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Asus ROG Ally X Review: Premium Handheld Gaming Gets a Major Upgrade

If you're looking for a high-performance handheld gaming PC in 2025, the Asus ROG Ally X deserves your attention. Designed to compete with the Steam Deck and other portable consoles, the ROG Ally X delivers improved specs, sleek design, and strong gaming performance—at a higher price point.

So, is it worth the $799.99? Let’s break it down.

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🔍 Key Specifications 

• Display: 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS, 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

• Graphics: AMD RDNA 3 with 4GB VRAM

• RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-7500

• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (expandable via microSD)

• Battery: 80WHr (approx. 3–8 hours of use)

• Weight: 678g (1.49 lbs)

• Operating System: Windows 11

• Price: $799.99 (base model)

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🎮 Real-World Gaming Performance (FPS Breakdown)

The ROG Ally X is powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 24GB RAM, offering high-end performance in most AAA and indie games. Here's how it performs:

• Cyberpunk 2077 (Steam Deck preset)

  • Default: ~37 FPS

  • Optimized settings: ~45 FPS

• Red Dead Redemption 2

  • Medium: ~40 FPS

  • High: Drops below 30 FPS

• Alan Wake 2

  • Low (960x540, FSR 2): ~34 FPS

  • Low–Medium: Dips below 30 FPS

• Forza Horizon 5

  • High preset: ~50 FPS

✅ Casual and 2D games like Hades or Octopath Traveler easily run at 60+ FPS.
⚡ Turbo Mode boosts performance but drains battery quickly—best used when plugged in.

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 Design & Build Quality: Sleek, Stylish, and Gamer-Ready

• Finish: Matte black with customizable RGB around thumbsticks

• Form Factor: Sturdy, ergonomic, and comfortable for long gaming sessions

• Weight: Lightweight at 678g, though not pocket-friendly

• Controls: Improved D-pad and thumbsticks for better precision in competitive titles

• Ports: Now includes a second USB-C port for added accessory support

• Downside: No longer compatible with Asus’s proprietary eGPU dock

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🔋 Battery Life & Thermals: A Big Leap Forward

• Battery Capacity: 80WHr

• Usage Time:

  • Casual tasks: Up to 8 hours

  • Moderate gaming: ~3.5 hours

  • Demanding AAA titles: ~2 hours

• Cooling System: Upgraded with thinner fan blades for quieter, cooler operation

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💰 Pricing & Value: Premium Comes at a Cost

• Price: $799.99 (base model)

• Pros:

  • More RAM (24GB) than competitors

  • Windows 11 for full PC gaming compatibility

  • Better battery and design upgrades over the original Ally

• Cons:

  • Pricier than Steam Deck and original ROG Ally

  • No eGPU dock support may limit long-term flexibility for some users

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📝 Final Verdict: Is the ROG Ally X Worth It?

The Asus ROG Ally X is built for serious gamers who want top-tier handheld PC gaming performance on the go. With a faster processor, more RAM, excellent display, and improved battery life, it outshines many rivals in this space.

👍 Best For:

• Enthusiasts wanting a premium Windows-based gaming handheld

• Gamers who value performance, multitasking, and build quality

• Users looking for a Steam Deck alternative with more power and flexibility

👎 Not Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious gamers

• Those needing eGPU support for external graphics

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💬 Final Thoughts

If you're after a next-gen portable gaming experience without compromise, the Asus ROG Ally X is a strong contender. It’s not the cheapest handheld out there—but for what it offers, it could easily be your favorite gaming investment of the year.

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Tags: Asus ROG Ally X review, best handheld gaming PC 2025, Steam Deck alternative, Ryzen Z1 Extreme handheld, portable gaming Windows 11, ROG Ally specs, handheld gaming performance

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