ASUS unveils ROG Ally X gaming console in Australia, NZ

ASUS has announced the availability of its new ROG Ally X handheld gaming console in Australia and New Zealand. The device is priced at AUD $1,599 for the Australian market and NZD $1,799 for the New Zealand market, with availability through the ASUS E-Shop and JB Hi-Fi in Australia and JB Hi-Fi and PBTech in New Zealand.

This updated model is designed for Windows 11 gaming, retaining the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor while introducing several enhancements. These include upgraded storage, increased RAM, and improved battery life. The ROG Ally X also features a redesigned chassis aimed at enhancing ergonomics, cooling, and connectivity.

Bradley Howe, Head of Consumer, Systems Business Group, ASUS Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the launch. "We're excited to launch the new ROG Ally X in Australia and New Zealand after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from users on the ROG Ally last year. We have continued to listen to our customers' feedback, resulting in the new ROG Ally X, which offers great improvements to battery, thermal cooling and storage," Howe said.

The ROG Ally X offers several internal upgrades. It features a 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD, significantly increasing storage capacity from the 512 GB offered in the original model. The device also boasts 24 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, providing more flexibility and ensuring optimal performance in modern games that demand high-resolution, lifelike textures. An upgraded 80 Wh battery promises extended gaming sessions away from power outlets.

The handset’s weight has increased slightly by 70 grams compared to its predecessor, but ASUS assures that the weight distribution is optimised for user comfort. The ergonomics have been improved, with deeper handles and a more rounded device shape, making the ROG Ally X comfortable to hold over extended gaming periods.

Updates to the control system include new, more durable joysticks rated for a 5-million-cycle lifespan, stiffer springs, and a more familiar response curve for experienced gamers. The D-Pad has also been enhanced for more precise eight-direction input, which is especially beneficial for fighting and retro games. Additionally, macro buttons on the back have been made smaller to reduce accidental presses while maintaining accessibility.

Regarding connectivity, ASUS has replaced the original XG Mobile port on the ROG Ally X with two USB-C ports. One of the USB-C ports is Thunderbolt-compatible, allowing for broader interoperability with third-party docks and external GPUs. This update meets user demands for more versatile input/output options.

Thermal management has seen significant improvements. The new fans in the device are 23% smaller with 50% thinner blades, intended to enhance airflow. New air tunnels in the fan housing direct air to a third exhaust vent on the upper edge of the ROG Ally X. This results in a 24% increase in air volume passing through the device, not only cooling internal components but also the touch screen, which can be cooler by up to 6C for prolonged use comfort.