Time is often a scarce, precious commodity, which can make juggling different commitments difficult. For gaming enthusiasts, that would mean clearing the never-ending backlog of old and newly bought titles, except, well, there are only so many hours in a day.
Handheld PCs, with their portable form factor, make it easier to work towards that. Ditching the need to stay wired all the time, these devices are welcome commuting and travelling companions, allowing users to squeeze in short bouts of gaming while on the move and the 7-inch ROG Ally handheld powerhouse put naysayers in their place with an impressive blend of performance and convenience.
Now, the ROG Ally X is ready to bring gameplay to the next level. Serving as a mid-cycle refresh more than a direct successor, this updated handheld PC offers several key improvements that reinforces its leading position in the field. It may pack the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor as before, but don’t be fooled – there’s a lot of value to be found in the small details. As a bonus, three months of Game Pass subscription is also included, leaving the door open to even more options.
Here’s why the ROG Ally X should be the gaming handheld choice of 2024, from great ease of access to a bigger, longer-lasting battery.
1) Easy access to PC, console, and mobile games
Multiple libraries, one device. The ROG Ally X is fully compatible with the most popular gaming platforms around, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more, promising extensive gaming fun for owners anywhere, anytime. Mobile titles can also be played, with their visuals dancing across a larger display and enhancing the overall experience.
Jumping between different storefronts won’t be a concern, either. Tapping into cloud saves, this revised iteration ensures a seamless transition process, in which users can step into a fantasy world from the comfort of their bed, then dive right back into the action with their main battlestation. Smooth as silk.
2) Upgrade to 24GB RAM, 1TB storage
Few things are as important as speed when it comes to gaming, and the ROG Ally X is more than well-equipped to take up the challenge. Touting 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, it promises an upgrade over the previous configuration (16GB and 512GB respectively), translating to faster performance, improved battery efficiency, and plenty of free space for all the latest titles.
Expect an enjoyable time exploring new lands, shooting at hordes of enemies, or taking down a boss monster with friends – the trusty device has got you covered on all fronts.
3) High speeds and brightness with 500 nits, 120Hz FHD display glory
The ROG Ally X doesn’t take its “game anywhere” vision lightly. The 120Hz FHD panel (1,920 x 1,080 resolution) not only delivers sharp and fluid visuals, but also ensures the experience can be replicated both indoors and outdoors. Where similar displays typically top out at 200 to 300 nits, the brightness metre is cranked up to 500 nits here, allowing for clear visibility in brighter environments and under direct sunlight, without sacrificing contrast levels or colour vibrancy and accuracy.
4) 80Wh battery for longer gaming sessions
It’s one thing to game on the go, and another to do so for an extended period of time. Designed to keep users independent from a power outlet, the handheld device now packs twice the battery capacity of its predecessor, coming in at 80Wh with support for 100W fast charging. Say goodbye to running out of juice in the middle of a session.
5) Dual USB Type-C ports
Eschewing the original XG Mobile port for dual USB-C ports, the ROG Ally X ships with more convenient and versatile connectivity. Of the two, one is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, which unlocks additional capabilities for connecting external displays and docking systems while charging, as well as faster data transmissions – useful for streaming, capturing gameplay, transferring files, and the like.
The above list serves as a tantalising taste of ROG’s revised offering, joining a host of other quality-of-life upgrades including enhanced cooling, improved ergonomics, a new customisable game library, and more. At S$1,199, the all-black ROG Ally X continues to embody the shining potential of handheld PCs, shattering expectations and amplifying their allure every step of the way.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
