ASUS ROG Ally X Review: A True Steam Deck Challenger?
The ASUS ROG Ally X is not just a refresh—it’s a statement. ASUS took community feedback seriously and delivered an upgraded gaming handheld that fixes the original's biggest flaws. From better battery life to redesigned internals, this device might be the most complete portable gaming PC on the market right now.
Design Tweaks That Matter
At first glance, the Ally X looks familiar, but it’s slightly heavier, more ergonomic, and comes in sleek all-black. It feels more substantial in the hands—a big deal for long gaming sessions. The analog sticks are improved, the D-pad is more responsive, and the grip feels tighter without being bulky.
Performance & Specs
- Chipset: AMD Z1 Extreme
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5 (upgraded from 16GB)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (with better cooling)
- Display: 7" Full HD 120Hz touchscreen
- Battery: 80Wh (double the original!)
This thing flies. Games like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and even Starfield run better thanks to better memory handling and improved thermals. The new fan system is quieter, and the device doesn’t throttle as easily even under pressure.
Battery Life: The Big Upgrade
The biggest issue with the original Ally was its weak battery. ASUS doubled it to 80Wh in the X version, and the difference is massive. Expect 3–6 hours of real gaming, depending on settings. For portable gaming, that’s huge.
Still Windows, Still Divisive
It runs Windows 11, which is both a blessing and a curse. You get full PC functionality, but also deal with the quirks of a desktop OS in a handheld form. Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS is simpler for gaming, but lacks the flexibility. Depends on what you want.
Final Verdict: Worth the Upgrade?
The ASUS ROG Ally X is a refined, more capable version of an already great product. It fixes most of the original's pain points and pushes the handheld gaming market forward. If you skipped the original or were waiting for a better battery and storage config, this is your moment.
Rating: 9.0/10 – A worthy alternative to the Steam Deck for those who want raw power and Windows freedom.
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