ASUS ROG Ally X hands-on impressions! _ Better than the ROG Ally!

The New Rog Ali X: A Mid-Generation Upgrade

The new Rog Ali X is now available for pre-order at $799, marking a significant update to the original Rog Ali. While it's not exactly a version 2, but rather a mid-generation upgrade, the Rog Ali X brings some notable changes and improvements to the table.

One of the most noticeable differences between the new and old models is the color scheme. The Rog Ali X now comes in black, making it easier to distinguish from its predecessor. Additionally, the shape has been slightly rounded, and the handles are just a bit deeper, according to Asus, providing a more comfortable playing experience. The buttons on the stick have also been rearranged, with a slight slant to them that makes them easier to use. Furthermore, the macro buttons have been miniaturized to prevent accidental touches on the back of the controller.

The joysticks on the new Rog Ali X are also more durable, rated for 5 million cycles, compared to 2 million on the original model. The d-pad has received a minor improvement as well, with a slight increase in precision. In terms of display, the Rog Ali X still features a 7-inch full HD screen with 500 nits brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, Asus has not adopted OLED technology for this latest iteration.

One area where the new Rog Ali X has made significant strides is battery life. The device now boasts double the capacity of its predecessor, with an estimated 80Wh battery. This increase in power has allowed Asus to reduce the weight of the controller by just 0.15 pounds without compromising performance. To accommodate this increased capacity, the new controller features upgraded thermals and fans that are 23% smaller than before. These advancements have resulted in a noticeable decrease in temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

The Rog Ali X also comes with improved cooling, allowing it to run at lower temperatures on longer sessions. This has been made possible by the use of advanced thermal management systems and materials. In addition to these hardware upgrades, Asus has also upgraded the RAM on the new controller to 24GB of GDDR6 memory, paired with the AMD Ryzen Zen 2 processor.

The performance difference between the old and new models is noticeable when playing AAA titles. According to Asus, the experience will be smoother and more responsive compared to the previous version. The company attributes this improvement to its focus on user feedback, which has allowed them to identify areas where they can improve and implement changes accordingly.

One notable feature of the Rog Ali X is its improved storage capabilities. While it still uses the same M.2 2280 interface as its predecessor, Asus has doubled the storage capacity to 1TB. This increased storage means that users will have more space for their games, programs, and data. Furthermore, the M.2 interface remains easily upgradeable, allowing users to swap out their storage with new, faster options.

Another significant improvement on the new Rog Ali X is its connectivity. The controller now features two Type-C ports, one of which still supports USB 3.2, while the other boasts Thunderbolt 4 capabilities. This allows users to connect their console or PC directly to the controller using a high-speed cable. Additionally, users can now easily access external GPUs and SD cards without worrying about compatibility issues.

In conclusion, the new Rog Ali X is an upgrade worth considering for anyone looking to improve their gaming experience. With its improved display, battery life, and performance capabilities, this mid-generation model offers significant improvements over its predecessor. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Rog Ali X is sure to deliver a satisfying experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end.