Verdict: The 2024 Asus ROG Ally X is still an excellent Windows gaming handheld if you find it at a meaningful discount. Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, 80Wh battery, 120Hz variable-refresh display and comfortable redesign remain compelling. But Windows 11 still makes the device feel more like a tiny gaming PC than a polished console.
This review covers the 2024 ROG Ally X (RC72LA), not the newer ROG Xbox Ally X (RC73XA) or the newer ROG Xbox Ally X20 models appearing in Asus’s 2026 catalog.
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Asus ROG Ally X: at a glance
| Feature | 2024 ROG Ally X |
|---|---|
| Original US MSRP | $799.99 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| CPU/GPU | 8 Zen 4 cores, 16 threads; Radeon RDNA 3 graphics with 12 compute units |
| Power range | 9–30W configurable TDP |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz LCD with FreeSync Premium |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, two USB-C ports including a higher-speed USB4-capable port, microSD |
| Best for | Game Pass, multiple PC storefronts, mods, emulation and demanding PC games |
| Main drawback | Windows 11’s desktop friction on a seven-inch, controller-first device |
Asus’s official specifications confirm the core hardware. Asus announced the original US MSRP at $799.99 in June 2024. The company still lists the 2024 model, but its current product pages do not provide a consistently clear, normal direct-buy price signal. That makes the 2024 Ally X a price-sensitive recommendation in 2026 rather than an automatic buy.
Why the hardware remains so good
Strong performance at handheld power limits
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme remains substantially more capable than the older AMD APU used by the Steam Deck. Its advantage is not that every game runs at native 1080p, but that it provides more headroom for higher frame rates, better settings and modern games that can struggle on Steam Deck-class hardware.
#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.
At 25–30W, the Ally X can make demanding AAA games more comfortable, particularly when paired with 720p or 900p rendering, upscaling or dynamic resolution. Native 1080p is realistic for lighter games, older titles and some well-optimized releases, but it is not a universal target. The display’s resolution should not be mistaken for a promise that the GPU can drive every new game at 1080p.
24GB of RAM is a meaningful upgrade
The integrated Radeon GPU shares system memory with the CPU. Moving from 16GB to 24GB gives the GPU more room while leaving additional memory for Windows, the game and background applications. It can help with memory-heavy games, larger textures, multitasking and long-term usability.
It is not a guaranteed large performance increase in every title, however. The memory is soldered, so the capacity cannot be upgraded later. That makes the 24GB configuration more valuable as future-proofing than as a reason to expect a dramatic frame-rate jump in every game.
The 80Wh battery changes the experience
The Ally X’s 80Wh battery is one of its defining features. Asus describes it as double the original Ally’s battery capacity. That is a verified capacity improvement, not a promise of double the runtime in every game.
Battery life depends on the game’s engine, brightness, refresh rate, Wi-Fi activity, frame rate, TDP and whether the system is plugged in. At 30W Turbo, the device can consume power quickly. At 10–15W, it can last much longer, but performance drops accordingly. There is no honest single “gaming hours” figure without specifying the game and power profile.
A better chassis and more comfortable controls
The redesign is more than a cosmetic refresh. Deeper grips, relocated controls and improved balance make the Ally X more comfortable during long sessions. Its Xbox-style layout is familiar, and the Hall-effect joysticks and revised button placement add to the sense that Asus addressed complaints about the original Ally.
The larger battery does make this a substantial handheld. It is not the smallest or lightest option, and comfort still depends on hand size. Reviewers including Tom’s Hardware and Ars Technica generally regarded the physical changes as a major improvement over the original.
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The Ally X does not have one representative performance mode. Results vary according to the game’s engine, resolution, upscaling method, driver, VRAM allocation, frame limiter and whether the game is CPU- or GPU-limited.
Rank #2
- 🖥️ 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.
| Power range | Best use | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15W | Indie games, older PC titles, emulation and lighter 3D games | Longer battery life, lower performance |
| 20–25W | Balanced play across many modern games | More heat and battery use |
| 30W Turbo | Maximum handheld performance, especially while plugged in | Rapid battery drain and more fan activity |
For demanding AAA games, start by considering 900p or 720p with an appropriate upscaler rather than insisting on native 1080p. AMD upscaling, dynamic resolution and frame generation can improve perceived smoothness, but they also introduce image-quality and latency trade-offs. Competitive games may benefit more from a stable frame-rate target and low latency than from maximum visual settings.
