Verdict: The 2024 ASUS ROG Ally X remains one of the best-balanced Windows handheld PCs. Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip is no longer new, but 24GB of memory, an 80Wh battery, a replaceable 2280 SSD, dual USB-C ports and improved ergonomics make it a more complete machine than the original Ally. It is not the undisputed “king” at every price or in every category: Steam Deck OLED is easier for Steam-first players, larger-screen rivals can be better for desktop-style use, and the newer ROG Xbox Ally X brings a newer platform.
At ASUS’s indexed United States price of $799.99, checked against the product support page, the Ally X needs a discount or a clear compatibility advantage to beat newer hardware. Around $600 it becomes a strong buy; near $1,000 it is difficult to justify.
What the ROG Ally X (2024) actually is
The ROG Ally X is model RC72LA, a Windows 11 Home handheld built around AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme. It is a redesign of the original Ally rather than a new processor generation. ASUS retained the same Z1 Extreme platform and concentrated on memory, battery, storage, cooling, controls and connectivity.
| Specification | ROG Ally X (2024) |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD RDNA 3 graphics, 12 compute units |
| Memory | 24GB onboard LPDDR5X (12GB × 2); not user-upgradeable |
| Storage | 1TB or 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD, configuration-dependent |
| Display | 7-inch 1920×1080 16:9 IPS-level touchscreen, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium VRR, claimed 500 nits |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| Ports | One USB-C with USB4, DisplayPort and USB Power Delivery; one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery; 3.5mm audio |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 (behavior can vary with Windows versions) |
| Card reader | UHS-II microSD |
| Operating range | 9–30W TDP |
See ASUS’s product page and official specifications for the complete regional specification.
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- 🖥️ 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.
What changed from the original Ally
| Area | Original ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme, depending on model | Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB | 24GB |
| Battery | 40Wh | 80Wh |
| SSD format | M.2 2230 | M.2 2280 |
| Launch storage | 512GB | 1TB |
| USB-C connectivity | Single, more limited port design | Two ports, including USB4 |
| Chassis | White, original grip design | Black, deeper redesigned grips and revised controls |
| Cooling | Original venting and thermal design | Redesigned system with a third vent |
ASUS says the revised cooling system moves up to 24% more air and keeps the panel up to 6°C cooler to the touch. Those are manufacturer test claims, not independent measurements. The X is therefore a refinement of Z1 Extreme hardware, not a generational performance leap. ASUS’s launch details are documented in its announcement.
Performance: powerful, but not effortless
The Z1 Extreme remains capable for a handheld. It can play modern AAA games, esports titles, indies and older PC releases, but “runs everything at 60fps” is not an honest description. Demanding games usually require lower internal resolution, reduced quality settings, upscaling or frame generation.
Performance changes substantially with power mode. At 15–20W, the Ally X is more representative of portable play: battery life and acoustics are more manageable, but demanding games need compromises. At 25–30W, plugged-in performance is stronger, while fan noise and battery drain rise sharply. ASUS’s published configuration uses 30W Turbo, 1080p, 120Hz, V-Sync off and no frame limiter; those settings are useful for replication but are not independent testing. See ASUS’s listed test conditions.
What to expect by game type
- Demanding AAA games: Expect tuning around 720p or 900p, upscaling and carefully selected quality settings. Native 1080p is often an inefficient target.
- Well-optimized games: Titles such as Doom Eternal or Forza Horizon 5 are a better fit for the 120Hz panel and can make the hardware feel exceptionally responsive.
- Competitive games: Fortnite, Apex Legends and Overwatch 2 benefit from VRR and sensible frame caps, although anti-cheat and launcher behavior remain game-specific.
- Indies and older games: These are the Ally X’s easiest workloads, with lower wattage and longer sessions.
- Problematic PC ports: Shader compilation, launchers, DRM and anti-cheat can cause stutter or prevent play regardless of the hardware.
