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The ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) is the better gaming handheld overall, while the ROG Ally X (2024) is the better value. The newer model has a faster Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, more graphics compute units, faster memory, more comfortable Xbox-style grips, improved handheld software, and stronger external-display support. However, both devices still have a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR display, an 80Wh battery, 24GB of memory, Windows 11, and upgradeable M.2 2280 storage.
At the current US prices used for this comparison, the ROG Xbox Ally X is listed at $999.99, while ASUS lists the previous-generation ROG Ally X at $799.99. That $200 difference makes the buying decision less obvious: choose the ROG Xbox Ally X for maximum performance and comfort, but choose the 2024 ROG Ally X when it is at least $150–$200 cheaper.
Quick verdict: First-time buyers should get the ROG Xbox Ally X if the price gap is small. Existing ROG Ally X owners generally should keep their device unless they need higher performance, prefer the new grips, or can upgrade at a substantial discount.
Prices and availability vary by country, retailer, storage configuration, and new, open-box, or refurbished condition. The price comparison above reflects US listings checked for this guide on August 10, 2026.
First, get the names right
The official name of the newer handheld is ROG Xbox Ally X, not “Xbox ROG Ally X.” This comparison covers these two specific models:
#1 Best Overall
- 【Massive Preloaded Game Library & Powerful Emulation】This RF40H retro handheld game console supports over 20 emulators and comes pre-installed with over 20,000 retro classic games, perfectly recreating the arcade and home console gaming experience. A high-performance quad-core processor ensures smooth gameplay, eliminating lag. Relive your nostalgic memories! NOTE: This product is not suitable for people under 12 year old.
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- ROG Xbox Ally X (2025), model RC73XA: the newer Xbox-branded model with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU.
- ROG Ally X (2024), model RC72LA: the original Ally X with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU.
Neither should be confused with the base ROG Xbox Ally launched alongside the 2025 Ally X, or with the original 2023 ROG Ally. Model numbers are the safest way to identify the right device when comparing retailer listings, open-box units, or older stock. The newer handheld launched on October 16, 2025, while the 2024 ROG Ally X launched on July 22, 2024; the launch dates are documented in Xbox’s launch announcement.
ROG Xbox Ally X vs. ROG Ally X: specifications
| Specification | ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) RC73XA |
ROG Ally X (2024) RC72LA |
What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| US listed price | $999.99 | $799.99 listed by ASUS; retailer pricing varies | The $200 difference is the central value question. |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Both can run Windows applications and PC game launchers. |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | The 2025 model uses a newer APU architecture. |
| CPU | 8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.0GHz | 8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1GHz | The newer chip’s advantage is architecture, not a higher advertised boost clock. |
| Integrated GPU | 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units | 12 RDNA 3 compute units | This is the most important hardware upgrade for games. |
| NPU | XDNA NPU, up to 50 TOPS | None listed | Potentially useful for supported AI features, but not a major current gaming benefit. |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 | 24GB LPDDR5; ASUS launch material lists LPDDR5-7500 | Capacity is equal, but the newer model has faster memory technology. |
| Included storage | 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD; ASUS also lists a 2TB configuration | Both are easier to upgrade than the original 2230-based ROG Ally. |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080 IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR | 7-inch, 1920×1080 IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR | Effectively a tie; neither has an OLED screen. |
| Battery | 80Wh | 80Wh | There is no battery-capacity upgrade in the newer model. |
| Weight | 715g / 1.58lb | 678g / 1.49lb | The ROG Xbox Ally X is 37g heavier. |
| Dimensions | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7mm | 280 × 111 × approximately 24.7–36.9mm | The newer model is larger and visibly chunkier. |
| USB and display output | USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1, plus USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB4 Type-C plus USB-C 3.2 Gen 2; ASUS lists DisplayPort 1.4 support | The 2025 model is better suited to newer high-resolution or high-refresh external displays. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 on the current US specification | No meaningful connectivity advantage should be assumed between these US configurations. |
| Controls | Xbox button, revised library button, two rear assignable buttons, Hall-effect triggers, gyro, HD haptics | Armoury Crate button, two rear assignable buttons, Hall-effect triggers, gyro, haptics | The newer layout is more Xbox-oriented; the core control hardware remains similar. |
| microSD | UHS-II reader | UHS-II reader | Both support fast expandable storage, subject to card and game performance. |
| Included subscription | Three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium in the current US listing | Three months of PC Game Pass listed by ASUS, subject to eligibility and region | These are temporary promotions, not permanent hardware value. |
The principal specifications come from ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally X specification page, the 2024 ROG Ally X specification page, and ASUS’s 2024 Ally X announcement. Exact stock, bundles, and configurations can differ between regions.
