Asus is gearing up to release a new and improved version of its popular ROG Ally handheld gaming PC, dubbed the ROG Ally X. According to recent leaks, the upgraded model is set to come with a price tag of $799, significantly higher than the original Ally’s $699 MSRP. However, the increase in cost seems justified by the enhancements Asus has planned for the Ally X.
One of the most significant upgrades in the ROG Ally X is its improved battery life. Asus acknowledges that extended playtime was a top request from users, and the company aims to deliver with a larger battery pack. While the exact battery life hasn’t been disclosed, Asus has hinted at a substantial improvement, potentially exceeding a 30-40% increase over the original Ally. This could translate to around 3 hours of gameplay for demanding AAA titles, addressing one of the major drawbacks of the previous model.
In addition to the battery boost, the ROG Ally X is expected to feature more RAM than the 16GB found in the original Ally. While the specific amount hasn’t been confirmed, speculation suggests Asus could offer a 32GB configuration, providing a welcome performance enhancement for demanding games and multitasking.
Another notable improvement is the expansion of the M.2 SSD slot, making it easier for users to upgrade the storage capacity with larger and more affordable drives. The original Ally’s storage options were limited due to the short M.2 slot, so this change should be well-received by consumers seeking more storage flexibility.
Addressing a common issue with the first-generation Ally, Asus has also repositioned the SD card reader away from the vents, potentially resolving reported problems with slow read speeds and card recognition failures.
While the internal specs of the ROG Ally X will remain largely unchanged, with the same AMD Z1 Extreme APU as the original, Asus promises a more repairable design with interchangeable joystick modules, retuned triggers, joysticks, and D-pad. Additionally, the new model will be available in a sleek black color option, providing a visually distinctive alternative to the original’s gray finish.
Despite the $799 price tag, which is $150 more than Valve’s popular Steam Deck OLED model, the ROG Ally X could prove to be a compelling option for gamers seeking a premium handheld gaming experience. With its improved battery life, increased RAM, and enhanced storage flexibility, the Ally X aims to address some of the shortcomings of its predecessor while offering a more powerful and potentially future-proof solution.
As Asus prepares to showcase the ROG Ally X at Computex, gamers eagerly anticipate a more detailed reveal of the device’s capabilities and design. While the price premium may raise eyebrows, the company will need to demonstrate that the enhancements justify the cost for those seeking the ultimate portable gaming experience.