Review of the New ASUS ROG Ally

Not a cosmetic update, but a correction of flaws

The handheld PC market is experiencing a true golden age, and ASUS was one of the first to seriously challenge the market veteran, the Steam Deck. While the first ROG Ally model impressed with its power, it also had obvious shortcomings: disappointing battery life and the notoriously problematic SD card reader.
The new ROG Ally X is not just the same device painted black. According to many tech reviewers, this is exactly the product that should have been released from the start. It represents an evolutionary leap where engineers listened to community criticism and fundamentally redesigned the device’s internals. Let’s take a closer look at what this updated “black beast” has to offer.

Why black is more than just style

The first thing that catches the eye is the new black finish. It not only gives the device a sense of solidity and practicality (fingerprints and dirt are less visible than on its white predecessor), but it also conceals significantly improved ergonomics.

More Comfortable Grip and Control

The shape of the casing has become rounder, and the grips are deeper. This means that the device fits more comfortably and securely in the hands, which is critically important during long gaming sessions. ASUS has also updated the joysticks – they are now stiffer and more durable, replacing the springs with more robust ones (although Hall Effect sensors are still absent). The directional buttons (D-Pad) have also become more precise, which will delight fighting game enthusiasts.

Resolved Engineering Flaw

The most significant design change is not immediately visible: ASUS has finally moved the SD card reader away from the hot air exhaust vents. This should completely eliminate the old model’s problem where overheating damaged memory cards.

A major breakthrough – double the energy

This is the most crucial part of this update and the main argument for purchase. If the original model with a 40Wh battery often drained after just an hour of intense gaming, the ROG Ally X offers a massive 80Wh battery.
This radically changes the usage experience. Now you can enjoy AAA-level games (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring) for about 2–2.5 hours, while less resource-intensive indie games can be played for up to 6–8 hours. The device has finally become truly mobile and no longer tethered to a power outlet.

Why 24 GB of RAM is more important than a new processor

While the main processor remains the same – the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, other components have received significant updates that directly affect frames per second (FPS) and system stability.

The Importance of Memory (RAM)

In this type of computer, the RAM is shared between the system and the graphics card (VRAM). The 16 GB in the previous model often became a “bottleneck” in the latest games. The new model has 24 GB of memory, which is also faster. This allows the system to allocate more resources to graphics (e.g., 8GB VRAM), resulting in more stable gameplay, less stuttering, and enabling higher texture settings.

“Armoury Crate SE 1.5” and Windows Environment

ASUS has significantly improved its management software. The new version is much more intuitive, resembling a traditional console menu and allowing for easier sharing of game settings with the community. However, it remains a “Windows 11” device – this provides unlimited compatibility with all gaming platforms (Steam, Epic, Game Pass), but navigating Windows on a small screen still requires patience.

Pros, Cons, and Final Conclusion

Pros (+)

• Phenomenal battery: 80Wh capacity is currently the best in class.
• More and faster RAM: 24GB ensures longevity for future games.
• Standard SSD size: M.2 2280 format allows for easy and inexpensive capacity upgrades (e.g., up to 4TB).
• Quieter operation: The new cooling system with smaller fan blades operates more efficiently.
• Two USB-C ports: One of them supports USB4, allowing for the connection of an external graphics card (eGPU).

Cons (-)

• Price: This is one of the most expensive devices on the market, even surpassing the Steam Deck OLED.
• Display: While the IPS display is good (VRR, 120Hz), it is still not OLED technology.
• Weight: Due to the larger battery, it has become slightly heavier (~678g), although the weight balance is excellent.