Meet the new Rog Ally X! This upgraded version brings some serious improvements, especially when it comes to battery life. The Ally X now has a battery that’s twice as big—80 watt-hours instead of 40—which is a game-changer for extended play sessions.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Ally X also packs more storage, extra RAM, and a revamped d-pad. It’s got a 7-inch display, the powerful AMD Z1 Extreme processor, and built-in Wi-Fi 6E. This model trades the previous white for a sleek black look and even includes a handy hidden stand.
It does feel a bit heftier than its predecessor, which might be a plus or minus depending on your preference. If you’ve had issues with cramping in the past, the updated grips should help. The larger battery means more gaming time, and the improved ergonomics make it more comfortable to hold.
On the side of the device, you’ll find two Type-C ports, a couple of LEDs, elevated volume buttons, a Micro SD slot, an analog audio jack, and of course, the power switch. The shoulder buttons have a nice textured grip, and the triggers are broad, making them easy to hit. Plus, there are extra buttons on the back so you can keep your thumbs on the sticks while mapping additional functions in-game.
On the front, you’ve got the usual X, A, Y, and B buttons along with the joysticks. These thumb sticks are smooth with a slight curve, textured edges, and just the right amount of elevation. They’ve repositioned the joysticks to make it easier for each hand to move between them, and the lighter chassis helps balance out the bigger 80 watt-hour battery.
You’ll also notice some menu and navigation buttons on the front, numbered 1 through 4. What do you think about the new black color versus the old white? The Ally X now comes in black. In the box, you’ll find a 65-watt power brick and some paperwork. The hand grips are more robust, giving you a better hold, and even with the bigger battery, the device only weighs about 11% more.
Alright, let me get this charged up and install some games to see what it can do.
So, Grandmother’s voice really stands out, don’t you think? Or is that just the type of character you like? Will’s got me trying out the new game, Hades 2, which is in Early Access right now. I’ve been running around, mashing buttons, and it’s surprisingly cozy. The display looks great, even though the room is pretty bright and the fan is running. I’ve only played for about 10 to 15 minutes, but the game’s audio is so subtle that you can’t hear the fan when the volume is up. The speakers are aimed right at you, so they drown out any fan noise.
There are different modes you can switch between. I’m currently using performance mode, which uses 17 watts, but I can plug it in and switch to turbo mode if needed. Will also mentioned how versatile these devices are—you can hook it up to an external setup and use your own peripherals if you want. But honestly, the coolest part is being able to play a game like this from the couch without being plugged into a wall.
The control mode is set to auto, but you can choose from various game modes. You can even adjust the frame rate to save battery life. The back controls are customizable, so you can map them however you like for different games. You can tweak everything through the sliding window and Armory Crate, or just from the OS itself. It’s all laid out clearly with performance settings, CPU and GPU stats, and more.
When it comes to performance, your Windows settings give you three choices: silent, performance, and turbo. Pick the one that suits your needs. For most games with built-in support and a first- or third-person view, Gamepad mode is your best bet. If you’re just browsing the web or using other apps, Desktop mode works better.
You can tweak your controls to fit your style by adjusting the stick response curves, changing the trigger depth, and syncing settings between triggers. This level of customization is way beyond what you’d find on standard gaming consoles. Everything is managed through the Armory Crate, where you can see your games, handle running apps, and navigate with triggers or touch controls.
Compared to dedicated handhelds that are locked into a single system, this platform is incredibly versatile. You can play around with lighting options using Aura Sync, choosing from static colors, breathing effects, strobing, color cycling, or even rainbow modes.
If you prefer, you can hook up an external monitor and peripherals for a different experience. The new model’s battery is bigger, but the increase in size is only about 11%, making it a fair trade-off for longer portable gaming sessions.
For typing, there’s a touch-based keyboard that pops up for browsing and productivity tasks. One user loved listening to the Trolls soundtrack on it. For extra comfort, there’s seat heating, making this handheld console not just versatile but a fun addition to your gaming setup.
So, this new version of the product has some nice upgrades from the previous model. Let’s pop off the back plate and see what’s inside. Hey Will, can I take this along on my trip? It’d be great to have some solo gaming time—feels like the old days. Look at the battery now; it runs the full length of the unit! The joysticks and cooling system are simplified, and you can spot the upgradable SSD. Just one screw to remove shows how much thought went into packing all this into such a compact design. The battery, in particular, is a huge part of the design—it almost feels like you have to design everything else around it.
I’m really liking this trend. For ages, tech fans have been saying that we shouldn’t have to choose between slim designs and decent battery life. They’re finally putting in bigger batteries without making the device bulkier—in fact, it might even feel better in your hands. This is definitely a change I can get behind. The screen, sound, and thumbstick improvements are great, too. It’s not a brand-new product, but these updates are ones that I think everyone will appreciate.
