Summary
The ROG Xbox Ally X is an ambitious handheld gaming gadget that introduces better specifications, longer battery performance, and an improved ergonomics at a higher standard of portable PC gaming in 2025.
The ROG Xbox Ally X has finally reached the market, and the handheld gadget is already rocking the industry. Asus, which is considered to be pushing the boundaries of portable gaming, has introduced significant upgrades with this new version compared to the original ROG Ally. Asus ROG Ally X is a hybrid between a top-notch gaming computer and a handheld console, but with a special purpose of attracting both members of the Xbox Game Pass community and PC gamers.
The ROG Ally X launch is based on the similar core form factor that made the original popular, but with much improved performance, thermal performance, battery life, and usability. This is not simply a mid-cycle update to the device, but a significant advancement.
ROG Ally X Features: What is New and Improved
Improved Hardware and Display
The ROG Ally X has a recognizable 7-inch Full HD 120Hz touchscreen with an engine under the hood that is more powerful and efficient than at any previous time. It still uses the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but has an improved thermal system to reduce the noise generated by the fan and provide better sustained performance even during long gaming.
Another improvement that has been highly valued is an increase in RAM, i.e. 16GB LPDDR5 to an astounding 24GB LPDDR5X. This update will result in an enhanced multitasking, smoother play, and enhanced emulation. Also, Asus has upgraded internal storage to 1TB M.2 2280 SSD compared to 2230 slot in the original. This simplifies and reduces the cost of upgrading in future.
Large Battery, Long Life
One of the biggest criticisms of the original ROG Ally was that it had a short battery life. Asus listened. The ROG Ally X has currently been equipped with an 80Wh battery, which is twice the size of the battery of the previous model (40Wh). This major improvement will provide the ability to have more gaming time, particularly those games that require intense performance.
The device has a comfortable form factor in spite of the increased battery size. Asus has succeeded in sharing the extra mass (it has increased to 678 grams) without losing grip comfort. The re-engineered chassis and rear grips are easier to handle and thus playing a game is not wearying long.
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Sophisticated Design and Connection
The new design incorporates more ergonomically shaped handles with more depth and the joystick and D-pad are repositioned to reach and be more precise. The venting is enhanced as well, whereby hot air goes out of your hands when gaming.
The additional USB-C port is another important feature as it provides more opportunities to users to be flexible in connecting accessories, external displays of charging devices. In the reaction to the feedback on the part of the users and the prevailing technology trends, Asus has abandoned its proprietary XG Mobile port in favor of more standard connections.
Price and Availability
ROG Ally X will sell at a price of 799, which is an expensive handheld gaming PC in its market segment. Pre-orders started in the end of September 2025 and shipping is supposed to start in October.
Given its enhanced features and marked advancements in comparison to the first generation, the cost is competitive, particularly to customers that want to keep their handheld gaming system future-proof. It costs more than the base ROG Ally but remains cheaper than some other competing devices such as the more expensive Steam Deck OLED and AyaNeo consoles.
ROG Xbox Ally X Review- First Impression
It has been well received by early reviews and actual experiences of the Asus ROG Alley X with gamers and tech reviewers. The enhanced thermal system helps in keeping the device cool and silent even during the prolonged gaming. The improvement in performance, which is attributed to the higher RAM speed and superior SSD, can be seen in the more intensive titles and emulation platforms.
The bigger battery means almost twice the amount of play time, depending upon settings and game types. Players claim between 5-8 hours of play on medium difficulties which is a massive increase of 2-3 years of the initial Ally.
The quality of the buildings is also more high-end, and the adjustments in the layout make gameplay more comfortable, particularly when playing long. The included USB-C connection is a minor, yet welcome quality of life feature that ensures it is easier to dock or charge the Ally X when using other peripherals.
Being fully compatible with Xbox Game Pass and the Windows 11 interface, the ROG Xbox Ally X is like a one-stop-shop in terms of gaming, it combines the comfort of a console with the performance of a PC.
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Summing Up
The ROG Xbox Ally X is not only a slight upgrade, but a well-considered redesign of a handheld gaming PC that corrects nearly every fault of the previous one. Having a stronger RAM configuration, longer battery life, clever thermal engineering, and advanced ergonomics, the Asus has provided a handheld that is designed to portray the future of gaming.
Although its price of $799 places it in the high-end segment, its value proposition based on its performance, usability and long-term prospects makes it an intelligent purchase by serious gamers. The ROG Ally X will be a successful product in 2025 regardless of whether you are a PC user or a console player looking to venture into the realm of handheld devices.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main differences between the ROG Ally X and the original ROG Ally?
The ROG Ally X features 24GB of faster RAM, a 1TB SSD, improved thermal design, an 80Wh battery, and an extra USB-C port. It also has refined ergonomics and better build quality.
Q2: Does the ROG Xbox Ally X support Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, it fully supports Xbox Game Pass via Windows 11, offering seamless access to hundreds of games optimized for handheld play.
Q3: Can I upgrade the storage on the ROG Ally X?
Yes, the Ally X uses a standard M.2 2280 SSD, making it easier to upgrade than the original model, which used a smaller 2230 format.
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