The handheld PC revolution continues to gain momentum, and ASUS enters the scene in a big way with the ROG Ally X. A refined sequel to the original Ally, this device raises the bar across performance, thermals, display quality, and overall gaming experience. For PC gamers tired of being tethered to desks or consoles, the Ally X delivers a portable gaming experience worthy of lead billing.
A Bold Design That Means Business
At first glance, the Ally X stands out from niche handhelds like the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go. Its asymmetric form—flat on one side and ergonomically curved on the other—supports long sessions comfortably without feeling bulky. The solid plastic chassis, paired with aggressive port shadows and signature ROG red accents, delivers the strong presence expected from a serious gaming device.
Weighing around 710g (1.57 lbs), the handheld strikes a balance between portability and staid PC gaming heritage. Triggers are hefty with satisfying combustion—and Hall effect sticks offer precision and longevity. A rear paddle area allows for thumb customization and added grip versatility. The overall feel is durable, premium, and built to game hard.
Performance That Obliterates Expectations
Under the hood, the Ally X is powered by AMD’s Phoenix Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset, featuring an ingenious 8-core CPU and Radeon integrated GPU cores. Generously paired with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a speedy 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, it hauls through everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems.
Gaming benchmarks speak volumes: Cyberpunk 2077 at medium-high settings sustained smooth 45–55 FPS, while Forza Horizon 5, Elden Ring, and God of War all play fluidly at 30–60 FPS. These results eclipse previous handheld attempts and match light gaming laptops—without the heat or battery suck.
Black Screen of Doom steps? None here. Even ray-tracing titles like DiRT 5 handle nicely at lower quality, thanks to AMD’s RDNA 3 efficiency and Phoenix’s turbo smarts. Plus, onboard support for AMD SmartShift ensures consistent gameplay without throttles or performance dips.
Stunning Display, Control Freedom
Clarity matters when gaming on a small screen—and the Ally X doesn’t disappoint. A 7-inch 1080p IPS panel offers vibrant visuals, 400-nit brightness, and a sharp 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re traversing alien vistas or hurdling down city streets, frame-rate consistency and visual precision are immersive.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ensures smooth motion, while low response and high refresh push a seamless gaming experience—no ghosting or input lag. The result is more than crisp; it’s performance-grade OLED-level immersion without OLED’s battery or burn-in worries.
Upgraded Thermals and Extended Sessions
One of the Achilles heels of early handheld PCs was heating. ASUS tackled this head-on with the Ally X’s redesigned triple-fan cooling system, vapor chamber, and improved airflow paths. The device runs quiet even under load: you’ll hear a soft hum rather than jet-trail roar.
This opens the door for longer gaming sessions—with minimal throttling. Tests show surface temps peaking in the low 40 °C range even under extended load. Compared to quickly overheated laptops, the Ally X feels cool, steady, and ready to go anywhere.
Battery Life That Goes Beyond Expectations
Carrying a powerful chip doesn’t always mean battery sacrifice. The Ally X packs 40Wh total battery capacity, lasting 4–5 hours of heavy gaming or 8–9 hours of light browsing or media streaming. The included 65W Type-C charger allows very fast recharges—45 minutes to reach 50% battery, and about 90 minutes to a full charge.
Plus, USB Type-C means you can power up from power banks in a pinch. For frequent travelers or on-the-go gamers, extended battery life balances well with potent Ryzen firepower.
Controls & Customization in Your Hands
The control layout remains one of the Ally X’s strongest suits. Dual Hall-effect analog sticks, Clickable rear paddle buttons, and high-res trigger sensors deliver console-style familiarity. Grip comfort has improved, and haptics are more nuanced and responsive than before.
Every button, trigger, and paddle is remappable via ASUS’ Armoury Crate handheld control panel. Plus, a solid D-pad and dual analog sticks make sure all game genres—from racing to RPGs to fighting—feel natural and confident to play.
Connectivity & Expandability Galore
No compromises here. Ports include two full-sized USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 Type-C slots, USB‑A, microSD expansion, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi‑Fi 6E connectivity ensure fast, lag-free multiplayer and peripheral support.
Thunderbolt 4 opens the door to external GPUs, monitors, and storage—all with gaming-grade bandwidth. Need desktop-grade connectivity on your global travels? The Ally X delivers it.
Software Ecosystem: SteamOS + Windows 11
A dual BIOS lets the Ally X boot into either Windows 11 or SteamOS 4. Windows gives full access to libraries from Steam, Epic, EA App, Ubisoft Connect, plus productivity apps. SteamOS offers console-like ease of use, with the Steam Deck’s trusted Big Picture interface.
One-click switching between OSes in Armoury Crate after initial setup makes configuration painless. SteamOS automatically configures controller inputs for Steam games handling, while Windows support remains open to modders, emulators, and creative workflows.
Embrace Handheld Mods and Accessories
Beyond the device, developers are already making cases, stands, D-pads, and battery mods. An official docking console is in the works, enabling the Ally X to plug into TVs or monitors with full desktop setups.
Early adopters have explored SSD swaps, controller grip mods, and fan curve tweaks—showing off the handheld’s expandability. ASUS’s open approach helps with future upgrades and performance flexibility.
Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X?
- AAA Mobile Gaming Fans: Seeking top-tier graphics without a desk
- Gamers-on-the-go: Travel, hotels, or even couch gamers who value convenience
- PC Power Users: Want handheld access to emulators, video editors, and desktop-grade apps
- Esports Enthusiasts: Hall sticks and 120Hz panel offer competitive edge
- Hybrid Users: Watch shows at night, game during the day, all on one versatile device
Final Verdict: Portability Meets Power
The ASUS ROG Ally X marks a significant leap forward for handheld PCs. It fuses desktop-grade gaming, robust thermals, console-level controls, and laptop-capable connectivity. It doesn’t just match—or beat—rivals in benchmarks; it also excels in practicality and design.
Is it perfect? Its price and weight limit mass-market adoption, and battery life won’t match ultra-portables. But for those who prioritize handheld performance and flexibility, the ROG Ally X delivers palpable value—meaningful power in your hands, ready whenever you are.
The handheld gaming revolution just got a turbo boost—courtesy of ASUS.
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