The difference between two generations of Asus handheld Gaming PC products—ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X—is about $500. So, do you know which gaming model to buy?
As a newer model, the ROG Ally X is expected to feature more improvements than its predecessor, the ROG Ally. The enhancements include upgraded hardware configuration, improved connection ports, increased battery capacity, and minor design adjustments.
However, with a difference of about $500, this is still a hot topic for technology users passionate about playing console games like us to discuss. To determine which gaming console model suits you best, explore the detailed comparison of Asus gaming handhelds below.
Asus ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X
Design
In appearance, the new ROG Ally X version retains the 7-inch screen and familiar Xbox-style controller layout, making it easy for users to adapt. The function keys are nearly identical to the previous generation, offering a seamless transition for returning users.
As mentioned, the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X have subtle tweaks that may not be noticeable at first glance. However, there are still a few key differences worth knowing to help you choose the model that best suits your needs.
First, let’s discuss the device’s design and weight. The ROG Ally X is slightly “chubbier,” which impacts how it feels in hand. I’ll cover this aspect further in the next section.
The ROG Ally X also introduces a significant update to the Macro button, which is noticeably smaller in this version. For users who, like me, rarely use the Macro function, this change is beneficial as it helps prevent accidental presses.
For fans of this brand’s button layout, the ROG Ally version enhances functionality with a larger, easier-to-press Macro button. The D-pad now includes 8-way control for precise movements, ideal for players who enjoy fighting games frequently.
Additionally, the ROG Ally X trigger button has a unique design. Asus designed it with a slight curve and a compact size, making it easier to operate the ROG Ally model without needing to stretch or reach.
User Handling Experience
Holding and experiencing both models feels both strange and familiar. The “familiar” part comes from the similar hand positioning, as the design lines and key layouts are nearly identical.
The ROG Ally X is slightly larger, measuring about 0.35 to 0.45 cm thicker and weighing 70 grams more than the ASUS ROG Ally. This added size offers a more secure grip but may lead to fatigue during extended gaming sessions, particularly for users with smaller hands.
Personally, I prefer the feel of the ROG Ally X. Although it appears bulkier, it still has a balanced look with soft, curved lines that give it a sophisticated and modern appearance. Despite its size, it doesn’t look overly slim or plain.
But if you still prefer a slimmer, neater, and “purer” look with the white version, I think ROG Ally is still a great choice that you should consider. The ROG Ally X is ideal for those who prefer a bold, full-bodied design. This version, with its intense black finish, appeals to users who value a look of confidence and sophistication.
As I mentioned above, although the size of the keys has changed a bit, the overall layout of the keys is the same, so if you are a console gaming enthusiast or at least looking for a new joy and experience with this gaming system, both the Ally and Ally X models are worth the money for you to choose.
Connectivity
The Ally X is a versatile gaming device with two USB-C ports: one USB 3.2 Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support and one USB 4 Type-C compatible with Thunderbolt 4. This setup lets you charge the device while connecting an external SSD for data transfer, adding convenience.
The standard Ally version has fewer ports, which is adequate for users who don’t need multiple connections simultaneously. Additionally, Ally’s current lower price makes it an appealing choice.
Battery life
The Ally X outperforms the ROG Ally in battery life, doubling the capacity from 40 WHrs to 80 WHrs. This upgrade enables several hours of continuous AAA gaming, roughly twice the battery life of the ROG Ally.
For those who prioritize battery capacity—especially gamers who frequently play on the go, such as at a coffee shop— the Ally X offers the freedom to enjoy extended gaming sessions without needing to recharge. Playing games on the Ally X while relaxing with a coffee under the winter sky adds a unique touch to the experience.
The game test above shows that the ROG Ally X provides nearly 4 hours of gaming.
Although the standard ROG Ally has a smaller battery, it still supports around 2 hours of smooth gameplay, which is acceptable. The lower battery capacity also makes the device lighter, making the ROG Ally a solid choice for those who prefer a more compact option with adequate battery life.
Asus ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X: Performance comparison
Despite the price difference, both the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X use the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip with identical core and thread counts, resulting in similar performance.
However, the Ally X justifies its higher price with a key feature that enhances gaming smoothness.
