A premium handheld built for serious gaming performance.
Quick Verdict
The ASUS ROG Ally X is easily one of the most powerful and polished handheld gaming PCs available in 2025. With improved battery life, refined ergonomics, a better thermal system, and expanded storage options, it fixes nearly every complaint players had about the original Ally.
If you want a Windows-based handheld that can play modern AAA games smoothly with real PC flexibility, the Ally X should be at the top of your list.
👉 Best for: PC gamers, Game Pass players, modders, emulators, and users who want full desktop flexibility in a handheld.
Specs & Key Upgrades (2025 Model)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chip | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 1TB (up to 8TB supported) |
| Display | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz |
| Battery | 80Wh — nearly 2x the original Ally |
| Cooling | Dual-fan redesigned thermal system |
| OS | Windows 11 (Armoury Crate SE 2.0) |
| Weight | 678g |
| Ports | USB-C, microSD slot (improved reliability), no XG Mobile port |
Big takeaway: This is the version the Ally should have launched as. ASUS fixed almost every pain point.
🎮 Real-World Gaming Performance
120Hz Display = Ultra-Smooth Gameplay
The Ally X’s 120Hz panel makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness, especially in shooters and fast-action titles.
- Fortnite: 60–90 FPS (Medium settings)
- Elden Ring: 45–55 FPS (Optimized settings)
- Cyberpunk 2077: 40–60 FPS with FSR
- Halo Infinite: 55–80 FPS
Windows handhelds tend to fluctuate, but the Ally X stays surprisingly stable thanks to the new cooling system.
🔥 Thermals & Cooling
This is one of the biggest improvements.
What ASUS fixed:
- Bigger fans
- Better heat dissipation
- Quieter system under load
Your hands stay cooler, the screen doesn’t heat up, and the device is quieter during heavy play.
🔋 Massive Battery Upgrade (80Wh)
Your biggest complaint with the old Ally? Battery life.
The Ally X solves it.
Battery Life (Real Use):
- AAA gaming: 2–3.5 hours
- Indie games: 5–7 hours
- Streaming / Cloud gaming: 8–12 hours
- Browsing / use as a mini-PC: 10+ hours
This puts it in Steam Deck OLED territory for endurance — a huge win for Windows handhelds.
Design & Comfort
What improves in the 2025 model:
- Deeper grips
- More ergonomic triggers
- Better button spacing
- More premium feel
The Ally X feels substantially more comfortable than the original, especially for long RPG or FPS sessions.
Storage Flexibility (Up to 8TB!)
ASUS upgraded to a 2280 M.2 slot for storage.
This means you can install:
- 2TB
- 4TB
- 8TB
…or even future drives.
Massive upgrade for people with giant Steam libraries.
Software Experience
Still Windows 11 — which means:
Pros
- Full PC flexibility
- Game Pass compatibility
- Mods + emulators
- Cloud gaming compatibility
- Desktop mode for productivity
Cons
- Windows updates
- Occasional UI awkwardness
- Armoury Crate SE feels better now but still not SteamOS-level smooth
If you love PC freedom, it’s perfect.
If you want “console simplicity,” Steam Deck remains easier.
ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED
| Feature | Ally X | Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 1080p, 120Hz | 800p, 90Hz OLED |
| OS | Windows 11 | SteamOS |
| Battery | 80Wh | 50Wh |
| Performance | Stronger in most AAA games | More efficient / smoother UX |
| Modding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Who wins?
- Ally X → Raw PC power, Windows access, higher refresh rate
- Steam Deck OLED → Simpler, smoother, better value
Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go
Legion Go Advantages:
- Bigger 8.8″ display
- Detachable controllers (Switch-style)
- Better as a mini-console or tablet
Ally X Advantages:
- Better battery
- Better portability
- More mature software
- Better thermal performance
Best for:
- Ally X: Serious gaming on the go
- Legion Go: Docked / tabletop gaming & big-screen handheld play
Who the ASUS ROG Ally X is Best For
- PC gamers who want flexibility
- Game Pass fans
- Modders and emulator users
- People who want Windows for work + play
- Anyone who wants the strongest all-round Windows handheld in 2025
Is It Worth the Price?
Yes — if you want a Windows handheld.
The Ally X is the most balanced and refined Windows-based handheld available.
🛒 Ready to Check Today’s Price?
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Octa-Core Processor
- 1920 x 1080 FHD 120Hz Display
- 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM
❓ FAQ
Does the Ally X overheat?
No — it runs cooler than the original thanks to the redesigned fans.
Is the battery actually better?
Yes. It’s nearly double, and endurance is significantly improved.
Can you use it for work?
Yes — Windows makes it functional for light productivity, browsing, and apps.
Does it support external GPUs?
No XG Mobile port on this version.
