It Seems Grips Make a Difference: How ROG Ally X Devices Show That Handhelds Are Better With Prominent Grips.

Grip Comfort and ROG Ally X Design

Despite the large number of gaming handhelds tested at The Verge, Asus's upcoming ROG Ally X devices might be the most comfortable to hold. This is due to their design, which closely resembles the current ROG Ally, with the addition of large protrusions that allow for a better grip on the device, enhancing the gaming experience comfortably.

These protrusions indicate a design influence clearly inspired by the GameCube console. From the front, Asus seems to have drawn inspiration from the Nintendo GameCube controller (or, even better, the Wavebird), but it goes beyond that. Unlike GameCube, which might not offer a full grip for the pinky fingers, the ROG Ally X's protrusions are longer and allow for a deeper, more comprehensive grip, providing greater control and improved hand comfort during long gaming sessions.

These protrusions can be compared to those found on Sony PS5's DualSense controllers, or even modern Xbox controllers. They allow the user to fully wrap their fingers around the device, with a significant recess at the bottom for the fingertips, providing a sense of stability and security necessary for intense gaming.

Ergonomic Comparisons with Other Gaming Handhelds

While ROG Ally devices are comfortable to hold, calling them the most comfortable for gaming remains premature, partly due to insufficient time for extended gameplay, and partly because Asus, like other competitors, still rejects the superior thumb button ergonomics offered by Valve in the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck places the joystick, D-pad, and face buttons at the top, within the natural reach of the user's thumb, reducing the need to stretch and providing a more intuitive gaming experience.

Although devices like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S: You can visit this link and MSI Claw 8 AI+: You can visit this link all feature large grips, they cannot be fully held like the protrusions on the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. A colleague, who does not prefer the Steam Deck's ergonomics, described the ROG Ally as a "true dream" in terms of grip comfort.

Future Challenges and Recommendations

Of course, ergonomics isn't the most important question when it comes to ROG Ally and Ally X devices. The real questions revolve around whether Microsoft has truly succeeded in fixing the portable Windows system – with a colleague describing the new Xbox Full Screen experience as a "small first step" towards improving performance and compatibility – and whether Asus will be able to restrain itself and not price them like powerful gaming laptops.

These devices are expected to ship on October 16, indicating that pre-orders will open soon. However, despite the praise for the protrusions, it is advisable to wait for full reviews before making a purchase decision to ensure the best possible experience.