ASUS ROG Ally X Review: 8.8/10 - The Handheld Gaming PC That Finally Gets It Right
Overview
The ASUS ROG Ally X is the handheld gaming PC the original should have been. With an 80 Wh battery, 24 GB RAM, and AMD’s Z2 Extreme chip, it fixes every complaint while keeping the same comfortable form factor.
Design & Build
The black finish hides fingerprints better than the original white. Deeper grips make long sessions comfortable. The 7-inch 1080p display runs at 120Hz with FreeSync and hits 500 nits. Speakers are loud with solid virtual surround.
Performance
Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 45-55 fps (1080p, FSR Quality) - about 30% faster than Steam Deck OLED. The 80 Wh battery delivers 2.5-3 hours of real gaming, up from the original’s 45 minutes. That alone transforms the device.
Features
Windows 11 with Armoury Crate SE provides a console-like launcher. USB4 and eGPU support allow desktop gaming when docked. VRR eliminates tearing even at lower frame rates.
Pros
- 80 Wh battery is a game-changer
- Solid performance gains over Steam Deck
- VRR display at this price is rare
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Windows 11 handheld UX still rough
- $799 is steep
- No OLED panel
- Fan noise noticeable under load
Verdict
The ROG Ally X fixes almost everything wrong with the original. The battery alone transforms it from a curiosity into a daily driver for PC gaming on the go.
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Technical Specifications
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