One year since the original ROG Ally’s launch, the gaming handheld is back: this time, ASUS is bringing the ROG Ally X here in Malaysia, featuring upgraded RAM, storage, battery, and more improvements over the original model.
ROG Ally X: Specs
Let’s get this out of the way first: the processor that powers the ROG Ally X is the same as the vanilla model, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor which is equivalent to a Ryzen 7 7840U in terms of compute power. In the new model, it’s paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, which is both larger and faster than the original model – this should improve framerates in some memory-constrained games. On top of that, you do get a redesigned motherboard that improves the layout for certain parts, such as the more common M.2 2280 SSD form factor that enables support for larger storage capacities.
As the handheld is largely a portable device, battery life is a very important metric. In the ROG Ally X, the battery capacity has been doubled to 80Wh – while that comes with some thickness and weight penalties, ASUS says it only added 70 grams more to the overall weight at 678g, and the weight remains evenly distributed on both ends of the device to improve handling and comfort. On that note, the chassis has been redesigned with slightly deeper handles, rounder edges, and tweaked button placement to improve ergonomics.
Another big change is the I/O – gone is the bulky, proprietary XGm port that require specific XG Mobile modules to connect to an external GPU; instead, two USB-C ports now took its spot, with one being the USB4, meaning it’s compatible with existing Thunderbolt-based eGPU solutions. For cooling, ASUS opted for a smaller fan to accommodate the larger batteries, but the fan blades has been reprofiled to provide 24% more air volume, with an additional exhaust vent to keep the internals and the touchscreen up to 6°C cooler.
Customers can now pre-order the ROG Ally X today, with one available configuration: Ryzen Z1 Extreme paired with 24GB LPDDR5-7500 RAM and 1TB SSD. This spec costs RM4,299 – those who pre-order will be eligible to redeem a pre-order bundle that includes ROG Ally Premium Hard Case, ROG Gaming Charger Dock, and screen protector, worth RM658 in total.
Pokdepinion: About time this gets the upgrade. Competition is coming in hot!
