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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes—but only on the hardware side. The 2024 Asus ROG Ally X (RC72LA) gives PC gaming the shape of a portable console: built-in controls, a sharp 7-inch 120Hz VRR display, a large 80Wh battery, quick performance controls, and a launcher that can gather games from several storefronts. It is far easier to use on a sofa, in bed, or while travelling than a conventional gaming laptop.
The illusion ends when Windows 11, separate launchers, account logins, updates, anti-cheat systems, desktop dialogs, or game-specific settings get in the way. The Ally X is best understood as a console-style gaming device built on top of a Windows PC, not as a console operating system.
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Asus launched the 2024 ROG Ally X at $799.99 in the United States. This is the Ryzen Z1 Extreme model; it should not be confused with the newer 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X, which uses different silicon and has been listed by Asus at $999.99 in the US.
What “portable console” means here
A portable console should let you power on, choose a game, play with integrated controls, suspend the system, and continue without regularly managing a desktop operating system. It should also offer predictable performance, reasonable battery life, and a coherent library.
#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ 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.
The Ally X passes some of that test convincingly:
- Hardware: It is a purpose-built handheld with analog sticks, buttons, triggers, rear controls, a touchscreen, vibration, and a gyroscope.
- Library access: Windows gives it access to Steam, PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, EA App, Battle.net, cloud services, and other Windows-compatible software.
- Control: Armoury Crate SE provides a handheld-friendly game library and quick access to power and device controls.
- Maintenance: Windows updates, launchers, drivers, authentication, game settings, and occasional troubleshooting remain part of ownership.
So the answer is not that the Ally X turns Windows into SteamOS. It makes a Windows gaming PC feel substantially more like a console when everything is configured correctly.
The hardware changes that matter
The Ally X retains the original ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. It is therefore not a generational performance replacement. Its meaningful improvements are endurance, memory, ergonomics, cooling, storage, and connectivity.
| Feature | 2024 ROG Ally X | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme; 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads | Provides a high-performance handheld PC platform, but results still depend heavily on power limits and game settings. |
| Graphics | RDNA 3 Radeon graphics with 12 compute units | Suitable for many PC games, though demanding titles require compromises. |
| Memory | 24GB onboard LPDDR5 | More shared memory gives the integrated GPU and Windows more room than the original Ally’s configuration. |
| Battery | 80Wh | Double the original Ally’s stated capacity and the device’s defining upgrade. |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280; a 2TB configuration is also listed | More practical for large PC libraries and easier to replace than shorter SSD formats. |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium VRR | Sharp and smooth, although native 1080p at high frame rates is not realistic for every modern game. |
| Ports | Two USB-C ports, including USB4/DisplayPort support, plus UHS-II microSD | Makes charging alongside a display, hub, storage device, or other peripheral more convenient. |
Asus says its revised cooling system moves up to 24% more air and can reduce panel temperature by up to 6°C under its stated test conditions. Those are manufacturer claims, not universal results for every game or power mode.
A display designed for flexibility, not maximum settings
The 7-inch 1080p panel is sharper than the Steam Deck OLED’s 1280×800 display, and its 120Hz refresh rate with variable refresh can make uneven frame rates feel smoother. The 500-nit rated brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus, and anti-glare treatment also suit portable use.
But 120Hz does not mean demanding games will generally run at 120 frames per second. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme is still a low-power integrated platform sharing memory with the system. Depending on the game, sensible settings may include:
- 720p or 900p output instead of native 1080p;
- AMD or in-game upscaling;
- medium or low graphics presets;
- a frame-rate cap such as 40, ект? or 60 FPS;
- ray tracing disabled; and
- a lower-power profile to reduce fan noise and preserve battery.
The display gives the Ally X more headroom than a fixed 60Hz panel, but it does not remove the usual handheld trade-off between image quality, performance, noise, and endurance.
Performance: powerful for a handheld, still limited by watts
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme has eight Zen 4 CPU cores, 16 threads, RDNA 3 graphics with 12 compute units, and a configurable 9–30W TDP range. Asus lists up to 8.6 theoretical teraflops, but that number is not an FPS forecast. Real performance depends on the game, resolution, graphics preset, upscaler, driver, BIOS, memory allocation, and whether the Ally X is plugged in.
At a wall outlet, the device can use its higher performance modes. On battery, reducing wattage can make a major difference to endurance while lowering frame rates. A capped 40–60 FPS experience at a sensible power limit can feel better than an uncapped game with unstable performance and a rapidly draining battery.
The 24GB memory pool is an important practical upgrade. Integrated graphics use system memory, so the extra capacity is not merely useful for multitasking. It can give modern games and background Windows processes more room, although it does not guarantee a fixed performance increase over the original Ally.
