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The ASUS ROG Ally X (2024) is a major hardware refresh of the original ROG Ally, not a next-generation handheld built around a new processor. Announced at Computex on June 2, 2024, it keeps the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 7-inch 1080p/120Hz display but doubles the battery to 80Wh, increases memory to 24GB, adds a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, improves the chassis and cooling, and replaces the original proprietary external-GPU connector with two USB-C ports.
Its US launch price was $799.99. That launch price is separate from current retailer pricing: a Best Buy listing observed in the supplied research showed the 1TB model at $899.99 and unavailable, with an open-box price of $711.99. Retail prices and stock can change.
Important: this article covers the ROG Ally X (2024), not the newer ROG Xbox Ally X (2025), which uses a newer Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme platform.
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ASUS ROG Ally X (2024): quick specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| CPU | 8 cores, 16 threads; Zen 4; 4nm; up to 5.10GHz boost |
| CPU cache | 24MB total |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon RDNA 3 |
| Graphics compute units | 12 CUs |
| Maximum graphics clock | Up to 2.7GHz |
| Advertised graphics performance | Up to 8.6 TFLOPs |
| Configurable power range | 9–30W |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD; ASUS also lists a 2TB configuration in the US |
| Display | 7-inch FHD IPS-level touchscreen |
| Resolution and refresh rate | 1920×1080, 120Hz |
| Display response and brightness | 7ms, 500 nits |
| Display features | 100% sRGB, AMD FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| Charger | 65W USB-C power adapter |
| USB ports | One USB4 Type-C and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| Video output | DisplayPort support through USB-C |
| Expansion | UHS-II microSD card reader |
| Audio | 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E; verify the regional specification page for the exact Bluetooth listing |
| Weight | Approximately 678g / 1.49lb |
| Dimensions | Approximately 11.02×4.37×1.45 inches |
| Colour | Black |
| US launch price | $799.99 |
These figures are based primarily on ASUS’s US specification page, with dimensions, weight, adapter and consolidated review information corroborated by Tom’s Hardware. ASUS notes that specifications and availability can vary by country and may change without notice.
#1 Best Overall
- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
What changed from the original ROG Ally?
| Feature | Original ROG Ally Z1 Extreme | ROG Ally X (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Internal storage | 512GB M.2 2230 | 1TB M.2 2280 |
| Battery | 40Wh | 80Wh |
| Display | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz | 7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz |
| Connectivity | USB-C plus proprietary XG Mobile interface | USB4 Type-C plus USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| Chassis | White original shell | Black redesigned shell |
| Weight | Approximately 608g | Approximately 678g |
The processor and display are the clearest signs that this is an upgraded Ally rather than an Ally 2. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme remains an eight-core, 16-thread Zen 4 chip with integrated RDNA 3 graphics. The 120Hz LCD also remains, so buyers should not expect a new CPU/GPU generation or an OLED screen.
The meaningful ownership changes are elsewhere: the battery is twice as large, memory is both faster and more plentiful, storage capacity doubles in the common launch configuration, and the chassis offers more practical USB connectivity.
Performance: faster in practice, but not a new performance class
ASUS lists up to 8.6 TFLOPs for the integrated Radeon graphics. That is a theoretical vendor specification, not a promise of a particular frame rate. Actual results depend on the game, resolution, graphics settings, upscaling, drivers, cooling, power mode and how much system memory is allocated to the integrated GPU.
The Ally X can still be faster than the original Ally because it combines faster LPDDR5X memory, 24GB of capacity, revised power profiles, firmware changes and a redesigned thermal system. The extra memory is especially relevant because the integrated GPU shares system RAM with Windows and the CPU. It gives demanding games more room for graphics-memory allocation and leaves more capacity for background software, but it does not guarantee a large uplift in every title.
In testing cited by Tom’s Hardware, the Ally X was consistently ahead of the original Ally and Steam Deck in several games, although the advantage varied by title and settings. Examples from that review include:
- Alan Wake II: approximately 34fps at 540p, low settings, plugged in at 30W with FSR 2. Higher resolutions could fall below 30fps.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: around 90fps unplugged at maximum settings in the reviewer’s test.
- Metro Exodus stress test: 107.77fps average at 720p, low settings, plugged in.
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales: substantially heavier battery consumption than the lighter Tony Hawk test.
These are review-lab results rather than universal guarantees. They illustrate the central trade-off: lighter games can make good use of the 120Hz display, while demanding modern games often require reduced resolution, upscaling or lower settings. The 8.6-TFLOP figure should not be read as an expectation of native 1080p, high-settings performance in every AAA release.
