The Asus ROG Ally X: A Windows Gaming Handheld That’s All Wrong for All the Right Reasons
The Asus ROG Ally X is a PC gaming handheld that’s simultaneously the most comfortable, smoothest-playing, and longest-lasting device of its kind – and also the most frustrating, inconvenient, and bewildering. It’s like a rebellious teenager: you love its energy, but you can’t help but want to shake some sense into it.
The Ally X’s 80-watt-hour battery is the largest we’ve seen in a handheld to date, and it delivers. I’ve spent over 24 hours playing games on it without needing to recharge – but at what cost? Windows still refuses to behave like a proper handheld, waking up randomly and forgetting my settings whenever I leave it alone. And don’t even get me started on the constant bloatware and unnecessary Microsoft apps clogging up theWorks.
Despite these issues, the Ally X has won me over with its phenomenal performance and graphics. The variable refresh rate screen is a game-changer, and the twin USB-C ports are a thoughtful touch (even if the device itself doesn’t always recognize my peripherals as it should).
But here’s the thing: the Ally X is not just a handheld, it’s a declaration of war against SteamOS. It’s a Windows device through and through, and all the attendant annoyances that come with it. It’s like trying to build a Ferrari using only spare parts from a Toyota Camry – you can make it run, but it’s going to be a struggle.
And yet, the Ally X is also a beacon of hope for those who refuse to abandon Windows, no matter how hard SteamOS might tempt them. It’s a proof-of-concept for what a Windows handheld could be, and a reminder that even the most recalcitrant operating system can be made to work with the right hardware.
So, should you buy the Asus ROG Ally X? It depends on your needs and your willingness to overlook its many, many flaws. If you’re a die-hard Windows fan who refuses to give up the comfort of your favorite PC games, the Ally X might just be the handheld for you. But if you’re looking for a reliable, Steam-OS-based handheld experience that won’t drive you crazy, you’re probably better off looking elsewhere.
