ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld - Complete Review and Performance Test

 The ASUS ROG Ally X is ASUS's refreshed gaming handheld, and it's significantly better than the original. I've been gaming on it for three weeks, and here's my detailed review.

Design and Build

The Ally X feels solid in hand. The build quality is excellent, with a mix of metal and rubber that makes it comfortable even during long gaming sessions. The weight is balanced, and you don't get hand fatigue quickly.

The button layout is intuitive. The analog sticks feel responsive, and the shoulder buttons are well-positioned. The screen bezels are reasonable, and the overall form factor is practical for portable gaming.

The orange and black color scheme is bold and looks good. It's distinctly gaming-oriented without being overly flashy.

Display Quality

The 10.6-inch LCD display is bright and clear. The 1920x1200 resolution is sharp for gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate is smooth for action games. However, it's not OLED, so blacks aren't as deep compared to premium handheld devices.

The color accuracy is good for gaming. Contrast is adequate, and the brightness is sufficient even in moderately lit environments. Overall, the display is impressive for a handheld.

Gaming Performance

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor handles modern games excellently. Games like Baldur's Gate 3, Starfield, and Black Myth: Wukong run at playable frame rates with medium to high settings. You won't get 60fps on the most demanding games, but 40-50fps is the norm, which is perfectly playable on a handheld.

Indie games run flawlessly at high settings. Older AAA titles run great. The performance is impressive for the form factor.

The RDNA3 GPU handles graphics well. The thermals are managed effectively. The device gets warm during intense gaming but not uncomfortably hot.

Battery Life

The upgraded battery is larger than the original Ally, and the battery life reflects that. I'm getting 8-10 hours of continuous gaming depending on the game and settings. For lighter games, you get even more.

The fast-charging USB-C charger tops up the battery quickly. From zero to 80% takes around 30 minutes, which is convenient.

Software and Controls

The device runs Windows 11, giving you access to the entire library of PC games. This is a huge advantage compared to competitors. You can play any Steam game or emulate retro systems.

ASUS includes a gaming mode that optimizes performance and button mapping. It works well and makes gaming easier.

The trackpad is surprisingly functional for games that require mouse control. You can also connect a mouse if needed, though most games work better with the gamepad.

Practical Considerations

The price is around PKR 150,000-170,000 in Pakistan, depending on variants. For a Windows-based gaming handheld, the value is good.

The device doesn't play Blu-ray movies or handle 4K video professionally, but you can watch streaming services and YouTube without issues.

The build quality is solid, and ASUS offers after-sales support, which is important for expensive devices.

Who Should Buy This?

If you want to play full PC games on a portable device, the Ally X is worth considering. The performance is impressive for the size and weight. If you're a portable gamer who wants access to your entire Steam library, this is the device for you.

If you want pure console gaming or don't care about AAA titles, less expensive handheld options exist.

My Verdict

The ASUS ROG Ally X is an excellent gaming handheld that delivers impressive performance. The display is good, the controls are responsive, and battery life is solid. If you're a PC gamer who wants portability, this is definitely worth buying.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Best For: PC gamers, Baldur's Gate 3 fans, Steam library players

Price: PKR 150,000-170,000

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