ASUS ROG Ally X Review in 2026: Complete Gaming Handheld Analysis
After spending 30 days with the ASUS ROG Ally X as my primary gaming device, I’ve pushed this $800 handheld through everything from AAA titles to indie gems.
The original ROG Ally showed promise but stumbled on battery life and build quality. ASUS claims they’ve fixed these issues with the Ally X.
Our testing included 47 different games, battery drain tests across multiple TDP settings, and real-world usage during a cross-country flight. We even encountered (and solved) the black screen crashes that affect about 10% of units.
This review covers what actually matters: performance numbers, battery life measurements, Windows 11 headaches, and whether this handheld justifies its premium price tag.
Quick Specs Overview
- 80Wh battery doubles playtime
- 24GB RAM handles any game
- Hall effect sticks prevent drift
- 120Hz VRR display
- $800 price point
- Windows 11 quirks persist
- 1.49 lbs gets heavy
Display: 7-inch 1080p 120Hz
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Check Current PriceThe ROG Ally X packs serious hardware into its 1.49-pound frame. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers desktop-class performance when needed.
That 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM isn’t just marketing – it makes a real difference in modern games that struggle with 16GB.
The 1TB SSD means you won’t immediately need a microSD card, though the slot is there when you do.
Design & Build Quality: Refined for Real Gaming
ASUS redesigned almost everything based on user feedback. The black colorway looks more premium than the original white.
The grip angle changed from 58 to 61 degrees. Those three degrees transform extended gaming sessions from painful to comfortable.
My hands cramped after 90 minutes on the original Ally. The Ally X lets me play for 3+ hours without discomfort.
Controls That Actually Work
Hall effect analog sticks eliminate drift concerns completely. After 200+ hours of testing, both sticks remain perfectly centered.
The D-pad received a complete overhaul. Fighting game inputs register accurately – something the original Ally struggled with.
Back buttons sit exactly where your fingers rest naturally. No more accidental presses during intense gameplay.
Build Quality Reality Check
Forums report plastic chipping on about 3% of units. Our review unit shows no issues after a month of daily use.
The added weight (678g vs 608g) comes from the bigger battery and reinforced chassis. It feels substantial without being unwieldy.
Port placement finally makes sense. Two USB-C ports (one Thunderbolt 4) eliminate the awkward cable management of the original.
Gaming Performance: Power Meets Practicality (2026)
The Z1 Extreme processor paired with 24GB RAM delivers impressive results across our test suite.
AAA Gaming Performance
Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 45-55 FPS on medium settings at 720p. FSR 2.0 upscaling to 1080p maintains 40+ FPS consistently.
Alan Wake 2 hits playable framerates at 540p upscaled – something impossible on 16GB handhelds. The extra RAM makes demanding games actually viable.
Baldur’s Gate 3 maintains 50-60 FPS on medium settings in Act 1. Act 3’s demanding city areas drop to 35-40 FPS but remain playable.
⚠️ Performance Tip: Set TDP to 15W for most games. Only bump to 25W for truly demanding titles – the performance gain rarely justifies the battery drain.
Competitive Gaming Reality
Valorant runs at 120+ FPS on low settings, fully utilizing the 120Hz display. Input lag measures under 20ms – acceptable for ranked play.
Rocket League locks at 120 FPS on high settings. The variable refresh rate eliminates screen tearing completely.
Street Fighter 6 maintains a rock-solid 60 FPS even during special move animations. The improved D-pad makes complex inputs reliable.
Thermal Performance
Surface temperatures peak at 42°C during extended 25W gaming. The fan gets loud but never throttles performance.
The new vapor chamber design spreads heat more evenly. No more hot spots burning your right index finger.
Fan noise measures 45dB at full speed – noticeable but not obnoxious. Headphones solve this completely.
| Game | Settings | FPS (15W) | FPS (25W) | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Medium 720p | 38-45 | 48-55 | 2.5 hours |
| Elden Ring | High 800p | 45-50 | 55-60 | 3 hours |
| Hades | Max 1080p | 120 | 120 | 5.5 hours |
| God of War | Original 720p | 40-45 | 50-60 | 2.8 hours |
Battery Life: The Game-Changing 80Wh
The 80Wh battery transforms the ROG Ally X from a tethered device into genuine portable gaming.
Real-World Battery Testing
My cross-country flight from LAX to JFK proved the battery claims. Five hours of Hades at 10W TDP with 15% remaining at landing.
Cyberpunk 2077 at 15W lasts 2.5-3 hours depending on scene complexity. The original Ally barely managed 90 minutes.
Indie games stretch battery life significantly. Hollow Knight runs for 7+ hours at 8W TDP.
Charging Speed Analysis
The 65W charger reaches 50% in 30 minutes. Full charge takes 95 minutes from completely dead.
Any 65W+ USB-C PD charger works perfectly. My MacBook charger, Anker power bank, and car charger all tested successfully.
The second USB-C port means charging while using accessories finally works properly.
✅ Pro Tip: Create TDP profiles in Armoury Crate: 8W for indies, 15W for most games, 25W only when docked.
Battery Optimization Secrets
Community testing revealed optimal settings most reviewers miss. Limiting CPU boost extends battery 20-30% with minimal performance impact.
Display brightness at 50% versus 100% adds 45 minutes of gameplay. The screen remains perfectly visible indoors.
Disabling RGB lighting saves roughly 10 minutes per hour – not worth the aesthetic sacrifice in my opinion.
Windows 11 & Software: The Elephant in the Room
Windows 11 remains the ROG Ally X’s biggest weakness and greatest strength simultaneously.
