Name: Asus ROG Ally X
Brand: Asus
Price: 799.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

The Pinnacle of Portable PC Gaming

The Asus ROG Ally X redefines the Windows handheld gaming experience, earning an Editors' Choice award for its substantial enhancements. With double the battery life, increased and faster memory, and expanded storage, it addresses key limitations of its predecessor. The redesigned chassis significantly boosts comfort, and a new cooling system eradicates the original's touchscreen overheating. While the display remains a non-OLED 7-inch panel and Windows can still present navigational quirks, the refined gamepad-optimized 'Xbox' mode offers an unparalleled, seamless gaming interface. It's a compelling upgrade for new entrants to the handheld PC market and a strong contender for those seeking the ultimate Windows-based portable gaming solution.

Performance9.5/10

Powered by the formidable AMD Z1 Extreme SoC, the ROG Ally X delivers exceptional gaming performance, effortlessly running demanding titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and F1 2024 at full HD resolution for extended periods. This chip remains the benchmark for PC handhelds, ensuring a fluid and responsive experience across a diverse game library.

Battery Life9/10

A monumental improvement, the Ally X boasts twice the battery capacity of the original ROG Ally, translating into multiple hours of uninterrupted gameplay. This significant upgrade addresses one of the primary criticisms of its predecessor, providing the endurance necessary for serious portable gaming sessions without constant concern for power outlets.

Design & Comfort8.5/10

The chassis has undergone a complete redesign, resulting in a more ergonomic and comfortable grip for prolonged use. Weighing in at 715g, it strikes an impressive balance, being only marginally heavier than the Steam Deck OLED and lighter than the Claw 8 AI+. However, the pronounced stick-out grips, while enhancing comfort, may present minor challenges for fitting into compact bags.

Display7.5/10

The 7-inch display, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits, offers a smooth and sharp visual experience in most lighting conditions. While competent, it retains the non-OLED panel of the original, lacking the vibrant contrast and deep blacks that an OLED screen would provide. Consequently, darker game environments may necessitate increasing the screen's brightness for optimal visibility.

PROS

Recognized as the best handheld gaming PC currently available.
Equipped with a substantial 24GB of high-speed LPDDR5 memory.
Offers double the battery capacity compared to the original ROG Ally.
Capable of running any modern game for multiple hours on a single charge.
Features significantly more and faster memory than its predecessor.
Provides twice the storage capacity of the original ROG Ally.
Boasts a completely redesigned chassis for enhanced ergonomics.
The new design offers a noticeably more comfortable user experience.
Incorporates a new cooler, effectively eliminating the touchscreen overheating issue of the original Ally.
The AMD Z1 Extreme SoC remains the leading chip for PC handhelds.
An Editors' Choice winner in the Windows gaming handheld category.
Defaults to a gamepad-optimized 'Xbox' mode for streamlined access to launchers and games.
At 715g, it is only marginally heavier than the Steam Deck OLED and lighter than the Claw 8 AI+.
The cooling system operates significantly quieter than MSI's in default Performance mode when on battery power.
The screen delivers a smooth and sharp visual presentation in nearly all scenarios.
Features a panel with a robust max brightness of 500 nits.

CONS

The underlying Windows OS can lead to frustration when navigating the desktop environment.
Not a compelling upgrade for users who already own a Z1-based system.
Lacks significant efficiency improvements in its core processing.
The display offers no notable improvements over the original model.
Features a relatively smaller 7-inch screen compared to some rivals.
Utilizes a non-OLED panel, impacting contrast and black levels.
Darker games may suffer visually without manually increasing the screen’s brightness.
The added height from the stick-out grips may reduce available space in carrying bags.

Community Feedback

The Asus ROG Ally X has garnered overwhelmingly positive sentiment from its user base, with many reporting that the device has fundamentally transformed their gaming habits. Users frequently express that the ability to play high-fidelity PC games whenever and wherever they desire has reignited their passion for gaming, making it one of their most cherished investments. The consensus points to the Ally X being well worth its price, with particular praise for its commendable performance at lower wattages and its significantly improved ergonomics. Long-term users highlight the device's reliability and the sheer joy of portable PC gaming, solidifying its reputation as a beloved piece of tech within the community.

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Conclusion

The Asus ROG Ally X stands as a definitive statement in the handheld gaming PC arena, meticulously refining the formula established by its predecessor. Its comprehensive suite of upgrades—from the doubled battery life and enhanced memory to the ergonomic redesign and superior cooling—collectively deliver a premium, uncompromising portable gaming experience. While the persistent presence of Windows as the underlying OS can occasionally introduce friction, Asus's dedicated 'Xbox' mode largely mitigates these concerns, offering a streamlined, game-centric interface. For those seeking the absolute best Windows-based handheld, the Ally X is not merely an option; it is the benchmark, earning its Editors' Choice distinction with conviction.

Buy it if:

You are seeking the most powerful and refined Windows-based handheld gaming PC on the market, prioritizing battery life, storage, and comfort. It's an ideal choice for new entrants to the handheld PC space or those upgrading from older, less capable systems.

Don't buy it if:

You already own the original ROG Ally or another Z1-based system and are not significantly bothered by its battery life or storage limitations. The core performance remains similar, and the display is unchanged, making it a less essential upgrade for existing owners.

Alternatives to consider

Steam Deck

The Steam Deck remains the undisputed champion for non-Windows handheld gaming, offering an incredibly user-friendly SteamOS experience that is exceptionally easy to pick up and play. However, it fundamentally locks you into the Steam ecosystem unless you undertake the significant effort of replacing its operating system with Windows.

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go distinguishes itself with a significantly larger screen, offering an 8-inch or 8.8-inch diagonal display depending on the variant. While this provides a more expansive visual experience, the Asus ROG Ally X is generally preferred for its overall balance and refined user experience.

MSI Claw

The MSI Claw, particularly the Claw 8 AI+, offers an extra inch of diagonal screen estate compared to the Ally X. However, it is notably heavier and its cooling system tends to be considerably noisier in default Performance mode, making the ROG Ally X the preferred choice for a quieter and lighter experience.

Gaming Laptop (sub-$1,000)

For a comparable price, a sub-$1,000 gaming laptop can often deliver greater raw processing and graphical power. However, this comes at the significant cost of portability, sacrificing the unique handheld form factor that makes the ROG Ally X such a compelling device for gaming on the go.

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