The $800Asus ROG Ally Xis one of the most expensive gaming handhelds you’re free to buy.
Its a good thing that its also the most versatile gaming handheld Ive used.
Its a mid-cycle refresh of theROG Ally, but make no mistake, this is the one you want.
There’s more than just a black coat of paint that makes the Ally X so appealing. Photo: Artem Golub / GizmodoPhoto: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
The Ally X sits next to theSteam Deck OLEDas a prime example of whats possible with a gaming handheld.
Also, thats a damn high price for any handheld, no matter how good it is.
Asus ROG Ally X
The redesigned ROG Ally is a better console in almost every way that matters.
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
It’s only held back by its high price and Windows 11.
The problem with handhelds has been their batteries.
Its enough playtime before being reminded that taking a break is good.
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
Three hours is most of a domestic plane flight.
Its twice as much as my typical train commute.
Its redesigned chassis and buttons make it my favorite handheld since the Steam Deck OLED.
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
Will it replace Valves Deck as my most recommended handheld PC?
No, unfortunately not.
The Ally X is $800 compared to $650 for the 1 TB OLED Deck.
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
But if you know what youre doing, the Ally X is a beast.
The Ally X is a close second.
Its just a few millimeters thicker and a slightly heavier console at around 1.5 pounds.
Photo: Artem Golub / Gizmodo
The new equipment redesigned the feel of the thumbsticks, triggers, and backplate.
Overall, its a far more comfortable build.
Theres a new 8-directional d-pad as well, but the thumbsticks are easily the biggest improvement overall.
The older Allys sticks felt thin, but the refreshed model has more heft without being flicky.
Asus claimed its easier to replace the sticks if theres any issue this time.
Still, its an overall improvement.
The SD Card slot has been repositioned to the top right side of the Ally.
That comes after some users andThe Vergecited issues with the original Ally occasionally cooking SD cards.
Theres only one version of the Ally X available to buy.
Its a shame none of that time and attention went to the display.
The new handheld sports the same 7-inch, 1080p screen as last years.
I managed to get closer to four hours on less demanding games running at higher-performance controls.
Id go further than merely arguing that handhelds are better played unplugged.
The rest of the console, including the screen, was relatively cool to the touch.
Even then, I would still suggest you play unplugged for the best and most pure handheld experience.
The new Ally version has 24 GB of LPDDR5 memory versus 16 GB on the last handheld.
I was genuinely surprised at the increase in performance from last years Ally to Ally X.
The difference is more significant in games.
Still, you should choose some less intensive games if you want to game for longer.
Microsoft and Xbox still seemhesitant to pull the trigger on an Xbox handheld.
Microsofts Xbox head, Phil Spencer, previously said his handheld for on-the-go gaming was the ROG Ally.
He, of all people, should know the tribulations of using Windows 11 on such a small gadget.
It also makes going back to the older Ally that much harder.
Other than the price, the original Ally has no benefits compared to the X.
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