Asus has just unveiled the ROG Ally X, the successor to its popular ROG Ally handheld gaming console. This revamped device boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, making it an even more compelling option for gamers on the go.

While the ROG Ally X retains the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 APU that powered the original model, Asus has focused its efforts on enhancing other crucial aspects of the handheld experience.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the ROG Ally X is its sleek new design. Asus has ditched the original model’s color scheme for a stealthy black, and the chassis itself has been subtly reshaped. The new design features slightly deeper handles and a more rounded form factor, all without adding significant bulk to the device. Asus claims these changes, along with a revised button and joystick layout, will significantly improve comfort during extended gaming sessions. The triggers, in particular, have been given a slight slant for easier actuation.

Under the hood, the ROG Ally X packs a serious punch. Storage capacity has been doubled, with the base model now offering a whopping 1TB of space for your game library. This is a welcome change for gamers who like to have a wide variety of titles readily available. Additionally, the RAM has been bumped up to a generous 24GB of the faster LPDDR5X-7500 variety. This extra memory should ensure smooth performance even for the most demanding games.

But perhaps the most significant upgrade comes in the form of the battery. The ROG Ally X boasts an 80Wh battery, a massive leap from the original model’s 40Wh offering. This translates to potentially double the playtime, a crucial factor for any handheld gaming device.

Gaming on the go often means dealing with heat, but Asus has addressed this concern with improvements to ROG Ally X’s thermal system. The device now features a redesigned cooling solution with a third exhaust vent, allowing the fans to push up to 24% more air. This enhanced airflow should keep the device cooler, especially during intense gameplay sessions. Asus even claims that the 120hz 1080p display should feel up to 6°C cooler thanks to these thermal optimizations.

The ROG Ally X comes equipped with a variety of connectivity options to keep you plugged in. You’ll find two USB-C ports on the top (one of which is Thunderbolt 4 port, perfect for connecting external displays or high-speed peripherals). There’s also a handy SD card reader for additional storage expansion, and an M.2 2280 slot inside the device allows you to upgrade the internal SSD for even more storage capacity.

The ROG Ally X is now available for preorder on Best Buy for $799.99, with shipments expected to begin on July 22nd. While the core processor and display remain unchanged from the original model, the upgrades to storage, RAM, battery life, thermal management, and connectivity make the ROG Ally X a compelling option for gamers looking for a powerful and portable gaming experience.