Highlights

  • The upcoming Asus ROG Ally X focuses on improving battery life, repairability, and performance based on customer feedback on the original ROG Ally.
  • Upgrades include longer battery life, more RAM, redesigned components, and a new SSD slot for smoother gaming experience.
  • Despite premium pricing, the updated model maintains the screen, chipset, and Windows OS of its predecessor.

Asus has officially provided new details on the ROG Ally X, the successor to its popular handheld gaming PC. The updated Asus handheld is more akin to a revision than an outright ROG Ally 2, and focuses on addressing feedback and improving the overall user experience over the current model.

Launched in 2023, the original ROG Ally went up against the Steam Deck as the first compelling Windows alternative to the wildly popular handheld gaming PC. The Ally sported a more powerful AMD Z1 chip and a sharper screen, but it wasn't without its limitations. Battery life was a major sticking point for users, with reports indicating playtime could be as low as one hour for demanding AAA games. The SD card reader was also a point of contention, as it tended to overheat and damage any cards inside it. The Ally's repairability also left much to be desired.

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In an interview with The Verge, Asus SVP Shawn Yen claimed that the ROG Ally X is a direct response to customer concerns, with the biggest improvement for the Ally X being a major boost in battery life. While Asus hasn't revealed specifics, Yen confidently stated the jump will be "way more than" 30 to 40 percent, owing to a much larger battery pack. Asus also hinted at more RAM for the Ally X than the current model's 16GB, allowing for higher memory allocation to the GPU and potentially smoother performance. The M.2 SSD slot has been upgraded to the longer 2280 format, compared to the current 2230 slot.

Upgraded Ally will Stick with the Same Screen and Chipset

The Ally X also tackles repairability concerns with redesigned joystick modules that are more easily interchangeable. Other minor upgrades comprise the revised grips, D-Pad, joysticks, and triggers, as well as a rearranged motherboard layout that might move the SD card reader away from the heat vents, potentially alleviating the reader's overheating issue. Unlike the Steam Deck revision's much-improved OLED screen, the Ally X will carry on with the same 7-inch 1080p 120Hz IPS screen of the current model, as well as the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset and Windows operating system.

Upgrades aside, though, the most crucial part of the equation for many buyers is price, and yet again, unlike the Steam Deck OLED which maintained the same price point as the original, the Ally X will launch at a premium compared to the current model. However, the original ROG Ally will continue to be available, potentially at discounted prices. Asus is saving all the specific details for the Ally X's official debut on June 2. While the newer model is iterative in nature, Asus did state that it will build a full-fledged Ally 2 if it can offer a considerable performance boost, echoing Valve's philosophy for a future Steam Deck 2.