The ASUS ROG Ally X RC72LA isn’t just another handheld gaming console—it’s a full-blown Windows gaming PC you can take anywhere. Powered by AMD’s top-tier Ryzen Z1 Extreme and up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM with 8TB SSD, this handheld lets you run AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starffeld during your commute or lunch break. In this review, we break down what makes it so compelling—and who it’s best for.

1.  Introduction: Why the ROG Ally X Redefines Portable Gaming

1.1  A New Kind of Gaming Freedom

In 2024, over 70% of gamers play on the go. But most mobile systems still make you choose between power and convenience.

If you’ve ever wished you could play PC-level games without being stuck at a desk or dragging around a heavy laptop, the Ally X might be what you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re commuting, between classes, or sneaking in a quick game during a break—this rig gives you full access to your library anywhere, anytime.

And that’s what makes it different. This isn’t some watered-down handheld—it’s a portable gaming powerhouse built for people who won’t settle.

1.2  Technical Specifications at a Glance

HIDevolution [2024] ASUS ROG Ally X RC72LA

• Display: 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz
• Processor: 3 GHz AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RDNA 3
• RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: Up to 8TB PCIe 0 SSD
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Weight: 678 grams

• Color: Stealth Black
• Battery: Upgraded 80Wh capacity for longer sessions
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 2, USB4 Type-C

1.3  Why This Review Matters

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application R&D, we don’t just skim the surface. We dig deep—evaluating real-world gaming performance, thermal efficiency, long-term durability, and overall value for money.

You’ll get our take on how the ROG Ally X holds up in real-life scenarios: Is it worth upgrading from the original? Can it replace a gaming laptop? And most importantly—is it the right fit for your gaming lifestyle?

Whether you’re a casual player, a student who wants one device for both work and play, or a performance-driven enthusiast hunting for the best portable gaming PC in 2024—our recommendations are based on extensive research, component testing, and real-world usability.

1.4  What You’ll Learn from This Review

• How the ROG Ally X compares to other handhelds and gaming laptops
• Battery life and thermal management during intense AAA gameplay
• If the upgraded RAM and SSD options are worth the extra cost
• Who this handheld is really built for
• What makes the HIDevolution variants unique and future-proof

1.5  Want More Power? Check Out These ROG Ally X Variants:

Keep reading, we’ll give you our first impressions after thorough research—what the ROG Ally X feels like, how it performs, and whether it really lives up to the hype.

2.  What’s in the Box? Unpacking the ROG Ally X RC72LA

2.1   Console and Included Accessories

Inside the box, you get the Ally X itself, a compact 65W USB-C charger, and standard documentation. ASUS kept things minimal—no throwaway accessories.

The charger stands out because of its small size and power output. It’s far more portable than what you’d get with most gaming laptops, making it perfect for travel or daily carry. No need to juggle a power brick.

For additional accessories, you’ll want to consider a few key items. A quality carrying case protects that gorgeous 7-inch display when you’re tossing the device in a backpack. Screen protectors are another smart investment, especially given how much you’ll be touching and swiping on the display during gameplay.

HIDevolution and Amazon offer various accessory bundles, making it easy to get everything you need in one purchase rather than hunting down compatible items later.

2.2   Setting Up Your Device

The initial setup process with Windows 11 Home is refreshingly straightforward. Power on the device, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and sign in with your Microsoft account. The familiar Windows interface means there’s no learning curve if you’re already comfortable with PC gaming.

One of the immediate benefits is the included 3-month Xbox Game Pass handheld trial. This isn’t just a throwaway bonus—it gives you instant access to hundreds of games without additional purchases. You can start gaming within minutes of setup on this cloud gaming handheld.

Updating ROG Armoury Crate SE should be your next step. This software acts as your control center for performance settings, game organization, and system tweaks. The latest version includes significant improvements to the interface and functionality that enhance the overall ROG Ally X 2024 experience.

Setup is simple with Windows 11, includes 3-month Game Pass trial, and Armoury Crate SE provides essential system management for this portable gaming console.

