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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Verdict: The 2024 Asus ROG Ally X is the original ROG Ally redesigned around its biggest weaknesses: battery life, ergonomics, memory, storage, and connectivity. Its 80 Wh battery and 24 GB of faster memory make it a more practical Windows gaming handheld, but its Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 7-inch IPS display, and broad performance class remain largely unchanged.
It was one of the strongest Windows handheld packages in its 2024 launch-era comparison. That should not be read as a definitive ranking for August 2026, when newer hardware, updated firmware, changing prices, and additional competitors may alter the value calculation. At the Ally X’s original price of $799 or €899, it was best suited to buyers who valued battery endurance and Windows flexibility more than OLED image quality, low weight, or a console-like interface.
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Quick verdict
- Best for: Windows gaming, Game Pass, multiple PC launchers, longer unplugged sessions, emulation, and occasional desktop use.
- Main strength: The unusually large 80 Wh battery, supported by quieter power profiles and better ergonomics.
- Main weakness: It is heavier than the original Ally, Turbo mode is loud, and Windows still feels less handheld-friendly than SteamOS.
- Performance class: High-end 2024 handheld performance from the Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Radeon 780M, with variable gains from faster shared memory.
- Display: 7-inch, 1080p, 120 Hz IPS with variable refresh rate—not OLED.
- Launch price: $799 / €899 in 2024. Current August 2026 pricing, stock, and bundles require a fresh check.
The full launch-era review and measurements are available from Notebookcheck. Asus’s feature and regional specification information is listed on the official ROG Ally X product page.
What changed from the original ROG Ally?
The Ally X is not a new processor generation. Asus kept the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform and instead improved the parts that most affected everyday use.
#1 Best Overall
- 🚀 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.
| Feature | Original ROG Ally | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 40 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 | 24 GB LPDDR5x-7467-class onboard memory |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 M.2-2280 SSD |
| USB-C ports | One | Two, including USB4 support |
| Weight | About 611 g | About 685 g in Notebookcheck’s measurement |
| Chassis | Smaller, lighter white design | Thicker, darker body with larger grips |
The redesign also brings revised joysticks, a better D-pad, a fingerprint reader, revised speakers, a different cooling layout, and easier access to internal components. The result feels less like a first-generation experiment and more like a device designed for regular travel and extended sessions.
Design and ergonomics
The larger grips are one of the most noticeable improvements. They provide more room for the hands and make the Ally X more comfortable than the original Ally during longer sessions, particularly for users who found the first model’s shape too flat or cramped. The redesigned controls also improve the input experience: Notebookcheck judged the joysticks and D-pad to be better than those on the original.
The trade-off is size and weight. At approximately 685 g, the Ally X is around 74 g heavier than the original Ally. That is not a trivial difference when the device is held for hours, and the larger body occupies more room in a bag. The 65 W charger measured roughly 224 g in Notebookcheck’s testing, so a travel setup can become substantial before adding a case, dock, or power bank.
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Display: excellent for variable frame rates, but not OLED
The screen is largely carried over from the original Ally: a 7-inch glossy IPS panel with a 1,920 × 1,080 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync/variable refresh rate support, Gorilla Glass Victus, and approximately 315 pixels per inch.
VRR is particularly useful on a Windows handheld. Modern PC games often fluctuate between frame rates, and variable refresh can make those changes look smoother than they would on a fixed-refresh display. The 120 Hz mode also leaves room for high frame rates in esports, older games, and less demanding titles.
However, the Ally X does not have an OLED panel. A Steam Deck OLED offers deeper blacks, higher perceived contrast, and a more striking image in dark games. Notebookcheck considered the Ally X’s display strong for gaming but measured brightness below Asus’s advertised 500-nit figure. The glossy surface can also produce reflections in bright environments.
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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.
Choose the Ally X display for 1080p output, VRR, and Windows-handheld performance. Choose an OLED handheld if contrast and image quality are more important than peak performance and broad Windows compatibility.
Performance: faster memory helps, but this is not a new CPU
The Ally X uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with eight Zen 4 CPU cores and 16 threads, paired with an integrated Radeon 780M GPU. As with other integrated-graphics systems, the GPU uses system memory rather than dedicated VRAM.
That makes the move from 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 to 24 GB LPDDR5x-7467-class memory meaningful in two ways. Faster memory can increase the bandwidth available to the Radeon 780M, improving graphics throughput in some games. The additional capacity also gives Windows, background services, the game, and the GPU more room to share resources.
Notebookcheck described the Ally X as the fastest Radeon 780M handheld it had tested at the time and attributed part of that result to the faster memory. Its tested unit assigned 8 GB to the GPU by default, leaving 16 GB for Windows and applications, although the allocation can be adjusted.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchDo not interpret that as a universal transformation. The CPU is not substantially faster than the original Ally’s CPU, and memory gains vary according to whether a game is GPU-limited or CPU-limited, the resolution and quality settings, the title’s engine, and the amount of memory pressure. The 24 GB is also onboard and cannot be upgraded later.
