Guide

Ultimate Joystick Mod on ROG Ally X

Hey, fans and subscribers, this is your host, Joe, from the GamingForInsight channel with a written guide (below) to the ultimate joystick mod for your ROG Ally X through installing the TMR Joysticks developed by HandheldDIY.

You may be aware of or have discovered some limitations with the ROG Ally X default joysticks that you want to unlock with a mod option. You may be curious, like me, about modding and want to see what you can unlock by installing a mod on one of your handhelds within your gaming handheld collection. HandheldDIY sent me its TMR Joysticks for ROG Ally X that are Hall Effect in agreement that I would create a video for the product/mod. No money was exchanged, and no terms were set. HandheldDIY delivered this product promptly to me.

Thank you, HandheldDIY, for sending me the TMR Joysticks for ROG Ally X and making my content created for them possible!

What can you expect on this page? I go through the process of installing and testing the TMR Joysticks for ROG Ally X. My YouTube video (shown below) is only meant as an overview of the process. If you are looking to placate your curiosity with details, then I highly encourage you to read through my guide on this page. Before you begin with the process of installing the mod, I provide test results and what you can expect going through the process so you can further determine whether this is the mod for you, at least based on my results.

TMR Joysticks for ROG Ally X (non-affiliate) from HandheldDIY
- HandheldDIY packages the mod joysticks with a PHO screwdriver, guitar pick, pliers, instruction manual, and greeting card.
An ROG Ally X (non-affiliate)
- ROG Ally (2023) is incompatible with this mod.
- You will want to have the initial setup on the ROG Ally X completed for this prior to installing this mod.
- Armory Crate (used version 1.5.20.0).
- A 65w charger (one provided with the ROG Ally X is recommended).
Browser of choice (e.g., Google Chrome)
Gamepad Tester
Polling Software [This is NOT required for installation and calibration. Polling is a software tool used for measuring gamepad polling rate and refresh intervals. You may want to install this software to replicate the test that I do in this guide (i.e., reference HIGHER REFRESH RATE sub-section).]

What You Gain Installing This Mod

A Note on Testing…

The ROG Ally X default joysticks were tested for comparison to the TMR Joysticks (for the ROG Ally X) developed by HandheldDIY with Armory Crate (Settings > Control Mode > Gamepad Mode) for both left and right set with default curve, 0% “Dead Zone,” 100% “Outer Threshold,” and 0% “Anti-Deadzone.” The TMR Joysticks (for the ROG Ally X) developed by HandheldDIY were compared to the ROG Ally X default joysticks following what was applied after completing this guide (i.e., after completing Part 5). The data captured from the ROG Ally X default joysticks is based on how they were set from the factory (meaning I provided no additional calibration). What is captured is intended to be objective and done without a bias to alter the results to favor either product; furthermore, the testing is based only on my experience.

BETTER GAME MOVEMENT…

Although by appearance, the movement looks identical as far as the shift to the 45-degree angle turn, it feels easier to navigate the character towards that degree of an angel when playing games like Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred.

FARTHER REACH WITH PERFECT 45 DEGREE CONTROL…

What is significant about my results from the HandheldDIY mod? HandheldDIY promises that you should receive with its product a 14% average error rate with this product/mod. You will notice that circular corners are square-shaped (compared to the default joysticks on the ROG Ally X), which provides, according to HandheldDIY, greater accuracy and game compatibility. I achieved approximately a 10% average error rate.

Although by appearance, the average error rate is higher on the HandheldDIY mod joysticks than the default joysticks for the ROG Ally X, it is apparent that there is a wider gate to extend to the outer threshold using the HandheldDIY joysticks, which provides farther reach in games.

HIGHER REFRESH RATE

The HandheldDIY joysticks showed improved results compared to the default joysticks on the ROG Ally X overall. The polling rate max was consistent across both the default and HandheldDIY joysticks. The polling rate average was higher on the HandheldDIY joysticks than the default ROG Ally X ones, which indicates more frequent updates are occurring with the HandheldDIY joysticks than the default ones, and this can create a smoother and more responsive input. The stability was less than 5% higher with HandheldDIY joysticks than default joysticks on ROG Ally X. The average interval (or latency) on the HandheldDIY joysticks was slightly better, 0.5% to 0.7% less, than the default joysticks on the ROG Ally X. The jitter was improved on the HandheldDIY joysticks than the default joysticks on the ROG Ally X. The lower millisecond (ms) measurement on the jitter calculation for the HandheldDIY joysticks indicates more consistent input (compared to an inconsistent input causing a jittery feel).