3.  Hardware Breakdown: Powering Your Gaming Experience

3.1  AMD Z1 Extreme Processor at 3.3 GHz

The AMD Z1 Extreme chip brings serious power in a small package. With 8 cores and 16 threads built on a 4nm architecture, it handles multitasking and AAA games effortlessly.

In real-world testing, Starfield hit 60 FPS on medium settings—but that was in Performance or Turbo mode, mostly during indoor scenes. In outdoor areas or busy sequences, expect the occasional dip unless you tweak your settings.

This is where the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme performance really shows off—it scales based on how much power you need.

The CPU adjusts well between Silent, Performance, and Turbo modes, letting you balance battery life with speed depending on the situation.

3.2   7-Inch FHD 120Hz Display

The display technology in this gaming handheld addresses one of the most critical aspects of portable gaming—visual quality. The 1920×1080 resolution ensures sharp text and detailed graphics, while the 120Hz gaming display creates buttery-smooth motion in fast-paced games.

At 500 nits brightness, the high refresh rate display remains clearly visible in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you’re gaming in bright outdoor environments or dealing with overhead lighting in public spaces, visibility won’t be an issue on this Full HD gaming display.

The Corning Gorilla Glass DXC coating serves a dual purpose. It reduces glare by minimizing surface reflections while providing superior scratch resistance. This practical durability feature matters when you’re frequently handling this compact gaming device in various environments.

3.3   24 GB LPDDR5 RAM and 1 TB PCIe SSD

The memory configuration in this best handheld gaming console represents a significant upgrade from typical handheld gaming devices. The 24 GB of LPDDR5X RAM provides ample headroom for modern games with high-resolution textures and complex environments. This amount of RAM also enables smooth multitasking between games and other applications.

Storage starts at 1 TB with the PCIe SSD, giving you space for dozens of AAA games without constantly managing storage. The M.2 2280 form factor means future upgrades are possible up to 8 TB, ensuring this portable gaming PC can grow with your game library.

Compared to competitors like the Steam Deck’s 16 GB RAM or various storage limitations on other handheld gaming consoles, the ASUS ROG Ally X provides a clear advantage in both current performance and future-proofing.

3.4   Battery Life and Power Management

The 80Wh battery represents a doubling of capacity compared to the original ROG Ally. In practical terms, you can expect 3-5 hours of intensive gaming or 6-8 hours with lighter titles. These numbers vary significantly based on the performance mode you choose.

The three power modes offer different balances between performance and battery life:

• Silent Mode (10W): Maximum battery life with reduced performance
• Performance Mode (15W): Balanced gaming experience

• Turbo Mode (25W/30W): Maximum performance when plugged in

The included 65W USB-C charger enables rapid charging, so even short charging sessions can extend your gaming time significantly.

24GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide flagship-level specs, while the 80Wh battery doubles the capacity of the original Ally with flexible power modes for optimal ROG Ally X battery life.

4.  Gaming Performance: Play What You Love, Anywhere

4.1  Tackling AAA Games

The real test of any best portable gaming PC is how it handles demanding AAA titles. This gaming handheld performs admirably across a range of modern games. Hogwarts Legacy runs smoothly with medium-high settings, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III maintains playable frame rates with the right optimization.

Cyberpunk 2077, perhaps one of the most demanding games available, runs well with medium settings and AMD RDNA 3 graphics technology enabled through Fluid Motion Frames. This feature interpolates frames to create smoother motion, effectively boosting perceived performance on this handheld gaming device.

The key to optimal ROG Ally X gaming performance lies in finding the right balance between visual quality and frame rate for the 7-inch display. Many settings that matter on larger screens have minimal impact on this compact gaming device, allowing you to prioritize performance where it counts.

Whether you’re deep into AAA titles or emulating retro classics, this Windows 11 gaming console handles it all. With a massive 24GB of RAM and support for up to 8TB of SSD storage, you’re ready for anything from cloud gaming to local installs

4.2   Indie and Retro Gaming Made Simple

While AAA performance gets the headlines, this Windows gaming device excels with indie and retro titles. Games like Celeste or Among Us take full advantage of the 120Hz gaming display, creating incredibly smooth gameplay experiences perfect for gaming on the go.

