ASUS ROG Ally X Review: Performance, Features, Battery Life and More
Gaming handhelds have transformed portable gaming forever. The ASUS ROG Ally X stands as the ultimate Windows-based gaming handheld device.
This device promises superior performance, extended battery life, and premium gaming experiences anywhere you go. Players seeking powerful portable gaming solutions will find everything they need in this comprehensive review.
The ROG Ally X addresses every major complaint from the original ROG Ally. Better battery life, improved ergonomics, and enhanced performance make this device a serious contender in the handheld gaming market.
Key Takeaways
- Double the battery capacity with an 80Wh battery providing 2-3 hours of intensive gaming compared to 1 hour on the original model
- Enhanced memory and storage featuring 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD storage for seamless multitasking and extensive game libraries
- Premium build quality with improved ergonomics, better button placement, and superior materials for comfortable extended gaming sessions
- Competitive pricing at $799 offering excellent value compared to gaming laptops while maintaining portable form factor
- Superior Windows 11 compatibility providing access to multiple game launchers including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass
What Makes the ROG Ally X Special
The ASUS ROG Ally X represents a significant evolution in handheld gaming technology. This device features the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X memory. The combination delivers exceptional gaming performance across demanding titles.
Storage capacity receives a major upgrade with 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. This massive storage space allows players to install multiple AAA games without constant management. The fast SSD ensures quick loading times and smooth game launches.
The device runs Windows 11 natively, providing access to every gaming platform. Players can install Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and other launchers directly. This flexibility sets the ROG Ally X apart from competitors limited to specific ecosystems.
Build quality improvements include better ergonomics and premium materials. The device feels solid in hand while maintaining comfortable weight distribution. Extended gaming sessions become more enjoyable with these ergonomic enhancements.
Design and Build Quality Excellence
The ROG Ally X design showcases ASUS’s attention to detail and user feedback. The device measures carefully to balance portability with comfortable gaming. Black matte finish provides a premium appearance while reducing fingerprints and smudges.
Button placement receives significant improvements over the original model. The ABXY buttons feel more responsive with better tactile feedback. Analog sticks offer precise control with improved dead zones and responsiveness. Trigger buttons provide satisfying click feedback for FPS games.
Ergonomic improvements include better palm rests and improved grip texture. The device feels secure in hand during intense gaming sessions. Weight distribution remains balanced despite the larger battery capacity.
Build materials feature high-quality plastics and metal components. The device feels durable enough for daily use and travel. Hinge mechanisms and button switches demonstrate excellent craftsmanship and longevity.
Display Technology and Visual Experience
The ROG Ally X display features a 7-inch Full HD IPS panel with 1920×1080 resolution. This sharp display delivers crisp visuals for gaming and media consumption. 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth motion in supported games and applications.
Brightness levels reach over 500 nits, ensuring clear visibility in various lighting conditions. Color accuracy covers 100% sRGB color gamut for vibrant and accurate colors. Contrast ratios provide deep blacks and bright whites for immersive gaming experiences.
FreeSync Premium support eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. Compatible games benefit from variable refresh rate technology. Response times remain low enough for competitive gaming scenarios.
Viewing angles stay consistent thanks to IPS technology. Anti-glare coating reduces reflections during outdoor gaming. The display remains comfortable for extended viewing sessions without eye strain.
Gaming Performance and Benchmarks
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers impressive gaming performance across various titles. Integrated RDNA 3 graphics handle modern games at 1080p resolution with acceptable frame rates. 24GB of LPDDR5X memory provides ample headroom for multitasking and game performance.
Performance modes allow users to balance battery life and gaming performance. Silent mode extends battery life for less demanding games. Performance mode maximizes power for demanding titles. Turbo mode pushes the hardware to its limits for maximum performance.
Game compatibility covers the entire Windows gaming library. Steam games run natively with full controller support. Epic Games Store titles work seamlessly with proper optimization. Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of games with cloud streaming options.
Frame rates vary depending on game settings and performance modes. Cyberpunk 2077 achieves 30-45 FPS at medium settings. Elden Ring maintains 45-60 FPS at high settings. Indie games run at full 120 FPS with minimal performance impact.
Battery Life and Power Management
The 80Wh battery represents the biggest improvement over the original ROG Ally. Battery life extends to 2-3 hours during intensive gaming sessions. Casual gaming and media consumption can extend battery life to 4-6 hours.
Power management features multiple optimization options. Adaptive battery adjusts performance based on usage patterns. Battery saver mode reduces background processes and screen brightness. Custom power profiles allow users to create personalized settings.
Charging speed supports 65W USB-C charging for quick power restoration. Charging time from empty to full takes approximately 2 hours. Pass-through charging allows gaming while plugged in without battery degradation.
Power efficiency improvements include better thermal management and processor optimization. Standby time extends to several days with minimal battery drain. Sleep mode maintains quick resume capabilities while preserving battery life.
Software Experience and User Interface
The Windows 11 experience provides full desktop functionality in a handheld form factor. Armoury Crate software serves as the primary gaming interface. Game library management allows easy access to installed games across multiple platforms.
Interface optimization includes touch-friendly menus and controls. Virtual keyboard provides text input when needed. Game mode optimizes system resources for gaming performance. Desktop mode allows full Windows applications and productivity tasks.
