Asus ROG Ally X rumors point towards 24GB RAM and an eight-hour battery

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Hulking Asus ROG Ally X specs

Asus ROG Ally with Assassin's Creed Odyssey gameplay on screen
(Image credit: Future)

Leakers are taking to the internet with Asus ROG Ally X specs, and the latest rumors touch on the handheld’s memory and promised battery capacity increase. If early predictions are true, the revamped portable will bump RAM up to faster 24GB modules from 16GB and keep everything powered for up to eight hours. Yes, those figures will put many laptops to shame, and it thankfully looks like it won’t hamper how it feels in your hands too much

Poised to cost $799, the Asus ROG Ally X won’t outright replace the original on the best gaming handheld battlefield. Instead, it’s what the tech giant refers to as an “enthusiast” option, one that may trade away qualities like being lightweight to boost battery life. That in itself may solve one of the biggest problems with on-the-go PC gaming right now, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the changes messing with the Ally’s ergonomics. 

Is the Asus ROG Ally X heavier? 

Hands holding Asus ROG Ally with High on Life on screen

(Image credit: Future)

Like me, you might also be itching to learn how this affects the ROG Ally X’s size, but an early hands-on by The Verge may help put your mind at rest. The impressions are based on an engineering sample, so there’s every chance the final revision could differ. However, while the handheld is reportedly heavier, refined ergonomics mean it doesn’t feel too weighty comparatively. 

Other refinements include rounded palm rests (similar to that of the Steam Deck OLED) and some tweaks to the face buttons and analog sticks.  All the changes seem to tighten ergonomics and offset any physical changes that are a result of spec bumps, but we’ll have to see whether this engineering sample differs greatly from the final version.

Ultimately, I’ll be happy if Asus can pull off beefing up the ROG Ally without going down the same route as other handhelds. If you caught my Lenovo Legion GO review, you’ll know I think it feels like a handheld designed by laptop makers. Largely, its clunkiness spoils some of the convenient consolized elements of portable PCs championed by existing options like the Ally, Steam Deck, and even the more expensive Ayaneo 2S. It feels like companies understand the assignment when making mini rigs, but Asus does seem to be toying with the idea of making some compromises in the name of power. 

Already got Valve’s portable? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for a range of add-ons. Alternatively, check out the Memorial Day gaming laptop deals if you want something with more oomph. 

Phil Hayton
Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.