The Windows 11 gaming handheld operating system opens up emulation possibilities for classic consoles. Setting up emulators for PS2, GameCube, or SNES games is straightforward, and the processing power handles even demanding emulated titles without issues.

For newcomers to emulation, the process involves downloading the appropriate emulator software and ROM files (legally obtained from games you own). This portable gaming console’s power makes this process much more accessible than on previous handheld gaming devices.

4.3  Xbox Game Pass: A Game Library at Your Fingertips

The included 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial provides immediate access to a vast game library. Titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and many others download directly to your device for offline play.

The choice between local and cloud gaming depends on your situation. Local gaming provides the best performance and works without internet connectivity, while cloud gaming can access titles that might not fit on your storage or require more processing power than the device can provide.

With 1 TB of storage, you can maintain a substantial library of downloaded games while still having room for cloud gaming when appropriate.

5.  Design and Comfort: Built for Hours of Play

5.1   Ergonomic Design for All Players

ASUS clearly learned from user feedback on the original Ally when designing the X model. The improved grips are 4.5mm taller, creating better hand positioning during extended gaming sessions. The macro buttons have been reduced in size to minimize accidental presses while maintaining functionality.

The device accommodates different hand sizes well. Whether you have smaller hands that might struggle with oversized controllers or larger hands that need substantial grip area, the ROG Ally X finds a comfortable middle ground.

Tips for avoiding fatigue during long sessions include adjusting your grip periodically and taking advantage of the device’s ability to be used in various orientations thanks to the Zero Gravity cooling system.

5.2  Advanced Cooling Technology

The Zero Gravity thermal system represents sophisticated engineering in a compact form factor. Dual fans with fluid dynamic bearings operate efficiently regardless of the device’s orientation, allowing you to game comfortably whether holding it traditionally, in portrait mode, or even upside down with this advanced cooling technology.

Silent Mode isn’t just about battery life—it also makes this handheld gaming console suitable for quiet environments like libraries, cafes, or shared spaces where fan noise would be disruptive.

Extended gaming sessions with demanding titles like Elden Ring show the Zero Gravity thermal system’s effectiveness. Even after hours of play, this gaming handheld remains comfortable to hold without concerning heat buildup on the back panel.

5.3   Immersive Audio and Controls

The dual Dolby Atmos speakers provide surprisingly rich audio for a handheld device. The front- firing design directs sound toward you rather than away, creating better immersion without requiring headphones.

Control customization through Armoury Crate SE allows you to optimize button layouts for specific games. Competitive titles like Apex Legends benefit from custom control schemes that put critical functions in easily accessible positions.

The Windows Hello fingerprint reader integration with the power button provides secure, convenient access without fumbling with passwords or PINs.

Improved ROG Ally X ergonomics, advanced cooling technology, and quality audio create a handheld gaming device designed for extended gaming sessions in any environment.

6.  Connectivity and Versatility: Beyond Gaming

6.1   Ports for Flexibility

The dual USB-C ports offer remarkable versatility. Both support USB 4, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery 3.0, but having two ports means you can charge while connecting to external displays or accessories.

The UHS-II microSD slot provides expandable storage beyond the internal 1 TB SSD. High-speed microSD cards can store additional games or media without impacting the primary storage.

Connection options for external displays include direct USB-C to monitor connections, ROG XG Mobile for external GPU solutions, or USB-C hubs for multiple accessory connections simultaneously.

6.2  Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2

Wi-Fi 6E support ensures fast, reliable connections even on crowded networks. The additional 6GHz band provides cleaner wireless performance, which matters for cloud gaming, multiplayer sessions, and large game downloads.

Bluetooth 5.2 enables seamless pairing with wireless controllers, gaming headsets, earbuds, or keyboards. The improved connection stability and range mean fewer dropouts during critical gaming moments.

Common connectivity issues usually involve network configuration rather than hardware problems. Ensuring your router supports the latest standards and updating network drivers resolves most connection concerns.

