ASUS ROG Ally X Review - The Handheld Gaming PC Refined
The ASUS ROG Ally X represents a significant evolution of the company's handheld gaming PC concept. After the original Ally's mixed reception due to battery life concerns and ergonomic issues, ASUS has returned with a refined device that addresses nearly every criticism. Having spent three weeks gaming on the go with the Ally X, I'm impressed by how much ASUS improved in such a short development cycle.
Design and Ergonomics
The Ally X maintains the 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display from its predecessor but features substantial ergonomic improvements. The device is slightly larger and heavier at 1.49 pounds, but the weight distribution feels more balanced. The redesigned grips are deeper and more contoured, making extended gaming sessions significantly more comfortable.
ASUS addressed one of the original's biggest flaws: the awkwardly placed microSD card slot. The new top-mounted position eliminates accidental ejections, and the slot now supports UHS-II speeds for faster load times. The buttons feel more premium with improved tactile feedback, and the analog sticks have slightly increased resistance that enhances precision.
The black colorway looks sleeker than the original's white finish, though it shows fingerprints more readily. Build quality is excellent, with minimal flex and tight tolerances. The device feels like a premium product worthy of its $799 price tag.
Performance and Specifications
The Ally X features AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with Radeon graphics, identical to the higher-end original model. While the core specs haven't changed, ASUS has improved thermal management with a larger vapor chamber and redesigned fan system. The result is more consistent performance with less thermal throttling during demanding games.
The 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM (up from 16GB) provides noticeable benefits in memory-intensive titles and improves multitasking performance. The 1TB SSD is now user-replaceable via a standard M.2 2280 slot, a welcome change that enables easy storage upgrades. I tested the device with a 2TB drive without issues.
In practice, the Ally X handles modern AAA games admirably at 720p-900p with medium-high settings. Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 40-50fps with FSR enabled, while less demanding titles like Hades II easily hit the 120fps display cap. The variable refresh rate support eliminates screen tearing, creating smooth gameplay even when frame rates fluctuate.
Battery Life Revolution
The most significant upgrade is the massive 80Wh battery, nearly double the original's capacity. This transforms the Ally X from a device requiring frequent charging to a legitimate portable gaming machine. Real-world testing yielded impressive results across various scenarios.
Playing demanding titles like Baldur's Gate 3 at 15W TDP, I achieved 2.5-3 hours of gameplay—a substantial improvement over the original's 1.5 hours. Less intensive games like Stardew Valley or indie titles easily exceeded 5 hours. At the lowest power settings for retro gaming or visual novels, the device can last 7-8 hours.
The 100W USB-C charging is fast, reaching 50% in approximately 45 minutes. The device supports USB-C PD charging from third-party adapters, and I successfully used various power banks for extended gaming sessions away from outlets.
Software and User Experience
The Ally X runs Windows 11, providing access to the entire PC gaming ecosystem including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and more. ASUS's Armoury Crate SE software has improved significantly, offering better game detection, performance profiles, and system monitoring.
However, Windows remains imperfect for handheld gaming. The interface isn't optimized for controller navigation, and some games require keyboard input for launchers or settings. The on-screen keyboard is functional but clunky. Steam's Big Picture mode helps, but the experience isn't as seamless as dedicated gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck.
ASUS has added useful features like per-game TDP profiles that automatically adjust power consumption based on the title. The quick settings menu provides easy access to resolution scaling, refresh rate, and performance modes without leaving games.
Display Quality
The 7-inch IPS display remains excellent, with vibrant colors, good viewing angles, and impressive brightness reaching 500 nits. The 1920x1080 resolution provides sharp visuals, though it demands more GPU power than the Steam Deck's 800p screen. The 120Hz refresh rate is fantastic for competitive games and creates noticeably smoother motion.
The display's 16:9 aspect ratio is ideal for modern games and video content. The bezels are reasonably slim, and the Gorilla Glass protection has held up well against scratches during my testing period.
Audio and Connectivity
The dual front-facing speakers deliver surprisingly good audio quality with decent volume and minimal distortion. They lack bass depth but are perfectly adequate for gaming. The 3.5mm headphone jack supports high-impedance headphones and provides clean audio output.
Connectivity options are comprehensive: two USB-C ports (one supporting DisplayPort for external displays), a UHS-II microSD slot, and a proprietary XG Mobile connector for external GPU docking. Wi-Fi 6E provides fast wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.2 works reliably with controllers and audio devices.
Value and Competition
At $799, the Ally X is positioned as a premium handheld gaming PC. It's more expensive than the Steam Deck OLED ($549) but offers better performance and Windows compatibility. Compared to the Lenovo Legion Go ($699), the Ally X provides superior ergonomics and battery life despite the smaller screen.
The value proposition depends on your priorities. If you want maximum compatibility with PC games and don't mind Windows quirks, the Ally X is excellent. Steam Deck users invested in Valve's ecosystem may prefer the more refined software experience despite lower performance.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Ally X is the handheld gaming PC the original should have been. The improved battery life, better ergonomics, and refined design create a compelling device for PC gaming on the go. While Windows remains less elegant than SteamOS for handheld use, the hardware is now good enough to overcome software limitations.
For enthusiasts wanting maximum performance and game compatibility in a portable form factor, the Ally X is the best option currently available. It's not perfect, but ASUS has created a genuinely impressive device that fulfills the promise of PC gaming anywhere.
