Windows on the Go? Asus ROG Ally X Review: Powerhouse Performance with a Hefty Price Tag
Gamers seeking the ultimate in portable freedom have a new contender: the Asus ROG Ally X. This Windows-powered handheld boasts impressive specs and long battery life, but is it the perfect solution for couch gaming on the move? Let's dive into the Ally X's strengths and weaknesses to see if it carves out a niche in the growing handheld gaming market.
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| Asus ROG Ally X Review Powerhouse Performance |
Powerhouse Performance: Right off the bat, the Ally X packs a punch. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and a powerful AMD Radeon graphics card, capable of handling even the most demanding AAA titles. During testing, games like Forza Horizon 5 ran smoothly on medium settings at 1080p with FSR ( FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled. Indie and smaller titles ran flawlessly, making the Ally X a versatile machine for gamers of all stripes.
Battery Life Breakthrough: One of the biggest complaints about the original ROG Ally was its lackluster battery life. Asus addressed this head-on with the Ally X, doubling the battery capacity to a whopping 80Wh. This translates to real-world improvements. In our tests, the Ally X managed a staggering 9 hours and 23 minutes in the PCMark 10 battery test, which simulates various workloads. Even during heavy gaming sessions, users can expect a solid 3-4 hours of playtime, a significant improvement over the competition.
Comfort and Design: The Ally X isn't the slimmest handheld on the market. To accommodate the powerful hardware and larger battery, Asus had to make some concessions in terms of size and weight. While not excessively bulky, the Ally X is noticeably heavier than its competitors like the Steam Deck. However, Asus has put effort into making the device comfortable to hold for extended periods. The ergonomic design and textured grips help prevent hand fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Windows 11 on the Go: A Mixed Bag: The Ally X runs on Windows 11, a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Windows offers unparalleled flexibility when it comes to game compatibility. Unlike some handhelds locked into specific storefronts, the Ally X lets you access your entire PC game library, including titles from Steam, Epic Games Store, and beyond. Additionally, the ability to use Xbox Game Pass for cloud gaming expands your options even further.
However, Windows 11 isn't optimized for a handheld experience. Navigating the desktop interface with your thumbs can be cumbersome, and some games might require tweaking settings or controller compatibility software to run smoothly. This can be a minor annoyance for tech-savvy users, but could be a deal-breaker for those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
Who Should Consider the Ally X?: With its powerful specs and long battery life, the Asus ROG Ally X is a compelling option for gamers who prioritize raw performance and the flexibility of a Windows PC. It's perfect for PC gamers who want to extend their playtime beyond their desk or those who crave access to a wider library of titles compared to closed ecosystems.
The Pricey Niche: However, the Ally X comes at a premium. The hefty price tag might deter some gamers, especially considering the excellent offerings from competitors like the Steam Deck. Ultimately, the Ally X caters to a specific niche. If you're a hardcore PC gamer who prioritizes uncompromised power and flexibility in a handheld form factor and are willing to pay for it, the Ally X is a beast worth considering.
Final Verdict: The Asus ROG Ally X is a powerful and versatile handheld gaming PC that delivers on its promise of high-fidelity gaming on the go. The impressive battery life is a major improvement over its predecessor, and the Windows 11 platform offers unmatched game compatibility. However, the hefty price tag and the compromises inherent in using a desktop OS on a handheld device might make it a niche product. If you're a hardcore PC gamer with the budget to match, the Ally X is a compelling option. However, for more casual gamers or those on a tighter budget, the Steam Deck or other competitors might be a better fit.
#tags : asus rog ally