Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, launched today on Aston Martin models, transforms the in-car experience with full dashboard integration and deep vehicle control, while standard CarPlay continues to thrive alongside it.
Google’s Android Show: I/O Edition unveiled Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive redesign, Wear OS 6’s AI enhancements, Gemini integration across Auto and TV, and the rebranded Find Hub, promising a vibrant and connected ecosystem.
Valve’s SteamOS is set to revolutionize handheld gaming with its new compatibility rating system and the Lenovo Legion Go S launch, challenging Windows and expanding Linux gaming’s reach.
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Today, let's dive into the Asus ROG Ally X, the sequel to Asus's foray into the world of PC gaming handhelds. I've been hands-on with this device for a while, and here's my take on how it stacks up against the original Ally, its performance, and the ongoing saga with Windows 11 on handhelds.
The Asus ROG Ally X sports a sleek, matte black chassis that not only looks more professional but also feels more durable than the original's lighter color. The design retains the angular aesthetic of the first Ally but refines it with smoother curves around the handles, which significantly enhance the comfort during long gaming sessions. The device still features the same 7-inch 1080p IPS display, but the bezels are slightly slimmer, giving it a more modern appearance.
The weight increase to 678 grams might deter some from considering it for ultra-portable gaming, but it's a necessary trade-off for the enhanced battery life and larger internals. The thumbsticks now have a more textured surface to prevent slippage, and the buttons have a more tactile feel, which is crucial for precision in gaming. Additionally, the Ally X includes better ventilation with an improved cooling system, which helps in maintaining performance without thermal throttling under load.
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor remains the heart of the Ally X, offering up to 8.6 teraflops of graphics performance. This, combined with the leap to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, results in a smoother gaming experience, especially when juggling multiple applications or when switching between different games. The doubled SSD capacity to 1TB not only provides more space for games but also improves load times, thanks to the faster NVMe technology.
In terms of gaming performance, benchmarks show the Ally X can handle titles like "Assassin’s Creed Valhalla" at medium settings with a consistent 30-40 FPS, which is quite respectable for a handheld. For less demanding games, you're looking at a solid 60 FPS or more. The device also features a customizable macro key, which can be programmed for complex inputs, enhancing gameplay in competitive titles.
The battery life enhancement is one of the standout improvements. With the 80Wh battery, you can expect to play lighter games like "Stardew Valley" for up to 5 hours, whereas graphically intensive games might drain it in about 3 hours. This is a considerable upgrade from the original's battery life, though it still falls short when compared to devices like the Steam Deck OLED in similar scenarios.
Using Windows 11 on a device like the ROG Ally X is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get access to a plethora of games from various launchers like Steam, Epic Games Store, and even Xbox Game Pass. On the other hand, the user interface is not optimized for a small screen or touch controls. The touch keyboard can be cumbersome, and navigating Windows menus with a thumbstick or touchpad can be frustrating.
Asus's attempt to mitigate these issues comes in the form of Armoury Crate SE, which is pre-installed to help manage games and settings but doesn't fully resolve the inherent UI challenges of Windows. There are also issues with game compatibility and updates that can sometimes require manual tweaks or third-party software to manage.
The potential for SteamOS on the ROG Ally X is what's got many in the gaming community excited. SteamOS, known for its use in the Steam Deck, provides a console-like interface optimized for gaming on smaller screens. It's designed to be intuitive with big, touch-friendly icons and a streamlined experience for launching games.
If Valve or a community project like ChimeraOS or Bazzite were to officially support the Ally X, we could see not only an enhancement in user interface but also potential performance optimizations since SteamOS is built with Linux's lower overhead. This could mean better battery life, more consistent frame rates, and less hassle with game launchers. However, as of now, this is still in the realm of speculation and community-driven projects rather than official developments from Asus or Valve.
After spending several months with the Asus ROG Ally X, I can confidently say it's become my go-to for portable gaming. The hardware upgrades, particularly the beefier battery and the smooth 120Hz screen, have made a noticeable difference in my gaming sessions. The comfort of the new design and the tactile feel of the controls make every game feel more immersive, whether I'm diving into an indie gem or tackling a AAA blockbuster.
However, the persistent issue with this device is Windows 11. Despite its power and versatility, the operating system feels like it's not quite at home on a handheld. The interface isn't optimized for touch or the smaller screen, leading to some frustrations in navigation and game management. Even with Asus's Armoury Crate SE trying to streamline the experience, you're still dealing with the complexities of a full desktop OS in a much smaller form factor.
If we could wave a magic wand and get SteamOS on this bad boy, I think the Ally X would truly shine. Until then, though, it's a device that I've grown to love, but one that leaves you wishing for a software solution that matches its hardware prowess. Still, for those willing to navigate around these software limitations, the Ally X is a powerhouse in the palm of your hand, just waiting for that perfect OS match to truly unlock its potential.
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