and LED customization.

The ROG Ally X is not just about specs; it’s about experience. It handles a variety of games with grace. Titles like *Jusant*, *Cocoon*, and *Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown* run smoothly at 60 to 120 frames per second. However, for more demanding AAA games, compromises may be necessary. For instance, *Marvel's Spider-Man* runs at 45 FPS on high settings. This balance between performance and portability is what makes the ROG Ally X a compelling choice.

Asus is not alone in this handheld revolution. The success of Valve’s Steam Deck opened the floodgates. Other manufacturers, like Lenovo with its Legion Go, are also entering the fray. The competition is heating up, and gamers are the ultimate winners. The landscape of portable gaming is shifting, and the ROG Ally X is at the forefront.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has hinted at a potential portable device from Microsoft. This suggests that the demand for handheld gaming is not just a trend; it’s a movement. Gamers want flexibility. They want to play anywhere, anytime. The ROG Ally X caters to this desire, providing a robust gaming experience in a compact form.

The design of the ROG Ally X reflects a keen understanding of gamer needs. The buttons are responsive, and the joysticks feel familiar, akin to those found on modern consoles. The layout is intuitive, allowing for quick reactions in fast-paced games. This attention to detail is what sets the ROG Ally X apart from its competitors.

Asus has also addressed previous criticisms. The placement of the microSD card slot has been improved to prevent overheating issues. The volume controls have been repositioned for better accessibility. These small changes make a big difference in user experience.

In a world where gaming is increasingly social, the ROG Ally X allows for seamless connectivity. Gamers can easily share their experiences, stream gameplay, or connect with friends. The device is not just a gaming console; it’s a social hub.

The ROG Ally X is priced at $800. This places it in a competitive range, but the features justify the cost. Gamers are willing to invest in quality. The ROG Ally X delivers on that promise.

In conclusion, the Asus ROG Ally X is more than just a handheld gaming device. It’s a statement. It represents the future of gaming—portable, powerful, and packed with potential. As the industry evolves, the ROG Ally X stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets passion. The handheld gaming revolution is here, and Asus is leading the charge.