A few weeks ago, a devastating technological tragedy struck my home when my Xbox ROG Ally X gave up the ghost. It wouldn’t turn on, it wouldn’t charge, and I was forced to delve into the brutal mystery of the ASUS RMA process.
Now I can happily (or perhaps awkwardly) inform you that the unit is back. It has been resurrected and repaired, and is now in its box waiting for me to reinstall my library. But for our relationship, this could be the end of the road.
While my Ally better portable. And friends, I don’t want to look back.
The “other” gaming handheld
When I was left without a handheld (I had already outgrown my beloved Steam Deck even my son), my dear colleague and executive editor of Windows Central, Jez Cordenchimed in: he lent me his Lenovo Legion Go.
On paper, I wasn’t interested in the device at all. He had previously ruled out largest legion; It looked heavy, clunky, and I thought the detachable joysticks were a gimmick I wouldn’t use. I made a mistake. Now I’m completely in love.
That 8.8-inch screen is a Wow moment every time I turn it on. In fact, at first I thought it was an OLED, but it’s actually a high-resolution LCD panel that puts the small 7-inch screen on the Xbox ROG Ally X cringe. It turns out that size does matter.
Also, if you had told me last year that I would be interested in detachable controllers, I would have laughed. But I’m eating humble pie; They are life transformers. Dealing with some recent health issues, being able to sit with my arms outstretched and lazily play with the pseudo-joycons while the screen rests on its stand has been ridiculously comfortable.
I can’t believe I even care about a kickstand on a handheld, but having the option? Incredible.
The Lenovo Legion Go also has charging ports on the top and bottom, plus a case (which is included!) with a cutout that lets you charge it while it’s stored. Little things like this make a big difference when you use something daily. It all adds up to making it feel more luxurious, more “valuable.” I have even called him very affectionately Jenova. My social media name is Jenbox360, but this handheld has me considering a complete rebrand.
Plagued with guilt over spending
This situation has unleashed a massive wave of consumer guilt. I am the self-proclaimed “Economic bitch” from Windows Central. I’m the one who despises $300 headphones and expensive accessories. I agonize over big purchases to make sure they’re worth every penny I invest (but don’t get me started on Samsung smartphones).
I spent £800 on the Ally But I wanted access to the Xbox Play Anywhere library and the so-called future-proof system. AI technology it offered. I felt comfortable and confident in my purchase, although I joked that I was Updating from my Steam Deck and I may regret it (Narrator: she did.)
I agonize over large purchases to make sure they are worth every penny.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed after only five months. Although it was fixed, ASUS returned it without an explanation of what caused the problem or what was fixed. Did they dismantle it? Did they hit him with a stick to wake him up? I honestly have no idea because they just told me it’s already fixed. Here you go.
Given the age of Lenovo’s initial offering now, it would have been much cheaper to buy it instead of diving into the ROG Ally And I say “elegant” lightly, because the triggers are already squeaking after five months of use. The composite parts just don’t feel as premium as those on the Legion Go.
Is there hope for me and the prodigal ROG?
Ally X (I call him ROGer) and I have some things to do. If I can do the installation process again. The whole experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth; The Ally I checked that it turned on and put it back in its box. In fact, I’m considering selling it, but I also have little patience for that process.
The moral of this torrid story is that I really jumped into buying too quickly. I didn’t need the latest, most expensive technology to play Stardew Valley and Diablo 4. I just needed something that worked for my lifestyle and allowed me to access all my libraries, and Lenovo makes it much cheaper.
So I guess there’s only one thing left to say. Sorry Jez, you’re not getting your Lenovo back.
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