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Verdict: Keep Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X if you play across PC launchers, rely on Xbox PC Game Pass, use mods, or need Windows-only anti-cheat games. SteamOS is the more console-like option for a mostly-Steam library, but on this 2024 Ally X it brings hardware-support and compatibility trade-offs that the Steam Deck does not.
This is the 2024 ASUS ROG Ally X, model RC72LA, not the newer ROG Xbox Ally X (2025). The choice is less about which operating system always produces more frames and more about whether you value broad compatibility or a simpler, controller-first handheld experience.
At a glance: Ryzen Z1 Extreme, Windows 11 at retail, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 7-inch 1920×1080 120Hz display, and an 80Wh battery. ASUS’s RC72LA specifications describe the 2024 model; its name should not be confused with the 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X.
What the 2024 ROG Ally X is—and is not
The ROG Ally X (RC72LA) is a Windows handheld built around AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and integrated Radeon RDNA 3 graphics. Its standard US configuration has 24GB of memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD; specifications and configurations can vary by market, so confirm the exact SKU before buying. ASUS lists a 7-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, an 80Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E, and two USB-C ports, including a USB4-capable connection. The display supports variable refresh rate features according to ASUS’s product material. ASUS’s product specifications and its 2024 announcement identify this as a Windows 11 handheld.
#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.
The 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X is a separate product with a different model and software positioning. Reviews or support notes about it do not automatically apply to RC72LA.
The Ally X’s extra memory, storage and battery capacity give it room to run demanding games and Windows utilities, but capacity is not the same as endurance. Higher performance power modes can consume substantially more power. Nor does a 1080p, 120Hz panel mean every demanding game should be rendered at 1080p or targeted at 120 frames per second.
Windows 11: broader compatibility, more PC maintenance
Windows is the lower-risk choice for a varied PC library. The Ally X can use Steam alongside Xbox PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, EA App and other Windows launchers. It is also the natural environment for Windows-only anti-cheat support, many mod managers and desktop utilities, and peripherals or applications designed around Windows. ASUS presents the Ally X as a Windows device with access to multiple PC storefronts. ASUS product page
That flexibility does not make Windows a handheld-first system. Armoury Crate SE provides a control layer for launching games and adjusting device settings, but some tasks still lead into Windows. A touchscreen is less convenient than a mouse and keyboard for desktop dialogs, launcher sign-ins or file management; updates and restarts can interrupt play; and settings may be distributed across Windows, Armoury Crate SE, AMD software and each game. Some titles may need a controller-layout, resolution or launcher adjustment.
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Rank #2
- [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.
SteamOS: a better fit for Steam-first play, with caveats
SteamOS’s Game Mode is built around a controller-operated library and makes Steam’s game-specific performance controls accessible without navigating a desktop. On Steam Deck, suspend and resume are platform features, and Valve emphasizes the quick return to play. Steam Deck product page SteamOS can also run many Windows games through Proton, and Valve says users can add non-Steam games; success still depends on the game, launcher, DRM and anti-cheat configuration. Steam Deck FAQ
Those strengths do not make an Ally X running SteamOS equivalent to a Steam Deck. Valve’s platform integration is designed around its own hardware. On the 2024 Ally X, device-specific controls, power profiles, firmware tools, lighting and other components may not have the same support path as they do in Windows. Some configuration or troubleshooting may require Desktop Mode, community tools or terminal commands. Game Pass’s locally installed PC catalog is not a native SteamOS replacement for the Xbox Windows app, and multiplayer anti-cheat must be checked game by game.
Valve’s 2026 SteamOS notes document expanding third-party handheld support, including the ROG Xbox Ally series. That is evidence of support work for those newer devices, not proof that every feature of the 2024 RC72LA is fully supported. Check the release notes and device-specific compatibility information for the exact SteamOS build before changing operating systems. Valve SteamOS notes Valve SteamOS notes, page 17
Performance depends on the game and the setup
The Z1 Extreme gives the Ally X substantial performance headroom for a handheld, particularly when it can run at higher power. But no operating system is uniformly faster. Windows may have an advantage in a title using native Windows drivers, launchers or anti-cheat; SteamOS may feel smoother to operate because its overlays, controls and game mode are integrated. Proton’s effect varies by game rather than imposing one fixed performance penalty.
