Asus’ ROG Ally X arrives as a confident, hardware-first answer to Steam Deck-style handhelds: it doubles down on battery, memory and storage, tightens thermals and ergonomics, and ships Windows 11 with an Xbox‑flavored, controller‑first shell — but the polish of the software experience and the price tag leave important questions for buyers and for Microsoft’s vision of a true handheld Windows platform.
The handheld PC market that Valve ignited with the Steam Deck has matured into a multi‑vendor battleground where ergonomics, thermal engineering and software ergonomics matter as much as raw silicon. Asus’ ROG Ally X is a statement device: instead of chasing novelty, Asus tightened the formula of the original ROG Ally and pushed the practical parts — battery capacity, RAM, user‑upgradeable storage, and thermal headroom — to make a more convincing “Windows handheld” for gamers who insist on native PC libraries and Game Pass access.
Microsoft concurrently shipped a more console‑like layer on top of Windows 11 — a full‑screen Xbox experience and a Handheld Compatibility Program — intended to reduce desktop noise and give controller‑first navigation out of the box. That software positioning is central to the Ally X’s pitch: a device that feels like a console but behaves like a full Windows PC. Yet reviewers consistently report that the software layer remains a work in progress.
Yet the device’s biggest liabilities aren’t components — they’re platform and value decisions. Windows 11’s desktop heritage bleeds into the handheld experience; the Xbox full‑screen shell is promising but unpolished; and the price places tough comparisons with both Valve’s Steam Deck family and compact gaming laptops that offer better raw performance per dollar for some buyers. Reviewers who value a turn‑key, polished handheld OS will likely prefer SteamOS devices; those who want full Windows flexibility will find real reasons to like the Ally X, provided they accept early software rough edges and a premium cost.
Buyers should weigh three priorities before committing: (1) Do you value native Windows compatibility and upgradeability? (2) Are you prepared to accept current software rough spots in exchange for hardware advantages? (3) Would a Steam Deck, a higher‑spec thin‑and‑light laptop or a cloud‑first device better match your budget and use cases? The Ally X answers the first question with confidence, hints at the second with plausible roadmaps, and leaves the third to each buyer’s personal tradeoffs.
In short: the ROG Ally X is a very good Windows handheld in the hardware sense — one of the most complete and practical entries yet — but its long‑term success depends on software maturity, pricing competitiveness, and proven reliability. If those elements align in the months after launch, the Ally X could define the premium tier of Windows handhelds; at launch, it is a powerful and polished piece of hardware wrapped around an operating system that still needs more handheld‑first refinements.
Source: Tom's Hardware Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review: Getting a grip on Windows gaming
Source: TechRadar Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a brand mashup that's more than the sum of its parts
The handheld PC market that Valve ignited with the Steam Deck has matured into a multi‑vendor battleground where ergonomics, thermal engineering and software ergonomics matter as much as raw silicon. Asus’ ROG Ally X is a statement device: instead of chasing novelty, Asus tightened the formula of the original ROG Ally and pushed the practical parts — battery capacity, RAM, user‑upgradeable storage, and thermal headroom — to make a more convincing “Windows handheld” for gamers who insist on native PC libraries and Game Pass access. Microsoft concurrently shipped a more console‑like layer on top of Windows 11 — a full‑screen Xbox experience and a Handheld Compatibility Program — intended to reduce desktop noise and give controller‑first navigation out of the box. That software positioning is central to the Ally X’s pitch: a device that feels like a console but behaves like a full Windows PC. Yet reviewers consistently report that the software layer remains a work in progress.
What Asus changed: hardware and design highlights
Core specifications and what they mean
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (integrated RDNA GPU). Both major reviews confirm Asus retained the Z1 Extreme APU used in the first-generation Ally rather than adopting a newer Z2 family part. This matters because the raw architecture hasn’t changed — gains come from system-level tuning and power headroom.
- Memory and storage: 24 GB LPDDR5X and a 1 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD out of the box — a meaningful upgrade for multitasking, integrated‑graphics headroom, and real-world flexibility because the Ally X uses a full‑length 2280 SSD rather than the uncommon 2230 modules.
- Battery: ~80 Whr pack — roughly double the original Ally’s cell — aimed at extending session life and giving bigger thermal headroom for sustained higher TDP modes.
- Display and chassis: 7‑inch, 1080p, 120 Hz IPS touchscreen; redesigned grips, new button and stick placement, and a darker, premium finish compared with the original Ally. Weight sits near 678 g, so it’s comfortable but not pocketable.
- Ports and expandability: Two USB‑C ports (one USB4-capable on certain models), microSD, 3.5 mm combo jack, and a user‑replaceable battery and SSD. The adoption of the 2280 SSD is a practical plus for aftermarket upgrades.
