Asus ROG Ally X: The Ultimate Windows Gaming Handheld
The Asus ROG Ally X has recently made waves in the gaming community as one of the most impressive Windows gaming handhelds available today. With key features such as a comfortable grip, seamless gameplay, and an industry-leading battery life, it sets a new standard for portable gaming devices.
Powerful Specifications and Performance
At the heart of the ROG Ally X lies the AMD Ryzen chip, which pairs perfectly with the device's variable refresh rate screen. This combination not only ensures smooth gameplay but also optimizes battery performance thanks to its robust 80-watt-hour battery, significantly surpassing the competition. The large battery capacity allows for higher power settings without sacrificing runtime.
Impressive Battery Life
During testing, the ROG Ally X demonstrated impressive battery longevity. While playing Persona 3 Reload at maximum brightness, the device lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Although this initially seemed underwhelming, the performance in more graphics-intensive games exceeded expectations. For instance, it offered:
- Armored Core 6: 2 hours 59 minutes
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 2 hours 41 minutes
These results put the ROG Ally X ahead of rivals like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Steam Deck OLED in terms of gameplay time.
Benchmark Testing
When subjecting the ROG Ally X to benchmarks for various demanding games, it consistently outperformed its predecessors. Highlights include:
- In Returnal: Achieved 38 fps in 720p, showcasing substantial performance improvement.
- In Alan Wake II: Handled the game's requirements with 24GB of shared system memory, rendering a smooth experience.
- In Cyberpunk 2077: Scored well with average frame rates above 50 fps at optimal settings.
Enhanced Ergonomics
The design of the ROG Ally X has also undergone significant improvements. The device now boasts:
- Comfortable grip with enhanced triggers and buttons for better responsiveness.
- Quiet fan operation, providing an enjoyable gaming experience with minimized distractions.
- Dual USB-C ports for charging and peripherals, enhancing accessibility.
However, some users may still prefer the layout of the Steam Deck, which features symmetrical analog sticks.
Windows Experience on Handhelds
While the performance of the ROG Ally X is commendable, the challenges associated with the Windows operating system cannot be ignored. Conflicts with updates and inconsistent performance prompted criticism. Users might find frustrations ranging from slow updates to difficulties with waking the device from sleep mode. Notably:
- SteamOS offers a smoother experience with better compatibility for older games.
- Windows lacks reliable gaming sleep/wake functionality, creating occasional disruptions.
Conclusion: The Best Windows Gaming Handheld Yet?
For those who must have Windows and desire top-tier performance in a handheld format, the ROG Ally X stands as the best option currently available. While it may not completely dethrone devices like the Steam Deck OLED that excel in user experience, it demonstrates tremendous potential for the future of handheld gaming. With aspirations for bigger batteries, VRR screen integration, and greater support from Asus, the ROG Ally X positions itself well in the evolving landscape of portable gaming.
If you're considering a handheld gaming console, the Asus ROG Ally X is worth exploring, especially if you're interested in the latest gaming titles while on the move.
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