ASUS ROG Ally X: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Buying a handheld gaming PC sounds simple until you actually start comparing battery life, performance, storage, controls, and portability. The ASUS ROG Ally X was designed to address many of the frustrations people had with the original ROG Ally, especially its relatively small battery and limited memory. Instead of simply putting a faster processor inside a familiar shell, ASUS changed several parts of the device that matter during everyday gaming.

The result is a Windows handheld built around AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery. It also has a redesigned chassis, improved controls, additional USB-C connectivity, and a revised cooling system.

But specifications alone do not tell you whether the Ally X makes sense. The more important question is how those upgrades affect real gaming sessions. This guide breaks down the ASUS ROG Ally X, including performance, battery life, display quality, ergonomics, storage, Windows limitations, and the situations where this handheld makes the most sense.

What Is the ASUS ROG Ally X?

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC introduced as an upgraded version of the original ROG Ally.

Rather than replacing the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, ASUS kept the same high-performance chip and concentrated on improving the rest of the system. The major changes include:

• 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 memory
• 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage
• 80Wh battery
• Redesigned grips and controls
• Two USB-C ports
• Improved cooling
• Updated joysticks and D-pad
• More flexible internal storage upgrades

The processor remains an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with eight CPU cores, 16 threads, RDNA 3 graphics with 12 compute units, and a configurable 9–30W TDP.

That distinction is important. The Ally X is not dramatically faster because its processor suddenly became more powerful. Its advantage comes from giving the same processor a better overall platform to work with.

ASUS ROG Ally X Specifications

Here is a quick overview of the major hardware:

Feature	ASUS ROG Ally X
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
CPU	8 cores / 16 threads
GPU	AMD RDNA 3, 12 CUs
Display	7-inch 1920 × 1080 IPS-level
Refresh rate	120Hz
VRR	AMD FreeSync Premium
RAM	24GB LPDDR5X-7500
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Battery	80Wh
Operating system	Windows 11 Home
Weight	678g
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.4
USB-C	2 ports
microSD	UHS-II
Audio	Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos

ASUS lists the display at 500 nits with a 7ms response time, 100% sRGB coverage, Gorilla Glass Victus, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Biggest Upgrade: The 80Wh Battery

Battery capacity is probably the most meaningful change between the original Ally and the Ally X.

The original ROG Ally used a 40Wh battery. The Ally X doubles that capacity to 80Wh.

That does not mean every game suddenly lasts twice as long. Power consumption depends heavily on the game, brightness, frame rate, resolution, and selected performance mode.

For example, demanding AAA games can consume power rapidly at higher wattage. ASUS claims more than 2.7 hours of heavy AAA gaming under its test conditions, while video playback can last considerably longer.

Independent testing also demonstrates why expectations should remain realistic. Tom’s Hardware found substantially better gaming endurance than the original Ally, but demanding games such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales still reduced the battery considerably during testing.

Why the bigger battery matters in practice

The biggest benefit is not necessarily completing a five-hour gaming session without charging.

It is having more flexibility.

You can:

• Play during a commute without immediately searching for an outlet.
• Take the Ally X on a trip with less charger anxiety.
• Use lower-power modes for lighter games.
• Spend longer playing indie games or older titles away from a wall socket.

This is one of those upgrades that becomes more noticeable after using the device repeatedly rather than during a quick specification comparison.

Performance: How Powerful Is the Ally X?

The Ryzen Z1 Extreme remains a capable handheld processor.

It combines Zen 4 CPU cores with integrated RDNA 3 graphics, allowing the Ally X to run demanding PC games without requiring a separate graphics card. ASUS rates the graphics solution at up to 8.6 TFLOPS.

However, handheld gaming requires realistic expectations.

A 1080p screen does not mean every modern AAA game should be played at native 1080p with maximum settings. On demanding titles, reducing graphical settings or using resolution scaling can produce a much smoother experience.

The Ally X also supports AMD technologies such as FidelityFX Super Resolution, Radeon Super Resolution and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, depending on game and software support.

A better way to think about performance

Instead of asking, “Can it run this game?” ask:

What settings provide the best balance between image quality, frame rate and battery life?

For lighter games, the 120Hz display can make high frame rates feel particularly responsive.

For demanding AAA games, however, a stable 40–60 FPS target can make more sense than chasing the highest possible frame rate.

That approach also reduces unnecessary power consumption.