Asus’s own product-page testing references Windows 11, BIOS 301, Armoury Crate SE 1.5.5, 24GB of RAM, the 1TB SSD, the 1080p/120Hz display and 30W Turbo mode. Those details are useful context, but they are not a universal performance guarantee. BIOS, Windows, driver, Armoury Crate and game updates can all change results.
The display is sharp and responsive, but it is still LCD
The seven-inch 1920×1080 panel is one of the Ally X’s practical strengths. Text and desktop imagery look sharp, and the 120Hz refresh rate pairs well with games that can exceed 60fps. FreeSync Premium variable refresh helps reduce tearing and makes fluctuating frame rates feel smoother.
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The trade-off is image quality. An LCD cannot match an OLED display’s contrast, black levels and overall pixel response. Native 1080p can also be demanding at handheld power limits, while the high resolution can make some Windows interface elements small rather than easier to use. The Ally X is a strong choice for sharpness and VRR, not an OLED replacement.
Windows 11 is the central weakness
“Windows is bad” is too simple. The real problem is that a desktop operating system creates friction when squeezed onto a seven-inch touchscreen and controlled primarily with sticks and buttons.
You may encounter small buttons, awkward menus, notifications, permissions dialogs, login prompts, update screens and virtual-keyboard problems. Controller support also varies between games. One title may work immediately; another may require a touchscreen tap, a mouse, a custom control profile or a trip to the desktop.
A typical launch can involve several layers:
- Opening the game from Armoury Crate.
- Passing through Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox or another storefront.
- Signing in to a publisher launcher.
- Waiting for anti-cheat or account authentication.
- Returning to the game after a desktop window appears over it.
These are not always Asus hardware faults. They are consequences of the Windows PC ecosystem, where storefronts, launchers, drivers and anti-cheat systems do not share one controller-first interface.
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Armoury Crate SE provides a unified game library, quick access to operating modes, control customization, device settings and system-management tools. Asus says version 1.5 adds a customizable library and unified system updates.
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.
That makes the Ally X easier to use than an unconfigured Windows tablet. It does not replace Windows. You will still need the desktop for some updates, driver troubleshooting, file management, launcher repairs and advanced graphics settings. Windows dialogs and game-specific behavior remain outside Armoury Crate’s control.
This is the central trade-off: SteamOS is simpler partly because it is narrower and purpose-built; Windows is messier partly because it supports more storefronts, applications and games.
What Windows gets right
The same operating system that causes the friction also makes the Ally X unusually flexible. It can access Steam, Xbox and PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net and other launchers. It is also well suited to mods, community patches, traditional Windows applications, file-management tools and emulators.
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Storage, upgrades and ports
The standard 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is useful, but modern AAA games can consume a large part of it. The drive uses an M.2 2280 format and can be replaced, making a larger SSD a practical upgrade for owners with a large library. Opening the device, reinstalling or cloning Windows and maintaining recovery options require more effort than inserting a game card.
The microSD reader is useful as supplemental storage, especially for smaller games and media. It should not automatically be treated as the ideal home for every large, frequently played AAA game. Reports about the original Ally’s microSD reliability controversy should not be applied automatically to the redesigned Ally X.
Two USB-C ports make the Ally X more useful as a compact PC. With a dock, it can connect to a television or monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, USB accessories and external storage. Some external GPU arrangements may also be possible, subject to compatibility and cost.
The catch is that a dock, charger, display and peripherals can substantially increase the total price and reduce the convenience advantage over a gaming laptop or desktop.
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
Ownership: what setup is really like
Expect a small Windows PC setup rather than an instant console experience. First boot may involve account setup, Windows updates, BIOS or driver updates and Armoury Crate configuration before gaming is comfortable.
Keep recovery options available before replacing the SSD or making major system changes. If a game behaves differently after an update, record the Windows build, BIOS, AMD graphics driver, Armoury Crate version, TDP, resolution, upscaling and frame-generation settings. This information is far more useful than saying that a game simply “runs badly.”
Sleep and resume behavior can also vary between Windows, the launcher and the game. Do not assume every title will suspend and resume as reliably as a console game. A full shutdown or restart may be the cleaner recovery step after a launcher, driver or controller problem.