What is genuinely new in the ROG Xbox Ally X?
The ROG Xbox Ally X is not merely a black ROG Ally X with an Xbox logo. Its meaningful changes are concentrated in the processor, graphics, controls, software, and chassis:
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- More graphics resources: The integrated GPU increases from 12 RDNA 3 compute units to 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units.
- Faster memory: LPDDR5X-8000 replaces the 2024 model’s LPDDR5 specification, which ASUS’s launch material identifies as LPDDR5-7500.
- More substantial grips: The chassis has larger contours intended to feel closer to an Xbox Wireless Controller.
- Xbox-focused controls: The new Xbox button opens Game Bar and provides shortcuts to handheld and system features.
- Handheld-focused software: The newer family adds features such as aggregated libraries, compatibility labels, default game profiles, Gamepad Cursor, and Advanced Shader Delivery for supported games.
- Newer external-display support: ASUS lists DisplayPort 2.1 on the ROG Xbox Ally X, compared with DisplayPort 1.4 support listed for the 2024 Ally X.
- A larger body: The redesigned grips and internal layout increase the size and weight.
What did not change is just as important. Both have an 80Wh battery, 24GB of onboard memory, a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR display, Windows 11 Home, a UHS-II microSD reader, USB4-class connectivity, Hall-effect triggers, gyro functionality, haptics, and an upgradeable M.2 2280 SSD. This is why the 2025 model is a meaningful refinement rather than a complete replacement for the 2024 device.
Performance: the ROG Xbox Ally X is faster, but not in every game by a fixed percentage
The ROG Xbox Ally X wins performance clearly. Its Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has a newer CPU architecture, 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics compute units instead of 12 RDNA 3 units, and faster memory feeding the integrated GPU. Those changes matter more to gaming than the similar advertised CPU boost clocks suggest.
Independent testing confirms a real advantage. Windows Central reported higher CPU, GPU, and system benchmark results for the ROG Xbox Ally X, and PC Gamer found it faster in its test suite. PC Gamer described it as the fastest handheld it had tested at that time, but that is a result tied to that publication’s test selection and date, not a permanent market-wide ranking.
What the extra performance does for games
In practical terms, the newer handheld is more likely to:
- Hold a higher frame rate at the same power setting.
- Produce better 1% lows and frame-time consistency in demanding titles.
- Run newer AAA games with fewer reductions to resolution or graphics quality.
- Make 1080p gaming more comfortable when a title is well optimized.
- Leave more performance headroom for future games, drivers, and profiles.
That does not mean every game will be a specific percentage faster. Handheld performance changes substantially with wattage, plugged-in versus battery operation, Windows and BIOS settings, driver versions, memory allocation, resolution, graphics preset, upscaling, frame generation, and game patches. A result from one reviewer at 25W should not be combined with another reviewer’s result at 30W and presented as a universal FPS advantage.
The newer model also does not transform either device into a desktop gaming PC. Both remain integrated-graphics handhelds driving a 7-inch 1080p panel. In demanding games, the ROG Xbox Ally X may still need upscaling, a lower preset, a frame-rate cap, or a reduced resolution. Its advantage is that it reaches the desired compromise more easily.
Does the NPU improve gaming?
The ROG Xbox Ally X includes an XDNA NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS, while the 2024 model has no listed NPU. That creates room for supported AI features, including preview features such as Auto SR for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, but it should not be treated as a large general-purpose gaming upgrade today. The graphics compute units and newer APU are the reasons to expect better conventional game performance.
Battery life: a tie in capacity, not a guaranteed win for either model
Both handhelds use the same 80Wh battery. The ROG Xbox Ally X may be more efficient at certain performance levels, but its faster hardware can also be used to target higher performance, so there is no universal battery-life winner.
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For context, Windows Central measured the ROG Xbox Ally X at:
- 1 hour 53 minutes in Cyberpunk 2077 using a Steam Deck preset, Performance mode at 25W, and approximately 200-nit brightness.
- 5 hours 6 minutes in Celeste using Silent mode at 13W and low brightness.
- 14 hours 24 minutes for basic office tasks using a 17W Windows mode.
Tom’s Guide measured the 2024 ROG Ally X at 3 hours 4 minutes in its Gaming PCMark 10 test. That is a different synthetic workload with different settings, so it should not be used as a direct defeat of the newer model.