A meaningful Windows-versus-SteamOS test must match the conditions, not just compare a headline frame rate. Compare the same game version, resolution, graphics preset, upscaling method, frame cap, brightness and power limit; distinguish battery operation from plugged-in Turbo operation. Report average frame rate alongside frame-time consistency or 1% lows, fan noise, temperature, whether the game launches and remains playable, and battery drain. A single average FPS figure can hide stutter, failed logins or poor suspend behavior.
Rank #3
- 🖥️ 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 mode: 15W, 20W, 25W and 30W can produce different performance, noise and endurance. ASUS cites 30W Turbo conditions in its product material; that is not a universal recommendation for every game or battery session. ASUS product page
- Resolution and frame target: For a demanding game, 900p or 720p with suitable upscaling and a stable frame cap may be a better balance than native 1080p. Pick the target the game can sustain rather than assuming the panel’s maximum refresh rate is attainable.
- Shared graphics memory: The integrated GPU uses system memory. Treat the UMA frame-buffer allocation as a test variable for particular games, not a universal tweak.
- VRR and frame pacing: A variable-refresh display can help smooth uneven output, but it cannot make a game’s frame rate stable by itself. Consider frame pacing and minimum performance as well as averages.
Without matched test results for a specific game and configuration, claims that SteamOS always improves FPS, battery life or frame pacing—or that Windows always wins—are not established.
Game compatibility: choose by the titles you actually play
For Windows, the main advantage is direct access to PC launchers and services, not a promise that every game will work perfectly. Drivers, launchers, updates and anti-cheat can cause problems on Windows too. SteamOS adds Proton compatibility, but support remains title-specific, particularly for online games and third-party launchers.
- Steam games: Both operating systems can access Steam. On SteamOS, the library and controller-first Game Mode are more integrated; check each game’s current compatibility if Proton is involved.
- Xbox PC Game Pass: Windows is the straightforward choice for locally installed PC Game Pass games. SteamOS is not an equivalent local Xbox app experience. Cloud streaming, where available, is a different use case from installing the Windows PC version. Xbox PC Game Pass
- Epic, GOG and other launchers: Windows is generally the simpler route. Linux compatibility-layer methods can work, but launcher installation, updates, cloud saves, controller detection and DRM behavior can change.
- Competitive multiplayer: Check the game’s current anti-cheat support on the exact OS. A Steam Deck compatibility label is not a universal guarantee for another handheld or every online mode.
- Mods and desktop tools: Windows is usually less friction for software that expects Windows file paths, drivers or utilities. SteamOS may require desktop-mode steps or Linux-compatible alternatives.
- Emulation and general applications: Both can support uses beyond Steam games, but Windows favors compatibility with Windows desktop software, while SteamOS keeps ordinary play more console-like.
Battery life and suspend/resume matter as much as FPS
The Ally X’s 80Wh battery is larger in capacity than the Steam Deck OLED’s 50Wh battery, but that comparison does not determine which device lasts longer in a game. The Ally X can use substantially more power at higher wattage, so runtime depends on workload and settings. Valve quotes 3–12 hours for Steam Deck OLED depending on content; that is Valve’s broad estimate, not a result directly comparable to a particular Ally X test. Steam Deck technical specifications
To compare real play time, use the same game, resolution, frame target, brightness and equivalent power limits on both devices, and state the operating system and whether either device was plugged in. A light indie game at a modest power limit and a demanding AAA game in a high-power mode are different battery tests. Do not infer runtime from battery capacity alone.
For suspend behavior, test a representative game rather than assuming that sleep is interchangeable across devices. Check whether play resumes after a short pause and a longer one, while plugged in, and with an external controller connected; then confirm the game remains connected to online services where relevant. Steam Deck’s suspend feature is part of the SteamOS-and-hardware experience Valve describes for that device. Windows wake behavior can vary with the title and software state, and installing SteamOS on an Ally X does not establish identical behavior.