A rigorous test should publish average frame rate, 1% lows, frame-time consistency, wattage, fan noise, surface temperature, battery drain and required settings at 15W, 20W and 25–30W. Results should identify resolution, upscaling, VRR state, memory allocation and whether the device is on battery or charger. Without those conditions, a single benchmark number says little about portable experience.
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The 80Wh battery is approximately twice the capacity of the original Ally’s 40Wh pack. It does not produce twice the runtime in every workload: the Z1 Extreme and 1080p/120Hz display still consume substantial power, especially at Turbo wattages.
Battery results depend on game, TDP, brightness, refresh rate, wireless radios, speakers, fan profile, frame caps, Windows background activity and whether the charger is connected. Useful measurements should separate:
Rank #2
- 🚀 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.
- Light desktop or video use.
- Indie gaming at 10–15W.
- Modern games around 18–20W.
- AAA gaming at 25–30W.
- Overnight sleep or standby drain.
- Charging from empty to a usable level.
The practical result is substantially better endurance than the original Ally, not all-day AAA gaming. A sufficiently powerful USB-C charger is essential for sustained Turbo operation; a low-power phone charger may charge slowly, fail to maintain the battery level or prevent the selected performance mode.
Screen: technically strong, physically familiar
The 7-inch 1080p panel combines 120Hz refresh, AMD FreeSync Premium VRR, touch input, claimed 500-nit brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, Gorilla Glass Victus and an anti-glare, low-reflection treatment, according to ASUS’s specifications. VRR is particularly useful when a game fluctuates below a fixed refresh target.
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Comfort and controls
The deeper, more curved grips are a major improvement over the original Ally. Stick placement, d-pad, triggers, face buttons and rear controls should be judged over both a one-hour and three-hour session, because the 80Wh battery and reinforced chassis make this a substantial handheld rather than a lightweight one.
- Many players will prefer the fuller grip and improved weight distribution.
- Smaller hands may find the chassis and rear buttons less forgiving.
- Heat near the palms and audible fans become more relevant at 25–30W.
- One-handed use is possible but tiring compared with lighter devices.
Windows and Armoury Crate SE
Windows is the Ally X’s greatest strength and largest compromise. It provides direct access to Steam, Xbox and Game Pass, Epic, GOG, Battle.net, mods, emulators and ordinary Windows applications. It also brings desktop controls, updates, notifications, account sign-ins, launchers and inconsistent sleep/resume behavior to a device operated mainly with sticks and touch.
Armoury Crate SE provides a game library, controller navigation, game profiles, TDP controls, VRAM allocation, per-game bindings and unified BIOS and driver access. ASUS describes those capabilities in its Armoury Crate SE announcement. In practice, it improves access to settings but does not turn Windows into SteamOS. Users may still need to determine whether a setting belongs in Windows, Armoury Crate, AMD software, a launcher or the game itself.
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Rank #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.
Common software friction
- Game Pass titles may require Microsoft-account sign-in and can behave differently from Steam releases.
- Some launchers expose no controller-friendly interface.
- Windows updates can change drivers, power behavior or sleep/resume.
- Profiles may not apply correctly to every game.
- On-screen keyboard and text entry remain awkward without a Bluetooth keyboard or dock.
ASUS pages have shown Armoury Crate SE 1.5.5 on test configurations, but installed versions vary by retail unit and update date. Do not assume a specific interface version without checking the device.
Storage, memory and reliability
SSD upgrade
The 2280 NVMe slot is easier to source for than the original Ally’s 2230 drive, and ASUS provides an official RC72LA upgrade guide. Replacing the drive requires opening the chassis and either cloning the existing installation or using Windows recovery. Physical damage can complicate warranty service; check the terms for your country before proceeding.
