Introduction:
In 2025, the Asus ROG Ally X has emerged as a strong contender in the rapidly growing handheld gaming market. With its Windows-based system, cutting-edge hardware, and premium design, the ROG Ally X bridges the gap between gaming laptops and portable consoles, offering high-end performance in a compact form factor.
Design & Build Quality:
The ROG Ally X sports a sleek, futuristic design with an aluminum chassis that feels premium and sturdy. The device’s 7-inch 120Hz Full HD touchscreen is bright, responsive, and color-accurate, making games look crisp and fluid. The display supports adaptive sync, reducing screen tearing and providing smooth gameplay in fast-paced titles.
The ergonomics have been improved from earlier models, with better grip textures, customizable rear paddles, and a refined D-pad. RGB lighting on the sides adds a signature gamer aesthetic.
Hardware & Performance:
The Ally X is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, featuring Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 GPU architecture. This hardware combo enables the Ally X to run most modern AAA games at 1080p with medium-to-high settings, achieving 60fps or higher in many cases.
Whether it’s Forza Motorsport 2025, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, or Baldur’s Gate 3, the Ally X handles demanding games admirably. It also supports variable performance profiles (silent, balanced, turbo) to manage power usage and thermals based on your needs.
Operating System & Software:
Unlike the Steam Deck’s Linux-based system, the ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, giving players access to the full range of PC games and software, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and even mods. Asus’s Armoury Crate SE software makes it easy to tweak performance settings, adjust lighting effects, and remap buttons.
This flexibility is a double-edged sword: while it allows for complete control, the Windows experience can sometimes feel less optimized for handheld use compared to a console-like interface.
Battery Life & Charging:
The Ally X’s 80Wh battery offers decent battery life for a handheld, lasting 5–7 hours on lighter games and 2–4 hours for demanding AAA titles. While this is shorter than traditional consoles, the fast-charging support (up to 65W via USB-C) helps mitigate downtime.
Connectivity & Expansion:
The ROG Ally X comes with a wide array of ports:
- USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery
- MicroSD slot for storage expansion
- Headphone jack
- ROG XG Mobile eGPU port for connecting an external GPU (sold separately) for desktop-class gaming power
This makes the Ally X not just a handheld console but a true portable PC gaming hub.
Pros:
✅ Stunning 120Hz display for smooth gaming
✅ Windows 11 support for full PC gaming flexibility
✅ Strong performance with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
✅ Expandable storage and external GPU support
✅ Solid build quality and customizable controls
Cons:
❌ Shorter battery life for AAA gaming
❌ Windows OS can feel clunky in handheld mode
❌ Higher price point compared to Steam Deck or Switch
❌ Bulky compared to dedicated consoles
Final Verdict:
The Asus ROG Ally X is a premium handheld designed for serious gamers who want PC-level performance on the go. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, nor the most portable, but for those who crave cutting-edge visuals, access to all PC games, and hardware flexibility, the Ally X is a worthy investment in 2025.