Why 24GB of RAM Makes a Difference

The Ally X has 24GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory, compared with 16GB on the original Ally.

This is more significant than it might initially appear because the integrated Radeon GPU uses system memory.

On a traditional gaming desktop, the GPU normally has its own dedicated VRAM. A handheld using integrated graphics has to share its memory pool between the CPU, operating system and GPU.

That means additional RAM can provide more flexibility when running modern games.

ASUS specifically designed the Ally X’s larger memory pool to give the GPU more room while retaining enough memory for Windows and other system tasks.

A less obvious benefit

The extra memory can also make the Ally X more comfortable as a general Windows machine.

If you switch between a game, browser, launcher, Discord and other applications, having more memory gives the system additional breathing room.

That does not mean every game will suddenly gain huge FPS improvements. The benefit is more about reducing memory pressure and giving demanding games a healthier resource pool.

The 120Hz Display Is Better Than the Resolution Suggests

The Ally X uses a 7-inch 1920 × 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium.

At first glance, 1080p may seem less impressive than higher-resolution screens found on some competing handhelds.

But there is a practical reason the resolution works well here.

The Ryzen Z1 Extreme has to render every frame. Increasing resolution increases the graphics workload. A 1080p display gives the Ally X a sensible target for balancing sharpness and performance.

The 120Hz refresh rate also gives you flexibility.

If a game reaches 60 FPS, the display can show smooth motion. If a less demanding game reaches higher frame rates, the panel has room to take advantage of them.

The variable refresh rate is particularly useful because handheld performance can fluctuate depending on the scene.

Ergonomics: The Ally X Feels More Mature

ASUS changed the physical design rather than simply increasing internal specifications.

The Ally X has redesigned grips, improved joysticks, a revised D-pad and changes to the rear macro buttons.

These changes matter because handheld gaming is different from sitting at a desk with a mouse and keyboard.

A device can have excellent performance but still become uncomfortable after an hour if the controls or grip are poorly positioned.

The Ally X weighs 678 grams, so it is not a lightweight device.

That weight is worth considering if you plan to hold it for long sessions.

A useful real-world consideration

The best grip is not necessarily the lightest grip.

A slightly heavier handheld with better weight distribution and more comfortable handles can feel easier to use than a lighter device with awkward ergonomics.

That is one reason the Ally X’s physical redesign is arguably just as important as its processor.

Storage Is Easier to Live With

The Ally X includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD. ASUS also designed the device around the more common 2280 SSD format, making future storage upgrades more straightforward.

This is useful because modern PC games can consume enormous amounts of storage.

A handful of large AAA games can quickly fill a smaller drive.

The Ally X also includes a UHS-II microSD card reader.

Still, internal SSD storage remains preferable for games where loading performance matters. A microSD card is more useful for expanding the library, storing less demanding games, or keeping additional files available without immediately replacing the internal drive.

Two USB-C Ports Are a Surprisingly Useful Upgrade

The Ally X has two USB-C ports, including one supporting USB4, DisplayPort and Power Delivery.

This improves flexibility when using the handheld as more than a portable console.

For example, you might connect:

• A charger
• External display
• USB accessories
• Dock
• External storage

Having more than one USB-C connection makes those setups less restrictive.

This becomes especially useful if you want the Ally X to double as a compact Windows PC.

Windows 11: The Biggest Advantage and Frustration

Windows is both a strength and a weakness of the ASUS ROG Ally X.

The strength is compatibility.

You are not locked into one gaming ecosystem. You can access Windows-based game stores, launchers and applications rather than relying on a console-style operating system.

The downside is that Windows was not originally designed around a small handheld touchscreen.

Some tasks feel natural on a desktop but awkward on a 7-inch screen.

Launching games is generally straightforward, but managing Windows settings, updates, launchers and occasional controller-related issues can require more patience than a traditional console.

This is one area where the Ally X is better understood as a small Windows gaming PC rather than simply a console.

Cooling and Noise

ASUS redesigned the cooling system with dual fans, a third exhaust vent and specially designed heatpipes. The company says the revised design can increase airflow by up to 24% and reduce touchscreen temperatures by up to 6°C.

Independent testing also found that the controls remained reasonably comfortable during stress testing, although the hottest areas were naturally around the exhaust.

The important lesson is simple:

Do not block the vents.

Using a powerful handheld on a bed, blanket or other soft surface can restrict airflow. A hard, open surface is a much better choice.

