A modder has transformed the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld. This model, released last year, featured a larger battery and a standard-size SSD.
To improve autonomy, YouTuber Miner TechTips installed a 90 Wh battery, taken from the ROG Strix G15 laptop, in place of the original 40 Wh battery.
The operation required a custom 3D-printed rear cover to accommodate the new, larger cell. He also took the opportunity to get an SSD in the more common 2280 format, with an adapted support.
As a result, the console’s weight has been gone from 670 to 813 grams, a moderate difference compared to future handheld consoles. Autonomy has improved significantly, from around 1 to 1.5 hours to 3 to 4 hours, depending on settings.
Modifications of this kind remain complex, but the democratization of 3D printing now facilitates this type of project. And manufacturers seem to be moving towards larger batteries for upcoming high-end consoles.