6.3  A Portable PC for Work and Play

Windows 11 Home transforms this best handheld gaming console into a legitimate productivity device. Students can handle schoolwork, browse the web, or tackle light video editing tasks between gaming sessions on this Windows gaming device.

The ability to connect to external monitors creates a desktop-like experience when docked at home. This flexibility makes this portable gaming PC valuable for users who want a single device that adapts to different usage scenarios.

For travelers, the compact form factor and comprehensive functionality make it an ideal companion that handles both entertainment and essential computing tasks, perfect for gaming on the go.

7. Software: Making Gaming and Productivity Seamless

7.1  ROG Armoury Crate SE: Your Control Center

ROG Armoury Crate SE serves as the central hub for your portable gaming console experience. The redesigned interface in version 1.5 provides better game library organization with customizable views—grid layouts, list formats, favorites tabs, or comprehensive overviews based on your preference.

VRAM allocation up to 8 GB from the total 24 GB system RAM gives you control over graphics performance on this gaming handheld. Games with high-resolution textures benefit from increased VRAM allocation, while lighter titles can use less to preserve system memory for other tasks.

The software handles driver updates, BIOS updates, and system optimization automatically, reducing the maintenance burden compared to traditional PC gaming setups on this Windows 11 gaming handheld.

7.2  Windows 11 Home: Familiar and Gamer-Friendly

Navigating Windows 11 on a 7-inch touchscreen requires some adjustment, but the interface scales well for the display size. Touch-friendly elements and proper scaling make most interactions comfortable without requiring an external mouse.

Performance optimization involves disabling unnecessary background applications and services that consume system resources. Windows 11’s gaming features, including Game Mode and DirectX 12 Ultimate support, enhance gaming performance automatically.

Driver management through Windows Update keeps AMD Radeon graphics drivers current, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with new game releases.

8.  Who Should Buy the ROG Ally X RC72LA?

8.1   Casual Gamers

For casual gamers who want quality gaming experiences without the complexity of building or maintaining a gaming PC, this best portable gaming PC provides an ideal solution. Quick sessions of popular titles like Fortnite or Roblox work perfectly within this handheld gaming device’s capabilities.

The Xbox Game Pass handheld integration makes gaming affordable by providing access to hundreds of titles without individual purchases. Free-to-play games also run excellently on this compact gaming device, giving you entertainment options regardless of budget constraints.

8.2   Hardcore Gamers

Serious gamers who travel frequently or want to continue their gaming sessions away from their primary setup will appreciate the ROG Ally X’s capabilities. Running demanding titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 with reasonable performance settings maintains the gaming experience you expect.

Competitive gaming features like Radeon Anti-Lag reduce input latency, making the device suitable for multiplayer gaming where every millisecond matters.

8.3   Students and Professionals

The dual-purpose nature of the ROG Ally X appeals to students and professionals who need a single device for both work and entertainment. The Windows 11 environment handles productivity tasks effectively while providing high-end gaming capabilities.

Portability makes it practical for campus life, business travel, or any situation where space and weight constraints matter.

8.4   Retro Gaming Enthusiasts

The processing power available in the ROG Ally X surpasses dedicated retro gaming handhelds significantly. Emulating everything from classic arcade games to PS2 and GameCube titles works smoothly with room for enhancement features like improved textures and higher frame rates.

9.  ROG Ally X vs. Other Handhelds: How It Stacks Up

9.1   ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck

If you’re weighing your options in the handheld space, the Ally X clearly earns its spot. In the Steam Deck vs ROG Ally X debate, ASUS’s model brings a bigger battery, more memory, and a smoother 120Hz display to the table. While the Steam Deck OLED panel is visually stunning, the Ally X has the edge when it comes to power, thermals, and OS flexibility.

The hardware advantages of this gaming handheld include more RAM, larger storage, and significantly better ROG Ally X battery life, while the Steam Deck offers the superior OLED display technology.

9.2   ROG Ally X vs. MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go

Against other Windows-based handheld gaming consoles, the ASUS ROG Ally X’s advanced cooling technology and ergonomics stand out. The 120Hz gaming display provides smoother motion than competitors’ 60Hz screens, while the 24 GB of LPDDR5X RAM enables better multitasking and future-proofing.