I conducted three tests each per left and right joysticks for both the default ones and the HandheldDIY ones on the ROG Ally X. I found that the tests for the HandheldDIY ones – both left and right joysticks – were consistent with the data (i.e., final results). The default joysticks – both left and right - had variations. My data is shared below:

Left Joystick (HandheldDIY): polling rate max = 1000hz; polling rate average = 681.20hz; stability = 68.12%; minimal interval: 0.85ms; average interval: 1.47ms; maximum interval: 8.97ms; jitter: 0.63ms

Left Joystick (default): polling rate max = 1000hz; polling rate average = 648.09hz; stability = 64.81%; minimal interval: 0.60; average interval: 1.54; maximum interval: 13.39; jitter: 0.86

Right Joystick (HandheldDIY): polling rate max = 1000hz; polling rate average = 681.20hz; stability = 68.12%; minimal interval: 0.85ms; average interval: 1.47; maximum interval: 8.97; jitter: 0.63

Right Joystick (default): polling rate max = 1000hz; polling rate average = 658.76hz; stability = 65.88%; minimal interval: 0.62ms; average interval: 1.52ms; maximum interval: 16.13ms; jitter: 1.08ms

NO INTERFERENCE…

Gamepad Tester (online via browser) did not uncover any interference between the joysticks and triggers with combined usage during my test conducted; however, this result is not definitive as interference may still occur despite it not showing in this short test. The HandheldDIY joysticks have a TMR Hall Effect sensor, which protects the joystick against interference and eliminates drifting as well. The ROG Ally X does not come with Hall Effect Joysticks; however, Asus made it more approachable to replace them if preferred. HandheldDIY joysticks for the ROG Ally X have upgraded the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) to have the feature of preventing interference.

Part 1 - Prepare for Mod

Part 1A - Turn Off Power on ROG Ally X

If your device is powered on, then close out all open programs and power down your device. You can access the start menu to do so or use the Armory Crate shortcut in the quick access menu by pressing the Command Center button (upper left to screen, lower button), choosing the power option, and selecting to shut down the machine fully. Ensure that the device is showing no light activity before you get started with the next steps.

Part 1B - Remove Six Screws on ROG Ally X (Back)

Turn over the ROG Ally X to view the back of it. Try to position your hand to not hold onto the top right, where you can accidentally turn on the device by pressing the power button. Use the provided PH0 screwdriver or one you prefer to remove the six screws fastening the backplate to the ROG Ally X. Remember that the bottom middle screw stays fixed (i.e., doesn’t come out) to the backplate; however, of course, it can be unfastened. You can remove the remaining five screws from the backplate and put them in a spot for safekeeping so you will not lose them during the mod install. One recommendation is to place them in the box provided by Handheld DIY (you can close the lid of the box, too, for additional safekeeping).

Part 1C - Use Guitar Pick to Pry Open Backplate from ROG Ally X

Use the provided guitar pick or one you prefer to disjoin the backplate from the ROG Ally X. Remember not to position your hand on the top right, where you can accidentally turn on the device by pressing the power button. Start at the bottom and wedge the guitar, pick inward slightly (not deeply), and then turn upward to try and disjoin it. If you are experiencing resistance upon doing so, then check to make sure all six screws are fully unfastened. As the bottom becomes disjoined, work your way up on both sides. The top should become disjoined the more you work the bottom and sides. This approach has at least worked for me during other installations on my ROG Ally X and ROG Ally.

