ASUS ROG Ally X Review: Steam Deck Killer or Overhyped?

The handheld gaming PC market has exploded in recent years, and ASUS is making a serious push to claim the throne with the ROG Ally X. This isn't just a minor refresh of the original Ally—it's a complete overhaul addressing nearly every criticism of the first generation. With doubled RAM, doubled storage, a significantly larger battery, and refined ergonomics, the ROG Ally X promises to deliver the ultimate Windows gaming experience in your hands. But at $799, is it worth the premium over the Steam Deck OLED? Let's dive deep into this comprehensive review.

Box Contents and First Impressions

ASUS has put together a thoughtful unboxing experience that feels appropriately premium for an $800 device:

• ASUS ROG Ally X handheld console
• 65W USB-C power adapter (with detachable cable)
• Quick start guide
• ROG Ally X carrying case (soft pouch)
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• Warranty documentation

The moment you pick up the Ally X, you notice the quality. The device feels solid without being heavy, and the black colorway gives it a more stealthy, mature aesthetic compared to the original white model. ASUS clearly listened to feedback and delivered a refined product.

Design and Ergonomics

The ROG Ally X represents a significant ergonomic improvement over its predecessor. ASUS went back to the drawing board and addressed the most common complaints about comfort during extended gaming sessions.

Physical Specifications

The additional 70 grams might seem like a downgrade on paper, but it's entirely justified by the larger 80Wh battery. In practice, the weight is barely noticeable thanks to improved weight distribution.

Controller Layout and Feel

The button layout remains familiar to anyone who's used an Xbox controller, which is a smart choice for Windows gaming. Here's what's new and improved:

• Redesigned grips: Deeper, more contoured grips that fill your palms naturally
• Hall effect triggers: Zero stick drift concerns with magnetic sensors
• Improved D-pad: More tactile feedback and better diagonals
• Larger back buttons: Easier to reach without repositioning your hands
• New thumbstick texture: Better grip during intense gaming sessions

The analog sticks use full-size modules identical to standard Xbox controllers, meaning they're user-replaceable if issues ever arise. The Hall effect triggers provide smooth, consistent resistance throughout their travel—no worries about potentiometer drift over time.

Display Quality

The display is where the ROG Ally X truly shines—literally. ASUS has included one of the best screens ever put in a handheld gaming device.

Display Specifications

Real-World Display Experience

In practice, the 120Hz panel is incredibly smooth. Even when games run at 60fps or lower, the high refresh rate makes UI navigation and general Windows use feel buttery smooth. The 500-nit brightness is adequate for most indoor scenarios, though outdoor gaming in direct sunlight remains challenging.

The FHD resolution at 7 inches results in a pixel density of approximately 315 PPI. This means individual pixels are virtually invisible during normal gameplay, and text in Windows is crisp and readable without scaling issues.

Performance: CPU and GPU

The heart of the ROG Ally X is AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, which remains unchanged from the original Ally. This is both good and expected—the Z1 Extreme is still the most powerful chip available for this form factor.

Hardware Specifications

The jump from 16GB to 24GB of RAM is massive. Many modern games are increasingly memory-hungry, and the extra headroom ensures smoother performance in titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Cities: Skylines II.

Gaming Benchmarks

We tested the ROG Ally X across a variety of popular titles at 1080p with different TDP settings:

The extra RAM shows its value in open-world games with heavy streaming requirements. Cities: Skylines II, for example, runs significantly better on the Ally X compared to the original 16GB model, with fewer stutters when loading new city areas.

Gaming Experience

Raw specs are one thing, but how does the ROG Ally X actually feel in your hands during extended play sessions?

Control Responsiveness

The input latency on the Ally X is excellent. In fast-paced games like Hades II and Vampire Survivors, controls feel instantaneous. The Hall effect triggers provide precise analog input for racing games—gran Turismo 7 (via streaming) and Forza Horizon 5 benefit immensely from the smooth trigger response.