The useful conclusion is simpler:
- Native AAA gaming: plan around a couple of hours, depending on power mode, brightness, frame rate, and the game.
- Indie and older games: several hours is possible at lower wattage and brightness.
- Streaming or desktop work: runtime can be considerably longer.
Neither model offers defensible all-day battery life for demanding native AAA games. The larger battery is already one of the Ally X family’s strengths, but the 2025 version did not increase its capacity.
Rank #2
- 【High-Performance Hardware】The MANGMI AIR X handheld gaming console features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 octa-core processor, with a maximum clock speed of 2.1 GHz. Its 4GB RAM + 64GB storage ensures stable and efficient operation, delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Equipped with a single-fan active cooling system, the AIR X maintains low temperatures during gameplay, enhancing device performance and extending its lifespan.
- 【5.5-inch IPS Touchscreen】The MANGMI AIR X handheld gaming console features a 5.5-inch FHD IPS touchscreen with 1920x1080 resolution, 400-nit brightness, and 100% sRGB color gamut. Its enhanced RGB color display and multi-resolution effects deliver an exhilarating retro gaming experience while providing superior eye comfort.
- 【5000mAh High-Capacity Battery】The AIR X features a built-in 5000mAh lithium battery delivering up to 8 hours of continuous gameplay with 15W USB Type-C charging support, powering endless entertainment on your journeys.
- 【Multiple Gaming Modes】The MANGMI AIR X handheld gaming console supports diverse gaming modes and mainstream Android titles. Handheld Mode - Play retro games across multiple platforms anytime, anywhere. Streaming Mode - Dive into AAA PC game titles through seamless cloud streaming. TV Mode - Cast to big screens instantly via 5G WiFi mirroring – transforming handheld to cinematic display. Featuring thrilling local multiplayer battles that spark shared joy. Expand storage via the microSD card slot to house all your game ROMs and applications.
- 【RGB Wide-Angle Hall Joysticks】The AIR X features RGB wide-angle Hall joysticks and linear Hall triggers, delivering swift rebound response and surgical control precision. Equipped with 16.7 million-color RGB lighting, the MANGMI AIR X handheld console offers three adjustable modes: Constantly Bright, Breath, Rainbow, with customizable brightness and hue settings.
Display: neither model is an upgrade over the other
The display comparison is effectively a tie. Both use a 7-inch, 16:9, 1920×1080 IPS-class touchscreen with a 120Hz maximum refresh rate, approximately 500-nit brightness, AMD FreeSync Premium or variable refresh rate support, and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The specification comparison is available on ASUS’s official product page.
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The ROG Xbox Ally X does not add an OLED panel, a larger screen, a higher resolution, or a higher refresh rate. A $1,000 handheld with the same basic display specification as the 2024 Ally X is an important trade-off for buyers who expected a more dramatic screen upgrade.
VRR is arguably more useful than the 120Hz headline in demanding games. Many modern AAA titles will not reach 120 frames per second at native 1080p on either handheld, but variable refresh rate can make fluctuating frame rates look smoother. Choose neither device specifically for screen quality over the other; if OLED contrast is your priority, look at OLED alternatives instead.
Comfort and controls: the newer grips are a meaningful advantage
The ROG Xbox Ally X has larger, more pronounced grips shaped to resemble an Xbox controller. Both Windows Central and PC Gamer found the newer chassis more comfortable for longer sessions. That benefit is subjective, but it may matter more than a moderate frame-rate improvement for someone who plays for hours at a time.
The cost is size and weight. At 715g, the ROG Xbox Ally X is 37g heavier than the 678g ROG Ally X, and it is visibly wider, taller, and thicker. The 2024 model is the more travel-friendly device and may suit smaller hands better. The newer device feels more controller-like; the older one is lighter and less bulky.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe newer control layout includes:
- A dedicated Xbox button for Game Bar and Xbox-oriented shortcuts.
- A revised library button.
- Two assignable rear buttons.
- Full-size analog sticks.
- Hall-effect analog triggers.
- HD haptics and a six-axis IMU for gyro controls.
The 2024 Ally X retains an Xbox-like overall arrangement, but uses ASUS-specific controls, including an Armoury Crate button instead of the newer Xbox button. It also retains rear assignable buttons, Hall-effect triggers, gyro functionality, and haptics.
Important terminology: ASUS’s specifications identify Hall-effect triggers. Do not assume that either model has Hall-effect thumbsticks unless the exact regional configuration has been independently verified.