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.
ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is the more integrated SteamOS handheld; the Ally X is the higher-spec Windows option with broader access to PC storefronts. This is not a contest in which one device wins every category.
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| Category | ROG Ally X (2024) | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Processor and graphics | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with integrated Radeon RDNA 3 graphics | Custom AMD APU; lower raw performance than the Ally X according to the supplied comparison, but game results depend on title and settings. Valve specifications |
| Memory and storage | 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD in the listed standard configuration; verify regional SKU. ASUS specifications | 16GB RAM; OLED models offered with 512GB or 1TB storage in Valve’s listed configurations. Valve specifications |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz LCD with variable-refresh support listed by ASUS | 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 1280×800, up to 90Hz. Valve product page |
| Battery capacity | 80Wh; capacity does not establish gaming runtime | 50Wh; Valve quotes 3–12 hours depending on content. Valve specifications |
| Operating system | Windows 11 at retail | SteamOS 3 with Steam Deck integration. Valve specifications |
| Game storefronts | Broad Windows launcher access, including native Xbox PC Game Pass | Steam-first; non-Steam games can be added, but compatibility varies. Valve FAQ |
| Controls | Handheld controls; no Steam Deck-style trackpads | Two trackpads and four rear buttons. Valve hardware page |
| Suspend/resume | Behavior varies with Windows software and game | Fast suspend/resume is a first-party Steam Deck feature. Valve product page |
| Best fit | Players prioritizing Windows compatibility, multiple launchers and more performance headroom | Players prioritizing SteamOS integration, OLED visuals and a controller-first Steam experience |
The Ally X’s 120Hz LCD is not automatically the better-looking screen: the Deck OLED’s contrast and HDR are meaningful advantages. Conversely, the Ally X’s higher-resolution, higher-refresh panel, extra memory and stronger hardware can better suit players who want more headroom and are willing to tune settings. Valve’s May 27, 2026 announcement listed US Steam Deck OLED prices of $789 for 512GB and $949 for 1TB; check the live checkout page because prices and availability can change. Valve pricing announcement
Should you install SteamOS or dual-boot?
Keep Windows if compatibility is the priority
- You use Xbox PC Game Pass or several PC storefronts.
- You play multiplayer games that depend on Windows anti-cheat support.
- You rely on mods, mod managers or Windows desktop utilities.
- You want ASUS’s Windows driver, firmware and Armoury Crate support path.
- You prefer to avoid maintaining a Linux installation or recovering from OS problems.
Consider SteamOS if the console experience matters more
- Most of your library is on Steam.
- You value controller-first navigation and quick suspend/resume more than broad launcher compatibility.
- You accept that some games may require workarounds or may not run online.
- You are comfortable checking device-specific support and troubleshooting outside Game Mode.
Do not assume an OS change automatically voids a warranty; warranty consequences depend on the issue and applicable terms. Still, changing the operating system can complicate support and recovery. Before proceeding, preserve recovery media and record the original BIOS and firmware state. A SteamOS image, installation steps and hardware support can change by release, so verify current RC72LA-specific guidance rather than relying on support notes for the 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X.
Dual-boot only for a specific need
Dual-booting makes sense if you genuinely need both a console-style SteamOS environment and Windows-only games or software. It adds boot management, storage planning and update-related failure points; keep backups and a Windows recovery plan. It is not the default recommendation for someone who simply wants an easier Steam interface.
Who should choose which handheld?
- Keep Windows on the Ally X for the broadest launcher access, Game Pass, mods and Windows-dependent multiplayer.
- Use SteamOS on the Ally X only if you are Steam-first and knowingly accept less certain support for the 2024 model’s device-specific features.
- Choose Steam Deck OLED if your priority is the most integrated, first-party SteamOS experience, including its OLED screen, trackpads and suspend/resume design.
The Ally X is compelling as a powerful, flexible handheld PC; its clearest trade-off is Windows’ desktop-style friction. SteamOS may address that friction for a Steam-focused owner, but it does not erase the value of Windows compatibility or turn RC72LA into a Steam Deck.
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