ASUS ROG Ally X Review (2026): Is This the Best Handheld Gaming PC You Can Buy?

Handheld gaming PCs have gone from niche gadgets to one of the most exciting categories in gaming. A few years ago, most people either played on a gaming laptop, a console, or a Nintendo Switch. Now, devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally have completely changed the conversation.

The original ROG Ally was already one of the most powerful handheld gaming PCs available, but it had a few weaknesses. Battery life was disappointing, the software could be frustrating, and the overall experience still felt slightly unfinished.

The ASUS ROG Ally X is ASUS’ answer to those complaints.

Instead of redesigning everything, ASUS has improved the areas that mattered most. The Ally X has a larger battery, more RAM, better ergonomics, improved storage, and a more refined overall experience.

But with a higher price tag and stronger competition in 2026, is the ASUS ROG Ally X really the best handheld gaming PC you can buy?

Let’s find out.

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ASUS ROG Ally X: What’s New?

At first glance, the ROG Ally X looks very similar to the original ROG Ally. The basic design, screen size, and overall layout remain mostly unchanged.

However, there are some important upgrades under the hood:

• Bigger battery for significantly longer gaming sessions

• 24GB RAM instead of 16GB

• Faster and larger SSD options

• Improved cooling and quieter fans

• Better grip and slightly redesigned controls

• Extra USB-C port for more flexibility

These changes may not sound dramatic individually, but together they make the Ally X feel much more complete.

The original Ally felt like a powerful first attempt. The Ally X feels like the version ASUS should have launched from the beginning.

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Design and Comfort: Better Than Before

One of the biggest improvements with the ASUS ROG Ally X is comfort.

The original model looked great, but it could feel awkward during longer gaming sessions. The Ally X has a slightly redesigned grip, and that small change makes a surprisingly big difference.

It feels more secure in your hands, especially if you play for an hour or more.

The device is slightly heavier because of the larger battery, but ASUS has balanced the weight well. It never feels too heavy or uncomfortable.

The buttons and triggers are also better. The analog sticks feel smoother and more precise, while the triggers have a more premium feel.

Overall, the Ally X is one of the most comfortable handheld gaming PCs currently available.

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Display: Still Excellent, But No Major Upgrade

The ASUS ROG Ally X uses the same 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

That may sound disappointing at first because some people were hoping for an OLED screen. However, the display is still genuinely excellent.

The 120Hz refresh rate makes gameplay feel smooth, especially in faster games like racing titles, shooters, and esports games.

Colors are vibrant, brightness is strong enough for indoor and outdoor use, and the screen remains sharp.

Games like Forza Horizon 6, EA Sports FC 26, Hades II, and Cyberpunk 2077 all look fantastic on the Ally X.

Would an OLED display have been better? Absolutely.

But the existing screen is still one of the better displays in the handheld gaming PC market.

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Performance: This Thing Is Seriously Powerful

The biggest reason to buy the ASUS ROG Ally X is performance.

The Ally X still uses AMD’s powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform, but thanks to improved cooling, more RAM, and better optimization, it performs even better than the original Ally.

Modern games run surprisingly well on this device.

You can comfortably play:

• Cyberpunk 2077 at medium settings

• GTA VI at lower to medium settings

• Forza Horizon 6 at high settings

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 smoothly

• Elden Ring Nightreign without major issues

• Indie games and esports titles at very high frame rates

The extra 24GB of RAM is especially useful in 2026 because newer games are becoming more demanding. The additional memory helps reduce stuttering and improves multitasking.

Windows also feels smoother. You can switch between games, browsers, Discord, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass without the system slowing down.

Compared to the Steam Deck OLED, the Ally X delivers noticeably more raw performance. Compared to the Lenovo Legion Go, it feels slightly more optimized and easier to use.

If you want the most powerful handheld gaming experience, the Ally X is very hard to beat.

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Battery Life: Finally Good Enough

Battery life was the biggest weakness of the original ROG Ally.

Thankfully, ASUS has fixed that.

The Ally X comes with a much larger battery, and the improvement is immediately noticeable.

