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ASUS announced the ROG Ally X in June 2024 as a more capable, longer-lasting refresh of its Windows handheld—not a new-generation performance leap. It keeps the Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz display, while doubling battery capacity to 80Wh, increasing shared system memory to 24GB and including a 1TB SSD. Those changes address practical limitations of the original Ally, especially for players who game away from an outlet.
What ASUS announced
The ROG Ally X (2024) is a premium revision of the original ROG Ally. ASUS announced it in June 2024 and set its U.S. launch MSRP at $799.99. The price is the announced launch MSRP, not a current-market quote. ASUS positioned the device around more battery capacity, memory and storage, plus a revised chassis and connectivity. ASUS’s announcement and product specifications identify the 2024 model.
Be precise with the name: the ROG Ally X (2024) is not the later, separately named ROG Xbox Ally X. The latter is a different handheld with a newer AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform and Xbox-oriented software integration.
ROG Ally X versus the original ROG Ally
The clearest changes are in memory, storage and battery. The Ally X retains the higher-end original Ally’s processor class and familiar screen rather than replacing them with a new APU or display.
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#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
| Feature | Original ROG Ally | ROG Ally X (2024) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen Z1 or Ryzen Z1 Extreme, depending on model | Ryzen Z1 Extreme | The Ally X matches the original’s higher-end APU class, not a new processor generation. |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 | More shared-memory headroom for the integrated GPU, Windows and other applications. |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD | More room out of the box and a physically longer SSD format. |
| Battery | 40Wh | 80Wh | Twice the rated energy capacity, though not automatically twice the playtime. |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz touchscreen | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz touchscreen | No major screen upgrade; the Ally X remains a small LCD handheld rather than an OLED model. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E listed by ASUS | Wi-Fi 6E listed by ASUS | Wireless generation is not a major change. |
| External graphics and USB | Proprietary XG Mobile interface arrangement | USB-C with USB4 support | USB4 broadens accessory options, but compatibility depends on the device, cable, drivers and operating system. |
| Biometric login | No fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader | Offers another way to sign in to Windows. |
| Color and chassis | White chassis | Black, redesigned chassis and grips | Changes the look and feel; comfort is personal, and the larger battery makes the device heavier. |
| Cooling | Original fan and exhaust design | Redesigned fans and an additional exhaust path | Intended to improve airflow and help manage heat. |
The original-model specifications above come from ASUS’s original ROG Ally announcement; Ally X specifications come from its product page and 2024 announcement. ASUS notes that specifications, availability and included items can vary by country.
Does the Ally X perform better?
The Ally X uses the Ryzen Z1 Extreme: an eight-core, 16-thread Zen 4 processor with integrated Radeon RDNA 3 graphics, listed by ASUS at up to 12 compute units and up to 8.6 teraflops. Those are platform specifications, not a promise of a particular frame rate. The original Ally was also available with a Z1 Extreme, so upgrading to the Ally X does not mean moving to a new APU generation.
The additional 8GB of memory can help in workloads constrained by the original system’s memory pool. It gives Windows and the integrated GPU more room to share, and may make graphics-memory allocation or multitasking more comfortable. That is a possible improvement in headroom and consistency, not evidence that every game will run substantially faster. ASUS’s specifications do not establish a universal FPS gain; results would need to be tied to a particular game, setting and power profile.
What 24GB means in practice
The Ally X does not have 24GB of dedicated video memory. Its integrated GPU draws from shared system memory. A larger pool can let a player allocate more to graphics while leaving more available to Windows and background applications, but it does not make the GPU itself more powerful. The benefit depends on the game, its settings and what else is running.
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- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
What the 80Wh battery changes—and what it does not
The battery’s rated capacity rises from 40Wh on the original Ally to 80Wh on the Ally X. Watt-hours describe stored energy; they do not specify how long a particular game will run. ASUS’s capacity figure is not a guarantee of twice the gaming time.
