ASUS ROG Ally X Debuts at $799, Boasting Major Upgrades With Up to 1TB Storage and 24GB RAM

For PC gamers who crave the freedom of mobile gaming, the ASUS ROG Ally X might be the answer. This isn't quite a sequel to the original ROG Ally (review), but rather a significantly upgraded version that addresses some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. Let's delve into the key improvements that make the Ally X a more attractive option for mobile gamers.

Double the Battery Life, Double the Fun

One of the biggest gripes about the original Ally was its battery life. The good news is, ASUS listened. The ROG Ally X boasts a whopping 80Wh battery, doubling the capacity of the original's 40Wh. This translates to potentially double the playtime, a significant improvement for gamers who crave extended sessions without scrambling for an outlet. While ASUS hasn't released official figures, expect to enjoy longer gaming marathons without constant battery anxiety.

More Muscle Under the Hood

The ROG Ally X packs a bigger storage and memory punch compared to its predecessor. The base model comes with a spacious 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, a welcome upgrade from the original's 512GB drive. This provides ample space for building a sizable game library. Additionally, the memory gets a significant boost to a faster 24GB 7500MHz LPDDR5 configuration. This not only allows for smoother multitasking but also benefits overall gaming performance by offering more resources for demanding titles.

Keeping Cool Under Pressure

Another area ASUS addressed is the Ally X's cooling system. The original model had some issues with overheating during intense gameplay. This time around, ASUS implemented a redesigned cooling solution with slimmer, more efficient fans. These innovative fans deliver 10% more airflow while maintaining a compact size. The airflow is also strategically directed towards the display, preventing overheating issues that plagued the original model.

Designed for Comfort and Control

Gamers will appreciate the improvements made to the ergonomics of the Ally X. The chassis has been redesigned with deeper handgrips, providing a more secure and comfortable hold during extended gaming sessions. The joysticks have been upgraded for better responsiveness and a longer lifespan, ensuring precise control in fast-paced games. The D-pad has also been tweaked for improved precision, especially beneficial for fighting games where directional accuracy is crucial.

Expanding Connectivity Options

The ROG Ally X ditches the XG Mobile port of the original Ally and replaces it with two USB-C ports for greater connectivity. One of these ports is Thunderbolt 4 compatible, allowing users to connect external displays or even external GPUs for even more graphical power.

Same Processing Power and Display

The ROG Ally X retains the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display as the original Ally, but the improvements made in battery life, storage, memory, cooling, and ergonomics might make the gaming handheld a more compelling choice for gamers in the market.

Price and Availability

The ROG Ally X is available for pre-order starting at $799 and comes bundled with a three-month Game Pass subscription, giving gamers immediate access to a vast library of titles. Retail availability is expected in July 2024.

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