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Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Handheld gaming continues to evolve, and Asus has entered the market strong with the ROG Ally series. With the upcoming release of the ROG Ally X, many are wondering: Is it really worth upgrading, or should you stick with the original Ally?
Today, we’ll be comparing design, build quality, performance, features, and battery life to help you decide which one is the better buy.
Design & Build Quality – Subtle but Smart Changes
At first glance, the ROG Ally X looks almost identical to the original Ally. However, upon closer inspection, there are some subtle yet effective design refinements:
✔ More ergonomic shape – Asus has rounded the edges, making the console more comfortable to hold for long periods.
✔ Button repositioning – The rear buttons have been moved slightly inward, reducing accidental presses.
✔ Increased weight – The Ally X weighs 678 grams, slightly heavier than the original, mainly due to the upgraded battery.
📌 Key Design Differences:
- New USB4 port replacing the XG Mobile port from the original Ally.
- Refined D-pad and improved joysticks for better accuracy.
- Angled triggers to enhance responsiveness.
Performance – A Significant Boost for the Ally X
While both models feature similar hardware, the Ally X has a clear edge in performance.
Processor & Graphics
✔ ROG Ally X: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme + RDNA 3 graphics
✔ ROG Ally: AMD Ryzen Z1 + RDNA 2 graphics
The Z1 Extreme processor in the Ally X provides higher memory bandwidth (120 GB/s) and more processing power, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster load times.
📌 What This Means for Gaming:
- The Ally X handles high-performance games better, offering higher frame rates and faster processing speeds.
- The original Ally still performs well, but some newer titles may require lower settings for optimal gameplay.
If you play demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring, the Ally X will offer a noticeably better experience.
Battery Life – A Game-Changer for the Ally X
Battery life is one of the biggest weaknesses in handheld gaming. Asus has made major improvements with the ROG Ally X, doubling the battery capacity.
✔ ROG Ally X: 80W battery – lasts up to 3 hours of gameplay
✔ ROG Ally: 40W battery – lasts about 2 hours of gameplay
📌 Why This Matters:
- If you game on the go, the extra hour+ of battery life is a big deal.
- The original Ally may need an external battery to keep up with longer gaming sessions.
This could be the deciding factor for many players, especially those who travel frequently.
Storage & Memory – More Space to Work With
✔ ROG Ally X: 512GB SSD (expandable) + 8GB RAM
✔ ROG Ally: 256GB SSD (expandable) + 6GB RAM
The extra SSD space on the Ally X allows you to store more games without needing an external drive.
📌 What This Means for You:
- Larger games like Starfield, Call of Duty, and Baldur’s Gate 3 take up huge amounts of space. The Ally X offers more storage right out of the box.
- The extra RAM also helps improve multitasking, making game streaming and background applications smoother.
Price – Is the Ally X Worth the Extra Cost?
Here’s where things get interesting.
✔ ROG Ally X – Released July 22, 2024. (Link Coming Soon)
✔ ROG Ally – Now heavily discounted due to the release of the new model.
📌 What You Need to Consider:
- The Ally X is nearly double the price of the original Ally.
- If you’re on a budget, the original Ally still provides an excellent experience for half the cost.
- If you want the best performance, battery life, and design improvements, the Ally X is the better long-term investment.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t bought a handheld gaming PC yet, now is the best time to grab an ROG Ally at a discount before stock runs out.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
Go for the ROG Ally X if you:
✔ Want the best handheld performance available
✔ Need longer battery life for gaming on the go
✔ Plan to store large games without constantly deleting files
✔ Prefer a more ergonomic design for comfort
Go for the ROG Ally if you:
✔ Want a more affordable handheld gaming PC
✔ Are okay with 2 hours of battery life
✔ Still want great performance without paying premium prices
✔ Need a budget-friendly option with solid specs
Conclusion – Is the Asus Ally X Worth It?
The ROG Ally X is a fantastic upgrade, with better battery life, improved design, and upgraded storage. However, its price tag might not justify the upgrade for casual gamers. If you already own the original Ally, upgrading may not be necessary unless you really need the extra battery life and performance boost. However, if you’re buying a new handheld console for the first time, the discounted ROG Ally offers unbeatable value right now.
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