Software: both are Windows PCs, and Xbox mode is no longer an exclusive reason to upgrade
Both devices run Windows 11 Home. That gives both access to Steam, Xbox and PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, GOG, and other Windows applications and launchers. It also means both inherit the advantages and frustrations of Windows on a small touchscreen device.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is not an Xbox Series console in handheld form. It is a Windows gaming PC with Xbox integration. It can run compatible Windows PC games, Xbox Play Anywhere titles, supported cloud games, and remote play from an Xbox console, but those are different mechanisms:
- Xbox Play Anywhere applies only to participating games.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming requires a supported device, an internet connection, and the relevant Game Pass subscription.
- Xbox Remote Play requires an Xbox console configured for remote features.
- Game compatibility and performance still vary by game, launcher, anti-cheat system, DRM, drivers, and graphics settings.
The newer handheld launched with an Xbox-focused full-screen experience designed to make Windows more controller-friendly. However, Microsoft began rolling Xbox mode out to Windows 11 PCs and additional form factors in April 2026. As a result, it is no longer accurate to describe the full-screen Xbox mode as a permanent exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally family. Availability still depends on the market, Windows version, Xbox app version, and staged rollout status. See Microsoft’s April 2026 Xbox mode announcement.
How to enable Xbox mode on a supported Windows handheld
Xbox mode requires Windows 11 version 24H2 or later and is available only in supported markets. Microsoft’s current setup path is:
- Open Start.
- Select Settings.
- Select Gaming.
- Select Xbox mode.
- Under Choose home app, select the supported gaming home app.
- Optionally enable Enter Xbox mode on startup.
- Restart if Windows asks to apply handheld performance optimization.
To move around the mode, press Win + F11 to enter or exit it, use Win + G for Game Bar, or press the Xbox button on the ROG Xbox Ally X. Win + Tab opens Task View, and a touch user can swipe up from the bottom to open it. The complete requirements and controls are listed in Microsoft’s Xbox mode support documentation.
Xbox mode improves controller navigation, but it does not eliminate Windows friction. Desktop applications, third-party launchers, installers, anti-cheat systems, overlays, sleep behavior, and game-specific settings can still require the Windows desktop. Microsoft also notes that some applications behave differently in Xbox mode: only one window may be shown at a time, some apps may appear against a black background, and some desktop shortcuts are disabled.
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The ROG Xbox Ally family has features beyond the generic Xbox mode rollout, including:
Rank #3
- 【All-in-One Handheld】 The ultimate portable console in your hands. Enjoy retro games, remote play, cloud gaming, and Android titles on a lightweight handheld with responsive controls and a stunning 7” display. More than just a game console — it's a powerful all-in-one entertainment device.
- 【Cloud Gaming + Remote Play】 Cloud Gaming – Instantly play AAA titles over Wi-Fi with subscriptions to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Boosteroid. Remote Play – Stream games locally from your own devices using Moonlight, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link or PXPlay.【Need buyer's subscriptions to Xbox or PlayStation.】
- 【Emulator Retro Games + Android Games】 Emulation – Enjoy retro classics with enhanced compatibility and smoother performance on PS2, GameCube, and other popular systems. Android Games – Run most local games with ease, offering more ways to play on a larger screen with console-style controls."
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- 【4K Video Output + Dual Speakers】 Connect to an external display or AR glasses for up to 4K gaming with full controller support, or enjoy immersive gameplay on the built-in 1080P 7” display—perfect for couch play or gaming on the go. Upgraded audio drivers deliver deeper, clearer vocals, and rich, immersive sound in every in-game moment."
- Aggregated installed-game libraries.
- Handheld Compatibility and Windows Performance Fit labels.
- Default Game Profiles.
- Advanced Shader Delivery for supported games.
- Gamepad Cursor for navigating more of Windows with a controller.
- Game Assist beta.
- Docking-specific Xbox features.
- Auto SR preview features for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X.
In its April 2026 update, Microsoft said Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery were supported on both ROG Xbox Ally models. That does not establish that the same features are available on the 2024 ROG Ally X, which is a different product generation. Compatibility labels and guidance are documented on the official Xbox handheld compatibility page.
Docking and external displays: an advantage for the ROG Xbox Ally X
Both devices can be used with a dock, external monitor, TV, keyboard, mouse, and other USB accessories. The ROG Xbox Ally X is the stronger choice for a modern docked setup because its USB-C display output is listed with DisplayPort 2.1 support, while ASUS lists DisplayPort 1.4 support for the 2024 Ally X.
