The gaming device also has 16GB RAM and a 512GB storage space you can upgrade with microSD cards. However, the card tends to overheat and pop out of the slot. The battery is a 40Wh battery, and it has an Intelligent Cooling with Zero Gravity thermal system and dual fan design, among other features. This year, Asus has doubled the battery capacity on the new ROG Ally X. It now reaches 80 watt-hours for significantly longer playtime. But it’s just one of many changes.
MicroSD issue on the previous model is also fixed
Asus has acknowledged the problem with the microSD reader on the first ROG Ally. It was a big challenge, especially with large games that cause the console to overheat. You now have an upgraded full-length M.2 2280 PCIe 4 SSD slot, supporting double-sided drives. It indirectly solves the heating issue by giving you a reliable and higher-capacity internal storage. However, ASUS did remove the XG Mobile port for connecting their external GPU dock.
At first, it didn’t make sense because it was literally designed to boost the Ally’s graphics capabilities for more demanding games. But you’ll find the two new USB-C ports in its place useful. Now, you can connect multiple peripherals simultaneously, including external storage drives, controllers, headphones, or even a dock for a desktop-like experience. One port is a USB 4 type with Thunderbolt support, which means quicker transfers and up to 100W Power Delivery.
RAM size has increased to 24GB of faster 7500MHz LPDDR5X memory, boosting performance up to 15%. The cooling system also underwent restructuring to become 23% smaller, yet have more powerful fans, new vents for better touchscreen cooling, and thinner blades to reduce noise. There’s an additional third vent atop the device, along with redesigned internal airflow channels that keeps the touchscreen up to 6°C cooler.
Asus ROG Ally X has the more comfortable joystick & higher price tag
Beyond the RAM, battery, storage, and cooling enhancements, Asus has made the D-pad bigger, and it now offers eight-way directional input. The A, B, X, and Y buttons are now 3mm taller and housed in a longer tube to make gameplay more comfortable. The shoulder buttons (LB, RB, LT, RT) have been reinforced to be more resistant to damage from impacts.
The ROG Ally X is priced a hundred dollars higher at $799, compared to the $699 price tag for the original model. Pre-orders are available on the official website, with July 22 expected as the official release date.