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How it compares in 2026
SteamOS handhelds
Choose a SteamOS-based handheld when your priorities are fast suspend and resume, controller-first navigation, minimal setup and a console-like experience. SteamOS is especially attractive if most of your library is already on Steam.
The Ally X is the better fit when you need Game Pass, multiple storefronts, Windows-only games, mods, desktop software or broad anti-cheat compatibility. Steam Deck OLED-class hardware also offers OLED contrast and image quality that the Ally X’s LCD cannot match.
ROG Xbox Ally X
Asus lists the newer ROG Xbox Ally X at $999.99 in the United States. It uses the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and adds an Xbox-oriented full-screen experience. That may improve navigation and provide newer hardware, but it still runs Windows 11 Home. It adds a gaming-focused shell; it does not eliminate Windows’ underlying complexity.
Paying the premium makes sense only if the newer processor and interface justify it for your games. If the 2024 Ally X is substantially cheaper, the older model remains the more compelling value.
Lenovo Legion Go and newer Windows handhelds
Legion Go models and other current Windows handhelds compete through larger displays, different controls, newer chips or alternative software layers. They do not remove the basic Windows trade-off. Compare the actual sale price, battery capacity, ergonomics, display type, weight and support rather than assuming that a newer model is automatically better for every buyer.
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
Who should buy the 2024 ROG Ally X?
Buy it if:
- You find it clearly below newer high-end Windows handhelds.
- You use Xbox or PC Game Pass, several PC storefronts or Windows-only games.
- You want to play demanding AAA games without carrying a gaming laptop.
- You value an 80Wh battery and 24GB of RAM.
- You prefer a sharp 120Hz VRR LCD to an OLED panel.
- You are comfortable adjusting TDP, resolution, drivers, launchers and control profiles.
- You want a handheld that can double as a small desktop PC.
Avoid it if:
- It costs close to its original $799.99 MSRP.
- You expect console-like simplicity and reliable universal suspend/resume.
- You mainly play verified Steam games and do not need Windows.
- You prioritize OLED contrast over performance and compatibility.
- You already own the original Ally and expect a dramatic CPU or GPU generation leap.
- A newer ROG Xbox Ally X or another current-generation handheld is available at a similar price.
Final verdict
The Asus ROG Ally X remains one of the most capable and versatile Windows handheld designs from its generation. Its hardware gets the important things right: a powerful Z1 Extreme APU, unusually generous 24GB memory, a large 80Wh battery, a responsive 120Hz VRR display, comfortable controls and useful connectivity.
Its problem is not that Windows 11 is incapable of running PC games. Its problem is that Windows makes too many ordinary handheld tasks feel like desktop maintenance. Armoury Crate SE improves the front end, but it cannot control every update prompt, launcher, login window, driver issue or controller inconsistency.
In 2026, buy the 2024 Ally X when the discount is substantial and you specifically want Windows compatibility. Pay more for the ROG Xbox Ally X only if its newer chip and Xbox-oriented interface are worth the premium. Choose SteamOS instead if simplicity, suspend/resume and OLED quality matter more than access to the full Windows PC ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 ROG Ally X still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if it is substantially discounted, refurbished or clearly cheaper than newer high-end handhelds. At or near its original $799.99 MSRP, compare it with newer Windows and SteamOS alternatives first.
Is the ROG Ally X faster than the Steam Deck OLED?
Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform generally provides more performance headroom than the Steam Deck’s older APU, especially at 25–30W. That does not mean every game runs at native 1080p or that it is better for every buyer.
Does the Ally X have better battery life than the original Ally?
It has a much larger 80Wh battery; Asus describes the capacity as double that of the original Ally. Actual runtime varies substantially with game, TDP, brightness, refresh rate and other system settings.
Does Armoury Crate replace Windows on the Ally X?
No. Armoury Crate SE provides a gaming library and device controls on top of Windows 11. Windows remains necessary for some updates, file tasks, launcher problems and troubleshooting.
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Bottom line: The 2024 ROG Ally X is a superb discounted Windows handheld, not a seamless console. Buy it for performance, battery life and broad PC compatibility; skip it for OLED quality and low-maintenance simplicity.
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