Part 1D - Open Backplate on ROG Ally X and Remove Connecting Data Cable

Do not abruptly remove the backplate. Remember, you have a data cable connecting the backplate (for the back macro buttons) to the motherboard. Due to the limited slack, you have on that data cable, you will need to carefully flip the backplate close to the ROG Ally X. If this is your first time removing the backplate of ROG Ally X, then you may have some tape covering up the data cable point of connection to the backplate. Use one of your fingers to flip the small black lever upward located on a white piece where the cable connects. The cable will come undone immediately. You can leave the black lever unfixed (cable loose) or fixed (cable fastened) for the time being, as we will reconnect the data cable after the mod install (i.e., Part 5A).

Part 2 - Install Mod Piece: Front Left/Back Right

Part 2A - A Note Before Proceeding…

Your left and right joysticks will be in the opposite directions when installing them since you are facing the back of the ROG Ally X. To clarify, you will install the left joystick on the right when looking(facing) at the back of the ROG Ally X, and you will install the right joystick on your left when looking(facing) at the back of the ROG Ally X.

Part 2B - Disconnect Data Cable and Remove Three Screws from Left Joystick on Direction Right (Facing Back)

Let’s start with the left joystick that is attached to the circuit board on your right-hand side when facing the back of the ROG Ally X. You can disconnect the data cable from the circuit board of the left joystick by unfastening the lever from the closed position (facing towards the top) to open (pointing straight up or in the middle position). I used my fingernail to open the lever. Disconnect the data cable at the bottom of the joystick circuit board. Next, unfasten the three screws so to remove the joystick from the circuit board. I unfastened these screws one at a time. Importantly, as you unscrew the joystick, the pressure on the top of the joystick will cause the ROG Ally X to sink some onto the surface where you are doing this mod install. Once you unfasten as well as remove the screws and put them in a safe place, such as the box that the mod joysticks came in from Handheld DIY, make sure not to confuse the joystick circuit board screws with other screws placed in there. You may use a baggie and label if needed.

Part 2C - Remove Left Joystick on Direction Right (Facing Back) and Remove Joystick Cover

Gently pull the default joystick attached to the circuit board away from the ROG Ally X to remove it. You may need to change the joystick's position on the circuit board before removing it because the joystick cover could cause it to be stuck. Once the joystick attached to the circuit board is removed, the joystick cover will be on top of it. Slowly and gently remove the joystick cover and put it to the side. We will attach it to the new mod joystick, which we will install in the next part.

Part 2D - Insert Joystick Cover onto Joystick Mod, Install Left Joystick on Direction Right (Facing Back), Fasten Screws, and Re-Attach Data Cable

Take the mod joystick with “L” on the back of its circuit board (indicating it is the left joystick) and position it where we just removed the default joystick (which, if you are following this guide correctly, is on the direction right facing the back of the ROG Ally X). Apply the joystick cover; slowly and carefully push it down until you cannot do so any further. Next, take the three screws that you originally unfastened (to remove the default joystick attached to the circuit board) and position them to fasten the left joystick mod. Remember that you are to fasten the longer screw to the top of the left joystick mod (closest to the trigger). The approach I took is to slowly rotate each screw a slight amount at a time (one or two turns) and then go in a rotation to each one until they are fully fastened. You do not want to fully fasten the screws one at a time before because it can cause an improper installation to occur. Lastly, re-attach the data cable to the bottom of the mod circuit board. You must position the cable into the port where the black hinge is. Once the cable is positioned so it cannot go into the port any further, you will lower the hinge. I used part of my finger and then my fingernail to confirm the hinge was fully closed downward.

Part 3 - Install Mod Piece: Front Right/Back Left

Part 3A - A Note Before Proceeding…

Your left and right joysticks will be in the opposite directions when installing them since you are facing the back of the ROG Ally X. To clarify, you will install the left joystick on the right when looking(facing) at the back of the ROG Ally X, and you will install the right joystick on your left when looking(facing) at the back of the ROG Ally X.