Why the 80Wh battery is the biggest upgrade
The original Ally had a 40Wh battery; the Ally X doubles that to 80Wh. This does not mean every game will last twice as long, because the larger battery is paired with a device that can draw considerably more power in demanding modes.
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In practical terms, the capacity makes 15–20W gaming more viable away from an outlet. At 30W Turbo mode, particularly in demanding games, battery drain can still be rapid. Screen brightness, refresh rate, resolution, frame-rate targets and game workload all affect runtime.
Tom’s Hardware reported several hours in lighter gaming scenarios and recorded 8 hours 19 minutes in a non-gaming mixed-use battery test. That mixed-use result is not an AAA gaming-runtime figure. The sensible expectation is therefore workload-dependent:
- Light games and lower-power modes: potentially several hours.
- Demanding games at higher power: substantially shorter runtime, potentially around an hour or two depending on settings and workload.
- Web, video and mixed use: longer than demanding gaming, but not directly comparable with game testing.
The battery also explains the increase in weight and thickness. The Ally X is approximately 678g, compared with roughly 608g for the original model.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
24GB of RAM: more than a simple capacity increase
The move from 16GB LPDDR5-6400 to 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 is one of the Ally X’s most technically important changes. Since the Ryzen Z1 Extreme has integrated graphics, CPU and GPU resources draw from the same memory pool.
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It is not an automatic performance upgrade in every game. A title limited primarily by GPU compute may see only a modest difference, while a title constrained by memory bandwidth or available graphics memory may benefit more. The memory is soldered, so it is not a conventional user-upgrade path; the SSD is the practical major upgrade component.
Storage: a larger drive and a better upgrade path
The common US launch configuration includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD, compared with the original Ally’s 512GB M.2 2230 drive. ASUS also lists a separate 2TB configuration in the US, so storage should be checked against the exact SKU rather than treated as identical in every market.
The 2280 format is important because it offers a broader selection of replacement SSDs than the shorter 2230 format. A compatible PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 drive can provide a straightforward capacity upgrade, subject to the usual backup, cloning and installation considerations.
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The UHS-II microSD reader remains useful for lower-demand games, media, emulation files and overflow storage. Frequently played demanding games are generally better placed on the internal SSD. The presence of a redesigned cooling system should not be turned into a blanket claim that every historical microSD reliability concern has been permanently solved; that would require specific long-term evidence or an ASUS repair statement.
Ports, USB4 and external GPUs
The Ally X replaces the original Ally’s proprietary XG Mobile connection with a more conventional arrangement:
- One USB4 Type-C port.
- One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
- DisplayPort support through USB-C.
- USB Power Delivery support.
- One 3.5mm combo audio jack.
- One UHS-II microSD card reader.
The two USB-C ports make docking, monitor connections, storage and general accessories more convenient. The USB4 port can support many external-GPU setups, but it does not guarantee that every enclosure, cable or graphics card will work identically. Compatibility depends on the enclosure, GPU, drivers, power delivery and Windows configuration.
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Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
The proprietary XG Mobile interface was removed. Buyers should not assume that the Ally X supports ASUS’s proprietary XG Mobile accessories in the same way as the original Ally.
Redesigned chassis, controls and cooling
The Ally X has a black chassis with deeper grips, revised macro-button placement and upgraded joysticks. These changes aim to improve comfort and control, but ergonomics are subjective: the thicker body may fit some hands better while feeling less comfortable to others.
The extra battery adds weight, but the increase is relatively modest compared with the capacity gain. ASUS also redesigned the thermal solution with new fans, fan shrouds, dual heatsinks and a revised airflow path. ASUS claims up to 24% more airflow and a touchscreen that can remain up to 6°C cooler under its specified test conditions. Those are manufacturer claims, not universal measurements for every game or room temperature.
Higher cooling capacity can help sustain power modes, but it does not turn the Ryzen Z1 Extreme into a new-generation processor. The main benefit is a better-balanced handheld for longer sessions and higher-power operation.
Display: sharp and fast, but not OLED
The display is a 7-inch 1920×1080 IPS-level touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 7ms response time, 500-nit brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, Gorilla Glass Victus and AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate.
The 120Hz panel provides headroom for lighter games and makes variable frame rates feel smoother. It does not mean demanding games will run at 120 frames per second. Many newer titles will require lower settings, reduced resolution or upscaling to maintain smooth performance.
The major omission is OLED. Tom’s Hardware found the Steam Deck OLED superior for contrast and colour-gamut performance, while the Ally X offers higher 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. That creates a clear choice:
- Choose the Ally X display for Windows compatibility, 1080p sharpness, 120Hz refresh and VRR.
