Handheld consoles have been around for the longest time. It offered such a unique way of gaming to younger audiences at the time. With every generation of handhelds, there was always a new way to play more demanding games either by yourself or with others. It didn’t take long before computer manufacturers looked at that and came up with this idea: the handheld PC!

The idea was simple: play all the hardcore games on the go. That’s complete with stunning graphics and competitive hardware for excellent performance. It harnessed the existing capability of any handheld console, but with the treatment and power of any gaming PC. With this, there were a few first movers that experimented on a gaming system like that, such as ASUS ROG.

This year, ROG unveiled the ASUS ROG Ally X, which looked to be an upgrade over the first ROG Ally. Compared to its predecessor, it’s nearly the same design-wise. However, it’s amplified in the performance department thanks to better hardware and storage options. Is it a good enough reason to purchase this one right off the bat?

Rearranged and retooled for gaming

At first, you would think that the ROG Ally X looks exactly like the 2023 version.  Only with a different coat of paint. From the button and joystick layout to the length of the device, it maintained the same form factor with little compromises.

If there was a major difference to note, the back trigger buttons are placed a bit closer this time and the buttons are smaller!

There are also now two USB-C ports up top instead of ASUS’ proprietary XG Mobile port.

In terms of internal hardware, the ROG Ally X completely defines how powerful it wants to be. Unlike its predecessor, it comes in only one configuration. That’s an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Instead of offering any lower internal configurations, ASUS ROG is giving the best only for those who dare to be the best.

For the most part, this device was designed primarily to be a gaming machine given all the inputs available to you. It is possible to still use this device as a PC, and a ton of the applications you use works well and responds pretty fast to your inputs. However, you will spend time configuring it on Armoury Crate unless you’re committed to bringing a mouse and keyboard everywhere.

Leveling up the game for more power

TEKKEN 8 running on the ROG Ally X

With the ROG Ally X only now coming in one configuration, the possibilities for gaming are near endless. Compared to its predecessor, the additional storage immediately allows you to put in more games. That’s even if the game requires additional steps to set-up. Also, with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme inside, most of the games will run with ease, and at high frame rates without sacrificing visual quality too much.

When applied to more competitive/high-end titles that benefit from a controller set-up, the ROG Ally X turns into a gaming powerhouse on the go. With the inputs set-up optimally, the experience on games like Rocket League, Forza Horizon and Motorsport were second to none. Even games with controller support like Fortnite and APEX Legends and Xbox Cloud Gaming work well for most casual playthroughs.

VALORANT on ROG Ally X

Now, it is also possible to play PC-optimized games on the ROG Ally X like VALORANT, and safe to say that it performs supremely well. Average frame rates at high graphics settings still range from 100-120 FPS, which is more than impressive. However, it does take a ton of time to set all the controls up, with the mouse controls being unreplicable. If you do plan on playing PC games here, you are better off bringing a mouse and keyboard to replicate the experience.

Gaming for longer hours

As a handheld PC, the ROG Ally X lasts pretty long depending on which performance mode you want it in. When used exclusively for gaming on Performance Mode, it can last for around 8-9 hours on a full charge — which is pretty long compared to most laptops. This is also considering that even in this mode, it maintains high frame rates on competitive titles.

When switched to Turbo Mode, battery life just gets reduced to around 5-6 hours on a full charge when gaming. It’s still quite impressive that the ROG Ally X could last this long, even as the lone exhaust chamber it has works overtime when in Turbo. As expected, gaming performance is as optimal as it could be!

Charging the device also doesn’t take too long either, with a full charge lasting about two hours to quickly get you back into the game. As a bonus, when you just let it charge without usage, the charge time feels a bit faster. 

Is this your gaming GadgetMatch?

Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X outshines its predecessor across every single aspect of handheld gaming out there. The upgrades proved to have made this a much better option for you to play more, for longer. Priced at PhP 56,990, it is a bit on the more expensive side but worth considering.

Whether you’re offline or online, gaming on the go never looked as good as this. If anything, one drawback to this machine is that it doesn’t encourage local multiplayer. Again, unless you have a separate controller or a mouse/keyboard combo, this is really more for the solo gaming run.

Regardless, it’s suited for the best. It has all the best you could put inside a gaming machine through and through.