Why buy the expensive ROG Ally X when you could get the original gaming handheld for literally half the price?

As a devoted gamer and tech enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of using various gaming handhelds over the years. Among them all, my ASUS ROG Ally stands out as a versatile, powerful alternative to the more approachable Steam Deck and the closed-off Nintendo Switch. However, with the new ASUS ROG Ally X entering the scene, I’ve been pondering whether the upgrade is worth the hefty price tag.


The ASUS ROG Ally is uncontested as the top choice among handheld gaming devices powered by Windows, providing a potent and adaptable option contrasting the accessible Steam Deck and restricted Nintendo Switch. The newly introduced ROG Ally X builds upon the outstanding features of its predecessor, yet it comes with a significantly higher price tag. Pondering why you should invest in the latest model when the initial ASUS ROG Ally delivers 90% of the same experience for only $399.99 at Best Buy?

For roughly half the cost, the new ASUS ROG Ally X retails at an impressive $799.99 at Best Buy. If you’re seeking an affordable yet powerful gaming handheld, let me suggest this option.

90% of the gaming handheld, 50% of the price

The introduction of ASUS ROG Ally marks the arrival of a new wave of powerful, handheld gaming devices running on Windows 11. This category has gained immense popularity due to the Steam Deck’s mainstream success. With Full Windows 11 support, these handhelds offer enhanced capabilities and can run a larger library of games compared to the Steam Deck – albeit with some added complexity. The ASUS ROG Ally leads this segment as the top contender.

Featuring a stunning, 120Hz IPS LCD screen (capable of variable refresh rates), an impressive AMD Z1 mobile gaming processor, and ASUS’ unexpectedly effective (and continually enhancing) ArmouryCrate software, the ASUS ROG Ally is well-equipped to run top PC games no matter where you are. While no handheld gaming device can play all the latest and most demanding titles with every graphic setting maxed out, the ROG Ally provides a seamless gaming experience in the majority of games due to its ample processing power.

Due to its identical characteristics to a Windows PC in terms that truly matter, you have the freedom to connect various accessories such as keyboards, mice, external monitors, portable storage, and more, to the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming device. Its excellent ergonomics and controls make for an enjoyable gaming experience, and it offers added perks like customizable RGB lighting and extra programmable buttons. The collaboration between Windows, AMD, and ASUS ensures long-term support for this versatile gaming handheld.

I have a strong affection for my ASUS ROG Ally; it’s always by my side during late-night gaming escapades. This portable powerhouse is not just a bedside companion but an excellent travel buddy as well. Its ability to help me tackle my lengthy backlog during flights or hotel stays sets it apart from the competition. However, what truly clinches the deal for me is the integration of Xbox Game Pass – a game-changer that puts it ahead of both the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.

The ROG Ally comes packed with an extensive collection of over 300 exciting games through Game Pass. I personally prefer this handheld device for the majority of my gaming sessions. Intriguingly, ASUS offers a complimentary three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with every purchase of the ROG Ally, providing you with a comprehensive gaming setup and an extensive game library right from the get-go. Furthermore, there’s little incentive for most consumers to opt for the newer ASUS ROG Ally X over the initial model based on current information.

As a big fan of portable gaming devices, I must admit that the ROG Ally X outshines its competitors in many aspects. However, its superiority comes with a hefty price tag of $799.99 at Best Buy. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Ally is now available for only $399.99, which is half the cost. For me, getting 90% of the gaming handheld experience at just 50% of the price is an offer I couldn’t resist. If you’re interested in learning more about this fantastic deal, check out our ASUS ROG Ally review for further details.

The ASUS ROG Ally X is the best for a premium

In our ASUS ROG Ally X evaluation, my colleague Rebecca asserts that the most recent ASUS ROG Ally outperforms its predecessor in nearly every aspect, yet ponders if these improvements sufficiently warrant the increased cost. For those undecided about whether to spend double the discounted price of the previous ASUS ROG Ally model on this new handheld, I will provide a detailed rundown of how the latest version surpasses its predecessor.

As an analyst, I can tell you that the ASUS ROG Ally X is my upgraded pick with noticeable enhancements over its predecessor. The larger and heavier build may seem intimidating at first, but it’s justified by the significant improvements in ergonomics. I particularly appreciate the more comfortable chassis design and expanded controller grips for extended gaming sessions.

In simpler terms, the new features such as the advanced RAM and larger SSD storage, along with the upgraded AMD Z1 Extreme processor, complement each other beautifully in the ROG Ally. The display, design, software experience, gaming performance, and game support remain unchanged from the previous version, although the processing power has been significantly enhanced.

The new ASUS ROG Ally model surpasses its predecessor in several aspects, yet it doesn’t outshine it twice as much. It may not be the best choice for most users to pay $799.99 at Best Buy. Instead, the vast majority of people can obtain more than 90% of the handheld gaming experience by opting for the original ASUS ROG Ally, which is available for only $399.99 at Best Buy.

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2024-07-29 21:09