ASUS ROG Ally X Review: Performance, Specs, and Game Compatibility
If you’ve been hunting for a handheld that can juggle PC games, Xbox Game Pass, and even your PS5 library without dying after an hour, the ASUS ROG Ally X aims to solve that with a massive battery and upgraded internals. We’ve spent time with the specs, test results, and real-world impressions to see if this $799 machine lives up to the multi-platform promise.
Battery capacity: 80 Wh · RAM: 24 GB LPDDR5X · Storage: 1 TB · Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme · Price: $799 USD
Quick snapshot
- 80 Wh battery – double the original Ally (ASUS ROG official product page)
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor (GameSpot)
- 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1 TB SSD (GameSpot)
- Software bug-fix timeline from ASUS remains vague
- Long-term reliability and battery degradation not yet tested
- Exact battery life measurements under standardized conditions from independent labs not yet published
- ASUS software updates expected in late 2024 (Samsung Z Flip 6 review)
- Samsung Z Flip 6 review on our site
Key specifications of the ASUS ROG Ally X:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | 24 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 1 TB (expandable via microSD) |
| Display | 7-inch FHD 120Hz |
| Battery | 80 Wh |
| Weight | 678g |
| Price | $799 USD |
How good is the ASUS ROG Ally X?
Five hardware changes, one story: the Ally X fixes almost every physical gripe from the original while doubling battery capacity. But software still holds it back.
Is it better than the Steam Deck OLED?
- Runs demanding games longer – Cyberpunk 2077 lasted 2h14m on Ally X vs 1h25m on Steam Deck OLED in Tom’s Guide testing (Tom’s Guide)
- 24 GB RAM vs 16 GB on Steam Deck OLED – smoother multitasking
- Windows 11 gives wider game-store access but loses SteamOS polish
The trade-off: you trade the seamless Steam experience for raw hardware lead and longer runtime.
Is it better than a gaming laptop?
- Far more portable (678g) but less powerful than a $799 gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU
- Best for on-the-couch or travel gaming; not a desktop replacement
The takeaway: the Ally X is a significant hardware upgrade, but software remains a sticking point.
Can ROG Ally X play all games?
Three compatibility paths, one conclusion: it runs almost anything you can install on Windows, but consoles require streaming or remote play.
Can you play PS5 games on the Ally X?
- Yes, via PS5 Remote Play – stream your console to the handheld over Wi-Fi
- Also supports PlayStation Plus cloud streaming
Can you play Xbox games on the Ally X?
- Xbox Cloud Gaming works through the Xbox app or browser (Game Pass Ultimate required)
- You can install and play Xbox Game Pass PC titles locally
Can you install games from Xbox Series X?
- Some Xbox Play Anywhere titles allow cross-install on PC
- Otherwise, you need the disc copy? No – digital purchases can be played via Xbox Cloud Gaming
Why this matters: the Ally X becomes a companion device for console owners, not a replacement.
What are the specifications of the ASUS ROG Ally X?
Seven specs, one standout: the 80 Wh battery dwarfs every other handheld PC.
| Component | ASUS ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Custom AMD APU (Zen 2 + RDNA 2) |
| RAM | 24 GB LPDDR5X-7500 | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 | 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe |
| Display | 7-inch 1920×1080 120Hz LCD | 7.4-inch 1280×800 90Hz OLED |
| Battery | 80 Wh | 50 Wh |
| Weight | 678g | 640g (OLED model) |
| Price | $799 | $549 (512GB OLED) |
The pattern: Ally X dominates in battery and RAM but costs $250 more. Steam Deck OLED wins on display quality and ecosystem.
What is the battery life of the ASUS ROG Ally X?
One number tells the story: 80 Wh is double the original Ally’s 40 Wh. Real-world tests confirm the jump.
- AAA gaming: 2–3 hours (Cyberpunk 2077: 2h14m per Tom’s Guide)
- Indie / lighter titles: up to 9h45m in Hades 2 according to NoobFeed (NoobFeed)
- Charging: 65W USB-C fast charging, fills quickly
Gamers can finish a full flight or train commute without a charger – something no other Windows handheld has delivered.
What this means: gamers can expect a full commute or flight without needing a charger.
Is the ASUS ROG Ally X worth buying?
Upsides and downsides laid out, one audience says yes.
Upsides
- Best battery life in a handheld PC
- 24 GB RAM enables heavier multitasking
- 1 TB storage plus microSD expansion
- Improved ergonomics and thumbsticks
Downsides
- Software bugs and Armoury Crate crashes reported
- $799 price – $250 more than Steam Deck OLED
- Windows 11 can be clunky on a 7-inch touchscreen
- OLED display would have been nicer
Who should buy it?
- Multi-platform gamers who use Xbox Game Pass and PS5 Remote Play
- Travelers who need extended unplugged sessions
- Not ideal for Steam-only users on a budget
The verdict: the Ally X is the best handheld for multi-platform gamers, but Steam-only users should consider the Deck OLED.
How to play Xbox and PS5 games on the Ally X (step-by-step)
- Connect to Wi-Fi (5 GHz recommended for streaming)
- For Xbox: Install the Xbox app from Microsoft Store, sign in with Game Pass Ultimate, and stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming
- For PS5: Download the PS Remote Play app from the Microsoft Store, link your console, and play over your home network
- For local Xbox titles: Install them via the Xbox app (Play Anywhere titles only)
“The Ally X has the best battery life we’ve seen in a handheld gaming device – it’s a huge improvement for long trips.”
– Trusted Reviews editor, Trusted Reviews
“Ergonomics are much improved – the new grips and thumbsticks make long sessions comfortable.”
– Reddit user on r/ROGAlly
The weight is clear: the ASUS ROG Ally X delivers the hardware that multi-platform gamers have been waiting for, even if the software side still needs work. For anyone who juggles PC, Xbox, and PlayStation libraries, the choice is simple: buy the Ally X now, or wait for ASUS to patch the rough edges. Multi-platform gamers have a clear winner.
techtimes.com, techtimes.com, pockettactics.com, purexbox.com, digitaltrends.com, windowsforum.com
Frequently asked questions
Does the ASUS ROG Ally X have a microSD card slot?
Yes, it includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
Can the ASUS ROG Ally X run Windows 11?
Yes, it comes with Windows 11 preinstalled.
What is the refresh rate of the ASUS ROG Ally X display?
120Hz, same as the original Ally.
Does the ASUS ROG Ally X support external GPUs?
Through USB4 (on the USB-C port), it is theoretically compatible with eGPUs, though performance may vary.
How does the ASUS ROG Ally X compare to the original Ally?
It doubles battery, RAM, and storage, plus improves ergonomics; price increased by $100.
Is the ASUS ROG Ally X compatible with Steam Deck accessories?
Not directly – the form factor and layout differ, so specifically designed accessories are needed.
Can I use the ASUS ROG Ally X as a desktop computer?
Yes, connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse via USB-C or the ROG XG Mobile interface for desktop use.
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