The handheld gaming landscape just got a serious upgrade. ASUS’s ROG Ally X isn’t just a refresh—it’s a meticulously engineered evolution of its predecessor. With critical improvements and enthusiast-level specs, it pushes portable performance to a new high. Priced at $799.99, this premium Windows handheld targets gamers who refuse to compromise.
🔍 What’s New? Key Specs That Matter
Display:
7" FHD (1920x1080) IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC anti-reflection coating, 100% sRGB, FreeSync Premium.
Processor:
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4, 4nm), 8-core/16-thread, up to 5.10GHz boost.
Graphics:
AMD Radeon RDNA 3 (12 CUs), 8.6 Teraflops, supports FSR, RSR, and Fluid Motion Frames.
Memory & Storage:
24GB LPDDR5X-7500 dual-channel RAM.
1TB or 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (M.2 2280) — fully upgradeable. UHS-II microSD supported.
Battery & Charging:
Massive 80Wh battery, 65W USB-C PD charging.
3+ hours of AAA gaming, 14.5 hours video playback.
Cooling System:
Dual fans w/ fluid dynamic bearings, 0.1mm ultra-thin fins, third exhaust, anti-gravity heat pipes.
Controls & Build:
Hall Effect triggers, redesigned ergonomic grips, 2x joystick durability, HD haptics, 6-axis gyro.
Connectivity & Ports:
USB4 (Thunderbolt 4), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3.5mm jack, UHS-II microSD slot.
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2.
Audio:
Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res certified, AI noise canceling, smart amp dual speakers.
Software & Extras:
Windows 11 Home, Armoury Crate SE, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months), fingerprint sensor, RGB lighting.
Weight & Dimensions:
1.49 lbs (678g), 11.02” x 4.37” x 0.97–1.45”.
Deep Dive: Where the ROG Ally X Truly Shines
📺 1. Display: Brighter, Smoother, Tougher
Retains the gorgeous 120Hz 1080p panel, now enhanced with DXC coating to cut reflections by 40%. Combined with FreeSync Premium, the experience is smoother and more immersive—whether you’re playing Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077.
⚙️ 2. Performance Tweaks That Matter
The Z1 Extreme chip stays—but three big upgrades change the game:
24GB LPDDR5X RAM boosts stability in texture-heavy games like Starfield.
Standard 2280 M.2 SSD slot allows for easier upgrades, even up to 4TB.
Optimized power modes (Silent: 15W, Performance: 17W) push frames without throttling.
Real-World FPS:
Forza Horizon 5: ~50 FPS (Medium + FSR)
Elden Ring: ~60 FPS (720p + RSR)
Cyberpunk 2077: 40–90 FPS depending on settings
🔋 3. Battery Life: Finally Portable
The new 80Wh battery addresses the biggest flaw of the original Ally:
3+ hours of Cyberpunk 2077
14.5 hours Netflix streaming
Charge while docking or using AR glasses, thanks to dual USB-C port
🌬️ 4. Cooling: Smarter and Cooler
ASUS redesigned the thermal system from the ground up:
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Anti-gravity heat pipes work in any orientation
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Third exhaust reduces screen temps by 6°C
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Dust filters preserve fan lifespan
Result? Turbo mode (30W) with no thermal throttling—a first in handhelds.
🕹️ 5. Ergonomics & Controls: Built to Be Held
4.5mm taller grips for comfort over long sessions
Hall Effect triggers + tactile buttons for responsive play
Recessed macro buttons to prevent accidental presses
⚖️ Should You Spend $799?
✅ What’s Great
Best-in-class Windows handheld performance
Finally delivers solid battery life
Future-proofed with 24GB RAM + SSD upgrades
Open-standard USB4 = eGPU ready
⚠️ Consider This
Windows 11 is still clunky on handhelds (though Armoury Crate SE helps)
No OLED display (Steam Deck OLED wins on screen quality)
Slightly heavier than original Ally (1.49 lbs vs. 1.34 lbs)
🏁 Final Verdict
The ROG Ally X isn’t a revolution—it’s a refined masterpiece. ASUS directly addressed nearly every pain point from the original: battery life, ergonomics, upgradeability, and heat. If you’re after a handheld PC that balances power, flexibility, and longevity—and can live with Windows quirks—this is the machine to beat.
OLED fans and Steam-centric gamers might prefer the Deck OLED.
But for everyone else? The Ally X reigns supreme.
🛒 Where to Buy
Available now at the ASUS eStore for $799.99.
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Tags:
Gaming handheld