In general, older games, indies, esports titles, emulation, streaming, and well-optimized releases are natural fits. Recent AAA games can work, but expect compromises in resolution, settings, upscaling, frame rate, or battery life. The Ally X is not equivalent to a current desktop gaming PC or a full-size home-console GPU.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
Armoury Crate creates a console-style front end
The intended workflow is simple:
- Turn on the Ally X.
- Open Armoury Crate SE.
- Choose a game from the library.
- Use the quick-access controls to select a performance profile or adjust handheld settings.
- Launch through the relevant storefront.
- Return to Armoury Crate when you want to choose another game.
According to Asus’s product information, Armoury Crate SE offers a customizable game library, game-specific settings, device controls, and access to BIOS and driver updates. It reduces how often you need to navigate the Windows desktop during ordinary play.
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That front end is useful, but it does not unify the underlying ecosystems. Steam, Xbox, Epic, GOG, EA, Battle.net, and other launchers still have separate accounts, updates, overlays, permissions, and interface quirks. A game may open another launcher first, display a login prompt, require an online check, or place a window behind the game.
Armoury Crate is therefore best described as a console-style control centre layered over Windows. It is not a replacement for Windows and does not guarantee console-style sleep and resume in every situation.
The Windows library is the Ally X’s strategic advantage
Windows makes the Ally X attractive to players whose libraries are spread across multiple storefronts. It can access Steam, PC Game Pass, the Xbox app, Epic Games Store, GOG, EA App, Battle.net, browser-based services, remote-play software, and other Windows-compatible applications without changing operating systems.
That is broader than a SteamOS-first experience, but “supports Windows games” does not mean “every PC game works perfectly.” Games that are particularly difficult on a handheld include:
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- keyboard-and-mouse-heavy strategy and simulation games;
- titles with tiny desktop-oriented menus or launchers;
- games with unreliable controller recognition;
- games whose anti-cheat or DRM behaves differently across operating systems or modes;
- launcher-heavy games that need repeated authentication; and
- online games that cannot be started without an internet connection.
Before travelling, install the launcher, sign in, download updates, and test the game away from your home network. A small Bluetooth keyboard or USB-C keyboard can be valuable when touchscreen controls are not enough.
The 80Wh battery makes “portable” more credible
The battery is the Ally X’s most important upgrade. Asus describes the 80Wh pack as double the capacity of the original Ally’s 40Wh battery. That does not mean double the runtime in every game, nor does capacity alone provide a universal number of hours.
High-wattage AAA games can still drain the battery quickly. Less demanding games, emulation, remote play, cloud gaming, and lower-power profiles should make more efficient use of it. Brightness, refresh rate, Wi-Fi activity, frame limits, background downloads, Windows processes, and game workload all matter.
The included charger is a 65W USB-C adapter. A lower-output charger may charge slowly or fail to sustain the highest performance mode under load. The practical conclusion is simple: the Ally X makes portable PC gaming more credible; it does not make high-end PC gaming independent of power limits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Use case | Appropriate approach | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Indies, emulation, and light games | Low-wattage profile with a frame cap | Longer endurance but less performance headroom. |
| Mixed handheld play | Balanced profile and moderate resolution | Compromise between speed, noise, and battery life. |
| Demanding games on battery | Higher-power battery mode | Shorter runtime and more heat or fan noise. |
| Maximum performance | Turbo mode while connected to the 65W charger | Requires wall power and is less portable. |
Controls and ergonomics
The Ally X has the controls expected from a modern handheld: dual analog sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, rear programmable buttons, a touchscreen, and motion hardware. That integrated design is central to the console illusion. You can launch and play many games without carrying a separate controller.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Controller support is still a PC-game property, not a device-wide guarantee. Button prompts, gyro support, control mappings, launcher navigation, and vibration can vary from one title to another. Games designed around a keyboard and mouse may remain awkward even when they technically launch.
The device weighs 678g (1.49lb) and measures approximately 11.02 × 4.37 × 0.97–1.45 inches. The larger battery contributes to the weight and thickness. Seven inches is portable, but Windows text and desktop controls can be uncomfortable without the touchscreen, a mouse, or a keyboard. A case and the 65W charger add further travel bulk.
It includes a 3.5mm audio jack, two USB-C ports, a UHS-II microSD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 subject to operating-system variation, and a built-in fingerprint reader. A USB-C dock can turn it into a small desktop PC with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, and external storage, although that is a separate use case from handheld console gaming.
Storage and upgradeability
The main US configuration includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD, and Asus also lists a 2TB configuration. The 2280 format is easier to source and potentially easier to upgrade than the shorter 2230 drives used in some handhelds.