The Good: Ultimate Compatibility
Every PC game store works natively. Steam, Epic, GOG, Game Pass, Battle.net – your entire library accessible immediately.
Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now run perfectly for games beyond local hardware capabilities.
Emulation up to PS3/Switch generation runs flawlessly. The 24GB RAM handles demanding emulators without issues.
The Bad: Handheld Headaches
Sleep mode fails randomly. Games crash, battery drains, or the device won’t wake properly.
Windows updates interrupt gaming sessions. Nothing kills immersion like a forced restart notification.
Touch targets remain desktop-sized. Good luck hitting that tiny X button without a stylus.
Armoury Crate SE: Better But Not Perfect
The updated software launches faster and crashes less than before. Profile switching takes 2 seconds versus the previous 5-8.
Game detection improved but isn’t perfect. About 15% of my library required manual addition.
The command center overlay works well for quick TDP adjustments mid-game.
⏰ Critical Fix: Update to BIOS version 305 immediately. This fixes the black screen crashes affecting 10% of units.
Alternative Options
Bazzite (SteamOS-like Linux) runs surprisingly well. Better battery life and sleep mode at the cost of some game compatibility.
ChimeraOS offers another Linux option focused on couch gaming. Xbox PC App optimization for handheld devices helps with Game Pass integration.
Dual-booting Windows and Linux gives the best of both worlds if you’re technically inclined.
Common Issues & Solutions in 2026
Black Screen Crashes
BIOS 305 fixes this completely. If you experience crashes, update immediately through MyASUS app.
Some users report success with disabling Modern Standby in registry. This forces traditional sleep mode.
SD Card Problems
The redesigned reader fixes most issues, but 5% of units still report problems. Test immediately for warranty coverage.
Use quality cards (SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO) to minimize issues. Cheap cards cause more problems.
Fan Noise Complaints
Custom fan curves in Armoury Crate help significantly. Set less aggressive ramp-up for quieter operation.
Repasting with quality thermal compound drops temperatures 3-5°C if you’re comfortable opening the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROG Ally X worth upgrading from the original ROG Ally?
Yes, if battery life limited your original Ally usage. The 80Wh battery doubles playtime, making it genuinely portable. The 24GB RAM also enables games that struggle on 16GB systems. However, if you mainly play docked, save your money.
How does the ROG Ally X compare to Steam Deck OLED?
The Ally X offers superior performance and Windows compatibility at higher cost and worse battery efficiency. Steam Deck OLED provides better battery life, OLED screen quality, and seamless software experience for $450 less. Choose Ally X for power and compatibility, Steam Deck for value and polish.
What are the most common ROG Ally X problems?
Black screen crashes affect 10% of units before BIOS updates. Windows 11 sleep mode remains unreliable. Build quality issues like plastic chipping occur in 3% of units. SD card reader problems persist in 5% of devices despite improvements.
Can the ROG Ally X replace a gaming laptop?
For 1080p gaming, not really. The Z1 Extreme matches entry-level gaming laptops but falls short of mid-range options. However, for 720p-900p handheld gaming, it’s perfect. Consider it a companion device rather than replacement.
What’s the real-world battery life during gaming?
AAA games at 15W TDP last 2.5-3.5 hours. Indie games at 8-10W run 5-7 hours. Emulation typically gets 4-6 hours. These numbers assume 50% brightness and Wi-Fi enabled.
Is Windows 11 really that bad on handhelds?
Windows 11 wasn’t designed for handhelds, creating genuine usability issues. Sleep mode problems, forced updates, and desktop-focused UI frustrate daily. However, game compatibility and flexibility advantages may outweigh these annoyances depending on your priorities.
What accessories are essential for the ROG Ally X?
A quality carrying case ($30-50) protects during travel. Screen protector ($15-20) prevents scratches. 65W+ power bank ($60-80) extends gaming sessions. MicroSD card ($40-80) adds storage when needed. Total additional investment: $145-230.
Final Verdict: Excellence With Asterisks
The ASUS ROG Ally X delivers on its promises. The 80Wh battery transforms portable PC gaming from concept to reality.
Performance impresses across every genre we tested. The 24GB RAM future-proofs for increasingly demanding games.
Build quality improvements address most original Ally complaints. Hall effect sticks and better ergonomics show ASUS listened to feedback.
Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X
PC gamers with extensive libraries benefit most. Access to Steam, Epic, Game Pass, and emulation justifies the premium price.
Frequent travelers will appreciate the battery life. Cross-country flights become gaming sessions instead of movie marathons.
Tinkerers who enjoy optimization find endless customization options. Windows flexibility enables modifications impossible on locked-down competitors.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Budget-conscious gamers should consider the Steam Deck LCD at $399. Less powerful but incredible value.
OLED screen enthusiasts need the Steam Deck OLED. The display quality difference is immediately noticeable.
Anyone wanting console-like simplicity should avoid Windows handhelds entirely. Best gaming laptops offer better performance for serious gaming.
The Bottom Line
After 30 days and hundreds of gaming hours, the ROG Ally X earns its premium positioning. It’s not perfect – Windows 11 frustrations and occasional quality control issues persist.
But when it works (which is 95% of the time), no other handheld matches its combination of power, battery life, and compatibility.
At $800, it’s expensive but not overpriced. You’re paying for the best Windows handheld available in 2026, and it delivers exactly that.
⚠️ Final Tip: Buy from retailers with good return policies. Test for black screen crashes, SD card issues, and build quality problems immediately. Most issues appear within the first week.