ASUS ROG Ally X: Battery, Specs & Steam Deck Comparison

Not every handheld gaming PC forces you to accept trade-offs. The ASUS ROG Ally X trades the usual “good enough” for an 80 Wh battery, 24 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD — components that shift the conversation from portable playing to genuine console-grade sessions.

Battery capacity: 80 Wh ·
Storage: Up to 1 TB SSD ·
RAM: 24 GB LPDDR5X ·
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme ·
Weight: 678 g ·
Price (expected): €799

Key specifications at a glance

Six numbers, one pattern: the ROG Ally X pushes hardware boundaries that no other handheld has matched yet, but the trade-off is weight and price.

The implication: the Ally X trades weight for capacity, and that trade-off pays off in extended gaming sessions for users who prioritise runtime.

Is ROG Ally X worth buying?

What justifies the price increase over the original ROG Ally?

The original ROG Ally launched at $699 with a 40 Wh battery and 512 GB storage. The Ally X doubles both — 80 Wh and 1 TB — while adding 24 GB of RAM over the original’s 16 GB. According to Digital Trends (trusted tech benchmark publisher), these changes are the main cost drivers. The performance uplift in raw frame rates is modest (roughly 10–15% in GPU-bound titles), but the battery jump transforms session length.

Who should consider the ROG Ally X?

• Handheld gamers who want to play AAA titles for more than an hour without hunting for an outlet.
• Users who rely on Windows-native stores (Game Pass, Epic, GOG) and want seamless compatibility.
• Buyers willing to pay a premium for future-proofing via 24 GB RAM and a user-replaceable SSD.

The implication: the ROG Ally X isn’t for everyone. It’s a specialist tool for the mobile gamer who values runtime and RAM headroom above all else — and who has the budget to match.

Is ROG Ally X better than Steam Deck OLED?

Processor: Z1 Extreme vs Steam Deck custom APU

The Z1 Extreme in the Ally X is built on a 4 nm process with 8 cores / 16 threads and RDNA 3 graphics. Valve’s custom APU (based on Zen 2) uses an older architecture and a lower 15 W TDP ceiling. According to a YouTube comparative analysis (third-party benchmark testing), the Ally X generally delivers “about 50% more performance” in frame rates at equivalent settings, though at higher power draw and heat.

Display: ROG Ally X 120 Hz vs Steam Deck OLED 90 Hz

The Ally X has a 7-inch 1080p IPS panel with 120 Hz, while the Steam Deck OLED uses a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display at 1280×800 and 90 Hz. Windows Central (Microsoft-focused tech outlet) notes that OLED offers superior contrast and colour saturation, but the higher refresh rate on the Ally X benefits fast-paced shooters.

Software: Windows 11 vs SteamOS

The ROG Ally X runs Windows 11 natively, giving instant access to Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and any Windows application. SteamOS, on the other hand, is Linux-based and built for Steam integration, but requires workarounds for non-Proton titles. Pocket-lint (gadget review outlet) states that Windows compatibility is the Ally’s key advantage for multi-store gamers.

“The ROG Ally X’s larger battery and native Windows support make it a more versatile device for AAA gaming on the go.”

— Purexbox reviewer (6-month review, 2024)

The trade-off: the Ally X delivers raw speed and software flexibility, but the Steam Deck OLED offers a superior display and better battery efficiency at a lower price.

How long will the ROG Ally X last?

Battery life in typical gaming scenarios

Windows Central reports real-world battery life of roughly 1 hour 39 minutes to about 3 hours for the original ROG Ally. With the Ally X’s 80 Wh cell (double the original), Digital Trends estimates 2–3 hours for heavy AAA gaming and up to 8 hours for lighter indie titles. By comparison, Valve quotes 3 to 12 hours for the Steam Deck OLED.

Longevity of the hardware and support lifecycle

ASUS has committed to software updates and driver support for at least two years from launch. The M.2 SSD slot is user-accessible, allowing storage upgrades. However, the battery is replaceable only with moderate disassembly, and repair parts availability beyond 2026 is uncertain.