Driver support ensures compatibility with gaming peripherals and accessories. Automatic updates keep the system current with the latest features and security patches. Customization options include performance profiles and RGB lighting controls.
Multitasking capabilities allow running multiple applications simultaneously. Background tasks remain minimal to preserve gaming performance. Quick access menus provide fast switching between games and applications.
Connectivity and Port Selection
The dual USB-C ports provide versatile connectivity options. USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 support enables external GPU connections and high-speed data transfer. DisplayPort output allows connection to external monitors and TVs.
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E for fast internet speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless accessories. Wireless headphone support provides lag-free audio for gaming. Controller pairing works seamlessly with Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
Charging flexibility allows using either USB-C port for power delivery. Dock compatibility supports various third-party docking solutions. Peripheral support includes external keyboards, mice, and storage devices.
Audio connectivity features a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. Microphone support enables voice chat and streaming. Speakers provide decent audio quality for casual gaming.
Storage and Memory Configuration
The 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage for modern games. PCIe Gen 4 speeds ensure fast loading times and quick game installations. Storage expansion supports additional SSD upgrades for power users.
24GB LPDDR5X memory represents a significant upgrade from the original model. Memory allocation provides 16GB for system tasks and 8GB dedicated to graphics processing. Multitasking performance remains smooth even with multiple applications running.
Storage management includes tools for monitoring disk usage and optimizing storage. Game installation across multiple drives helps organize large game libraries. Cloud storage integration provides backup options for save files and settings.
Performance impact of the increased memory shows in reduced loading times and better frame rates. Future-proofing ensures the device remains capable of running upcoming games and applications.
Comparison with Competitors
The ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED comparison reveals different strengths and weaknesses. Steam Deck OLED offers superior battery life and display quality but less raw performance. ROG Ally X provides better gaming performance and full Windows compatibility.
Pricing comparison shows the ROG Ally X at $799 versus the Steam Deck OLED at $549-$649. Value proposition depends on individual needs for performance versus battery life and display quality.
Game library access favors the ROG Ally X with full Windows compatibility. Steam Deck limits users to Steam and compatible games through Proton. ROG Ally X supports every Windows game launcher and application.
Performance benchmarks show the ROG Ally X leading in most gaming scenarios. Steam Deck excels in power efficiency and Linux optimization. ROG Ally X provides better performance for demanding games and applications.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Advantages of the ROG Ally X include superior gaming performance, extensive game compatibility, excellent build quality, and improved battery life. 24GB of memory provides future-proofing for upcoming games and applications.
Disadvantages include higher price point, Windows 11 limitations in handheld mode, shorter battery life compared to Steam Deck, and larger size and weight. Learning curve exists for users unfamiliar with Windows gaming optimization.
Performance advantages make the device suitable for demanding games and applications. Compatibility benefits provide access to the entire Windows gaming ecosystem. Build quality ensures durability for long-term use.
Price considerations make the device more expensive than alternatives. Battery limitations require more frequent charging during extended gaming sessions. Size factors impact portability compared to smaller handhelds.
Gaming Performance Across Different Genres
AAA gaming performance varies depending on game optimization and settings. Cyberpunk 2077 achieves playable frame rates at medium settings. The Witcher 3 runs smoothly at high settings with consistent performance.
Indie games excel on the ROG Ally X with high frame rates and excellent battery life. Hollow Knight maintains 120 FPS throughout gameplay. Stardew Valley provides hours of entertainment with minimal battery drain.
Competitive gaming benefits from the high refresh rate display and responsive controls. Counter-Strike 2 achieves competitive frame rates at medium settings. Rocket League runs at high frame rates with smooth gameplay.
Emulation performance allows playing retro games with excellent compatibility. PlayStation 2 emulation runs smoothly for most games. Nintendo Switch emulation provides good performance for many titles.
Value Proposition and Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Ally X represents the best Windows-based gaming handheld currently available. Performance improvements, battery life enhancements, and build quality upgrades justify the premium price point.
Target audience includes enthusiast gamers seeking maximum performance and compatibility. Casual gamers might find better value in less expensive alternatives. Professional users benefit from full Windows compatibility and productivity capabilities.
Long-term value depends on continued software support and hardware durability. Investment protection comes from the powerful hardware and upgrade possibilities. Resale value should remain strong due to premium build quality.
Recommendation favors the ROG Ally X for users prioritizing performance and Windows compatibility. Alternative options exist for users focused on battery life or lower prices. Overall assessment rates the device as excellent for its intended market segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life of the ROG Ally X?
The ROG Ally X provides 2-3 hours of intensive gaming or 4-6 hours of casual use.
How much storage does the ROG Ally X have?
The device comes with 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage.
Can the ROG Ally X run Steam games?
Yes, the ROG Ally X runs all Steam games natively through Windows 11.
What is the display quality like?
The 7-inch Full HD IPS display offers 120Hz refresh rate and 500+ nits brightness.
How does it compare to the Steam Deck?
The ROG Ally X offers better performance and Windows compatibility but shorter battery life.
Is the ROG Ally X worth the price?
For users prioritizing performance and Windows compatibility, the $799 price provides good value.
Can you upgrade the storage?
Yes, the SSD is upgradeable and supports additional storage expansion.
What games run best on the ROG Ally X?
Indie games and well-optimized AAA titles perform excellently, while demanding games require setting adjustments.