Part 3B - Disconnect Data Cable, Remove Three Screws from Right Joystick on Direction Left (Facing Back)

Let’s start with the right joystick that is attached to the circuit board on your left-hand side when facing the back of the ROG Ally X. You can disconnect the data cable at the bottom from the circuit board of the right joystick by unfastening the lever from the closed position towards the top to open the pointing straight up or in the middle position. I used my fingernail to open the lever. Disconnect the data cable at the bottom of the joystick circuit board. Next, unfasten the three screws (no longer screw for this joystick circuit board) so to remove the joystick from the circuit board. I unfastened these screws one at a time. Importantly, as you unscrew the joystick, the pressure on the top of the joystick will cause the ROG Ally X to sink some onto the surface where you are doing this mod install. Once you unfasten as well as remove the screws and put them in a safe place, such as the box that the mod joysticks came in from HandheldDIY, make sure not to confuse the joystick circuit board screws with other screws placed in there. You may use a baggie and label if needed.

Part 3C - Remove Right Joystick on Direction Left (Facing Back) and Remove Joystick Cover

Gently pull the default joystick attached to the circuit board away from the ROG Ally X to remove it. You may need to change the joystick's position on the circuit board before removing it because the joystick cover could cause it to be stuck. Be careful not to put your finger or grip surrounding the power button for this install. Once the joystick attached to the circuit board is removed, the joystick cover will be on top of it. Slowly and gently remove the joystick cover and put it to the side. We will attach it to the new mod joystick, which we will install in the next part.

Part 3D - Insert Joystick Cover onto Joystick Mod, Install Right Joystick on Direction Left (Facing Back), Fasten Screws, and Re-Attach Data Cable

Take the mod joystick with “R” on the back of its circuit board (indicating it is the right joystick) and position it where we just removed the default joystick (which, if you are following this guide correctly, is on the direction left facing the back of the ROG Ally X). Apply the joystick cover; slowly and carefully push it down until you cannot do so any further. Next, take the three screws that you originally unfastened (to remove the default joystick attached to the circuit board) and position them to fasten the right joystick mod. There is no longer screw for this joystick install (each screw is the same length). The approach I took is to slowly rotate each screw a slight amount at a time (one or two turns) and then go in a rotation to each one until they are fully fastened. You do not want to fully fasten the screws one at a time before because it can cause an improper installation to occur. Lastly, re-attach the data cable to the bottom of the mod circuit board. You must position the cable into the port where the black hinge is. Once the cable is positioned so it cannot go into the port any further, you will lower the hinge. I used part of my finger and then my fingernail to confirm the hinge was fully closed downward.

Part 4 - Mod Adjustment

Part 4A - Rotate ROG Ally X Front Facing and Power on ROG Ally X, Go to Gamepad Tester Site

Rotate the ROG Ally X (facing front, looking at the screen), plug in the power cord (wait for the indicator light to turn on), then power on the machine (allow for it to bootstrap so you can authenticate and access your Windows account. Connect to the network/internet if you have not done so. You will notice that the joysticks are erratic. This is expected just after the installation. The guide's next steps address calibrating and tuning these accordingly to work optimally.

Gamepad Tester only will detect your controls if your ROG Ally X, specifically Armory Crate, is set to Gamepad Mode - not Auto Mod or Desktop Mode. You can change the mode in the quick access menu of Armory Crate if the shortcut there is provided to do so. Select your controls in Gamepad Tester once detected on the webpage.

Part 4B - Calibrate Left Joystick (Direction Left Front/ Direction Right Back)

Keep your browser page open for the Gamepad Tester website. Start with the left joystick (direction left front/ direction right back). Rotate the ROG Ally X (facing back). Identify two buttons above the data cable on the joystick labeled “L”: the top button is “K1,” and the bottom button is “K2.” Press the “K1” button first (top button). After pressing “K1,” the LED light on the joystick circuit board labeled “L” will flash continuously. Rotate the ROG Ally X (facing front). Rotate the left joystick (front facing direction left) around the outermost circle for more than three turns. Rotate the device (facing back) and press on the joystick circuit board labeled “L” the “K1” button again. The LED light will stop flashing. Rotate device (front-facing). Confirm that the left joystick (front-facing) is centered on the Gamepad Tester website. If the left joystick (front-facing) does not show the center dot in the circle on the Gamepad Tester website, then you will need to press the “K2” button (bottom button) on the joystick circuit board labeled “L.” Upon doing this, move the left joystick slightly until the dot is centered in the circle (showing on Gamepad Tester). Once the dot is centered, press “K2” on the joystick circuit board labeled “L.” Your experience may vary with this process, as it was normal for my dots to visualize the left joystick as not being centered in the Gamepad Tester.

