Hey tech enthusiasts! Are you guys ready for a deep dive into the ROG Ally X vs. the original ROG Ally? We're going to break down the specs, comparing these handheld gaming PCs to see what's new, what's improved, and whether the ROG Ally X is the upgrade you've been waiting for. This isn't just a specs comparison; it's a guide to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up, grab your favorite snack, and let's get started!

Design and Build: What's Changed?

First impressions are crucial, right? The ROG Ally X has some design tweaks that make it stand out. While it maintains the familiar white aesthetic, ASUS has listened to community feedback and made some significant changes. The ergonomics have been refined, aiming for a more comfortable grip during extended gaming sessions. Seriously, who wants hand cramps after a long gaming spree? Not me, and probably not you either!

One of the most noticeable changes is the size. The ROG Ally X is slightly larger than the original, primarily to accommodate a larger battery (more on that later!). This might affect portability, but the trade-off is often worth it for longer gaming times. The button layout and overall build quality have also been improved. ASUS has paid close attention to the details, like the feel of the buttons and the responsiveness of the analog sticks.

Another significant upgrade is the cooling system. ASUS has revamped the cooling solution to ensure that the device runs efficiently and stays cool even during intense gaming. This means less throttling and smoother performance. This is a game-changer because overheating can seriously ruin your gaming experience.

In summary, the design changes in the ROG Ally X focus on enhancing comfort, battery life, and overall performance. These improvements address many of the criticisms leveled at the original Ally, making the X a promising upgrade. The original ROG Ally, despite its popularity, was somewhat limited in these areas. The design improvements of the Ally X show that ASUS is listening to its user base and aiming to provide a better overall experience. The slightly larger size is a small price to pay for the improvements.

Size and Weight

The original ROG Ally is already a portable device, but the ROG Ally X will likely be slightly heavier and larger. The extra size and weight stem from the larger battery and potential changes to the internal components. This might make a difference if you’re a frequent traveler. However, the improved ergonomics and other upgrades may balance this. The changes are all designed to offer a better overall gaming experience, even if it means some compromise on portability.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

ASUS has emphasized improvements to the build quality and ergonomics of the ROG Ally X. This means we can expect sturdier materials and a more comfortable grip. The changes address complaints about the original Ally's button feel and overall comfort, ensuring more extended gaming sessions without discomfort. Button layout tweaks will also be a part of the improvements, which will translate to a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Display: Visuals that Pop

Let’s talk screens! The display is a crucial part of any handheld gaming device. The ROG Ally features a vibrant 7-inch display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which ensures smooth, tear-free visuals. The screen is bright, colorful, and responsive, making games look fantastic.

While the original Ally's display is already impressive, the ROG Ally X might offer some refinements. Perhaps improvements in brightness, color accuracy, or even a slightly larger screen size. Even a small increase in resolution or a wider color gamut could make a noticeable difference in visual quality. ASUS may have tweaked the display for improved visual fidelity or greater power efficiency.

The display is a critical factor in the gaming experience. A better display will enhance the enjoyment of games, making them look more immersive. Whether the ROG Ally X sticks with the same display or makes some improvements, the visual experience will certainly be important to gamers. Either way, ASUS is likely to maintain a high standard.

Refresh Rate and Response Time

A high refresh rate is important for smooth gaming. The original ROG Ally has a 120Hz refresh rate, which is excellent for a handheld. The ROG Ally X will likely retain this feature or potentially improve it. Even if the refresh rate remains the same, improvements in response time would enhance the overall gaming experience, reducing motion blur and making games feel more responsive.

Brightness and Color Accuracy

Brightness and color accuracy are essential for a good viewing experience. The original ROG Ally's display is already bright and offers good color accuracy, but the ROG Ally X could potentially offer improvements. Higher brightness would make the screen more visible in bright environments, while improved color accuracy would make games look more vibrant and realistic.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Alright, let’s get to the guts of the matter! The original ROG Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) designed specifically for handheld gaming devices. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a clock speed that can boost up to 5.1 GHz. This is paired with AMD Radeon integrated graphics. The performance is quite impressive, allowing you to play many modern games at reasonable settings and frame rates.

For the ROG Ally X, there are several possibilities. ASUS could stick with the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but optimize the device's cooling system to allow for sustained peak performance. Alternatively, they might introduce a newer AMD APU with improved performance. A newer processor would mean better gaming performance and potentially more advanced features like support for ray tracing.

