The ASUS ROG Ally X addresses nearly every criticism leveled at the original ROG Ally, creating what might be the definitive Windows gaming handheld. With doubled battery capacity at 80Wh, 24GB of RAM, 1TB storage, and refined ergonomics, ASUS has transformed a promising but flawed device into a genuine Steam Deck competitor. Priced at $800, the ROG Ally X represents a premium investment in portable PC gaming. After weeks of testing across AAA titles, indie games, and emulation, we evaluate whether this Windows handheld justifies its price and delivers the portable gaming experience enthusiasts crave.

Performance: AMD Z1 Extreme Unleashed

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU powers the ROG Ally X with eight Zen 4 CPU cores clocked up to 5.1GHz and a Radeon 780M iGPU featuring 12 compute units based on RDNA 3 architecture. This combination delivers impressive gaming performance for a handheld device, running demanding AAA titles at playable frame rates with appropriate graphics settings.

Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 720p medium settings maintaining 35-40 FPS, providing a smooth experience for the handheld form factor. Elden Ring achieves a stable 40-45 FPS at medium-high settings, delivering the full experience without significant compromises. Spider-Man Remastered hits 45-50 FPS at 720p high settings, showcasing the GPU's capabilities with modern titles.

The doubled RAM to 24GB LPDDR5X running at 7500 MT/s makes a tangible difference. Games load faster, stuttering from asset streaming reduces dramatically, and multitasking between gaming and background applications becomes viable. The extra memory proves particularly valuable for emulation, enabling smooth PS3 and Nintendo Switch emulation that struggled on 16GB systems.

Storage expansion to 1TB addresses another original Ally limitation. Modern AAA games consume 100-150GB each, making the original's 512GB inadequate for maintaining a diverse library. The 1TB M.2 2280 SSD provides breathing room for multiple large titles while maintaining fast load times. The standard M.2 format also enables user upgrades, unlike proprietary storage solutions in competing devices.

Battery Life: Game-Changing Endurance

The 80Wh battery represents the ROG Ally X's most significant improvement. This massive capacity doubles the original's 40Wh battery, transforming the device from barely adequate to genuinely impressive for portable gaming. Real-world testing confirms substantial battery life improvements across scenarios.

AAA gaming at performance settings (15W TDP) delivers approximately 2.5-3 hours of continuous play. Less demanding indie titles and older games extend runtime to 4-5 hours at lower power settings. Video playback reaches an impressive 14.5 hours, making the Ally X viable for long flights or extended travel.

The variable TDP system enables balancing performance and battery life based on gaming scenarios. Running at maximum 25W TDP provides best performance but reduces battery life to under 2 hours. The 10W silent mode extends battery life significantly while remaining playable for less demanding titles. This flexibility enables optimizing for the situation rather than accepting fixed performance profiles.

Charging via 65W USB-C PD enables rapid refills. A complete charge from 0% takes approximately 2 hours, while 30 minutes of charging adds roughly 40% capacity—enough for another hour of AAA gaming. The standard USB-C implementation means any PD charger works, unlike proprietary charging solutions requiring specific adapters.

Design and Ergonomics

ASUS refined the ergonomics based on extensive user feedback. The redesigned grips feature improved contours that reduce hand strain during extended play sessions. Button placement received subtle adjustments, making frequently used inputs more accessible without sacrificing overall layout familiarity.

At 678 grams, the Ally X weighs noticeably more than the original's 608g. However, the weight distribution balances well, preventing the top-heavy feeling that plagues some handhelds. The extra heft comes from the larger battery and improved build quality rather than unnecessary bulk.

Build quality improvements address durability concerns. The chassis feels more rigid, buttons operate with better tactile feedback, and the analog sticks feature improved mechanisms for enhanced precision and longevity. The overall assembly quality creates confidence in long-term reliability.

The 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display maintains excellent quality. The IPS panel delivers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and sufficient brightness for indoor gaming. VRR support eliminates screen tearing, creating smoother visuals. While not OLED like the Steam Deck OLED, the display quality satisfies for portable gaming.

Windows 11 Experience

Running Windows 11 provides unrestricted access to the entire PC gaming ecosystem. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox Game Pass, and any other PC storefront work natively. This library access dwarfs the Steam Deck's Proton compatibility layer, though Windows introduces its own complications.

ASUS Armoury Crate SE provides a console-like interface optimized for controller navigation. Launching games, adjusting TDP profiles, and managing settings works smoothly through the unified interface. However, some games launch into Windows desktop mode requiring keyboard/mouse interaction, disrupting the handheld experience.

Windows brings challenges like driver updates, background processes consuming resources, and occasional compatibility issues that SteamOS avoids. However, when games work properly, the Windows flexibility enables running anything without compatibility concerns or performance limitations from translation layers.

Game Pass integration represents a major advantage for Windows handhelds. Subscribers access hundreds of titles optimized for Windows without additional purchases. Cloud gaming supplements local performance, enabling streaming demanding titles that exceed the handheld's capabilities.

Game Library and Performance

Testing across diverse titles reveals the Ally X's capabilities and limitations. First-person shooters like DOOM Eternal run beautifully at 60+ FPS with high settings. Strategy games like Civilization VI provide the full desktop experience in portable form. Fighting games benefit from the low-latency 120Hz display.

Emulation performance excels with the increased RAM and powerful CPU. Nintendo Switch emulation via Ryujinx or Yuzu runs most titles at full speed or better. PS3 emulation through RPCS3 handles many games smoothly. Even GameCube and Wii emulation via Dolphin maxes out settings while maintaining perfect frame rates.

Indie games represent the sweet spot for handheld gaming. Titles like Hades, Dead Cells, and Hollow Knight run flawlessly while consuming minimal battery. These games often provide 4-5 hours of gameplay on a charge, making them ideal for portable play. The 1080p display showcases pixel art and 2D graphics beautifully.

Competition and Value

Against the Steam Deck OLED at $550, the Ally X offers more raw performance, full Windows compatibility, and Game Pass access at $250 premium. The Steam Deck counters with better battery efficiency, superior OLED display, and SteamOS simplicity. For users prioritizing game library access and performance, the Ally X justifies the extra cost.

Compared to the original ROG Ally at $500-600 (depending on Z1 model), the Ally X's $800 price adds doubled battery, 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and refined ergonomics. For serious portable gaming enthusiasts, these improvements justify the $200-300 premium. Casual users should consider whether they need these upgrades.

The Lenovo Legion Go at $700 provides a larger 8.8" display and detachable controllers but weighs significantly more and offers less refined software. The MSI Claw struggles with Intel Arc graphics performance. The Ally X currently represents the best overall Windows gaming handheld for users willing to pay premium pricing.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG Ally X delivers the Windows gaming handheld experience enthusiasts have been requesting. The doubled battery transforms the device from barely portable to genuinely useful for extended gaming sessions. The 24GB RAM and 1TB storage future-proof the device while eliminating common frustrations.

The $800 price positions this as a premium device for dedicated portable gaming enthusiasts rather than casual users. However, for the target audience, the Ally X represents excellent value by addressing nearly every criticism of the original while maintaining competitive pricing against less capable alternatives.

Windows brings complications that SteamOS avoids, but the full PC game library access and Game Pass integration create compelling advantages. When it works—which is 95% of the time—the Ally X delivers unmatched handheld gaming versatility.

For gamers seeking the most powerful, versatile Windows gaming handheld, the ASUS ROG Ally X earns a strong recommendation. It represents the current pinnacle of portable PC gaming, delivering desktop-class experiences in a truly portable form factor.