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I’ve taken several side-by-side comparison photos of the ROG Ally X and ROG Ally (2023).

Take a look and see these physical design improvements for yourself.

ROG Ally X Windows desktop.

The ROG Ally X and ROG Ally are basically the same size width and height-wise.

This is a physical comparison between the ROG Ally X and ROG Ally.

If you want a more thorough breakdown of this new gaming handheld, check out ourROG Ally X review.

Some buttons and joysticks have been upgraded for better in-game control and durability.

ASUS ROG Ally X — $799.99 at Best Buy

The ROG Ally X and ROG Ally are basically the same size width and height-wise.

It runs Windows 11 so you’re able to access various gaming services on this unit.

It features large back buttons, a 7-inch IPS touchscreen, and also runs Windows 11.

However, the newer model has a number of adjustments that help improve upon the gaming handheld design.

ROG Ally (2023) Z1 Extreme — $649.99 at Best Buy 

Both measure in at 11-inches wide by 4.4-inches tall (279.9 x 111.0mm).

The ASUS ROG team used this chance to plump up the grip area on the ROG Ally X.

For me, the D-Pad is a vast improvement.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally front.

The ROG Ally X and ROG Ally are basically the same size width and height-wise.

It’s a good improvement, overall.

This should make the new joysticks on the upgraded Ally last longer than the joysticks on the original unit.

At any rate, all of these controls are very responsive when I’m playing games.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally height.

The ROG Ally X is a bit wider than the original device.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

However, Armoury Crate SE 1.5 will also be coming to the original ROG Ally sometime in July.

As with the original rig, the ROG Ally X has the same RGB lighting around the joysticks.

The RGB lighting’s brightness, effects, and specific colors can be adjusted within Armoury Crate.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally grip area.

The grip area is more pronounced on the ROG Ally X.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

The other big change to the backside is how large the vent intake area is.

You’ll note that the vent slots on the ROG Ally X extend further horizontally as well as vertically.

It might not seem like a huge deal, but it can make a big difference.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally D-Pads.

The ROG Ally X’s D-Pad has been upgraded to a larger one that is more responsive.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

So, you’ll have to be more careful when choosing a docking station for ROG Ally X. Additionally, a new exhaust vent is found in the top center of the machine.

Which ROG Ally should I get?

The ROG Ally X is improved in many respects that work together to make a better gaming handheld overall.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally joystick grips.

The ROG Ally X’s joysticks have different rubber texture than the original’s.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

However, the two devices require the same amount of power to function and have the same screens.

As such, the two can share power adapters, screen protectors, and several other accessories.

What are ROG Ally X specs?

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally Joystick height.

Both ROG Ally model’s joysticks are about the same height away from the casing.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

How much is ROG Ally X?

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally bumpers and triggers.

The bumpers and triggers are slightly bigger on the ROG Ally X.

ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally displays.

The ROG Ally X and ROG Ally have the same 7-inch IPS touchscreen.

ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally RGB.

RGB lighting around the joysticks pops more against the ROG Ally X’s black casing.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally back sides.

The vents area has been enlarged on the new ROG Ally X and the M1 and M2 buttons have been diminished.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally ports view.

The microSD card reader, headphone jack, and volume buttons have swapped sides.

Starfield on ASUS ROG Ally X.

ROG Ally X and ROG Ally ports and buttons.

There is a new vent at the top center for the ROG Ally X. Plus, there is now a Thunderbolt 4 port in addition to the USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port.

ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally

ROG Ally X is the better device overall, but ROG Ally is still a good fit for many people.

Sell ROG Ally for ROG Ally X

ROG Ally X has several improvements over the original ROG Ally.

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Lenovo Legion Go S on its back above the ROG Ally.

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Front view of the Lenovo Legion Go S above the Legion Go 2.

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MSI Claw surrounded by Steam Deck, ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Nintendo Switch, Legion Go S, and Legion Go.