ASUS ROG Ally X

Matthew Buzzi from PCMag praises the ASUS ROG Ally X as a refined and compelling Windows-based handheld gaming device that improves on its predecessor with a redesigned chassis, enhanced ergonomics, and significantly longer battery life. While the device is heavier and larger, these changes accommodate a much bigger 80WHr battery, doubling runtime compared to the original Ally. The review highlights meaningful upgrades such as faster, increased RAM (24GB), a larger 1TB SSD, and improved control sticks and buttons for better precision and comfort. Although the Ally X does not feature a new processor and shows mixed gaming performance—excelling in some titles but trailing in others—it remains a strong choice for portable PC gaming, especially when compared to competitors like the MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go. The reviewer appreciates Asus’ Armoury Crate software for easing Windows handheld usability. Overall, the Ally X is recommended as the best Windows handheld on the market, though not a must-have upgrade for original Ally owners.

Lori Grunin from CNET highlights the ASUS ROG Ally X as a versatile Windows-based portable gaming system that stands out for its ability to run a wide range of PC games across multiple storefronts, unlike more limited handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. While the device offers thoughtful design improvements such as larger grips and Hall Effect joysticks, it still carries the frustrations of a Windows environment, including inconsistent app behavior, awkward UI quirks, and setup hassles. Performance varies widely depending on game demands, excelling in lighter titles but struggling with more GPU-intensive ones, and battery life is modest at around three hours. The review balances appreciation for the Ally X’s flexibility and game compatibility with candid critiques of its compromises, especially given its $1,000 price. Ultimately, Grunin suggests the Ally X is best suited for gamers with diverse libraries who value portability and broad compatibility, but cautions that it may not satisfy those seeking a more polished or powerful handheld experience.

Sean Hollister from The Verge highlights the Asus ROG Ally X as the best Windows gaming handheld to date, praising its powerful AMD Ryzen chip paired with a variable refresh rate screen and an unprecedented 80Wh battery pack. He emphasizes the device’s smooth gameplay, comfortable ergonomics, and quiet fan, noting it outperforms competitors like the Steam Deck OLED in demanding games such as Alan Wake II. However, Hollister tempers his enthusiasm with critiques of the $800 price tag, sleep and wake reliability issues rooted in Windows, and Asus’s questionable customer support. While the Ally X excels in raw performance and battery life, Windows still hampers the handheld gaming experience compared to SteamOS. Despite these drawbacks, Hollister recommends the Ally X for gamers who prioritize cutting-edge power and Windows compatibility, hoping Asus will improve software stability and consider a SteamOS version in the future.

Dave James from PC Gamer highlights the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X as a powerful and impressively quiet handheld gaming PC that excels in comfort and performance, thanks largely to its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and ergonomic controller-like design. He praises its smooth gaming experience at moderate power settings and the improved Xbox full-screen interface, which, while not as seamless as SteamOS, offers a more user-friendly Windows alternative. However, James expresses clear reservations about the device’s steep price, which positions it well above competitors like the Steam Deck and Legion Go, making it a tough recommendation for budget-conscious buyers. He also critiques the display for lacking vibrancy and the new Windows overlay for not delivering a fully unified platform experience. Ultimately, while the Ally X is arguably the best handheld gaming PC he’s used, its high cost and identity confusion—being branded as an Xbox but functioning essentially as a PC—temper his enthusiasm and raise questions about its market positioning.

Eric Ravenscraft from WIRED highlights the ASUS ROG Ally X as a significant improvement over its predecessor, particularly praising its doubled battery capacity, increased RAM, and upgraded storage, which together enhance gaming endurance and performance. He notes subtle but meaningful design tweaks that improve comfort and control responsiveness. However, Ravenscraft remains critical of the fundamental challenge posed by running Windows on a handheld device, emphasizing persistent UI frustrations and awkward navigation that detract from the overall experience. Despite these interface issues, he acknowledges Asus’s efforts to mitigate them through software like Armoury Crate SE and improvements in app compatibility. The review strikes a balanced tone, recognizing the Ally X’s appeal to tech-savvy users willing to tolerate Windows quirks for broader game compatibility and a high-refresh-rate display. Ultimately, Ravenscraft suggests the Ally X is a solid choice for enthusiasts but cautions casual users or parents seeking a hassle-free handheld to consider alternatives.