Common ASUS ROG Ally X Mistakes

New owners can get more from the device by avoiding a few common mistakes.

Running every game at maximum settings

Maximum settings are not always the best experience on a handheld.

Start with medium or optimized settings and adjust upward if performance allows.

Always using the highest power mode

Higher wattage can improve performance, but it also increases power consumption.

For lighter games, a lower power profile may provide a better balance.

Ignoring resolution scaling

If a demanding game struggles at native 1080p, resolution scaling can often provide a smoother experience without making the small screen look dramatically worse.

Filling the SSD immediately

Large modern games can consume storage quickly. Leave some free space rather than treating every available gigabyte as game storage.

Treating it exactly like a console

The Ally X runs Windows. Updates, drivers, launchers and PC-specific settings are part of the experience.

Understanding that before buying can prevent a lot of frustration.

ASUS ROG Ally X vs Original ROG Ally

The biggest differences are easy to summarize:

Feature	ROG Ally	ROG Ally X
Processor	Ryzen Z1 Extreme option	Ryzen Z1 Extreme
RAM	16GB	24GB
Battery	40Wh	80Wh
Storage	Smaller standard configuration	1TB
Ergonomics	Original design	Redesigned
USB-C	One	Two
SSD format	M.2 2230	M.2 2280
Cooling	Original design	Revised cooling system

The Ally X’s biggest improvement is therefore not raw processor power. It is the combination of battery, memory, storage, ergonomics and connectivity.

Who Should Buy the ASUS ROG Ally X?

The Ally X makes the most sense for someone who wants a powerful Windows handheld and values flexibility.

It is particularly suitable if you:

• Already have a large PC game library.
• Want access to Windows applications.
• Play demanding AAA games.
• Want a larger battery than the original Ally.
• Prefer a 120Hz display.
• Want upgradeable internal storage.
• Use your handheld as a small PC as well as a gaming device.

It may be less appealing if your priority is a simple console-like interface with minimal Windows management.

3 Less-Obvious Insights About the Ally X

1. The extra RAM is about more than FPS

Because the integrated GPU shares system memory, 24GB gives the Ally X a healthier resource pool. The improvement is not guaranteed to appear as a huge frame-rate jump in every game, but it gives modern titles more room to work with.

2. The battery changes how you use performance modes

An 80Wh battery does more than extend runtime. It gives you more freedom to choose performance settings without feeling that every demanding gaming session will immediately drain the device.

3. The 2280 SSD choice matters for long-term ownership

The use of a standard M.2 2280 SSD makes future storage upgrades more convenient than relying on a less common form factor. That can matter years after purchase, when replacing the SSD may be more attractive than replacing the entire handheld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASUS ROG Ally X good for AAA games?

Yes. Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics are designed for demanding PC games, although settings often need to be adjusted for the best balance of performance and battery life. Native 1080p at maximum settings should not be considered the default target for every modern AAA game.

How long does the ASUS ROG Ally X battery last?

Battery life varies substantially depending on the game and power settings. ASUS claims more than 2.7 hours for heavy AAA gaming under its testing conditions, while lighter workloads can last considerably longer. Independent testing also found a meaningful improvement over the original Ally’s battery life.

Can you upgrade the ASUS ROG Ally X SSD?

Yes. The Ally X uses an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, which makes internal storage replacement or expansion relatively straightforward compared with devices using smaller SSD formats.

Does the ASUS ROG Ally X have a 120Hz screen?

Yes. It has a 7-inch 1920 × 1080 touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh technology.

Is the ASUS ROG Ally X better than the original ROG Ally?

The Ally X offers substantial hardware and usability improvements, including a larger battery, more memory, more storage, revised ergonomics, additional USB-C connectivity and improved cooling. The processor itself remains the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, so the biggest gains come from the redesigned platform rather than a new CPU generation.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Ally X is best understood as a refinement of the original ROG Ally rather than a completely different generation of handheld.

Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor remains powerful enough for serious PC gaming, while the 24GB memory, 1TB SSD and 80Wh battery solve several practical limitations of the original model. The redesigned controls, improved cooling and two USB-C ports also make it more versatile for longer gaming sessions and desktop-style use.

The most important thing to remember is that this is still a Windows gaming PC in handheld form. Its flexibility is a major advantage, but it also means occasional Windows management comes with the territory.

For players who want PC gaming freedom in a portable format, the Ally X’s combination of performance, battery capacity, memory and upgradeability makes it a particularly capable handheld platform.