Cooling and sustained performance
Asus didn’t change the APU family, so performance improvements aren’t a pure silicon leap. Instead, Asus raised allowed power in performance modes (silent and default performance modes use slightly higher wattages than the original Ally) and redesigned cooling to permit higher sustained clocks. The result: in many real‑world tests the Ally X outpaces its predecessor and can match or beat some competing handhelds in GPU‑bound scenarios, but it does not reach laptop or desktop class performance.The performance picture: benchmarks and gaming reality
Benchmarks in reviews give a quantitative snapshot, but the real test for a handheld is sustained frame rates under sustained loads.- Tom’s Hardware’s test suite reports 3DMark Time Spy scores and GeekBench numbers that show clear gains versus the previous Ally generation; in-game tests highlight that the Ally X frequently beats its predecessor and often matches or exceeds comparable handhelds in short bursts. Running Alan Wake II at a low resolution and FSR 2, Tom’s Hardware measured roughly mid‑30s FPS in a taxing scene under 30W plugged‑in turbo — playable but not smooth 60 fps.
- TechRadar’s rounds of benchmarks align on the same themes: solid, improved performance for indie and mid‑tier titles; AAA titles require resolution scaling, aggressive upscaling (FSR/RSR), or frame generation to reach target frame rates. Battery‑life testing under gaming loads tended to cluster in the 1.5–4 hour band depending on title, settings and power profile.
- Short sessions and less‑demanding games play very well at high refresh.
- Heavy AAA titles will require concessions (lower resolution, FSR, lower settings).
- The bigger battery does extend usable time vs. the original Ally, but sustained high‑TDP play still drains cells rapidly.
Software: Windows 11, Xbox shell, and real‑world friction
One recurring theme across reviews is that Windows 11 is still the weakest link on handhelds. The Ally X runs Windows 11 Home, but with a layered, full‑screen Xbox experience designed to behave like a console launcher. In practice reviewers find a mixed bag:- Strength: The Xbox shell and Armoury Crate SE reduce some friction — controller navigation is improved and the system boots into a console‑like launcher that keeps desktop clutter out of play sessions. Native access to Steam, Epic, Xbox PC, and other stores remains a strategic advantage over closed ecosystems.
- Weakness: Windows 11 still treats the device as a tablet at the OS level in places, leaving small touch targets, inconsistent taskbar behaviors, and desktop‑style UI elements that are awkward on a 7‑inch screen. Reviewers have flagged UI responsiveness issues, oddities in sleep/resume, and a handful of stability problems and crashes with the Xbox shell and Armoury Crate that feel like early‑ship software pain rather than ironed‑out polish. The Verge, among others, described the experience as unfinished and urged caution at launch prices.
Strengths: where the Ally X really delivers
- Raw ergonomics and build: Revised grips, better button feel and a premium chassis make long sessions more comfortable than the first Ally in many reviewers’ opinions.
- Upgradeability: A full‑length M.2 2280 slot and user‑accessible battery mean real, practical upgrades for storage and longer device lifespan. This is an important difference vs. many handhelds.
- Improved endurance and thermal headroom: The 80 Wh battery plus updated cooling lets the Ally X keep higher power budgets longer, which translates into better sustained performance than the previous model.
- Windows openness: Native installs across Steam, Epic, Xbox PC and other clients — plus full mod and emulator support where legal — make the Ally X a truly universal portable for PC-first players.
Risks, trade‑offs and red flags
- Price vs. value: Asus positions the Ally X at a premium price bracket (many mainstream reviews evaluate it at $799–$999 depending on configuration and region). That puts it in direct competition with more affordable Steam Deck configurations and even thin‑and‑light gaming laptops, making the value equation less straightforward for buyers who don’t need absolute portability. Tom’s Hardware and TechRadar emphasize this tension.
- Windows maturity on handhelds: Persistent UI quirks, occasional stability problems, and some anti‑cheat and launcher edge cases mean the experience can vary by game. Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program and Xbox shell are steps forward, but they’re not a complete solution on day one. Treat the software as evolving.
- Thermals and sustained AAA play: Even with improved cooling and a bigger battery, a small handheld form factor cannot eliminate physics: sustained high TDP gameplay still causes throttling and shortens sessions. Expect concessions in fidelity for long AAA sessions.
- Ambiguous “AI” claims and NPU metrics: Some marketing materials reference on‑chip NPU or “AI” features on higher‑end models across the handheld market. Reporting is inconsistent about TOPS numbers and practical benefits; independent validation will be required before treating NPU features as a decisive advantage. Flag any exact TOPS claims as tentative until instrumentation confirms them.