Expected lifespan of the battery and storage

Given the 80 Wh capacity and typical lithium-ion degradation, users can expect 500–800 full charge cycles before noticeable capacity loss. That translates to roughly 3–5 years of daily use, depending on charging habits.

What this means: the ROG Ally X should stay viable through 2027–2028 for most gamers, especially if they take advantage of the replaceable SSD. The biggest risk is ASUS ending driver support after two years, which is standard for the industry.

What games can the ROG Ally X run?

AAA games performance at 1080p low-medium settings

Most modern AAA titles run at 30–60 FPS with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled. According to WindowsForum (community tech polygon), the Ally X can deliver “higher raw frame rates than Steam Deck OLED at native handheld resolutions” but with “much higher power draw and heat.”

Indie and older titles at high settings

Less demanding games (Hades, Stardew Valley, Cuphead) run at 60+ FPS at native 1080p without upscaling. The 120 Hz screen makes them feel exceptionally smooth. The 24 GB RAM also helps with multitasking (game + browser + Discord).

Can you play PS5 games on ROG Ally X via remote play or emulation?

Yes. The official PS Remote Play app works on Windows, allowing streaming from PS5 over Wi-Fi. Emulation of older consoles (PS2, GameCube, Wii U) is possible with tools like PCSX2 and Dolphin, but requires manual setup and BIOS files. The Z1 Extreme’s GPU handles PS2 and GameCube at 2–3× resolution without issues.

The catch: broad game compatibility comes with a Windows interface that feels cramped on a 7-inch touchscreen.

Is the ROG Ally X discontinued?

Current availability and official statements

As of early 2025, ASUS has not discontinued the ROG Ally X. Retailers in Ireland and across Europe still list the device in stock. The product page remains active on ASUS’s official site, and software updates continue.

Rumors of a 2025 model

Unconfirmed reports suggest a 2025 refresh may use the Z2 Extreme APU, which could push performance further. However, no official announcement has been made, and the current model remains the top ASUS handheld.

Supply chain factors affecting stock

Demand for the Ally X is steady but not explosive. No widespread shortages have been reported, and most retailers maintain regular stock.

The pattern: ASUS is treating the Ally X as a mid-cycle upgrade, not a dead-end. Buyers can purchase with confidence that the device won’t be abandoned, but a successor is likely within 12–18 months.

ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED: Comparison table

Three key categories, one clear divide: ASUS bets on raw performance and battery, Valve on display quality and price.

The trade-off: the Ally X offers larger battery and higher refresh rate, but the Steam Deck OLED counters with better display technology and a lower entry price.

Full spec comparison: ROG Ally X

Nine specs, one story: the Ally X is a handheld PC that sacrifices some portability for desktop-class memory and storage.

The pattern: every spec pushes the boundaries of what a handheld can pack, but the 678g weight and 7-inch screen remind users it is still a portable compromise.

Pros and cons of the ROG Ally X

The implication: the ROG Ally X’s strengths are battery and RAM, but its weight, price, and Windows quirks make it a niche choice for serious mobile gamers.

Confirmed facts vs What’s unclear

The pattern: most hardware specs are confirmed, but the support timeline and successor timing remain open questions.

What reviewers say

“The ROG Ally X is the handheld gaming PC you want if battery life and RAM are your priorities.”

— Digital Trends (tech comparison site)

“With double the battery and double the storage, the Ally X redefines what a portable gaming PC can achieve.”

— ASUS official product page (rog.asus.com)

Reviewers agree: the Ally X excels in battery and RAM, but those benefits come at a premium price and weight.

Bottom line

The ROG Ally X is exactly what ASUS claims: a handheld that prioritises battery life and memory capacity over everything else. For Irish and EU gamers who play during commutes or at LAN events, its 80 Wh cell means real session freedom. For casual users who are happy with Steam Deck’s library and OLED screen at £479, the extra spend isn’t justified. The choice is clear: buy the Ally X only if runtime and RAM headroom are your primary needs.

For a detailed breakdown of how the upgraded battery and specs stack up against Valve’s handheld, you can compare the ASUS ROG Ally X directly against the Steam Deck.

Frequently asked questions