Build quality and customer support also factor into the ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck comparison, where ASUS’s established gaming hardware reputation provides confidence in long-term reliability and service availability.

9.3   Upgrading from the Original ROG Ally

Original ROG Ally owners will find meaningful upgrades in the X model: doubled battery capacity, 50% more RAM, doubled storage, and improved ergonomics address the most common complaints about the first generation.

Whether the upgrade is worthwhile depends on how much the original device’s limitations affect your usage. If battery life was your primary concern, the upgrade provides clear value.

10.   Practical Tips to Maximize Your ROG Ally X Experience

10.1   Optimizing for Performance

Different game types benefft from different optimization approaches:

• AAA Games: Use Performance or Turbo mode, allocate 6-8GB VRAM, enable AMD features like FSR and Fluid Motion Frames
• Indie Games: Silent or Performance mode often sufficient, lower VRAM allocation preserves battery
• Retro Games: Silent mode provides excellent battery life while maintaining perfect emulation performance

The 120Hz display truly shines with games that can maintain high frame rates, so prioritize frame rate over visual effects where possible.

10.2   Protecting Your Device

Screen protection is essential given the large display and touch functionality. Tempered glass protectors provide the best protection with minimal impact on touch sensitivity or visual quality.

Carrying cases should provide adequate padding while maintaining reasonable portability. Look for options that accommodate the device with basic accessories like the charger.

HIDevolution’s protection plans offer additional peace of mind beyond ASUS’s standard warranty, particularly valuable for a device you’ll be carrying frequently.

10.3   Saving on Games

Xbox Game Pass provides the best value for accessing a large game library quickly. The included trial lets you evaluate whether the ongoing subscription fits your gaming habits.

Digital game sales on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG frequently offer significant discounts on titles that run well on the ROG Ally X. Building a wishlist and waiting for sales can substantially reduce gaming costs.

10.4   Gaming on the Go

Packing efficiently means planning for both the device and necessary accessories. A compact bag that holds the Ally X, charger, and basic accessories without excess bulk makes travel more convenient.

Downloading games for offline play is crucial for flights or areas with limited connectivity. Plan your downloads based on available storage and expected playing time.

Optimize settings per game type, invest in protection, leverage Game Pass value, and plan downloads for offline gaming scenarios with this portable gaming PC.

11.   Is the ROG Ally X RC72LA Worth the Price?

11.1   Breaking Down the ASUS ROG Ally X Price

The ASUS ROG Ally X price is competitively positioned at $799.99 in the United States, making it a premium handheld gaming console. This pricing reflects the high-end ROG Ally X specifications and build quality but requires careful consideration of value relative to alternatives.

Compared to budget handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch, this gaming handheld costs significantly more but provides vastly superior performance and functionality. The comparison isn’t entirely fair given the different target markets and capabilities.

11.2   Value for Your Money

When compared to gaming laptops with similar ROG Ally X specifications—AMD Ryzen processors, 24 GB RAM, and discrete graphics capabilities—this best handheld gaming console often costs less while providing superior portability.

Long-term value comes from the upgradeable storage and the comprehensive software ecosystem. With its powerful internals and upgradeable storage, the Ally X is built to stay relevant for years, even as games evolve.

The included Xbox Game Pass handheld trial and ongoing subscription value help offset the initial cost by providing immediate access to a substantial game library.

11.3   Buying Smart – Where to Buy ASUS ROG Ally X

For those looking to buy ASUS ROG Ally X, purchasing from HIDevolution through Amazon provides additional warranty options and customer support benefits. The retailer’s reputation in gaming hardware makes them a reliable source for this type of specialized handheld gaming device.

Amazon deals and bundle options periodically offer better value, especially when combined with essential accessories like cases and screen protectors. Monitoring these opportunities can provide savings on the total setup cost for this portable gaming console.

Buy ASUS ROG Ally X on Amazon →

12.   What Gamers Are Saying: Real-World Feedback

12.1   The Highlights

Amazon reviews consistently praise the 120Hz gaming display and 1TB storage capacity, with users appreciating the immediate usability without storage management concerns. The

portability combined with genuine PC gaming power resonates strongly with buyers of this gaming handheld.