One of the areas that could see the most improvement is the GPU. A more powerful integrated GPU would allow you to play games at higher settings and frame rates. This is especially important for modern AAA titles.

In addition to the processor and GPU, the amount of RAM is another critical factor. The original ROG Ally comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The ROG Ally X will likely have the same or more RAM. Finally, the storage speed and capacity also make a difference.

Processor and Graphics Card

The heart of the performance lies in the processor and graphics card. The ROG Ally X may come with a new or improved processor, offering better performance than the original. Improved graphics could mean higher frame rates and better visual quality.

RAM and Storage

RAM (Random Access Memory) impacts how smoothly games run, especially when multitasking. The storage capacity and speed are also important. The ROG Ally X could offer more storage or faster storage options, improving loading times and overall performance. The original Ally's 16GB of RAM is good, but any further increase would be beneficial, especially as games become more demanding.

Cooling System

The cooling system is critical for sustained performance. The ROG Ally X will likely include a revamped cooling system to ensure that the device runs efficiently and maintains peak performance for longer periods.

Battery Life: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Battery life is a common complaint with the original ROG Ally, so it's a critical area for improvement in the ROG Ally X. The original Ally's battery life is adequate, but it can drain quickly when playing demanding games. ASUS is expected to significantly increase the battery capacity in the ROG Ally X. A larger battery will provide longer gaming sessions and alleviate one of the most significant pain points of the original Ally.

Improvements in battery efficiency are also likely. This means that the device will consume less power, allowing you to play games for longer periods. This could be achieved through software optimization or more efficient components. The ROG Ally X would be a major upgrade if ASUS can deliver longer battery life.

Ultimately, a longer battery life means more gaming time on the go. This is a crucial factor for a handheld gaming device. Whether ASUS increases battery capacity or improves efficiency (or both), the ROG Ally X aims to be a winner in this area.

Battery Capacity

The ROG Ally X is expected to have a larger battery capacity than the original. This will provide more gaming time and address a key weakness of the original.

Power Efficiency

Improvements in power efficiency are also crucial. More efficient components and software optimizations will help extend battery life.

Software and Features: Staying Up to Date

Software and features are important too. The original ROG Ally uses the Windows operating system and comes with the Armoury Crate SE software. This software allows you to customize your gaming experience. ASUS will probably use the same Windows OS for the ROG Ally X too.

ASUS might introduce new features and improvements to the Armoury Crate SE software. This could include enhancements to the user interface, better game management tools, or new customization options. Software updates and improvements are also expected to enhance performance and usability.

Ultimately, the user experience is critical. ASUS is likely to ensure that the software and features are up to the latest standards. This will contribute to a more enjoyable gaming experience. Updates may be important for fixing bugs and improving the overall stability of the software.

Operating System

The ROG Ally X will likely run on Windows, the same as the original. This offers a wide range of compatibility with games and software.

Software Features

Improvements to the Armoury Crate SE software, which is used for managing games and customizing settings, would be a welcome addition. This could lead to a better user experience.

Pricing and Availability: When and How Much?

So, when can you get your hands on the ROG Ally X, and how much will it cost? While ASUS has not yet officially announced the price and release date, it's safe to assume that the ROG Ally X will be priced higher than the original ROG Ally. The improvements in components, battery life, and overall design will come at a premium.

Keep an eye on ASUS's official channels and tech news websites for the latest updates on the release date and pricing. Pre-orders may also be available before the official launch. Knowing the price will make it easier to decide if this is the handheld for you.

Release Date

ASUS has not announced the release date yet, but it should be soon. Stay tuned for official announcements.

Price

The ROG Ally X will probably be priced higher than the original ROG Ally due to the improvements and upgrades.

Conclusion: Which Ally is Right for You?

So, there you have it, folks! The ROG Ally X promises to be a worthy successor to the original ROG Ally, with improvements across the board. The enhanced ergonomics, improved cooling, longer battery life, and potential performance boosts make it a compelling upgrade. However, the original ROG Ally still holds its own, especially if you're looking for a more affordable entry point into handheld gaming.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you prioritize maximum performance, comfort, and battery life, the ROG Ally X will likely be the better choice. If you're on a budget or don't need all the latest features, the original ROG Ally may still be a fantastic option. Either way, ASUS is pushing the boundaries of handheld gaming. The competition is heating up, and it's a great time to be a gamer!

I hope this comparison was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy gaming!