Gaming & Consoles
Asus ROG Ally X Review: A Genuinely Better Handheld, at a Genuinely Higher Price
- Brand:
- Asus
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-09
The verdict
The ROG Ally X fixes almost everything reviewers criticized about the original Ally — battery life and storage especially — but Windows 11's rough edges as handheld software and a genuinely high price mean it's a harder recommendation than the Steam Deck for most buyers, and a better one only for people who specifically need full Windows game compatibility.
Pros
- Roughly double the battery capacity of the original ROG Ally, fixing the first model's biggest complaint
- 1TB of SSD storage as standard, avoiding the constant install/uninstall juggling smaller handhelds require
- Sharp 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display with strong brightness for a handheld this size
- Full Windows 11 access means the entire PC game library and launchers, not just Steam, work natively
Cons
- At $799.99, it costs more than a PS5 or Xbox Series X and edges into budget gaming laptop pricing
- Windows 11 is still an awkward fit for a handheld — background processes, update prompts, and a desktop-first UI intrude on the experience
- Heavier than the Steam Deck and rival handhelds, which matters over long handheld sessions
This review is based on Asus's published ROG Ally X specifications and the consistent findings across independent handheld PC reviews and owner feedback since its 2024 launch, weighed against both the original ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck.
What Asus actually fixed from the original Ally
The two biggest original-Ally complaints — weak battery life and a cramped drive that often shipped with much less usable space than advertised — are directly addressed here, with a much larger battery and a full 1TB SSD. The 7-inch 1080p 120Hz screen is also a genuine step up in sharpness and color over most rival handhelds, and the improved grips and ergonomics show Asus listened to the first round of reviews.
Windows 11 is still the weak link
The recurring criticism across reviews is Windows 11 itself. It brings real advantages — every PC launcher, every anti-cheat system, the full breadth of the PC game library — but it also brings Windows problems: background updates interrupting play, a desktop interface that doesn't fully adapt to a handheld screen and controller, and general overhead the more purpose-built SteamOS doesn't have. Asus's own software layer smooths some of this over, but doesn't eliminate it.
Who it's for
Best for PC gamers who specifically need launchers or anti-cheat games the Steam Deck can't run well, and who are willing to pay a premium for that compatibility along with genuinely improved battery life and storage. If your library is mostly Steam games, the Steam Deck remains the simpler, cheaper choice.
Frequently asked
- How much better is the battery life on the ROG Ally X vs the original?
- Asus roughly doubled battery capacity compared with the original ROG Ally, addressing what reviewers consistently flagged as the first model's biggest weakness, though actual runtime still varies heavily with game and settings.
- Can the ROG Ally X play every PC game?
- It runs the full Windows PC library in principle, including launchers and anti-cheat systems the Linux-based Steam Deck can't support, though performance varies by game given its handheld-class hardware.
- Is the ROG Ally X better than the Steam Deck?
- It has stronger raw specs, a sharper screen, and broader native game compatibility through Windows, but it costs substantially more and inherits Windows 11's rougher handheld experience. The Steam Deck remains the better value pick for primarily Steam libraries.
- Is the Asus ROG Ally X worth buying?
- Worth it for PC gamers who need full Windows compatibility and are willing to pay close to $800 for it. Casual buyers or primarily-Steam players will get better value from the cheaper Steam Deck.
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