Game Compatibility

This is where Windows has a massive advantage over the Steam Deck's Linux-based SteamOS:

• 100% compatibility with your existing Steam, Epic, GOG, and other PC game libraries
• Full Game Pass access with all games running natively
• No Proton compatibility concerns or waiting for games to be verified
• Easy access to game mods through standard Windows mod managers
• Emulation performance is exceptional for retro gaming

Thermal Performance

The cooling system in the Ally X has been improved with a new dual-fan design featuring zero-gravity thermal compound. During our testing:

• Silent mode (9W): Fans are nearly inaudible, surface temperatures stay cool
• Performance mode (15W): Noticeable fan noise but not distracting, comfortable to hold
• Turbo mode (25W): Audible fans comparable to a laptop under load, warmth noticeable on the back

The thermal management is well-tuned. Even during extended Turbo mode sessions, the device never becomes uncomfortably hot to hold, and we observed no thermal throttling in our tests.

Battery Life

This is where the ROG Ally X delivers its most significant improvement. The original Ally's 40Wh battery was its Achilles heel—the X's 80Wh battery doubles the capacity.

Battery Test Results

These numbers represent real-world gaming with WiFi enabled and brightness at 50%. Your mileage will vary based on specific games, brightness settings, and whether you're connected to WiFi or playing offline.

Charging

The included 65W charger gets the Ally X from 0% to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, with a full charge taking about 1.5 hours. The device supports USB-C PD charging, so any compatible charger or power bank will work.

The Ally X also supports pass-through charging, meaning you can play while plugged in without worrying about battery degradation—the system will power from the wall rather than cycling the battery.

Windows 11 Experience

Let's address the elephant in the room: Windows on a handheld gaming device is a polarizing choice. It comes with both significant advantages and frustrating drawbacks.

The Good

Windows means complete game compatibility. Every PC game, every storefront, every launcher—they all work. No compatibility layers, no waiting for Proton updates, no checking verified status. If it runs on a PC, it runs on the Ally X.

For Game Pass subscribers, the value proposition is incredible. Hundreds of games available instantly, all running natively. New releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, and Stalker 2 work from day one.

The Bad

Windows was not designed for handheld use. Despite Microsoft's improvements with Windows 11, you'll still encounter:

• Notifications popping up during gameplay
• Random Windows updates interrupting sessions
• Settings menus that require precision touch or mouse input
• Occasional bugs with sleep/resume functionality
• Higher baseline power consumption compared to SteamOS

Tips for Optimizing Windows

1. Disable notifications for everything except essential apps
2. Set active hours to prevent updates during your usual gaming time
3. Use Windows' tablet mode when navigating the OS
4. Create a clean user account dedicated to gaming, with minimal startup apps
5. Consider installing Playnite as a unified game launcher with controller support

Armoury Crate SE

ASUS's custom software overlay is the bridge between Windows and handheld gaming. Armoury Crate SE (Special Edition) provides a controller-friendly interface for managing games, settings, and performance profiles.

Key Features

• Game Library Integration: Pulls games from Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox, and other sources
• Performance Profiles: Quick access to TDP modes and GPU settings
• Controller Mapping: Fully remappable buttons including back paddles
• RGB Control: Customize the lighting around the analog sticks
• Quick Settings: Volume, brightness, WiFi, and Bluetooth toggles
• FPS Overlay: Real-time performance monitoring

Command Center

Pressing both back buttons simultaneously opens the Command Center overlay, which provides quick access to:

• Current TDP mode
• GPU clock speed
• Screen brightness and refresh rate
• Volume controls
• Anti-flicker settings
• Screenshot/recording tools

The software isn't perfect—it can feel sluggish at times, and occasional bugs require a restart—but it's far more polished than it was at the original Ally's launch. For most users, it successfully bridges the gap between Windows and handheld gaming.

Comparison: ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED

The inevitable comparison. The Steam Deck OLED is the ROG Ally X's most direct competitor, and choosing between them comes down to priorities.

