ASUS ROG Ally X Unboxing and First Impressions: A Detailed Look

Unboxing the ROG Ally X

• 📦 The ASUS ROG Ally X packaging is described as substantial, with the device itself being a "chunker" but surprisingly lighter than expected for its size.
• 🔌 Included in the box is a 65-watt charger, paperwork, and the device itself, with the reviewer noting the surprise of actually receiving a charger.

Key Specifications and Features

• 🖥️ The device boasts a 7-inch Full HD 120Hz IPS display, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor.
• 💾 It features 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM (doubling as VRAM), 1TB of M.2 NVMe SSD storage, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
• 🔌 Connectivity includes dual USB-C ports (one USB 4.0), an SD card reader, headphone jack, and a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor.

User Experience and Software

• ⚠️ The reviewer expresses a strong dislike for Windows 11, preferring alternatives like Steam OS or Batocera (Linux) due to its perceived clunkiness and security concerns.
• 🎮 The device is essentially a Windows computer in a handheld form factor, blurring the lines between consoles and PCs.

Design and Ergonomics

• 👍 The ergonomics are praised, with the device feeling good and full in adult hands, designed for comfort during extended use.
• 🕹️ It features traditional Xbox-style button layouts, a "mid" feeling D-pad, mappable back buttons, linear triggers, and joysticks.
• 📏 Screen bezels remain large, with no significant improvement in screen-to-body ratio compared to previous models.

Value and Comparisons

• 💰 The price is a significant concern, with the ROG Ally X being on the higher end, potentially nearing $1000, which the reviewer finds hard to justify.
• 🆚 It's compared unfavorably to the Steam Deck, which offers a lower price point (around $300) and an OLED display, despite being slower.
• 📉 The improvement over the previous Z1 Extreme processor is not seen as substantial enough to warrant the high cost.
• 💡 The reviewer suggests that older models like the original ROG Ally or even the ROG Ally X (if found cheaper) might offer better value, or waiting for future, more powerful processors like the Ryzen AI 300 series.
• 🚀 The device is considered a "great device" but not "great for the price," with a significant gap between its cost and its perceived value.