We looked at what has changed, how much more the updated version of the ASUS device can do compared to its predecessor.
Introduction, external
Although the ROG Ally, released in May 2023, was not the first Windows handheld console, the resurgence of this product category can be attributed to it, as many other manufacturers have also tried their luck in this market in the more than a year that has passed since then. ASUS could not watch all this idly either, so it created the updated version of Ally, marked with an X, taking into account the criticisms received on the first attempt. We don’t call ROG Ally X a second version on purpose, and ASUS doesn’t do that either: the modifications are mostly subtle, which increases usability and user experience, no generational changes have been made anywhere.
External
As the basis of our test, we use last year’s ROG Ally presentation, so we will not go through the entire construction again in detail. The shape of the handheld console hasn’t changed much, ASUS has improved the ergonomics a bit (for example, the back buttons have been made smaller, so it’s less likely to be accidentally pressed), and the white color has been changed to black, which is less prone to getting dirty. The buttons are in the same place, and there is no difference in feel when using the D-Pad or the joysticks, although the former is now eight-way. The tactility of the switches under the buttons has been improved, and the joys are now certified for 5 million cycles instead of 2 million, and the refund is more definite.
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The grips are thicker and have a better shape, but to be honest, if you don’t hold the two devices right after each other, it won’t be very noticeable. The good news is that it won’t be noticeable that this year’s model is 70 grams, i.e. about 10 percent heavier, so it weighs 678 grams. It’s still not terrible, it’s not a problem to hold, and the doubled battery capacity, increased to 80 Wh, is really worth it.
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However, more important changes can be found on the upper edge of the device, where the connectors are found: the former 1 Type-C and 1 XG Mobile socket have been replaced by two Type-C, which is a more universal solution. In addition, one Type-C is USB4, so it offers a bandwidth of 40 Gbps, and the maximum for USB-PD charging is 100 watts. At least in theory, the included charger is still only 65 watts.
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The good news is that the new ROG Ally X can be opened just as easily as its predecessor, and inside we can immediately see one of the important improvements: the backup storage is provided by a 2280 SSD, which can be expanded more easily and cheaply. The cooling system has also been modified, with more blades on the fans, air and heat transport is more efficient (according to ASUS, the display can be up to 6 degrees Celsius cooler during a serious game session), and thus the noise level can also be reduced.
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Source: prohardver.hu