Jacqueline Thomas from IGN highlights the Asus ROG Ally X as the current pinnacle of Windows 11-based handheld gaming PCs, praising its significant improvements over the original Ally. The review enthusiastically notes the enhanced cooling system that keeps the device cool during extended play, the doubled battery life delivering impressive endurance, and the expanded, faster 24GB LPDDR5 RAM that boosts gaming performance by up to 14% in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The design refinements, including more comfortable buttons and an additional USB-C port, further elevate the user experience. However, Thomas candidly addresses the persistent challenges of navigating Windows 11 on a touchscreen with a gamepad, describing it as the main pain point despite Asus’s helpful software overlays. While not a must-upgrade for existing Z1 chip owners, the Ally X stands out as the best handheld PC for gamers seeking high settings and portability, tempered by the caveat that Microsoft’s OS still needs to better accommodate this form factor.

Jason England from Tom’s Guide praises the ASUS ROG Ally X as the best PC gaming handheld currently available, highlighting its impressive performance powered by the Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme chip, excellent ergonomics inspired by the Xbox controller, and a streamlined Windows 11 Xbox UI that enhances usability and battery efficiency. He emphasizes the device’s comfort for extended play sessions and the clever software optimization that boosts performance by minimizing background resource use. However, England expresses reservations about the high $999 price tag, suggesting it’s best suited for hardcore gamers with extensive PC libraries. He also critiques the choice of an LCD screen over OLED, which he feels would have better showcased the device’s graphical capabilities. Additionally, the “Xbox Play Anywhere” program’s limited game support may confuse Xbox console owners expecting full compatibility. Overall, while acknowledging these drawbacks, England’s tone remains appreciative and measured, recommending the Ally X primarily to serious gamers who value raw power and portability.

Tom Orry from Eurogamer.net highlights the ASUS ROG Ally X as a powerful and versatile handheld PC that blurs the line between an Xbox console and a PC gaming device. While the device impresses with its strong performance, especially compared to the Steam Deck, and offers broad compatibility across multiple PC game stores, it falls short of delivering a seamless Xbox console experience. Orry points out the fragmented Xbox Play Anywhere support and occasional Windows-like interruptions that disrupt the console-like feel. The ROG Ally X’s Xbox fullscreen mode and handheld compatibility badge help streamline gameplay, but many Xbox-published titles still require tweaking. The device’s design, battery life, and 120Hz VRR screen are praised, though the lack of an OLED display and bundled accessories feels like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Orry appreciates the ROG Ally X’s versatility and power, recommending it as a compelling option for PC gamers willing to accept its hybrid nature and premium price.

Phil Hayton from GamesRadar+ praises the ASUS ROG Ally X for delivering a near-console gaming experience with impressive next-gen performance, thanks largely to its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset and 24GB RAM. He highlights the device’s standout comfort, especially the ergonomic Xbox-style grips, and applauds the quiet fan noise and well-optimized Windows 11 interface that streamlines access to multiple game storefronts. Benchmark tests reveal strong frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, showcasing the handheld’s capability to approach 1080p 60fps gaming. However, Hayton expresses clear reservations about the steep $999 price tag, noting that the hardware improvements feel incremental rather than revolutionary compared to the original ROG Ally X. He also points out the limited battery life of around 2.5 hours under heavy use and the lack of premium features like an OLED screen. Ultimately, while the ROG Ally X impresses as a premium, high-performance handheld, its cost and modest upgrades temper enthusiasm for a broader audience.