Armed with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, a vibrant 7-inch 120 Hz display, and an impressive 80 Wh battery, the Ally X arrives as a serious contender to the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go 2. But does it deliver on the promise of true high-end portable gaming — or is it another case of “PC in your pocket” still bound by Windows quirks?
Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X (RC73XA) |
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme |
| Graphics (GPU) | AMD RDNA 3 (2700 MHz) |
| Memory (RAM) | 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000 |
| Storage | 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (M.2 2280, upgradeable) |
| Display | 7-inch IPS, 1920 × 1080 (Full HD), 120 Hz, 500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Audio | Dual Smart Amp speakers, built-in microphone |
| Battery | 80 Wh lithium-ion, 65 W fast charging via USB-C PD 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 290.8 × 121.5 × 50.7 mm |
| Weight | 715 g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DP 2.1 + PD 3.0), USB4 (DP 2.1 + PD 3.0, Thunderbolt 4 compatible), UHS-II microSD, 3.5 mm combo jack |
| Operating System | Windows 11 with Xbox integration |
| Additional Features | ROG Intelligent Cooling, Xbox Game Pass support, Armoury Crate SE overlay |
| Included Accessories | 65W charger, stand, documentation |
Review Criteria
- Performance & Hardware
- Display & Audio
- Ergonomics & Controls
- Cooling & Thermals
- Battery Life
- Software & Ecosystem
- Connectivity & Expandability
- Value for Money
1. Performance & Hardware
The Ally X packs AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor coupled with 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD — a spec list more akin to a compact laptop than a handheld console. Real-world performance is excellent: demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring run smoothly at 1080p medium settings, with frame rates that frequently surpass the Steam Deck OLED.
While the leap over the previous Ally isn’t enormous, it’s tangible — especially in multitasking and emulation scenarios. The option to upgrade the internal SSD gives this model impressive longevity. In short, the Ally X’s silicon is built not just for today’s games but for next-gen workloads that leverage AI-assisted rendering.
2. Display & Audio
Its 7-inch Full HD 120 Hz IPS panel is a standout — bright (500 nits), sharp, and fluid. Motion handling feels console-smooth, and the matte Gorilla Glass Victus finish cuts glare effectively. Though it lacks OLED contrast, color accuracy is good, and the high refresh rate makes fast-paced games shine.
The Smart Amp dual speakers provide clear sound with decent stereo separation, though bass response remains limited. For serious audio, wired or Bluetooth headphones are the better choice.
3. Ergonomics & Controls
Weighing 715 grams, the Ally X feels substantial but well-balanced. ASUS improved the grips and adjusted the button spacing, resulting in a more natural hand position than on the original model. The Xbox-style layout is instantly familiar, and the triggers offer satisfying resistance, albeit with a slightly “clicky” feel.
Extended sessions are comfortable, though fatigue sets in faster than on lighter handhelds like the Switch. Build quality is solid — this feels like premium hardware, not a gimmick.
4. Cooling & Thermals
ASUS’s ROG Intelligent Cooling system does a commendable job keeping the Z2 Extreme in check. Dual fans and revised airflow channels maintain stable temperatures during long gaming stretches, and fan noise remains moderate outside of Turbo mode.
Even when pushed, the Ally X avoids thermal throttling, delivering consistent frame rates without scorching your palms. It’s one of the quietest high-performance handhelds on the market today.
5. Battery Life
With its 80 Wh battery, the Ally X doubles the endurance of the original Ally. You can expect 4–6 hours of moderate gaming or 1.5–2 hours of AAA gameplay at Turbo settings. That’s good for its power class, though still far from the all-day longevity of a Nintendo Switch.
Charging via USB-C Power Delivery (65 W) is fast and convenient, making mid-session top-ups practical. Battery life remains the Achilles’ heel of high-end PC handhelds, but ASUS has narrowed the gap.
6. Software & Ecosystem
Running full Windows 11 gives the Ally X unmatched flexibility — Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and even productivity apps are all fair game. The downside? Windows still feels clunky on a handheld. Touch targets are small, updates interrupt sessions, and the Xbox overlay sometimes stutters or fails to launch.
That said, ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE overlay improves usability dramatically, centralizing performance modes and launchers. With Microsoft’s new handheld UI in active development, future updates could make this experience far more seamless.
7. Connectivity & Expandability
Connectivity is one of the Ally X’s strongest suits. With USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB4/Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and a UHS-II microSD reader, this console easily doubles as a mini-PC. You can dock it to a monitor, connect eGPUs, or expand storage effortlessly.
It’s future-proof and flexible — a rare combination in the handheld market.
8. Value for Money
At around $999 USD, the Ally X sits at the premium end of the handheld spectrum. For that price, you’re getting best-in-class performance, a large SSD, and extensive connectivity — but also inheriting the quirks of a Windows gaming PC.
For hardcore gamers and enthusiasts who want a portable powerhouse that can also serve as a mini-laptop, it’s arguably worth every penny. Casual players, however, might find cheaper alternatives (like the Steam Deck OLED) to offer better simplicity and value.
