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Rog Ally X Review

Asus ROG Ally X review: Best mainstream Windows handheld, 120Hz VRR screen, 24GB RAM, dual USB-C, and outstanding 80Wh battery life

Rog Ally X Review
Asus ROG Ally X Review
Table of Contents

Summary

The Asus ROG Ally X is easily the best Windows handheld I’ve used and is my top recommendation for anyone who wants more power than a Steam Deck. It delivers a huge upgrade in ergonomics, performance, and battery life over the OG Ally, making it a true portable powerhouse.

Specs as Reviewed – Asus ROG Ally X

  • Screen: 7" 1920x1080 IPS, 120Hz, touch, VRR, LFC, BFI
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 8C/16T, up to 5.1GHz
  • GPU: 12 RDNA3 CUs, up to 2.7GHz
  • Memory: 24 GB LPDDR5-7500M/T
  • Storage: 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 (M.2 2230)
  • Connectivity: Mediatek MT7922 Wi-Fi 6e & Bluetooth 5.2
  • Ports: Dual USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (one Thunderbolt 40Gbps), 3.5mm audio, UHS-II microSD card reader
  • Battery: 80 Wh (also compatible with mods), 65W PD charger
  • Size: 280 x 111 x 21 mm | Weight: 0.608 kg (1.47 lbs)
  • Extras: Full thumb sticks (Alps, hall stick compatible), DPad, ABXY, triggers & grip buttons, rumble, stereo speakers, gyro & accelerometer

Design and First Impressions

The Ally X improves ergonomics over the OG Ally with more rounded edges and more pronounced grips, making long gaming sessions more comfortable. The paddle buttons have been resized and are smaller, which some may dislike, but I personally appreciate it—no more accidental presses during gameplay. On the OG Ally, low-profile paddles were a popular mod to avoid accidental hits, but here it’s simply not needed. The black matte finish hides fingerprints well, and the upper cooling vent keeps the screen cool during extended play.

Controls, Buttons, and UI

The Ally X retains the excellent button layout of the OG Ally. Thumbsticks are full-sized and precise, with easy hall-effect upgrades for those who want them. D-Pad and ABXY buttons are reliable with minimal wobble, and triggers and grip buttons feel solid. Utility buttons and Armory Crate remain polished, giving quick access to performance settings and game management.

Screen

The 7" IPS 120Hz screen is one of the best handheld displays available, supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) for smooth gameplay. ASUS also includes BFI (Black Frame Insertion) support for enhanced motion clarity. While not OLED, the panel delivers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent brightness. The upper cooling vent ensures the display stays cool, even during intense sessions, maintaining visual comfort over long play periods.

Hardware and Performance

The Ally X uses the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, paired with an RDNA3 GPU and 24GB LPDDR5-7500M/T RAM. Storage is upgradable via a 2230 NVMe slot. Dual USB-C ports (one Thunderbolt 40Gbps) allow for eGPU setups, and I tested multiple NVIDIA cards in external enclosures, which worked beautifully—making it feel like a portable desktop while remaining pick-up-and-go portable.

Games run smoothly across all modern titles thanks to increased RAM and VRAM. The full-sized thumbsticks enhance gameplay precision, and the cooling system keeps performance stable during long sessions.

Noise, Heat, Connectivity, and Audio

The Ally X fan is quieter than the OG Ally, and the upper cooling vent reduces screen heat. Temperatures remain manageable even under heavy load. Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth connectivity are fast and stable. Stereo speakers are punchy and clear, but seem to lack the base of the OG Ally. The system supports rumble feedback for enhanced immersion.

Battery Life

The 80 Wh battery is a massive upgrade over the original Ally, delivering literally double the runtime. Under heavy gaming, expect 1.5-2 hours of playtime, while lighter titles can reach up to 4–6 hours and very lite title reaching all the way to 7-8hrs. Charging remains fast with the included 65W PD charger. The Ally X’s battery is large enough to provide serious gaming without constant recharging, making it one of the best Windows handhelds for runtime.

Price and Availability

The Asus ROG Ally X is available at Best Buy for $899 (sale prices may vary). A strong investment for gamers seeking the ultimate portable Windows handheld.

Final Thoughts

The Asus ROG Ally X is a clear evolution of the OG Ally and the best mainstream Windows handheld available today. From the excellent 120Hz IPS screen, dual USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, upgraded RAM, and improved battery, it’s a device I’d recommend for most people over anything else on the market if you want power and portability. Ergonomics, fan noise, and cooling improvements make long sessions comfortable, while the expanded battery ensures serious playtime. If you need more power than a Steam Deck and want a future-proof handheld, this is it.

Credits & References