The ROG Ally X builds on the original model with better battery life, improved ergonomics, and expanded storage options. It keeps the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and 120Hz Full HD touchscreen but now offers double the battery capacity and better cooling. These changes make long gaming sessions more enjoyable. But is it enough to justify an upgrade?
Design and Build — More Comfortable, Still Portable
The ROG Ally X features better grips and a more comfortable button layout. The raised ABXY buttons, more tactile D-pad, and sturdier joysticks improve handling.
However, at 678g, it’s 70g heavier than its predecessor, which can cause fatigue over long sessions.
Pros
Better grip and more ergonomic design
Durable joysticks, rated for 5 million cycles
Larger rear buttons for added customization
Cons
Heavier than the original model
No built-in kickstand
No backlighting on buttons for low-light play
Performance and Features — Small but Noticeable Upgrades
Performance remains similar since it keeps the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, but 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM at 7500 MHz gives a 10% boost in FPS at 1080p. This makes gameplay feel smoother in demanding titles.
Storage is now easier to upgrade, supporting up to 8TB via M.2 2280 SSD. We also appreciated the dual USB-C ports, including Thunderbolt 4, which makes docking and connecting external GPUs much more convenient.
Pros
More RAM for better performance
Easy SSD upgrades up to 8TB
Dual USB-C with Thunderbolt 4
Cons
Minimal performance improvement over the original Ally
Windows 11 is still not ideal for handheld gaming
Battery and Cooling — More Power, Less Heat
One of the biggest improvements is the 80Wh battery, twice the capacity of the original. In our tests, it lasted up to 14 hours for light gaming and around 3 hours for demanding AAA titles.
Cooling is also better, with larger air intakes and an extra heat pipe. This keeps the system quieter and prevents overheating during intense gameplay.
Pros
Longer battery life
Better cooling with lower fan noise
Cons
AAA games still drain battery quickly
No major power efficiency improvements
User Experience — Windows 11: A Blessing and a Curse
While we appreciate the full functionality of Windows 11, it still feels clunky for handheld gaming. Navigating menus and launching games isn’t as seamless as on a dedicated gaming OS.
A SteamOS alternative could improve usability, but for now, it remains a mixed experience. The Armoury Crate SE software helps, but it’s not a complete solution.
Pros
Full PC functionality with Windows 11
Customizable Armoury Crate SE interface
Cons
Windows 11 isn’t optimized for handheld gaming
No dedicated gaming UI like Steam Deck
Conclusion — A Worthy Upgrade?
The ROG Ally X improves on its predecessor but doesn’t revolutionize handheld gaming. If you already own the original ROG Ally, the better battery, RAM, and storage expandability may not justify the cost. However, if you’re looking for a premium Windows-based handheld, this is a great option.
The ROG Ally X brings meaningful improvements, but whether it’s worth it depends on your needs. If you prioritize battery life, comfort, and expandability, this is one of the best Windows handhelds on the market.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4, 8 cores, 16 threads, 5.10 GHz) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RDNA 3 (12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, 8.6 Teraflops) |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5X @ 7500 MHz (Dual Channel) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (Upgradeable to 8TB) |
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, IPS, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium, Touchscreen |
| Battery | 80Wh, 4-cell Li-ion (Up to 14 hours) |
| Weight | 678g |
| Dimensions | 28.0 x 11.1 x 2.47 ~ 3.69 cm |
| Ports | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery 3.0), 3.5mm Audio Jack, microSD UHS-II Slot |
| Audio | Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI Noise Cancelation, Hi-Res Certified |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor, Microsoft Pluton Security Processor |
| Additional Features | HD Haptics, 6-Axis Gyroscope, Armoury Crate, Xbox Game Pass (3 months) |
Alternatives
- Lenovo Legion Go — Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU, the Legion Go delivers robust performance for AAA titles. It features a large display and detachable controllers, providing a versatile gaming experience. However, its bulkier design may affect portability.
- Valve Steam Deck OLED — The Steam Deck OLED offers seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem and a custom Linux-based interface. Its OLED display provides vibrant visuals, enhancing the gaming experience. While it may require some tinkering for non-Steam games, it’s a solid choice for Steam enthusiasts.
- AyaNeo 2 — Running Windows 11, the AyaNeo 2 provides compatibility with a wide range of PC games. It boasts a 7-inch 1200p IPS display and is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor. While it offers high-end performance, it comes at a premium price point.
