Let’s get this straight: handheld gaming PCs are no longer experimental. With the new ROG Ally X, ASUS is doubling down—not just on power, but on comfort, battery, and Xbox-native flair. I’ve seen a lot of handhelds. This one doesn’t try to imitate consoles—it dares to outclass them.
Whether you’re hunting frame rates or remote-playing Starfield on a hotel bed, this thing screams pro gamer on the go.
Specifications
•Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core / 16-thread, up to 5.1 GHz, Zen 4 architecture)
•Graphics: AMD RDNA 3 with 12 Compute Units
•AI Accelerator: XDNA NPU for onboard AI tasks
•RAM: 24 GB LPDDR5X-7500 (non-upgradable, dual-channel)
•Storage: 1 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (user-upgradable)
•Display: 7” IPS LCD, 1920×1080, 120 Hz, 500 nits, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus
•Battery: 80 Wh lithium-polymer (internal, non-swappable)
•OS: Windows 11 Home with Xbox UI enhancements
•Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 1× USB4 Type‑C, 1× USB‑C 3.2 Gen2, 1× 3.5 mm jack, microSD
•Weight: 678 g
•Dimensions: 280 × 111 × 36.9 mm
•Cooling: Dual-fan system with larger heatsinks, improved airflow
•Audio: Dual front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, dual array mic
•Input: Xbox-style layout, Hall Effect joysticks, impulse triggers, remappable buttons
Performance That Cuts Through AAA Titles Like Butter
The Z1 Extreme chip is no joke. It chews through games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Alan Wake II at 1080p with surprising grace—especially when you use RSR (Radeon Super Resolution). That’s not emulation. That’s native performance.
And with 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, multitasking on Windows feels instant—even with Chrome, Steam, Discord, and Game Pass open at once. This thing is closer to an ultrabook than a portable console.
AI, the Hidden Hero
That built-in XDNA NPU? It’s already handling noise cancellation and camera upscaling for streamers. ASUS says more AI integration is coming—faster upscaling, battery optimization, and real-time latency correction for cloud gaming. You’re not just future-proof. You’re future-ready.
Design & Comfort: “Xbox, But on Steroids”
•Grips: The Xbox-edition Ally X adds sculpted rubberized grips, making it far more ergonomic than its predecessor. The curve fits naturally in hand—even during 2‑hour sessions.
•Buttons: Hall Effect sticks eliminate drift, and the impulse triggers mimic the best of Xbox Series controllers.
•Fans: You’ll notice improved acoustics. The fans spin quieter, and thermals remain below 42°C on the surface even under load.
•Weight: At 678 g it’s heavier than Steam Deck OLED (640 g), but spread well across the wider body. It feels more like a controller with a screen, not a slab of tech.
You won’t miss your Xbox. But your Xbox might miss you.
The Real-World Experience
Playing Forza Horizon 5 at 60 fps, cloud-streaming Starfield, docked into a TV with USB‑C—it’s seamless. The updated Armoury Crate SE software is snappier, easier to map profiles, and lets you switch power modes instantly.
Battery life is the biggest leap: up to 3 hours of AAA gaming or 7–8 hours of indie/streaming at 60 Hz. For a Windows handheld, that’s insane. The new 80 Wh pack is a game-changer.
Charging via USB‑C PD 100W means you can use your MacBook or Steam Deck charger. Or better—charge it with a power bank while gaming. Yep, that works.
Price & Availability
•UAE Price: ~AED 3,799–4,199
•Global Price: USD 799–899 (depends on region)
•Availability: July 2025 (global), August (MENA rollout)
•Blackphone.ae – AED 3899
•Kherajani Computers – AED 3399 (preorder price)
USD 799–899
How It Stacks Up
•ROG Ally X (Original): The same chip, yes. But Xbox Ally X fixes every complaint—bad battery, slippery body, stick drift. And it throws in better cooling and a more comfortable grip.
• Steam Deck OLED: More affordable, better OLED panel, and optimized SteamOS. But less raw power, half the RAM, and fewer titles (no native Game Pass).
•AYANEO Kun: Beats Ally X in screen size (8.4”), but costs 40% more and weighs over 900 g. Ally X is the more balanced choice.
Verdict? The Ally X is the best Windows handheld you can actually hold for hours.
What Others Say
“This is the most comfortable Windows gaming handheld to date.” — The Verge
“Finally, ASUS delivers a handheld PC that doesn’t feel like a laptop chopped in half.” — Digital Trend
Cons
•No OLED screen upgrade
• Still runs Windows (with all its quirks)
• Not pocketable
•Expensive vs Steam Deck
• No 5G/LTE version
FAQ
• Does ROG Ally X support native Xbox Game Pass?
Yes—via Windows and Xbox app with full controller support.
• Can I upgrade the SSD myself?
Yes, the M.2 2280 slot is user-replaceable. No RAM upgrades though.
• Does it support external GPUs?
No XG Mobile port this time. But eGPU via USB4 works (with limitations).
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.7/5
The ROG Ally X (Xbox Edition) fixes almost everything fans asked for: longer battery life, better comfort, improved thermals, and a true “console-in-your-bag” vibe. It’s not perfect (OLED panel where?), but as a Windows gaming handheld—it’s currently unmatched. A premium pick for serious gamers, tinkerers, and Xbox fans.