ROG Ally X gaming performance in AAA games exceeds expectations for many users, particularly those coming from other handheld gaming devices or expecting compromised performance in a portable form factor.

12.2   The Considerations

The premium ASUS ROG Ally X price represents the most common concern among potential buyers. At $1600 for some configurations, this handheld gaming console requires significant investment compared to traditional portable gaming consoles.

Weight at 678g becomes noticeable during extended gaming sessions, though improved ROG Ally X ergonomics help mitigate fatigue compared to the original Ally.

12.3   Tips from the Community

Gaming communities recommend VRAM tweaks and fan curve adjustments for optimal ROG Ally X performance review results. Most AAA titles benefit from 6-8GB allocation while indie games work well with 4GB or less on this Windows 11 gaming handheld.

Fan curve adjustments through ROG Armoury Crate SE allow users to balance noise levels with cooling performance based on their environment and preferences for this compact gaming device.

ASUS ROG Ally X forums provide valuable resources for game-specific optimization guides and troubleshooting common issues with new releases on this portable gaming PC.

13.   Conclusion: Your Gateway to Portable Gaming Freedom

The ROG Ally X RC72LA isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a redefinition. With better battery life, more RAM, double the storage, and a more comfortable design, ASUS tackled nearly every flaw in the original.

This is the handheld gaming PC for serious gamers who need flexibility without giving up performance.

Whether you’re gaming from your couch, on a flight, or in between meetings, this unit gives you full-scale PC power in a travel-sized frame. For anyone looking for the real deal, this is the ROG Ally X review that tells you—it’s the one to get.

Ready to transform your gaming experience? The ASUS ROG Ally X is available now—start gaming anywhere today!

Buy ASUS ROG Ally X on Amazon →

14.   FAQs: Answers to Common Questions

14.1   Can it run all PC games?

The ASUS ROG Ally X runs any PC game that supports Windows 11, with ROG Ally X gaming performance varying based on the game’s requirements. Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass handheld, and other platforms work natively on this Windows gaming device. Some older games may require compatibility adjustments, but the vast majority of PC games run without issues on this portable gaming PC.

14.2   How long does the ROG Ally X battery life last for specific games?

ROG Ally X battery life varies signiffcantly by game and settings:

• Intensive AAA games (like Cyberpunk 2077): 3-4 hours on Performance mode
• Moderate games (like Monster Hunter Rise): 4-5 hours on Performance mode
• Light indie games (like Stardew Valley): 6-8 hours on Silent mode
• Retro emulation: 7-9 hours depending on the emulated system

This gaming handheld’s 80Wh battery provides excellent endurance for gaming on the go.

14.3   How to upgrade the 1 TB PCIe SSD?

Upgrading the SSD on this handheld gaming device involves:

1. Power down completely and remove the back panel screws
2. Disconnect the battery connector for safety
3. Remove the existing 2 2280 SSD
4. Install the new SSD (up to 8TB supported)
5. Reassemble and clone your existing installation or perform a fresh Windows install

14.4   Better than a gaming laptop?

This best portable gaming PC wins on portability and ROG Ally X battery life, while gaming laptops typically offer superior raw performance and larger displays. Choose this compact gaming device if you prioritize mobility and the convenience of handheld PC gaming. Choose a laptop if you need maximum performance and don’t mind the larger form factor.

14.5   Must-have accessories?

Essential accessories for this Windows 11 gaming handheld include:

• Tempered glass screen protector: Protects the 7-inch Full HD gaming display
• Carrying case: For safe transport and storage of your gaming handheld
• USB-C hub: Expands connectivity options when docked
• High-speed microSD card: Additional storage for games and media

• Power bank with 65W USB-C PD: Extended gaming sessions away from outlets

Share your ASUS ROG Ally X gaming experiences in the comments below! What games are you playing on this handheld gaming console, and how has this portable gaming PC changed your gaming routine? Your insights help fellow gamers make informed decisions and discover new ways to enjoy gaming on the go with this best handheld gaming console.