The technique I used for pressing “K2” when I needed it was by having the device sit on a side, standing vertically upright so that my point of view was looking at the other side, exposing the back and giving me access to the front. I used my finger to guide the joystick to where it needed to be for the dot to be centered in the Gamepad Tester, and then once the dot was in the center, I pressed “K2” to confirm entering the dot. You will see the LED light flash from the mod joystick circuit board. This technique worked for me, but you may discover another technique that works best for you. It is important to keep your hands and fingers away from the internal components like the battery and fans as much as possible during this process. You may need to repeat the step for working to center your dot in the Gamepad Tester and pressing “K2” multiple times. If you cannot center the dot and it remains slightly off or heavily off, then repeat the step for pressing “K1”; this occurred for me, and doing so resulted in the dot centered without appearing even slightly off visually.

Values 0.00002 and 0.00392 are both the best value standard for potentiometer joysticks and hall sensing joysticks that you want to base the resting value on (i.e., center dot measured for each joystick for Axis 0, Axis 1, Axis 2, and Axis 3). I performed the steps for pressing “K1” and “K2” approximately five times for each mod joystick, and I was able to center these values at 0. 00000 perfectly, so I recommend taking your time as the 0.00000 is achievable, but not imperative to reach if you have reached 0.00002. I do not recommend attempting to reach 0.00000 if you are at 0.00002 because upon refreshing the Gamepad Tester, then despite having the former value, you will see 0.00002 instead (however, it will return to 0.00000 after approximately ten seconds). If you are still at value 0.00392 for the Axis numbers, then I would recommend repeating the “K1” and “K2” steps and even repositioning the mod joysticks again, including the joystick cover (review Part 3).

Part 4C - Calibrate Right Joystick (Direction Right Front/ Direction Left Back)

Keep your browser page open for the Gamepad Tester website. Continue with the right joystick (direction right front/ direction left back). Rotate the ROG Ally X (facing back). Identify two buttons on the joystick labeled “R” below the top screw: the right button is “K1,” and the left button is “K2.” Press the “K1” button first (right button). After pressing “K1,” the LED light on the joystick circuit board labeled “R” will flash continuously. Rotate the ROG Ally X (facing front). Rotate the right joystick (front facing direction right) around the outermost circle for more than three turns. Rotate the device (facing back) and press on the joystick circuit board labeled “R” the “K1” button again. The LED light will stop flashing. Rotate device (front-facing). Confirm that the left joystick (front-facing) is centered on the Gamepad Tester website. If the left joystick (front-facing) does not show the center dot in the circle on the Gamepad Tester website, then you will need to press the “K2” button (left button) on the joystick circuit board labeled “R.” Upon doing this, move the right joystick slightly until the dot is centered in the circle (showing on Gamepad Tester). Once the dot is centered, press “K2” on the joystick circuit board labeled “R.” Your experience may vary with this process, as it was normal for my dots to visualize the right joystick not to be centered in the Gamepad Tester.

(Verbatim from Part 4B) The technique I used for pressing “K2” when I needed it was by having the device sit on a side, standing vertically upright so that my point of view was looking at the other side, exposing the back and giving me access to the front. I used my finger to guide the joystick to where it needed to be for the dot to be centered in the Gamepad Tester, and then once the dot was in the center, I pressed “K2” to confirm entering the dot. You will see the LED light flash from the mod joystick circuit board. This technique worked for me, but you may discover another technique that works best for you. It is important to keep your hands and fingers away from the internal components like the battery and fans as much as possible during this process. You may need to repeat the step for working to center your dot in the Gamepad Tester and pressing “K2” multiple times. If you cannot center the dot and it remains slightly off or heavily off, then repeat the step for pressing “K1”; this occurred for me, and doing so resulted in the dot centered without appearing even slightly off visually.

