Gaming on the Go: ASUS ROG Ally X Review

Looking for a handheld gaming console that delivers top-tier performance wherever you go? Enter the ASUS Ally X a high-performance portable gaming device designed to redefine your on-the-go gaming experience. Packed with cutting-edge hardware, including a powerful AMD Ryzen processor and a high refresh rate display, this device ensures buttery-smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals that bring your favorite AAA titles to life.

With customizable controls, a comfortable grip, and ample storage, the Ally X is built for gamers who refuse to compromise on performance. Whether you’re battling enemies, exploring open worlds, or diving into multiplayer chaos, this console is your perfect ally for portable gaming without limits.

Take Gaming Anywhere: ROG Ally X Revolutionizes Portable Gaming

The ROG Ally X is the ultimate all-in-one gaming solution, offering compatibility with Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, GOG, and more. With access to multiple gaming libraries, you can enjoy your favorite titles no matter where you purchase them. Thanks to cloud save functionality and robust online gaming support, the Ally X lets you pick up your adventures wherever you go—whether you’re sneaking in a quick session on the move or seamlessly resuming gameplay back at your main setup.

Designed for top-tier performance, the Ally X is powered by advanced technologies like AMD Fluid Motion Frames and Radeon Super Resolution, ensuring smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. Choose between three operating modes to match your gaming needs: Silent Mode (10W) for quieter sessions, Performance Mode (15W) for a balanced experience, and Turbo Mode (25–30W when plugged in) for peak performance.

To sweeten the deal, the Ally X comes with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass, unlocking a vast library of games to enjoy right out of the box. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard enthusiast, the ROG Ally X delivers the power, flexibility, and convenience to game your way.

Sleek, Ergonomic, and Built for Gamers: The Design of the ROG Ally X

When it comes to handheld gaming, comfort is key—and the ROG Ally X delivers with a design tailored for gamers. Featuring taller handgrips with a minor 4.5mm height increase, this console ensures extended gaming sessions remain comfortable. The grips also boast a slip-resistant finish on the rear, providing enhanced stability and confidence during intense gameplay.

To elevate accessibility, the joystick and D-pad have been strategically repositioned with subtle 2-degree and 14-degree slants, making controls easier to reach and more intuitive. Flatter surface angles and refined macro keys further enhance usability, giving players seamless control over their gaming experience. The ROG Ally X combines thoughtful ergonomics with stylish design to ensure you stay in the game without compromise.

Specs

Processor	CPU: AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor (“Zen4” architecture with 4nm process, 8-core /16-threads, 24MB total cache, up to 5.10 Ghz boost)
Ram	12GB*2 LPDDR5 on board Support dual channel memory
Graphics	GPU: AMD Radeon™ Graphics (AMD RDNA™ 3, 12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops) TDP: 9-30W
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Storage	1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2280)
Weight	678 g
Screen	7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS-level glossy display sRGB: 100% Adobe: 75.35% Gorilla® Glass Victus™ Touch Screen (10-point multi-touch) Refresh Rate: 120Hz Response Time: 7ms Brightness: 500nits FreeSync Premium
Audio	AI noise-canceling technology Hi-Res certification (for headphone) Smart Amp Technology Dolby Atmos Built-in array microphone 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
Battery & Power	80WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion Power Supply TYPE-C, 65W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal
I/O	1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery 1x Type C support USB 4 (Thunderbolt™ 4 compliance, DisplayPort™ 1.4 with Freesync support, Power Delivery 3.0) 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.2 (*Bluetooth® version may change with OS version different.)
Control and Input	A B X Y buttons D-pad L & R Hall Effect analog triggers L & R bumpers View button Menu button Command Center button Armoury Crate button 2 x assignable grip buttons Thumbsticks: 2 x full-size analog sticks Haptics: HD haptics Gyro: 6-Axis IMU
Bonus features	AURA SYNC Yes Built-in Fingerprint Sensor Microsoft Pluton security processor

Revolutionary Cooling: How the ROG Ally X Keeps Its Cool During Intense Gameplay

The ROG Ally X sets a new benchmark in thermal management, ensuring optimal performance even during the most intense gaming marathons. Equipped with advanced cooling technology, this device incorporates anti-gravity heatpipes with a cutting-edge capillary structure that increases pressure by over 15%, enabling efficient heat transfer in any orientation—even upside-down.

A new third exhaust vent enhances airflow, ensuring that both the motherboard and display panel remain cool. To maximize efficiency, the redesigned Fluid Dynamic Bearing fans feature a thinner profile of just 0.15mm, increasing airflow by 10% while allowing space for a larger 80Wh battery. The fans’ fluid bearing design reduces friction and ensures smooth operation in any position, while a refined fan shroud diverts airflow to keep the display cooler and quiet during gameplay.

Dust filters on the intake vents protect the internal system from debris, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. Meanwhile, dual heatsinks lined with ultra-thin 0.1mm aluminum fins—totaling an impressive surface area of 12,173mm²—dissipate thermal energy efficiently, minimizing air resistance for smooth airflow.

With these innovations, the ROG Ally X delivers a seamless gaming experience, keeping temperatures and noise low without compromising performance.

Pricing and Availability: ASUS Ally vs. ASUS Ally X

The ASUS Ally is currently priced between R8,000 and R10,000, offering an affordable yet powerful handheld gaming experience. On the other hand, the ROG Ally X, with its advanced features and performance, is priced at approximately R18,000. If you’re ready to level up your gaming with the ROG LiiX, simply click the link in the description below to purchase directly from the official ASUS South Africa website.

ASUS ROG Ally X: The Ultimate Pros and Cons Breakdown

The ASUS ROG Ally X offers impressive features that elevate the portable gaming experience. Powered by the Z1 Extreme processor, the Ally X delivers exceptional high performance, allowing gamers to effortlessly play AAA titles and multitask without any lag or frame rate issues. One of its key advantages is Windows 11 compatibility, setting it apart from competitors like the Steam Deck, which runs on Linux. The Windows 11 OS provides access to a wide range of gaming libraries and services, including Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Game Pass, offering ultimate flexibility in gaming. The 120 Hz Full HD display ensures vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making it perfect for gaming outdoors, while the customizable controls and additional paddles provide versatile control options for a more personalized gaming experience. Despite its powerful performance, the Ally X remains compact and portable, making it an ideal choice for gamers on the go. Plus, with the expandable XG Mobile GPU, you can connect a more powerful desktop GPU when docked, further enhancing its graphics performance.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The battery life is relatively short, ranging from 2 to 5 hours depending on usage, which is common among high-performance handheld devices. Additionally, the device’s cooling system can generate noticeable fan noise, especially during intensive gaming sessions. There may also be some Windows optimization issues with certain games, particularly in early versions, such as with Counter-Strike 2. Lastly, the price of the ROG Ally X, priced at around R18,000, places it at the higher end of the market compared to some other gaming devices.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X stands out for its performance, portability, and versatility, making it a great choice for gamers who want the flexibility of portable gaming without compromising on power.