- Warranty and repairability: While the device has user‑accessible components, buyers should confirm ASUS warranty terms for upgrades and repairs. Past community reports about fan issues on earlier handhelds underline the importance of robust RMA support.
How the Ally X compares (short competitive context)
- Valve Steam Deck (OLED or LCD): Generally better value on a pure price/performance basis and benefits from a mature SteamOS ecosystem and Proton compatibility. Steam Deck remains a compelling alternative for buyers who want a polished, dedicated handheld OS.
- Lenovo Legion Go 2 / other Windows handhelds: Some offer larger screens, detachable controllers and differing ergonomics that may favor text‑heavy or tabletop play. The Ally X’s strengths are its compact grip‑first approach, larger battery and upgrade path.
- Cloud‑first devices (Logitech G Cloud, etc.): Better battery life and lower price if you primarily stream Game Pass or GeForce NOW. But you lose native, local CPU/GPU power and the flexibility of a full Windows stack.
Practical buying guidance
- If you primarily stream games (Game Pass cloud, GeForce NOW) and need long battery life and a lower price, choose a cloud‑first device or wait for a refurbished G Cloud.
- If you want native PC gaming on the go, modding and full access to your PC libraries, and you prioritize upgradeability and hardware headroom, the ROG Ally X is one of the best Windows handhelds you can buy today — provided you accept the price and current software kinks.
- If you already own a high‑end gaming laptop or the original ROG Ally, the upgrade case is weaker — you’ll get incremental improvements in ergonomics and battery life rather than a generational leap. Several reviews explicitly advise waiting unless you’re entering handhelds for the first time.
- High‑wattage USB‑PD chargers to exploit faster charging and sustain higher power modes.
- A docking solution for TV/monitor play (USB4/DisplayPort over C capable docks are recommended).
- Protective case and extra NVMe drives for storage expansion.
Verification notes and caution flags
- Multiple independent reviews (Tom’s Hardware, TechRadar, The Verge and other hands‑on outlets) converge on the most important hardware facts: 24 GB RAM, 1 TB 2280 SSD, 80 Whr battery, AMD Z1 Extreme APU and a 7‑inch 1080p 120 Hz display. These specs are consistent across Asus’ materials and third‑party reporting. Cross‑checking those claims shows reasonable agreement.
- Areas that remain inconsistent across sources and thus require caution:
- Precise impact of any on‑device NPU (TOPS ratings and real‑world acceleration use cases). Marketing references exist, but independent verification is still incomplete — treat AI/NPU benefits as potential not proven.
- Long‑term thermals and fan durability: short preview units and review cycles cannot prove multi‑year reliability. Warranty and RMA experience matter; check retailer protections if you plan heavy use.
Final analysis and conclusion
The ROG Ally X is what happens when an OEM honestly prioritizes the practical constraints of a powerful Windows handheld: more RAM, a bigger battery, a switch to mainstream SSD sizing and a refined chassis. For users who need an open Windows handheld that can run native PC libraries, emulators and Game Pass locally, the Ally X represents arguably the most compelling Windows‑native option available at launch. It is a clear step forward from the original Ally in ergonomics, sustained performance and upgradeability.Yet the device’s biggest liabilities aren’t components — they’re platform and value decisions. Windows 11’s desktop heritage bleeds into the handheld experience; the Xbox full‑screen shell is promising but unpolished; and the price places tough comparisons with both Valve’s Steam Deck family and compact gaming laptops that offer better raw performance per dollar for some buyers. Reviewers who value a turn‑key, polished handheld OS will likely prefer SteamOS devices; those who want full Windows flexibility will find real reasons to like the Ally X, provided they accept early software rough edges and a premium cost.
Buyers should weigh three priorities before committing: (1) Do you value native Windows compatibility and upgradeability? (2) Are you prepared to accept current software rough spots in exchange for hardware advantages? (3) Would a Steam Deck, a higher‑spec thin‑and‑light laptop or a cloud‑first device better match your budget and use cases? The Ally X answers the first question with confidence, hints at the second with plausible roadmaps, and leaves the third to each buyer’s personal tradeoffs.
In short: the ROG Ally X is a very good Windows handheld in the hardware sense — one of the most complete and practical entries yet — but its long‑term success depends on software maturity, pricing competitiveness, and proven reliability. If those elements align in the months after launch, the Ally X could define the premium tier of Windows handhelds; at launch, it is a powerful and polished piece of hardware wrapped around an operating system that still needs more handheld‑first refinements.
Source: Tom's Hardware Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review: Getting a grip on Windows gaming
Source: TechRadar Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a brand mashup that's more than the sum of its parts