(Verbatim from Part 4B) Values 0.00002 and 0.00392 are both the best value standard for potentiometer joysticks and hall sensing joysticks that you want to base the resting value on (i.e., center dot measured for each joystick for Axis 0, Axis 1, Axis 2, and Axis 3). I performed the steps for pressing “K1” and “K2” approximately five times for each mod joystick, and I was able to center these values at 0. 00000 perfectly, so I recommend taking your time as the 0.00000 is achievable, but not imperative to reach if you have reached 0.00002. I do not recommend attempting to reach 0.00000 if you are at 0.00002 because upon refreshing the Gamepad Tester, then despite having the former value, you will see 0.00002 instead (however, it will return to 0.00000 after approximately ten seconds). If you are still at value 0.00392 for the Axis numbers, then I would recommend repeating the “K1” and “K2” steps and even repositioning the mod joysticks again, including the joystick cover (review Part 3).

Part 4D - Armory Crate Calibration Steps on ROG Ally X

Go to Armory Crate (press the Armory Crate button on the upper right side of the screen – lower button). If you are in the menu viewing your games in Armory Create, then use the right bumper to navigate to settings. Use the joystick to select Calibrate with the A button. Start with the Left Joystick to calibrate. Before initiating the calibration process, press Y to erase any previous calibration settings. Then press A to begin the calibration. Follow the steps for calibration. You can repeat the calibration if you reason or feel you did not execute it perfectly. You must repeat the calibration process for the right joystick within the Calibrate options in Armory Crate. Additionally, ensure with the right joystick in the menu that you press Y to erase any previous calibration settings before initiating the calibration process for that joystick.

You will want to ensure in Gamepad Mode within Armory Crate that any added Deadzone, Anti-Deadzone, and any custom responsive curve for the left and right joystick are reset to default to start with a baseline calibration before adding any adjustments back to what you had originally – default values for both Deadzone and Anti-Deadzone are 0% at default, Outer Threshold is set at 100% at default, response curve is at a 45-degree angle by default.

Part 4E - Observe Results for Circularity Data in Gamepad Tester

Return to the Gamepad Tester website in your browser and ensure your controls are detected with the ROG Ally X being in Gamepad Mode (not Auto or Desktop Mode). Press A to have the Gamepad Tester detect your controls. You will want to check/press a box to test circularity under “Diagnostics” when viewing the controls. Once you have that box checked for testing circularity, then go ahead and spin your joysticks slowly to observe the average rate of error measured by the Gamepad Tester. My values are close to 10%, which is a recommended level to achieve; however, if you find that your values are above, then return to Part 4D and during the part of calibration for rotating each of the joysticks and rotate them more quickly as you may be rotating them slower or slowly. Ensure you are reaching the extended outer area as much as possible, both for the calibration and within the Gamepad Tester (website). I have run the Gamepad Tester multiple times by rotating the joysticks, and I have seen some outlier results extend even to a 14% average error rate, so my recommendation is to conduct multiple tests and rotate as consistently as possible to determine what your average error rate is instead of taking one outlier result as definitive.

Part 5 - Mod Completion

Close your browser, select the Command Center button, and then press the power options to select “Shut down” on your ROG Ally X. Rotate your ROG Ally X (back-facing) to refasten the backplate. As you begin to position the backplate, ensure you reconnect the data cable to the backplate. Remember that this data cable is responsible for connecting the motherboard and the back macro buttons on the backplate. You must position the data cable into the port you originally disconnected it from in Part 1D. You can use the blue tip provided on the data cable as a way to maneuver reconnecting it back to that data port. Then, close the black hinge downward. Check to see if the hinge is closed. If the hinge is open, then it will be positioned upward. Next, you can optionally reapply the piece of tape on the top screw of the right joystick (direction left) that originally covered it. Next, reinstall the back cover. Before fastening the screws snap the backplate into place as much as possible (and ensure the backplate is properly aligned). When fastening the screws to the backplate, I fastened them one at a time (not all the way at once). You may hear some snapping in the process as you do this. If a screw is not going downward all the way or is tilted, then use the guitar pick if needed to remove the backplate and reposition again to ensure a smooth process.

You may want to use a microfiber cloth to clean your display as it may have smudges from the installation process. At this point, it is time to turn back on the ROG Ally X and get gaming; however, for the first boot, after installation, attach your charger.