24GB memory
Memory is soldered. The 24GB pool benefits an integrated GPU because Windows and graphics share system RAM, but it is not 24GB of dedicated VRAM. Armoury Crate’s graphics-memory allocation reserves part of the pool, leaving less for Windows and the game.
microSD reader
The Ally X uses a redesigned chassis and UHS-II reader, so the original Ally’s widely reported microSD failure history should not be treated as proof that every X reader will fail. The specification alone also does not establish long-term failure rates. Until a buyer has confidence in their individual unit, the internal SSD is the safer primary game drive; use microSD mainly for secondary or replaceable storage. Sustained transfers, large installations, heat exposure, reputable cards, owner reports and regional ASUS support are more meaningful evidence than the reader label alone.
Comparisons
Steam Deck OLED
Choose Steam Deck OLED for SteamOS, simpler suspend/resume, OLED contrast and a more appliance-like Steam experience. Choose Ally X for Game Pass, Windows-only or anti-cheat-sensitive games, higher peak performance, 24GB memory, 1080p/120Hz VRR, the larger battery and ordinary Windows software. Neither is universally better; they prioritize different experiences. Valve’s official product information is at Steam Deck.
Lenovo Legion Go, Go S and Go 2
These are different products, not one interchangeable “Legion Go.” Some offer larger, higher-resolution displays, distinctive controllers, more desktop space or newer AMD platforms. The Ally X counters with a more compact shape, mature Z1 Extreme tuning, 24GB memory, an 80Wh battery and familiar Windows launcher support. Compare the exact model, screen, processor, memory and battery rather than the family name.
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.
MSI Claw systems
MSI’s Claw range spans Intel- and AMD-based models with different displays and processors. A newer Claw may offer a larger screen or newer silicon, but performance can vary dramatically by driver, game and power limit. An independent Windows Central review of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ found it competitive in some CPU tests without being uniformly faster in handheld benchmarks. Compare the exact SKU and independent game results.
ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X is ASUS’s newer high-end handheld, using AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform and Xbox-oriented software integration. It is a successor, not a renamed 2024 Ally X. The official overview is on Xbox’s ROG Ally page. The older Ally X remains sensible when substantially cheaper, when Z1 Extreme performance is sufficient or when software maturity matters more than the newer platform.
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Who should buy it in 2026?
| Price or buyer | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $600 or less | Strong value for a buyer who wants Windows, Z1 Extreme performance, 24GB memory and an 80Wh battery. |
| Around $700 | Defensible, especially with a case, charger or warranty included. |
| $799.99 | Compare directly with newer handhelds and discounted competitors before buying. |
| Near $1,000 | Usually hard to justify unless compatibility, 24GB memory, 80Wh battery, 2280 SSD and dual USB-C ports are priorities. |
| Steam-first player | Steam Deck OLED is generally the simpler choice. |
| Game Pass, mods, emulation or Windows applications | Ally X’s Windows flexibility is a major advantage. |
ASUS’s United States support page showed $799.99 for the 2024 Ally X when checked for this review; availability, discounts, storage configuration and condition change, so verify the live listing at purchase time: ASUS support and buying page.
Can it replace a laptop?
The Ally X works as a compact Windows computer for gaming, streaming, browsing, media, light office work, emulation and travel when paired with a dock, monitor, keyboard and mouse. It is not a universal laptop replacement: the screen is small, text entry is awkward, demanding workloads drain the battery quickly and sustained performance is below a gaming laptop. Dual USB-C ports make docked displays and peripherals more practical, but connected accessories also compete for power and bandwidth.
The verdict on “king” status
The ROG Ally X earns “king” only when the crown means the best overall balance in a Windows handheld: strong Z1 Extreme performance, 24GB memory, a genuinely useful 80Wh battery, comfortable controls, VRR, broad software compatibility and a replaceable 2280 SSD. It is not the fastest new handheld by definition, it does not have the best display in every comparison, and it is less effortless than SteamOS.
Buy it on sale when you want one device for Steam, Game Pass, other launchers and Windows software. Choose Steam Deck OLED for a Steam-first, console-like experience; choose a newer handheld when its display or next-generation platform justifies the premium; and choose the ROG Xbox Ally X when its newer silicon and Xbox-focused interface matter more than the 2024 model’s discount.
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.
