ASUS has officially launched its ROG Ally and Ally X handheld gaming consoles in India, marking a significant milestone for portable gaming enthusiasts. These Windows-based devices bring PC gaming power to a handheld format, competing directly with established players in the portable gaming market.
ROG Ally: Entry-Level Powerhouse
The standard ROG Ally is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 processor with 4nm architecture, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads. The device sports a 7-inch Full HD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness, ensuring smooth gameplay even in bright conditions.
Key Specifications – ROG Ally
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 (6-core/12-thread)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (4 RDNA 3 CUs)
- Display: 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, 500 nits
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- Battery: 40WHrs
- Weight: 608g
- OS: Windows 11 Home
ROG Ally X: The Premium Experience
The Ally X steps up with AMD’s more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, doubling the storage capacity to 1TB and extending battery life to 80WHrs. This model is designed for gamers who demand maximum performance and longer gaming sessions without compromise.
Key Specifications – ROG Ally X
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core/16-thread)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (12 RDNA 3 CUs)
- Display: 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, 500 nits, Gorilla Glass DXC
- Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X RAM (7500MHz)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Battery: 80WHrs (double the capacity)
- Weight: 678g
- Connectivity: 2x USB-C with Thunderbolt support
Gaming Performance
Both devices leverage AMD’s latest RDNA 3 architecture for graphics, supporting modern gaming titles at respectable frame rates. The Ally X’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with 12 compute units compared to the standard Ally’s 4, offers approximately 3x the graphics performance, making it suitable for more demanding AAA titles.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 6 | 8 |
| GPU Compute Units | 4 | 12 |
| RAM | 16GB | 24GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 1TB |
| Battery | 40WHrs | 80WHrs |
Design and Ergonomics
Both models feature ASUS’s refined ergonomic design with improved grip and button placement. The Ally X, while slightly heavier at 678g versus 608g, redistributes the weight for better balance during extended gaming sessions. The signature RGB lighting on the thumbsticks adds a gaming aesthetic.
Software and Compatibility
Running Windows 11 Home, both devices offer native compatibility with major gaming platforms including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and EA Play. ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE software provides quick access to game libraries, performance settings, and system monitoring.
Gaming Platform Support
- Steam (full library access)
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Epic Games Store
- GOG
- EA Play
- Ubisoft Connect
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Ally is priced at ₹59,990 in India, positioning it as a premium but accessible entry into handheld PC gaming. The ROG Ally X commands a higher price at ₹89,990, justified by its doubled storage, enhanced processor, and significantly larger battery capacity.
What’s in the Box
- ROG Ally/Ally X console
- 65W USB-C fast charger
- Carrying case
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
Connectivity and Expansion
Both models feature comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort and power delivery. The Ally X upgrades to dual USB-C ports with Thunderbolt support, enabling high-speed data transfer and connection to external GPUs.
Market Impact
With the launch of ROG Ally and Ally X, ASUS enters the growing portable gaming PC market in India, competing with devices like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. The Windows 11 operating system gives these devices an edge in terms of game compatibility and flexibility compared to custom OS solutions.
Verdict
The ROG Ally offers an excellent entry point for those new to handheld PC gaming, while the Ally X caters to power users who prioritize performance and battery life. Both devices represent ASUS’s commitment to bringing console-quality gaming experiences to a truly portable form factor.
Availability: Both models are now available through ASUS exclusive stores, select retail partners, and online platforms including Amazon India and Flipkart.
