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ASUS ROG Ally: The Definitive Guide to the Gaming Handheld

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld showcasing its ergonomic design and vibrant display.

When the ASUS ROG Ally launched in mid-2023, it represented a landmark moment for the burgeoning handheld PC gaming market. Arriving as a direct, high-performance challenger to the Steam Deck, it immediately established a new premium tier. With its top-end model initially priced at $699, it was indeed more expensive than the flagship Xbox Series X console, signaling a bold strategy aimed squarely at enthusiasts demanding uncompromising portable power.

The initial speculation surrounding the device has long since settled, and the ROG Ally has cemented its place in the hardware landscape. Now, with the announcement of an upgraded successor, the ROG Ally X, it's clear this powerful handheld is more than a fleeting competitor; it's a platform with a future.

The Original ROG Ally: A Premium Portable Powerhouse

ASUS, in partnership with AMD, engineered the ROG Ally to deliver a robust Windows gaming experience on the go. It launched with two distinct models, centered around AMD's new Ryzen Z1 series processors:

  • Ryzen Z1 Extreme Model: The flagship version, launched on June 13, 2023, for $699. This model boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, with RDNA 3 graphics, making it capable of running modern AAA titles at impressive settings.
  • Ryzen Z1 Model: A more affordable version released later for $599, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with scaled-back graphics performance.

The decision to price the flagship Ally above the Xbox Series X ($499 MSRP at the time) was a clear indicator of its positioning. This wasn't just a portable console; it was a miniaturized Windows 11 gaming PC. The premium cost was justified by its high-end components, most notably its brilliant 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support—a significant technical advantage over the Steam Deck's original 800p, 60Hz screen.

The Windows Advantage and Its Trade-Offs

The ROG Ally's defining feature is its native Windows 11 operating system. This grants it unparalleled versatility and game compatibility right out of the box. Unlike the Linux-based SteamOS on the Steam Deck, the Ally can run any game or launcher that works on a standard Windows PC without compatibility layers or workarounds.

This makes it the ultimate device for services like PC Game Pass, giving players access to Microsoft's extensive library natively. It also seamlessly supports other major storefronts like the Epic Games Store, GOG, and Battle.net.

However, this flexibility came with drawbacks. While ASUS’s Armoury Crate software helps streamline the experience, navigating the full Windows desktop on a 7-inch touchscreen can be cumbersome. Early software updates were also crucial for improving performance and stability, a common hurdle for first-generation devices breaking new ground.

Market Impact and The Evolved Successor: ROG Ally X

The ROG Ally was met with critical praise for its raw performance, stunning display, and comfortable ergonomics. It successfully carved out a niche for gamers who prioritized power and were willing to trade the streamlined simplicity of SteamOS for the vast compatibility of Windows. However, a consistent point of feedback was its battery life, which could be a significant limitation during demanding gameplay sessions.

ASUS listened. In mid-2024, the company announced the ROG Ally X, a refined and significantly upgraded version based directly on user feedback. Set to release on July 22, 2024, for $799, the Ally X is not a full sequel but a premium overhaul addressing the original's key weaknesses:

  • Massive Battery Boost: The battery capacity has been doubled from 40Wh to a huge 80Wh, promising much longer play sessions.
  • More & Faster RAM: Memory is increased from 16GB to 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, allowing more memory to be allocated to the system and GPU for better performance in demanding titles.
  • Upgraded Storage: The base storage is doubled to a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, making it easier for users to upgrade.
  • Refined Ergonomics: The chassis has been redesigned with deeper grips, tweaked button placements, and more robust joysticks for improved comfort and durability.
  • Improved Cooling: A new, more efficient thermal system allows the device to sustain high performance for longer periods.

The ROG Ally X retains the same powerful Z1 Extreme chip and class-leading 120Hz VRR display, but packages it in a more robust, user-friendly, and longer-lasting black chassis. It stands as a testament to the success of the original and ASUS's commitment to the premium handheld space.

The Future of Portable PC Gaming

The journey of the ASUS ROG Ally illustrates the rapid maturation of the handheld PC market. What began as a high-priced, enthusiast-grade device has evolved into an established platform. It proved there is a significant demand for a premium portable experience that offers the full breadth of the PC gaming ecosystem, especially for players deeply invested in services like Xbox Game Pass. With the original models offering excellent value and the new Ally X pushing the boundaries of endurance and refinement, the ASUS ROG Ally remains a top-tier choice for gaming anywhere, anytime.