

The Asus ROG Ally X, set to release on June 2, addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor with significant upgrades. It features a doubled battery capacity of 80 watt-hours and increased RAM from 16GB to 24GB. Additionally, it retains the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and 7-inch 1080p VRR screen but adds a second USB-C port. These enhancements aim to improve performance and user experience, potentially making it a strong competitor against Valve's Steam Deck OLED.
The design of the ROG Ally X has also been refined to improve ergonomics, with adjustments to the rear structure to prevent accidental button presses and upgraded triggers and buttons for better durability and feel. If Asus maintains the leaked price point of around $800, the ROG Ally X could appeal to gamers looking for a high-performance handheld PC, contributing to the broader development of the handheld gaming market.

The three major flaws identified in the original Asus ROG Ally are:

The Asus ROG Ally X offers several enhancements that make it suitable for users who multitask, particularly those who engage in gaming while performing other activities. Firstly, the inclusion of a second USB-C port with USB4 speeds significantly enhances the device's connectivity and versatility. This feature allows for easier docking and the ability to charge while using external accessories, which is ideal for users who need to connect additional devices for multitasking purposes.
Additionally, the upgraded 80-watt-hour battery, which is a substantial increase from the previous 40-watt-hour battery, provides longer usage time. This means users can engage in extended gaming sessions or other activities without frequent recharges. The increased RAM from 16GB to 24GB, now using LPDDR5, allows for better allocation of memory to the GPU, which could enhance gaming performance while simultaneously running other applications3.
These improvements not only boost the device's performance but also its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making the ROG Ally X a more capable tool for users who need to juggle gaming with other demanding activities.