What games can it run?
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme remains capable of modern PC games, but demanding AAA titles usually require compromises. A sensible starting point is 1080p at low or medium settings, with upscaling or frame generation where appropriate. More demanding games may need a lower internal resolution to maintain a stable experience.
Notebookcheck reported that Forza Horizon 5 could reach a steady 60 fps at 1080p and medium settings in Performance mode under its test conditions, whereas the original Ally required Turbo mode. It reported a similar Performance-mode advantage in Ghost of Tsushima when using FSR and frame generation. Those are review results, not guarantees for every system, driver version, or game update.
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 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and Horizon Forbidden West illustrate the broader rule: the Ally X can run demanding software, but 1080p, maximum settings, ray tracing, and high frame rates are usually competing goals. Esports games, older releases, indie titles, and many emulators are much easier workloads.
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Anti-cheat systems, launchers, always-online requirements, and driver behavior can also affect compatibility independently of the hardware. “Runs PC games” does not mean that every game runs smoothly or launches without configuration.
Power profiles and fan noise
Armoury Crate provides Quiet, Performance, and Turbo modes. Performance is the most attractive everyday compromise: it reduces power use and fan noise while retaining much of the Z1 Extreme’s capability. Notebookcheck found that some games which previously needed Turbo mode on the original Ally could run acceptably in Performance mode on the Ally X.
Turbo mode provides the highest performance but can be loud, especially when the device is connected to mains power. Notebookcheck measured roughly 42–43 W system consumption in a 30 W Turbo configuration, compared with approximately 25.5–26.5 W in Performance mode. The distinction matters: a nominal APU wattage is not the same as total device power draw.
For most games, start with Performance mode, enable VRR, and adjust resolution or upscaling before moving to Turbo. Use Turbo when the extra performance is worth the noise and shorter battery life.
Battery life is the reason to buy it
The 80 Wh battery is the Ally X’s defining upgrade. It doubles the original Ally’s 40 Wh capacity and is unusually large for a handheld gaming PC. It does not make demanding AAA gaming an all-day activity, but it substantially improves the device’s practical endurance and makes lower-wattage profiles more useful.
Notebookcheck recorded approximately:
- More than two hours of demanding Turbo gaming.
- About three hours in Performance mode.
- About four hours in Quiet mode.
- Approximately seven hours of cloud gaming.
- Approximately eight hours of emulation.
- Nearly 16 hours of Wi-Fi browsing at 150 nits and 60 Hz.
- Approximately 19.5 hours of video playback under its test conditions.
These figures are test results, not fixed promises. Game engine, frame rate, brightness, refresh rate, Wi-Fi activity, background processes, and power settings can change runtime significantly. A 30 W Turbo setting should not be read as a 30 W whole-system load, either.
Rank #4
- [Superior Display] 7" IPS FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Touchscreen Display; Wi-Fi 6E MT7922, Bluetooth 5.4, No Fingerprint
- [Powerful Performance] 2nd Gen Ryzen Z2 A 2.80GHz Processor (upto 3.8 GHz, 4MB Cache, 4-Cores, 8-Threads, ); AMD Radeon shared Integrated Graphics
- [High Speed and Multitasking] 16GB OnBoard RAM; 65W PSU, Type-C Power-In, 4-Cell 60 WHr Battery; White Color
- [Enormous Storage] 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD; 2 USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro SD Reader, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, Windows 11 Home-64, 1 Year Manufacturer warranty from GreatPriceTech (Professionally upgraded by GreatPriceTech)
- [Includes] Dockztorm 11-in-1 RGB Docking Station for ROG Xbox Ally/ROG Ally X/ROG Ally, it combines 10 physical ports with RGB lighting: HDMI, RJ45, USB-C host, USB-C 10Gbps, USB-A ports, PD input, plus SD/TF slots—built to expand your ROG Ally setup for gaming, networking, and accessories
Charging is reasonably quick but not instantaneous. With the included 65 W adapter and the device powered on, Notebookcheck measured roughly 128 minutes for a full charge. A 100 W USB-C power supply reduced that to approximately 93 minutes in its testing. A compatible high-output charger or power bank can extend use, but it also adds weight and may not sustain the highest performance profile.
Windows and Armoury Crate
Windows 11 Home is both the Ally X’s greatest compatibility advantage and one of its biggest usability compromises. It provides native access to Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox PC/Game Pass, Battle.net, EA App, Ubisoft Connect, ordinary Windows applications, and games that do not work well with SteamOS.
It is also a desktop operating system on a small touchscreen. Launcher updates, account sign-ins, overlays, driver updates, pop-ups, and game-specific settings create friction that a console-style interface generally avoids. Controller navigation is inconsistent in Windows, and some games still expect a keyboard and mouse.
Asus’s Armoury Crate SE and configurable Command Center reduce that friction. Notebookcheck praised quick access to power profiles, brightness, volume, resolution, GPU settings, and performance monitoring. These tools make the Ally X more manageable, but they do not turn Windows into SteamOS or eliminate launcher-specific problems.