Specifications Comparison

Which Should You Buy?

Choose the ROG Ally X if:

• Xbox Game Pass is important to you
• You want maximum performance for AAA games
• Full Windows compatibility is a priority
• You prefer higher frame rates (120Hz)
• You need more RAM for demanding games
• You want to use game mods easily

Choose the Steam Deck OLED if:

• You prefer a more polished, console-like experience
• OLED display quality matters more than resolution
• You want better battery life (for the price)
• Your games are primarily on Steam
• You prefer open-source, Linux-based systems
• Budget is a concern ($150-250 savings)

Pros and Cons Summary

After weeks of testing, here's our comprehensive assessment of the ROG Ally X:

Verdict: Is the ROG Ally X Worth It?

The ASUS ROG Ally X is unquestionably the most powerful handheld gaming PC you can buy today. The combination of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of fast NVMe storage, and an 80Wh battery makes it a genuine portable gaming powerhouse.

Is it a "Steam Deck Killer"? Not quite. The Steam Deck OLED's superior display, lower price, and more polished software experience make it the better choice for many users. But for gamers who prioritize raw performance, Windows compatibility, and Xbox Game Pass, the Ally X is the clear winner.

The $799 price tag is significant, but you're getting hardware that justifies the cost. The doubled RAM alone is worth the upgrade for anyone playing modern open-world games, and the larger battery transforms the device from a wall-dependent machine to a genuinely portable console.

ASUS has addressed virtually every criticism of the original Ally. The result is a handheld that feels mature, refined, and ready to be your primary portable gaming device.

Final Score: 4.4/5

Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X?

Perfect for:

• Xbox Game Pass subscribers who want portable access to their library
• Gamers who need maximum performance in AAA titles
• Anyone who wants full Windows compatibility without compromise
• Travelers who need extended battery life for long flights
• PC gamers looking for a secondary portable device
• Emulation enthusiasts who want the best RetroArch performance

Not ideal for:

• Budget-conscious buyers (Steam Deck offers better value)
• Those who prioritize display quality over performance (OLED is superior)
• Users who want a simple, console-like experience
• Gamers whose library is primarily on Steam
• Anyone uncomfortable with Windows troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the SSD in the ROG Ally X?

Yes! The ROG Ally X features a user-accessible 2280 M.2 NVMe slot. Upgrading to a 2TB or even 4TB SSD is straightforward—just remove the back panel and swap the drive. The device comes with a 1TB drive, but if your game library is extensive, upgrading is simple and won't void your warranty.

Does the ROG Ally X support external GPUs?

The ROG Ally X includes an XG Mobile port (ROG's proprietary connector) that supports external GPUs. The ROG XG Mobile eGPU dock can house laptop-grade graphics cards like the RTX 4090 Mobile, essentially turning your handheld into a desktop gaming PC when docked. However, the XG Mobile dock is expensive (around $2,000 with a GPU), so this is a niche use case.

How does battery life compare when playing less demanding games?

Battery life dramatically improves with indie games and older titles. Playing games like Hades, Hollow Knight, or retro emulation in Silent mode (9W TDP), you can easily achieve 4-5 hours of gameplay. The 80Wh battery shines when you're not pushing the hardware to its limits.

Is the ROG Ally X compatible with standard USB-C docks?

Absolutely. Any USB-C dock with DisplayPort Alt Mode will work for video output. You can connect to external displays up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz, attach USB peripherals like keyboards and mice, and essentially use the Ally X as a full desktop PC. Just make sure your dock provides power delivery if you want to charge simultaneously.

Should I buy the ROG Ally X or wait for the next generation?

This depends on your patience and current setup. The Ally X is a meaningful improvement over the original, and no successor has been announced. AMD's next-generation handheld APU (rumored "Strix Point" based) isn't expected until late 2026 at the earliest. If you want the best Windows handheld experience today, the Ally X delivers. If you can wait 12-18 months, the next generation will likely offer meaningful improvements—but there's always "something better" on the horizon.