You can now expect:

• Around 2.5 to 3 hours in demanding AAA games

• Around 4 to 5 hours in lighter games

• Even longer battery life for indie games and cloud gaming

That still may not sound amazing compared to a Nintendo Switch, but for a Windows gaming PC this powerful, it is genuinely impressive.

More importantly, the Ally X no longer feels like a device that constantly needs to stay plugged in.

You can actually take it on a train, flight, or road trip and enjoy gaming without worrying too much.

Fast charging also helps. If the battery gets low, plugging it in for a short time gives you enough power for another session.

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Software and User Experience: Better, But Windows Is Still Windows

The ASUS ROG Ally X still runs Windows, and that is both its biggest strength and its biggest weakness.

On one hand, Windows gives you incredible flexibility. You can install Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, mods, emulators, and almost any PC game you want.

That freedom is something the Steam Deck cannot fully match.

On the other hand, Windows on a small handheld screen can still feel clunky.

Typing, navigating menus, updating drivers, and dealing with Windows pop-ups is not always ideal.

ASUS has improved its Armoury Crate software, and it is now much easier to switch performance modes, launch games, and customize controls.

The experience is definitely smoother than before, but it is still not as simple or polished as a traditional console.

If you are comfortable using Windows, this will not be a problem. But if you want a plug-and-play console experience, there is still a learning curve.

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ASUS ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED vs Lenovo Legion Go

The ASUS ROG Ally X has strong competition.

The Steam Deck OLED is still the best choice if you want better battery life, a more console-like experience, and a beautiful OLED display.

The Lenovo Legion Go offers a larger screen and detachable controllers, which some gamers may prefer.

However, the ASUS ROG Ally X wins in one key area: balance.

It combines excellent performance, better ergonomics, decent battery life, and a more compact design.

The Steam Deck feels easier to use but less powerful. The Legion Go feels more experimental and less comfortable.

The Ally X sits right in the middle, and for many gamers, that makes it the best overall option.

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Who Should Buy the ASUS ROG Ally X?

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a great choice if:

• You want the most powerful handheld gaming PC

• You already use Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or PC gaming platforms

• You want to play modern AAA games on the go

• You do not mind using Windows

• You want better battery life than the original ROG Ally

You may want to skip it if:

• You want the simplest console-style experience

• You prefer an OLED display

• You are on a tighter budget

• You mainly play lighter indie games

For casual users, the Steam Deck OLED may still make more sense.

But for serious gamers who want maximum power in a portable form, the Ally X is the stronger device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASUS ROG Ally X more powerful than the Steam Deck OLED?

Yes. The ROG Ally X delivers significantly more raw gaming performance than the Steam Deck OLED.

Does the ASUS ROG Ally X have better battery life than the original Ally?

Yes. The larger battery is one of the biggest improvements and makes a huge difference in everyday use.

Can the ASUS ROG Ally X play GTA VI?

Yes. GTA VI is playable on the Ally X at lower to medium settings.

Does the ASUS ROG Ally X support Xbox Game Pass?

Yes. Since it runs Windows, the Ally X supports Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC gaming platforms.

Is the ASUS ROG Ally X worth buying in 2026?

Yes, especially if you want the most powerful and flexible handheld gaming PC available.

Should I buy the ASUS ROG Ally X or the Steam Deck OLED?

Buy the Ally X if you want more power and Windows flexibility. Buy the Steam Deck OLED if you want better battery life and a simpler experience.

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Final Verdict by TrendNovaX

The ASUS ROG Ally X is not a revolutionary redesign, but it fixes almost every major problem with the original ROG Ally.

The improved battery life, extra RAM, better cooling, and more comfortable design make it a much stronger handheld gaming PC in 2026.

It is not perfect. The lack of an OLED screen is disappointing, and Windows can still feel awkward on a handheld device. But once you start actually playing games, those complaints matter a lot less.

If you want the best balance of power, portability, and flexibility, the ASUS ROG Ally X is arguably the best handheld gaming PC you can buy right now. It is expensive, but for serious gamers, it absolutely earns that price. 🎮