Windows becomes more valuable when the Ally X is connected to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, dock, or external storage. Used this way, it can serve as a compact PC as well as a gaming handheld.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Storage and connectivity
The reviewed configuration includes a 1 TB WD PCIe 4.0 M.2-2280 SSD. The accessible 2280 format is a practical advantage over systems that use unusual or less accessible storage sizes. A replacement drive still requires a backup or cloning plan, recovery media or cloud recovery, careful handling of the battery and internal cables, and reinstallation or restoration of Windows and Armoury Crate software.
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A replacement SSD may have different heat, power, and sustained-performance characteristics, so an upgrade should not be treated as entirely risk-free. The original 1 TB capacity is adequate for a moderate library but can disappear quickly when several modern AAA games are installed.
Best Value
- DISPLAY SPECS: 7-inch FHD screen with impressive 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth, responsive gaming visuals at 1920 x 1200 resolution
- PROCESSING POWER: Equipped with AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor for high-performance mobile gaming and multitasking capabilities
- STORAGE & MEMORY: Features a generous 24GB memory configuration and spacious 1TB SSD for extensive game library storage
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Runs on Windows platform, providing access to extensive PC gaming libraries and applications
- DESIGN FEATURES: Touchscreen functionality with Wi-Fi connectivity in a portable handheld form factor, finished in sleek black
The second USB-C port is a major usability improvement. The tested configuration supports USB4 at up to 40 Gbps, USB-C Power Delivery, DisplayPort output, USB 3.1 Gen 2, a microSD card reader, a 3.5 mm audio jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Two USB-C ports make it easier to charge while using a display, dock, external SSD, or peripherals. Do not assume every dock can deliver the required power while also supporting the desired display resolution, Ethernet, USB bandwidth, and Turbo performance. Check the dock’s power-delivery specification and the charger connected to it.
The microSD reader is useful for expanding a library, but storage-card reliability should be considered separately from the reader’s feature set. There is not enough evidence here to claim a confirmed failure rate or universal defect.
Comparisons: which buyer should choose what?
Original ROG Ally
The original Ally remains attractive when heavily discounted. It offers a similar processor class in a lighter body, but its 40 Wh battery and 16 GB of memory are meaningful disadvantages. Choose it when the price gap is substantial and you mainly play near an outlet. Choose the Ally X when endurance, memory headroom, and two USB-C ports matter.
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is the better fit for buyers who value OLED contrast, SteamOS simplicity, and a more console-like experience. The Ally X is stronger for Windows-first compatibility, Game Pass, multiple launchers, 1080p output, VRR, and higher performance than Steam Deck-class hardware. Neither is universally better; they prioritize different kinds of convenience.
Lenovo Legion Go
The Legion Go is a better match for buyers who want a much larger display and detachable controls. The Ally X is more compelling for people who prefer a conventional, more portable handheld and place unusual importance on battery capacity. The larger-screen design also brings its own portability and battery trade-offs.
MSI Claw
The MSI Claw is an Intel-based alternative whose performance and efficiency depend heavily on the specific game, driver version, and software revision. It should be compared through current game-specific results rather than broad platform assumptions.
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Newer 2025–2026 handhelds
The Ally X’s 2024 review cannot establish its position against every handheld released afterward. Newer AMD or Intel platforms, revised software, discounts, warranty terms, and battery technologies may change the recommendation. In August 2026, compare the Ally X’s actual selling price and condition with current alternatives before calling it the best overall handheld.
Who should buy the ROG Ally X?
Buy the Ally X if you want:
- Native Windows access to several PC game stores and Game Pass.
- Longer practical battery life than the original Ally.
- A more comfortable grip and improved controls.
- 24 GB of shared memory for integrated graphics and multitasking.
- A 120 Hz VRR display.
- Two USB-C ports, USB4, external-display support, and dock flexibility.
- An easily replaceable M.2-2280 SSD.
Look elsewhere if you primarily want:
- The lowest-cost handheld.
- OLED image quality.
- A lighter device.
- A simple console-like interface.
- A much larger screen.
- The newest available processor platform.
- A device mainly for indie games or streaming, where the Ally X’s extra power and battery capacity may be unnecessary.
Final verdict
The Asus ROG Ally X is a very successful refinement of the original Ally. The 80 Wh battery is the headline feature, but the 24 GB of faster memory, improved grip, better controls, larger SSD, second USB-C port, and more mature design all contribute to a better daily experience. Faster memory can raise Radeon 780M performance, yet the device is not a new CPU generation and should not be bought expecting a dramatic leap in every game.
At launch, the Ally X justified its premium for buyers who wanted the most complete Windows handheld in the reviewer’s 2024 comparison. In August 2026, its value depends on the real current price and the performance of newer competitors. If battery life and Windows flexibility are your priorities, it remains a compelling choice. If OLED quality, SteamOS, low weight, or the newest hardware matter more, the Ally X is not an automatic winner.
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.