Power draw changes substantially with workload and settings. A lightweight indie game running at a low-power setting such as 10W will generally place a different demand on the battery than a demanding game at 25W or 30W. A 15W profile is another possible compromise. Brightness, refresh rate, frame-rate limits, upscaling, wireless radios, audio and Windows background activity also affect consumption. Without a specific tested game, settings and measurement method, there is no single runtime figure that applies to every player.
The larger battery is most valuable to people who regularly play unplugged, particularly those who use higher-power modes. It is internal rather than a swappable external pack. If you plan to extend a session with a USB-C PD power bank, check its sustained output, the cable rating and the handheld’s charging requirements; accessory compatibility and charging behavior should not be assumed from a port label alone.
Other changes that affect day-to-day use
More storage and a different SSD size
The Ally X includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive in M.2 2280 format, compared with the original Ally’s 512GB M.2 2230 drive. The larger capacity means less immediate pressure to uninstall games, while the 2280 format is physically longer and may offer more conventional upgrade choices. Before replacing a drive, check the exact regional model, physical clearance, cooling and service implications.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
USB4 instead of the original XG Mobile arrangement
USB4 can support docks, high-speed storage, displays and compatible external-GPU setups. It does not mean every Thunderbolt or USB4 accessory will work identically: the accessory, enclosure, cable, drivers and Windows support all matter. Confirm the features you need—such as display output or power delivery—on the specific accessory before buying.
Cooling, grip and chassis
ASUS says the Ally X’s redesigned cooling system uses smaller fans with thinner blades, new airflow tunnels and an extra exhaust vent. ASUS claims up to 24% more air volume and a display temperature up to 6°C lower under its stated conditions. These are manufacturer claims, not universal independent measurements.
The black chassis has revised grips intended to make the handheld more comfortable, and the fingerprint reader adds a Windows sign-in option. Grip comfort varies from person to person, and the battery redesign makes the Ally X heavier than the original. Check ASUS’s regional product specifications if exact dimensions or weight will determine your choice.
ASUS also changed the microSD-card-reader placement from the original Ally. That design change alone does not establish that any historical reliability concern is definitively resolved; avoid treating it as a guarantee of long-term reliability.
Rank #4
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Who should buy the ROG Ally X (2024)?
It makes sense if battery capacity is a priority
- You want a Windows handheld and often play away from a charger.
- You regularly use higher-power modes and want more battery capacity to work with.
- You need more shared-memory headroom, or want 1TB of internal storage without upgrading immediately.
- You value USB4, revised grips, a fingerprint reader or the redesigned chassis.
- You own the original Ally and its battery, storage or ergonomics are recurring frustrations.
The upgrade is harder to justify if your original Ally already fits
- You own the Z1 Extreme Ally and mostly play plugged in.
- You have already added a larger SSD and are satisfied with your current setup.
- You expect a new-generation GPU or a large, universal increase in frame rates.
- You want an OLED panel, a larger screen or a console-focused interface more than extra battery and memory.
- You can find the original Ally at a substantially lower price and do not need the Ally X’s main hardware changes.
For an upgrade decision, compare the Ally X’s actual price where you live with the value of your existing device and any upgrades you would otherwise buy. ASUS’s $799.99 figure was the U.S. launch MSRP in 2024, not a statement of the Ally X’s current 2026 street price.
The main trade-off: improved hardware, familiar Windows experience
The Ally X remains a Windows gaming handheld PC. That provides access to Windows-compatible PC games and launchers, but can also mean setup, updates, pop-ups and controller-interface friction that a console-focused operating system may avoid. The hardware refresh does not change that software trade-off.
Nor does it address every buyer’s display preference: the screen remains a 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz touchscreen, rather than a larger panel or an OLED upgrade. If display technology or interface simplicity matters more to you than battery capacity and memory, compare those priorities before treating the Ally X as the obvious choice.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