- Choose an OLED alternative if deep blacks, contrast and display presentation matter more than resolution or Windows flexibility.
Windows 11: a handheld PC rather than a traditional console
The ROG Ally X runs Windows 11 Home. That gives it broad access to Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, mods, peripherals and ordinary PC software. ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE provides a game-library and device-control layer, but it does not replace Windows with a dedicated console operating system.
The benefit is flexibility. The cost is friction:
- Desktop-style menus can require touch, a mouse or the analogue sticks.
- Different launchers have their own updates, sign-ins and controller behaviour.
- Windows offers broad storefront and anti-cheat compatibility, but the interface is less controller-centric than SteamOS.
- Docking it to a monitor, keyboard and mouse makes it behave more like a small Windows PC.
Calling the Ally X a “console” describes its integrated controls and living-room use, but Windows gaming handheld PC is the more technically accurate description.
ROG Ally X versus the main alternatives
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is the stronger fit for buyers who prioritise OLED contrast, display quality and SteamOS simplicity. The Ally X is the stronger fit for buyers who want Windows storefront access, a 1080p/120Hz/VRR display, more memory and the flexibility of a general-purpose PC. The software ecosystems are not equivalent by default.
Rank #4
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Lenovo Legion Go
The Legion Go is aimed at buyers who want a larger display and detachable controllers. The Ally X is smaller and more conventional to hold. The better choice depends on whether portability and a traditional handheld shape matter more than screen size and detachable-control functionality. Exact Legion Go models and current prices should be checked separately.
ROG Xbox Ally X (2025)
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a distinct, newer product using AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme hardware and Xbox-oriented software features. It should not be used as evidence for the 2024 model’s specifications. Readers comparing the two should treat them as different generations and check the newer model’s official specification page.
Who should buy the ROG Ally X?
The 2024 Ally X is a strong fit if you:
- Want native Windows access to multiple PC game stores.
- Play demanding PC games and want more memory than the original Ally.
- Value battery capacity more than the lightest possible handheld.
- Want a 1TB internal SSD and a more convenient M.2 2280 upgrade path.
- Need dual USB-C connectivity, USB4, monitor output or dock support.
- Prefer 1080p, 120Hz and VRR over an OLED panel.
It is a weaker fit if you:
- Want a simple, console-first interface.
- Prioritise OLED contrast and display quality.
- Already own the original Z1 Extreme Ally and mostly play plugged in.
- Expect a new-generation CPU or GPU.
- Want detachable controllers or a larger display.
- Expect long AAA gaming sessions at 1080p and high settings without compromises.
- Want ASUS’s proprietary XG Mobile ecosystem.
Is it worth upgrading from the original ROG Ally?
For an owner of the original Z1 Extreme Ally, the upgrade is primarily about quality of life and endurance, not a dramatic change in processor performance. The 80Wh battery, 24GB of faster memory, improved grips, larger SSD format and dual USB-C layout are meaningful if the original device’s battery, storage, memory limits or port arrangement cause regular problems.
The upgrade is less compelling for someone who mainly plays plugged in and is satisfied with 16GB of memory, 512GB storage and the existing ergonomics. Frame-rate improvements vary by game because the core Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform remains the same.
For an owner of the original non-Extreme Z1 Ally, the case is stronger because the Ally X uses the faster Z1 Extreme tier as well as the newer chassis and battery.
Price and availability
The ROG Ally X launched in the United States at $799.99. ASUS’s US pages list both 1TB and 2TB configurations, including the 1TB RC72LA-ALLYX.Z1X and a separate 2TB RC72LA-ALLYX.Z1X2TB configuration. Regional pricing, storage options and availability may differ.
A Best Buy listing observed in the supplied research showed the 1TB model at $899.99 and marked unavailable, with an open-box listing at $711.99. This is a retailer snapshot, not a guaranteed current price. Check the retailer and exact SKU immediately before buying.
Bottom line
The ASUS ROG Ally X (2024) is best understood as a thoroughly revised version of the original ROG Ally. It does not introduce a new processor generation, OLED display or detachable controls, but its 80Wh battery, 24GB of faster memory, 1TB M.2 2280 storage, improved ergonomics, redesigned cooling and dual USB-C connectivity address many of the original model’s practical weaknesses.
It is a strong Windows handheld for buyers who value battery life, PC storefront flexibility and upgradeability. It is less attractive to buyers seeking OLED quality, SteamOS simplicity or a major generational jump in CPU and GPU performance.
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