One terabyte can disappear quickly when modern PC games occupy tens or hundreds of gigabytes each. A microSD card is convenient for expanding a secondary library, but it should not automatically be treated as equivalent to the internal SSD for loading behaviour and performance.
Replacing the SSD is best left to owners comfortable with backups, cloning or reinstalling Windows, opening electronics, and checking the warranty and repair rules in their region. The second USB-C port is also useful when charging while connecting a dock, display, storage device, or other peripheral. USB-C accessories are not universally interchangeable: check power delivery, display output, cable requirements, and the specific dock or enclosure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common failure points
A game will not launch
Check whether the launcher needs authentication, whether the game requires an online connection, whether another launcher opened behind the game, and whether Windows scaling or touchscreen focus is interfering. Also test controller mappings and disable conflicting overlays if necessary.
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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 matchPerformance is worse than expected
Compare battery and plugged-in operation, check the Armoury Crate profile, confirm the game’s resolution and refresh rate, and review BIOS, Windows, AMD graphics, and Armoury Crate updates. Look for background downloads, blocked vents, thermal throttling, and an uncapped frame rate. The highest wattage is not automatically the best setting.
The battery drains too quickly
Reduce the power profile, brightness, refresh rate, resolution, or frame target. Close background applications and consider using a frame limiter. Remember that an 80Wh capacity rating is verified hardware information, not a runtime guarantee.
The internal storage is full
Move less frequently played games to a microSD card or external storage, uninstall unused launchers and titles, or consider a compatible M.2 2280 SSD upgrade. Back up important data before opening the device or reinstalling Windows.
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.
2024 Ally X, Steam Deck OLED, or newer Xbox Ally X?
Choose the 2024 ROG Ally X when:
- your games are spread across Steam, Game Pass, Epic, GOG, EA, Battle.net, or other Windows launchers;
- PC Game Pass is important;
- you want more performance headroom than a Steam Deck OLED and prefer a 1080p/120Hz VRR display;
- battery capacity matters more than minimum weight;
- you want an upgradeable 2280 SSD; and
- you can accept occasional Windows maintenance.
Asus’s support and store pages have shown a $799.99 US price signal, matching the original launch MSRP. Because this is a 2024 product and availability varies, compare the current price with discounted, refurbished, and used stock rather than assuming the launch price is still the best value.
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- most of your games are in Steam;
- you value a more unified, console-oriented interface and suspend/resume behaviour;
- OLED image quality and simplicity matter more than peak Windows compatibility; and
- you do not need native PC Game Pass support.
The Steam Deck OLED is not automatically faster, and its SteamOS approach does not suit every Windows launcher. Its advantage is the coherence of the software experience, not access to every PC storefront without additional work. Current prices vary by region and date and should be checked before buying.
Choose the ROG Xbox Ally X when:
The 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X is a distinct newer product, not simply another name for the 2024 RC72LA. It uses the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform and has been listed at $999.99 on the US Asus store. It makes more sense for buyers who specifically want newer hardware and the newer Xbox-oriented handheld software experience and are willing to pay the premium.
Consider another Windows handheld when:
A larger display, detachable controllers, a built-in kickstand, a different support policy, a newer APU, or a lower price on comparable Z1 Extreme hardware matters more than the Ally X’s particular balance of battery, controls, and software.
Who should buy the 2024 ROG Ally X?
Buy it if you want one handheld for a mixed Windows library, care about PC Game Pass, value the 80Wh battery, and are comfortable fixing the occasional launcher or Windows problem.
Skip it if your priority is the simplest possible console-like experience and nearly all your games are in Steam. In that case, SteamOS may be worth more to you than the Ally X’s extra Windows compatibility and performance headroom.
Buy used or discounted if you can obtain the 2024 model substantially below newer hardware while accepting its older Z1 Extreme platform. It remains a capable handheld, but its value depends heavily on the actual price and warranty.
Choose newer hardware if you are willing to pay for the ROG Xbox Ally X’s newer platform and software direction rather than seeking the best value among 2024 devices.
Verdict
The Asus ROG Ally X does not make PC gaming identical to console gaming. It makes the hardware experience console-like while preserving the software complexity of a PC.
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That combination is exactly why it is compelling. You get integrated controls, a fast VRR display, a much larger battery than the original Ally, broad access to Windows game stores, and enough performance headroom to make demanding PC games viable on a handheld. You also get Windows updates, multiple launchers, game-specific configuration, variable sleep behaviour, and occasional keyboard-and-mouse troubleshooting.
For a multi-store PC gamer, especially one who uses Game Pass and wants a more practical battery than the original Ally, the 2024 ROG Ally X remains a strong portable gaming PC. For someone seeking the cleanest console experience, it is only an almost-console—and Steam Deck OLED may be the better fit.
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