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ROG Ally X: Specs, Price, and Is It the Best Handheld PC?

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

Close-up of the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC.

ASUS has officially launched the ROG Ally X, a premium, refined version of its popular handheld gaming PC. Announced at Computex 2024 and released in July, this isn't a true next-gen sequel but a significant overhaul based on user feedback from the original 2023 model. With a substantial boost to battery life, memory, storage, and a redesigned chassis, the Ally X targets enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for the ultimate Windows handheld experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about this upgraded powerhouse.

The Upgrades That Matter: A Refined Experience

While the ROG Ally X retains the same powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and the vibrant 7-inch 120Hz VRR display as its predecessor, ASUS has focused on upgrading nearly every other aspect of the device to address the original's shortcomings.

The 80Wh Battery: Double the Power, Double the Playtime

The headline feature is the new 80-watt-hour battery, a 100% increase over the original Ally's 40Wh cell. This was the single biggest complaint from users of the first model, and the upgrade delivers a transformative improvement in longevity. Gamers can now expect significantly longer play sessions away from a power outlet, pushing the Ally X much closer to the endurance of competitors like the Steam Deck OLED.

Enhanced Memory and Storage

The Ally X comes standard with 1TB of speedy M.2 2280 NVMe storage, doubling the 512GB of the original. More importantly, the system memory has been upgraded from 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 RAM to a massive 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-7500 RAM. This not only provides more headroom for demanding modern games that are increasingly memory-hungry but also allows for more VRAM to be allocated to the integrated GPU for better performance at higher settings.

A Smarter, More Comfortable Design

Now available in a sleek black finish, the chassis of the ROG Ally X has been completely redesigned for better ergonomics and thermal performance. The grips are deeper and more rounded, offering a more comfortable hold during long gaming sessions.

Internally, ASUS has engineered a new thermal solution with smaller, more efficient fans that increase airflow by 24% without increasing noise. Critically, the SD card reader has been moved away from the main heat vents, addressing a widely reported issue of overheating that plagued the original model.

Improved Controls and Connectivity

The joysticks have been upgraded to a more durable module with a 5-million-cycle rating, and the D-pad has been refined for more precise inputs, especially for fighting games and retro titles. Connectivity also sees a major boost with the inclusion of a second USB-C port. One of these ports is Thunderbolt 4 compatible, allowing for high-speed data transfer and seamless docking with external GPUs and peripherals, while the other is a standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.

Pricing and Market Position

The ASUS ROG Ally X launched with a premium price tag of $799 in the United States and £799 in the United Kingdom. This positions it as a high-end option in the handheld gaming market, priced significantly above the Steam Deck OLED and the original ROG Ally, which frequently sees discounts to the $599-$699 range.

The price reflects the substantial hardware upgrades. For that $100-$200 premium over the original, users get double the battery, 50% more and faster RAM, double the storage, and a host of crucial ergonomic and quality-of-life fixes.

The Evolving Handheld PC Landscape

The ROG Ally X enters a fiercely competitive market. Its primary rival remains Valve's Steam Deck, which, particularly in its OLED form, offers a more polished and streamlined console-like experience via SteamOS. While the Ally X boasts significantly more raw processing power thanks to its Z1 Extreme chip, the Steam Deck's software integration is a major draw for many users.

The Ally X's strength lies in its identity as a full-fledged Windows 11 PC. This offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to play games from any PC launcher—including Steam, the Epic Games Store, GOG, and PC Game Pass—without workarounds. This open ecosystem is a key differentiator for gamers who don't want to be locked into a single storefront.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X?

The ROG Ally X is not a mandatory upgrade for existing Ally owners unless battery life is their absolute top priority. The core gaming performance, driven by the same Z1 Extreme APU, remains identical.

However, for new buyers in the market for a high-performance Windows handheld, the ROG Ally X is arguably the best device available today. It takes the powerful foundation of the original and systematically fixes its most significant flaws. The doubled battery life, increased RAM, larger storage, and thoughtful ergonomic improvements create a far more complete and user-friendly package. It’s a premium device with a premium price, but for those who want uncompromising power and the flexibility of Windows on the go, the ROG Ally X is the new benchmark.