Microsoft’s newer docking updates can move gameplay entirely to a TV, turn off the handheld’s own display, optimize the output resolution and refresh rate, and expose display settings through Game Bar. Specific Designed for Xbox docks may also support features such as HDR and, with compatible hardware, VRR. These features depend on the dock, cable, display, and software configuration; buying the handheld alone does not guarantee every docking feature.
Both devices also have USB4-class connectivity and can be paired with an external GPU setup. That does not make either one equivalent to a desktop graphics card. An external GPU requires a compatible enclosure, a suitable GPU, adequate power delivery, a capable cable, current drivers, and realistic expectations about USB4 bandwidth and game performance.
If your main use is handheld play with occasional HDMI output, the 2024 Ally X remains perfectly viable. If the device will spend much of its time connected to a high-refresh monitor or modern TV, the newer port specification and Xbox-oriented docking features make the ROG Xbox Ally X the better long-term fit.
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Both Ally X models use an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD. That is substantially more convenient than the shorter 2230 storage used in the original ROG Ally. The ROG Xbox Ally X is listed with a 1TB SSD, while ASUS lists the 2024 model in both 1TB and 2TB configurations depending on the market and configuration.
Both also include a UHS-II microSD card reader. A fast card is useful for additional storage, but game loading and performance can still depend on the card’s sustained speed and the individual game. Large or frequently played games are generally better candidates for the internal SSD.
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Which should you buy?
Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X if you are buying your first Windows handheld
Choose the 2025 model when the price difference is small and you want the best version of this design. You get the faster APU, more graphics resources, faster memory, better long-session ergonomics, newer Xbox controls, and better external-display support. A first-time buyer also avoids paying to replace a device later if the 2024 model’s performance or grip design becomes limiting.
The recommendation is strongest for buyers who play demanding AAA games, want to use a modern TV or monitor, spend long sessions holding the device, or specifically want the Xbox-oriented interface and controls.
Buy the ROG Ally X (2024) when it is substantially cheaper
The older model is the value choice when the discount reaches roughly $150–$200 or more. At a $200 difference, the ROG Xbox Ally X costs 25% more than the $799.99 listing for the 2024 model, but there is no universal 25% gaming performance increase and no display or battery-capacity upgrade.
The 2024 Ally X is especially attractive if you:
- Play mostly indie, older, or well-optimized games.
- Already use Steam, Epic, GOG, Battle.net, or Xbox without needing the newer interface.
- Prefer a smaller and lighter handheld.
- Want a possible factory 2TB configuration.
- Are comfortable using Windows mode and Armoury Crate.
- Can buy an open-box or refurbished unit with a meaningful warranty and the correct charger.
Check the actual condition, storage capacity, included accessories, warranty, return period, and Game Pass eligibility. Older stock can be discontinued or sold through different channels, so its price may vary more than the newer model’s.
Existing ROG Ally X owners should not upgrade automatically
The upgrade is worthwhile only when the current device is failing a specific need. Consider moving to the ROG Xbox Ally X if you regularly hit performance limits in demanding games, dislike the 2024 grips, need the newer external-display capability, or place substantial value on the newer Xbox ecosystem features.
Otherwise, the shared display, battery capacity, memory capacity, Windows compatibility, and broadly similar storage design make the upgrade difficult to justify at full price. An owner who is satisfied with the 2024 Ally X should wait for a sale, sell the old unit first, or upgrade only when the net cost becomes much smaller.
Rank #4
- 【Massive Retro Game Library】Our retro handheld console comes preloaded with 20,000+ classic games and supports multiple popular emulators including PS1, PSP, N64, MAME, GBA, FC, SFC and more for endless retro gaming fun anytime, anywhere.
- 【4.2-Inch IPS HD Display】The portable game console features a 4.2-inch IPS HD screen with 1024×768 resolution and OCA full lamination technology for vibrant colors, sharp details, and a smoother retro gaming experience.
- 【Stable & Responsive Gameplay】This handheld video games powered by the RK3326 quad-core processor for stable and responsive gameplay, allowing you to enjoy classic arcade, racing, action, and adventure games with reduced lag.
- 【Portable Gaming Anywhere】Handheld Game Console compact and lightweight portable gaming console designed for travel, commuting, camping, and relaxing at home with long-lasting battery life for extended gaming sessions.
- 【Great Gift for Retro Gaming Fans】Ergonomic dual joysticks and responsive controls provide comfortable gameplay, while WiFi multiplayer support makes it a fun gift for retro gaming fans, and adults.