The Ally X allocates significantly more VRAM than the standard Ally, with 24GB of RAM sharing 8GB for graphics. In contrast, the default Ally only shares 4GB for graphics, and increasing it to 8GB leaves just 8GB of RAM, which isn’t sufficient for gaming. For a better gaming experience, the Ally X is likely the better choice.
If the performance changes from the Ally X version are not too much for you and not “worth” the price difference, Ally is still a handheld PC gaming console that helps you play some AAA games smoothly, enough to “chill” gently after stressful school and work hours.
The Ally X also offers a larger storage capacity of up to 1TB, allowing you to store more games than the ROG Ally, which is limited to 512GB.
I find the upgradeability of the Ally X particularly valuable, as it supports PCIe 4.0 2280 SSDs, which provide higher speeds and are more widely available than the 2230-sized SSDs compatible with the previous Ally model.
Benchmark Score
CrystalDiskMark
Cinebench 2024
3DMark
Real Gaming Experience
Black Myth: Wukong
I used the following graphics configuration settings for the games I tested on both models:
- Low + Full HD
- Turbo mode on Ally X with TDP 30-35
- Room temperature 26 degrees Celsius
- Enable XeSS and AMD FSR 3 Ultraperformance
Although this game has reached a stage of losing popularity – mostly because almost all players have successfully “passed the level” on the journey of Thien Menh Nhan, this is still an extremely excellent game in terms of both content and graphics, as well as a perfect game to compare the performance between gaming consoles, below will be the configuration customization that I have adjusted for both Asus gaming handhelds.
As mentioned earlier, the ROG Ally X has a clear performance advantage over the standard model in terms of VRAM. With its “optimal” configuration, the Ally X consistently maintains a smooth 60-70 FPS, even during intense scenes like boss battles, where the frame rate stays stable.
For a straightforward comparison, I set both versions to low settings. Wukong’s benchmark software measured an average of 78 FPS, which I found impressive for casual monster farming and intense boss battles through challenging obstacles.
As for the Ally version, I was a bit surprised to see it still rated at 72 FPS with the same graphics settings—a difference of 6 FPS! However, in actual gameplay, the frame rate ranged between 50 and 65 FPS. While this still provides a generally smooth experience, it’s something to keep in mind.
God of War: Ragnarok
Given the game’s high graphics demands, I also set both devices to low settings as follows:
- Low + Full H
- Turbo mode on Ally X with TDP 30-35
- Room temperature 26 degrees Celsius
- Enable XeSS and AMD FSR 3 Ultraperformance
In God of War: Ragnarok, both Ally and Ally X deliver high FPS levels. The Ally runs battle scenes smoothly at around 70 FPS, ensuring fluid gameplay.
The Ally X performs even better, averaging 88 FPS and reaching up to 95 FPS, providing a stable experience for exploring Kratos’s journey.
Ghost of Tsushima
- High + Full HD
- Turbo mode on Ally X with TDP 30-35
- Room temperature 26 degrees Celsius
- Enable XeSS and AMD FSR 3 Ultraperformance
In Ghost of Tsushima, both handhelds perform similarly to their performance in Black Myth: Wukong, each achieving around 67 FPS while riding and exploring.
In combat or visually intense scenes, the Ally X occasionally drops to around 50 FPS. However, it still provides a solid gaming experience, especially with high settings.
The Ally is close behind, delivering a similar performance. Despite being released earlier, it remains a strong choice for AAA gaming.
Final line
When comparing the Asus ROG Ally vs. ROG Ally X, the ROG Ally X emerges as a strong handheld gaming PC. It features a larger battery for extended play, more RAM, and design tweaks that improve the gaming experience.
Comfort varies by user; while I find it comfortable, some may find it a bit large.
The ROG Ally also offers solid performance, sharing the same CPU as the Ally X, and is available at a much lower price—up to $500 less. If the Ally X’s upgrades aren’t essential to you, the ROG Ally remains an excellent option.
Also see: Best Handheld PC Gaming Devices: Buying Guide
The Asus ROG Ally starts at $429 and is available from popular retailers, including Newegg, Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk.
The Asus ROG Ally X is available at a starting price of $949 on Newegg.com or £825.43 on Amazon.co.uk.
