It’s evident that handheld consoles are here to stay and they’re only getting better. Not quite a successor, the ROG Ally X is ASUS’ latest in this form factor, bringing a few but significant upgrades that fans have been asking for.
But at its price, you can easily go for a gaming laptop, right? Sure. But there’s a reason why the handheld gaming console is here to stay—it satisfies the needs and wants of all kinds of gamers—from casuals to pros.
Here are a few reasons why you’d want to go handheld.
The freedom to play anywhere
With a handheld like the ROG Ally X, your gaming setup is wherever you want it to be.
Whether it’s on your couch, on a plane, or even during a quick break, a handheld console offers portability. And given the popularity of devices like the Nintendo Switch, we know that this form factor is in demand. It’s no surprise then that we’ve entered the age where handhelds are now powerful enough to handle AAA games.
ROG has been at the forefront so far and has seen quite the success with the Ally. But there were some complaints about how uncomfortable it could get during long sessions. The new and improved Ally X comes with a redesign that resolves just that.
It now features deeper hand grips, slanted triggers, and repositioned macro buttons. ASUS also upgraded the joysticks, ensuring better durability with 5 million cycle-rated modules and a more precise 8-way D-Pad—perfect for everything from fast-paced shooters to classic fighting games.
Even though the Ally X now weighs a bit more than its predecessor, it boasts optimized weight distribution and still feels light in your hands. With an upgraded battery (from 40Wh to 80Wh), you can also play for longer, making it a better portable device.
And having been using it for a while now, I can say that it’s harder to put the ROG Ally X down — and that’s a good thing.
The freedom to play anything
Unlike traditional consoles tied to specific platforms, the ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, giving you access to a vast library of games from multiple storefronts—whether it’s Steam, Xbox/PC Game Pass, Epic Games, or even classic emulators. You’ll never feel boxed in or limited by exclusivity. Go ahead and play solitaire all day if you want, no judgment.
Backing that versatility is a serious spec sheet. While the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor returns from the original model, the Ally X now packs in 24GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage — something users of the previous Ally have been clamoring for.
It remains a versatile device as well. Need more storage? The Ally X has also been redesigned for easier DIY upgrades. Need more power? You can also attach an external GPU.
The Ally X also offers enhanced cooling with a third exhaust vent, improved fans, and reworked airflow tunnels. Whether you’re working hard on a AAA RPG or cozy gaming on a farm sim, the ROG Ally X is better equipped for longer, more intensive gaming.
The freedom to do more than just play
Most handheld gaming consoles on the market run on Windows, so yes, you can do what you’d normally do on a laptop. Need to fire off some emails, tweak a spreadsheet, or do quick photo editing? These devices are built for gaming, so they can knock out these tasks easily.
The ROG Ally X is one of them. Though, admittedly, we feel the Lenovo Legion Go — with its detachable controllers and larger display — does better in this space. In terms of performance, however, both performed similarly.
With the addition of another Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port on the ROG Ally X, you do get a smidge more versatility. If you prefer wired peripherals, for example, you now have the option to connect more than one without needing a dongle. You can also attach an external monitor via its USB C port should you wish or connect the ROG to a dock.
If not for work or gaming, the ROG Ally X’s 7-inch display is very comfortable for solo binge-watching sessions.
Final thoughts
The argument these days is that a handheld gaming console like the ROG Ally X costs almost as much as a pretty decent gaming laptop—so why not just get the latter?
While gaming laptops are still a great choice, handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X offer something different—a seamless blend of portability, power, and multitasking capabilities that fit into a busy, modern lifestyle.
We feel the need for a powerful handheld console has always been there, but only recently has technology caught up. The form factor isn’t just appealing to pro gamers but also to casual gamers who want to play beyond the capabilities of their smartphones. And if you’re either of those or somewhere in between, the ROG Ally X is probably the easiest entry into the handheld gaming space.