Best for demanding AAA gaming
ROG Xbox Ally X. The Z2 Extreme platform, 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units, and faster memory give it more headroom. It still may require upscaling, reduced settings, or a frame-rate cap, but it is the better of these two devices for newer and more demanding games.
Best for travel
ROG Ally X (2024). It is 37g lighter and physically smaller while retaining the same 80Wh battery and basic display. The ROG Xbox Ally X’s grips may be more comfortable in a chair or at home, but the older model is easier to pack.
Best for long sessions and ergonomics
ROG Xbox Ally X, assuming the larger body suits your hands. Its contoured grips are the clearest physical improvement. Try both if possible: grip comfort is personal, and the 2025 model’s extra size and weight will not suit everyone.
Best for docked gaming
ROG Xbox Ally X. Its listed DisplayPort 2.1 support and newer Xbox docking features give it the edge for modern displays. The 2024 Ally X remains capable for ordinary docked 1080p gaming and external-GPU setups.
Best for Xbox and Game Pass newcomers
ROG Xbox Ally X, with an important caveat. The dedicated Xbox button, curated handheld software, and bundled three-month Xbox Game Pass Premium offer in the current US listing make it the more coherent Xbox-focused purchase. However, it remains a Windows PC, not a handheld Xbox console, and Xbox mode is expanding to other Windows 11 devices.
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The choice between these two is strongest when you specifically want a Windows handheld with this size, control layout, and 80Wh battery. Other priorities may point elsewhere:
- Steam Deck OLED: a better fit for buyers who prioritize SteamOS simplicity, OLED image quality, and value over access to every Windows storefront and launcher.
- Larger-screen Windows handhelds: worth considering if screen size matters more than the compact 7-inch format.
- Higher-end Ryzen AI handhelds: worth investigating if you want more performance than either the Ryzen Z1 Extreme or Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platforms can provide.
- Gaming laptop: the better choice for sustained performance, a larger screen, and greater upgradeability, if pocketable handheld use is not the priority.
Alternative prices and availability change quickly, so compare the exact model, battery, screen, memory, storage, and power limits at the time of purchase rather than relying on a product family name.
Final recommendation
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the better handheld because it is faster, more comfortable, and better integrated for handheld and docked use. The 2024 ROG Ally X is the smarter purchase when it is substantially cheaper, and it is not an urgent upgrade for owners who are satisfied with its performance and ergonomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Xbox ROG Ally X” the official product name?
No. The official name is ROG Xbox Ally X. The 2025 model is RC73XA, while the older 2024 model is called ROG Ally X and carries model number RC72LA.
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Is the ROG Xbox Ally X worth $200 more than the ROG Ally X?
It is worth considering for demanding AAA gaming, better grips, newer controls, and modern docking. It is not automatically worth $200 for every buyer because both devices have the same 80Wh battery, 24GB memory capacity, 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR display, Windows 11, and broadly similar storage. If the older device is $150–$200 cheaper, it is usually the better value.
Does the ROG Xbox Ally X play every Xbox game?
No. It can run compatible Windows PC games, participating Xbox Play Anywhere titles, supported cloud games, and Xbox Remote Play. Those are different services, and compatibility depends on the individual game, launcher, internet connection, subscription, anti-cheat system, and settings.
Does the ROG Xbox Ally X have better battery life?
There is no guaranteed universal advantage. Both have an 80Wh battery, and runtime depends on wattage, brightness, frame-rate limits, and the game. Heavy AAA gaming can still last roughly a couple of hours, while indie games, streaming, and desktop work can last considerably longer.
Do both ROG Ally X models have Hall-effect thumbsticks?
Do not assume so. The cited ASUS specifications identify Hall-effect triggers; they do not automatically establish that the analog thumbsticks are Hall-effect models. Verify the exact configuration before buying based on that feature.
Can the 2024 ROG Ally X use Xbox mode?
Microsoft began rolling Xbox mode out to Windows 11 PCs and additional form factors in April 2026, so it is no longer a permanent exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally family. Availability depends on Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, the market, Xbox app version, and rollout status.
The Bottom Line
Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X if you want the fastest and most comfortable version, especially for demanding games or docked use and especially when the price gap is small. Buy the ROG Ally X (2024) if it is at least $150–$200 cheaper; it preserves much of the same core handheld experience and remains the better value. Current owners should upgrade for a specific performance, comfort, display-output, or Xbox-software need—not simply because the newer model has a new name.
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.
