Handheld gaming has evolved significantly over the years, with devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ASUS's ROG Ally series reshaping how gamers engage with their favourite titles on the go. The Nintendo Switch revolutionised the market by blending home console-quality games with portable play. At the same time, the Steam Deck brought PC gaming into a compact form, offering the power of a desktop in the palm of your hand. The original ROG Ally further pushed these boundaries, emphasising high-performance hardware tailored for the most demanding games. These innovations have set the stage for the next leap in portable gaming technology.
Introducing the ASUS Ally X, a device designed to surpass its predecessors in every conceivable way. Building on the foundation laid by the original ROG Ally, the Ally X enhances what gamers have come to expect from a premium handheld device. It combines cutting-edge technology with refined design, pushing the limits of what's possible in a portable format. This latest iteration is not just an upgrade—it is a comprehensive reimagining of the handheld gaming experience crafted to meet the needs of today's mobile gamer.
The ASUS Ally X is poised to challenge the conventions of handheld gaming, offering a blend of power, performance, and portability that is unmatched in the current market. It aims to deliver a seamless experience that transitions effortlessly from the living room to mobile environments, ensuring that gamers can access their favourite titles without compromising quality or performance. With the Ally X, ASUS is not just keeping up with the evolution of gaming technology; it is driving it forward, promising a future where gamers can expect even more from their portable devices.
Robust functionality and aesthetic elegance
The ASUS Ally X perfectly balances robust functionality and aesthetic elegance. Its compact dimensions ensure it fits comfortably in your hands, which is ideal for hours of gaming without strain. The device features a comprehensive array of ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, which support fast data transfer charging and connectivity with various external devices and displays. This versatility makes the Ally X a practical choice for gamers who value efficiency and flexibility in their gaming setup.
Aesthetically, the Ally X boasts a modern design characterised by sleek lines and an ergonomic build that prioritises comfort and accessibility. The layout of the controls is thoughtfully designed to ensure ease of use during gameplay. The tactile feedback from the buttons and joysticks contributes to a responsive gaming experience. In contrast, additional features like programmable macro buttons offer customisation options that cater to casual and competitive gamers.
In terms of build quality, the Ally X is constructed with durability in mind, featuring high-quality materials that can withstand the rigours of regular use. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus on the screen protects against scratches and drops, ensuring the device remains pristine even under harsh conditions. This attention to durability and its lightweight design confirms Ally X's status as a top contender in the portable gaming market.
Display innovation of the ASUS Ally X
The ASUS Ally X's display is engineered to impress. It features a 7-inch Full HD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid motion clarity. This high refresh rate is crucial for keeping up with the fast-paced action in many modern games, ensuring that motion blur is significantly reduced and every detail is sharply rendered. The IPS-level panel offers wide viewing angles and consistent colour accuracy, making the gaming visuals strikingly vivid and immersive.
Outdoor visibility is a standout feature, with the Ally X's display offering excellent brightness and contrast even in brightly lit environments. This is achieved through advanced display technology that minimises glare and enhances overall visibility. Gamers who enjoy playing in various lighting conditions will appreciate how the device maintains clarity without sacrificing colour quality, thanks to its robust brightness output and adaptive colour technology.
Moreover, integrating AMD FreeSync Premium technology helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. This feature is particularly important when playing graphically intensive games, as it ensures the display's performance keeps pace with the high-output graphics card. The result is a seamless and cohesive viewing experience that pulls gamers deeper into their game worlds, supported by a display that reflects ASUS's commitment to high-quality visual performance.
Unleashing the ASUS Ally X's capabilities
At the core of the ASUS Ally X is the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor, a powerhouse that drives the device's exceptional performance capabilities. This processor is adept at handling various games, from demanding AAA titles to beloved indie favourites, without experiencing any lag or slowdown. The integration of AMD Radeon Graphics ensures the device can deliver high-resolution visuals without compromising on frame rates, making every gaming session visually spectacular and technically smooth.
For instance, when playing the graphically intensive Diablo IV, the Ally X easily handles dynamic lighting effects and complex character animations, providing a seamless gameplay experience that is both fluid and responsive. The high frame rates are maintained even during chaotic on-screen action, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming and enhances the overall immersion. Similarly, in ELDEN RING, the expansive and detailed game environments are rendered beautifully on the Ally X, with the device showcasing its capability to produce sharp, vibrant visuals that capture the haunting and intricate landscapes of the game. The Ally X's display brings out the subtle textures and shades of the game's world, making exploration and combat equally gratifying.
The Ally X's sound quality matches its visual performance, featuring Dolby Atmos support and Hi-Res Audio certification. This audio technology envelops players in rich, detailed soundscapes, enhancing the immersive experience of games, movies, and music. The intelligent amp speakers are meticulously tuned to provide clear, distortion-free sound, complementing the high-quality visuals with equally impressive audio. This combination of advanced sound and graphics technologies makes the Ally X a multimedia powerhouse, ideal for gamers who appreciate depth and detail in their gaming sessions.
The real-world gaming tests of the Ally X demonstrate its ability to perform under pressure, showcasing its capability to handle long gaming sessions without overheating or performance dips. This reliability is proof of ASUS's engineering expertise, emphasising efficient heat management and optimised system performance. Whether navigating the complex environments of action-packed games like ELDEN RING or enjoying visually demanding media, the Ally X consistently delivers top-tier performance. The device's cooling system effectively dissipates heat, ensuring the performance remains steady, particularly during prolonged gameplay sessions in Diablo IV, where the action can get intensely heated. This makes the ASUS Ally X a standout device in portable gaming, ready to tackle the latest gaming challenges head-on.
Game Library and Armoury Crate SE integration
ASUS enhances the gaming experience on the Ally X with its sophisticated Armoury Crate SE software, which serves as the central hub for managing games and system settings. This platform offers a streamlined interface that simplifies the process of adjusting game settings and system performance, tailored to the needs of different types of gamers. The software's ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple gaming libraries like Steam and Xbox Game Pass adds a layer of convenience, allowing users to access their entire game collection from a single point.
The Armoury Crate SE also boasts an improved game library feature that is visually appealing and functional. Gamers can customise their library view to match their preferences, making it easier to organise and access their favourite titles. The settings customisation extends to the device's performance profiles, where users can tweak power settings, fan speeds, and more to optimise performance based on the demands of specific games or applications.
Seamless software updates provided through Armoury Crate SE ensure that the Ally X remains at the cutting edge of gaming technology. These updates include enhancements to the device's firmware, and driver updates for graphics and audio components, maintaining optimal performance and compatibility with new games and software. The commitment to providing a comprehensive and user-friendly software environment highlights ASUS's dedication to delivering a superior gaming experience that empowers users to play without limits.
The verdict: ASUS Ally X
The ASUS Ally X redefines expectations for handheld gaming with its robust performance, exceptional display quality, and sleek ergonomic design. S$1,199 is a premium offering within the portable gaming segment. This pricing reflects its target audience—dedicated gamers seeking a high-end experience that doesn't compromise on power, even on the go. While this might be higher for casual players, the investment is justified for those who demand the best graphics, sound, and gameplayability. It stands toe-to-toe with other industry giants like the Steam Deck, providing distinct advantages such as superior display technology and robust build quality, making it a worthwhile contender for serious gamers.
For those looking to elevate their gaming experience beyond the living room, the ASUS Ally X offers a compelling blend of console-level power and the freedom of a handheld device. Its features make it competitively priced and an excellent choice for gamers who want to merge mobility with immersive gaming.
