Intro
what reviewers say is handheld gaming insights consensus from trusted reviewers.
Quick Verdict
- Best-in-Class Ergonomics
- Massive Battery Life
- Performance Sweet Spot
- Proven Display with VRR
- Polished but Clunky Software
- Premium Price Point
- Loud Controls
- Excellent Audio
Display
The device retains the 7-inch 1080p IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) from previous models, which reviewers found to be a “solid” and “proven” display despite not being OLED. While the 500-nit brightness makes it usable in various lighting conditions, some reviewers felt the 7-inch size is becoming small by modern standards and noted the viewing angles could be improved. Ultimately, the inclusion of VRR is praised as a “must-have” feature that keeps gameplay smooth even when frame rates fluctuate.
Reviewer Insights
“While not OLED, it is objectively a “very good screen” that keeps the price point from becoming even more expensive”
Dave2D
“The device features a 7-inch 1080p panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) support, which is described as a “perfect pairing” for the hardware”
IGN
“The 7-inch IPS panel is a “proven display” with 500 nits of brightness, though an OLED upgrade would have been a significant improvement”
ETA PRIME
“It utilizes the same 120Hz VRR screen as previous models, providing smooth gameplay even when frames drop below 60 FPS”
Retro Game Corps
“The 1080p 120Hz IPS screen is solid, but remains unchanged from the original Ally released years ago”
Linus Tech Tips
“The screen is 1080p with VRR, but the lack of an OLED panel and “rubbish viewing angles” make it a bit disappointing for a modern flagship”
The Tech Chap
“The 120Hz VRR screen is an “absolute must-have” because it syncs the refresh rate with the GPU to eliminate screen tearing”
128KB
“The device prioritizes a quality LCD over OLED, which is vibrant enough but may disappoint “screen junkies” looking for deeper blacks”
gameranx
” It features a 1080p 120Hz VRR panel, which provides a “super Steam Deck” experience compared to standard LCD screens”
The Phawx
Performance
Featuring the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, the Ally X delivers a significant 15% to 30% performance uplift over the previous generation, with the most impressive gains seen at lower wattages like 15W or 20W. It consistently outperforms rivals like the Lenovo Legion Go in demanding titles, though reviewers noted that AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 still require upscaling or lower settings to hit a stable 60 FPS. Reviewers consider it a “clear evolution” in handheld power, though gains diminish when pushing the device above 25W.
Reviewer Insights
“It is a “clear evolution” in handhelds, delivering an 18-19% improvement over the Lenovo Legion Go in benchmarks for demanding games”
IGN
“The Z2 Extreme chip provides a significant performance uplift over the Z1 Extreme, particularly when running at more efficient power profiles like 17W”
Retro Game Corps
“The device reaches impressive benchmark scores at 35W turbo mode, consistently beating the Z1 Extreme in Time Spy and Geekbench”
ETA PRIME
” Its biggest strength is low-wattage performance, where the Z2 Extreme shines much brighter than the previous generation”
Dave2D
“The Z2 Extreme offers a noticeable performance flex, crushing the old Ally X when both are running in maximum power profiles”
Linus Tech Tips
“The Z2 Extreme is roughly 20% faster than its predecessor, providing a smoother experience that turns 50 FPS games into 60 FPS games”
The Tech Chap
“The Z2 Extreme AI chip hits a “sweet spot” at 20W, where it provides significant gains over lower power profiles”
128KB
“This is a “very beefy, very powerful” flagship where modern games run and “scream” with impressive speed”
gameranx
“The Z2E is 30% better at 15W than the Z1E, though gains diminish significantly once power is pushed above 25W”
The Phawx
Battery
The upgrade to an 80Wh battery is described as a “game-changer,” doubling the capacity of the original model and providing roughly 2.5 to 3 hours of life in intensive AAA titles. For lightweight indie games, the device can last between 8 and 10 hours, a feat made possible by the efficiency of the Z2 Extreme chip at low power profiles. This increased longevity “literally changed” the experience for reviewers, who no longer felt tethered to a wall charger during extended sessions.
Reviewer Insights
“Despite its power, the Ally X is a “resilient” device that lasts approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes when running intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077″
IGN
” The 80Wh battery is a major highlight, capable of providing between 8 and 10 hours of life for lightweight indie titles”
Retro Game Corps
“AAA gaming at a 17W performance mode yields roughly 3 hours of run time, which is considered great for a handheld”
ETA PRIME
“The 80Wh battery is good, though there is no proper “Quick Resume” yet, relying instead on standard Windows sleep/hibernate modes”
Dave2D
“The large battery capacity has “literally changed” the handheld experience, allowing for long gaming sessions entirely away from a wall charger”
Linus Tech Tips
“It provides over 2 hours of life in demanding AAA titles and closer to 5 hours in silent mode for simpler games”
The Tech Chap
” The 80Wh battery combined with excellent weight displacement makes the device feel “unbelievably light” during use”
128KB
” Modern 3D games will last about 2 hours, though the standby mode is surprisingly efficient at preserving charge”
gameranx
“Users can expect roughly 2 hours of life in a “worst case” scenario by pushing the turbo mode to its maximum”
The Phawx
Ergonomics
Reviewers widely agree that the new, thicker handles make this the most comfortable handheld ASUS has produced, fitting naturally into the palms like an Xbox controller. Despite being heavier than the original Ally, the weight displacement is so well-handled that the device feels “unbelievably light” during use. However, common complaints include the “clacky” and loud nature of the face buttons, as well as the occasionally frustrating placement of the flipped menu buttons.
Reviewer Insights
“Though heavier than previous models, the new controller-style grips make it even more comfortable by fitting naturally into the hands”
IGN
“These are the best ergonomics Asus has produced, featuring thicker handles that eliminate the need for third-party 3D-printed grips”
Retro Game Corps
“The ergonomics are “spot-on,” featuring handles that mimic an Xbox controller and make the device fit perfectly in the palm”
ETA PRIME
“The controller feel is “awesome” in hand, and the ergonomic changes make it preferable to the Steam Deck for extended use”
Dave2D
“The grips make this “as comfortable maybe even more comfortable” than any handheld previously tested, despite the added weight”
Linus Tech Tips
“The handles make it feel like an “elongated Xbox controller,” making it much more comfortable than the bulkier Lenovo Legion Go”
The Tech Chap
“Ergonomics are the number one feature, checking every box for comfort during long gaming sessions”
128KB
“The design mimics an Xbox controller split in half, offering incredible triggers and grips that prevent hand fatigue”
gameranx
“The handles are described as “meaty,” and some users may find them too thick compared to the slimmer ROG Ally X”
The Phawx
Software
The “Xbox Full Screen Experience” (FSE) boots the device directly into the Xbox app and saves up to 2GB of RAM by bypassing standard Windows background tasks, but reviewers found the dual-interface with ASUS’s Armory Crate to be redundant and “clunky”. While some found the experience “shockingly polished,” others criticized it as a “Frankenstein” of interfaces that still forces users to deal with “Windowsess” like pop-ups and complex update paths. The software is seen as a step in the right direction for Windows handhelds, though it remains “messy” and requires further refinement.
Reviewer Insights
“The experience is defined by the Xbox full screen experience, which boots directly into the Xbox app, though it still relies on Windows 11 in the background”
IGN
“Described as a “lousy Xbox” experience, the software feels clunky and redundant due to competing interfaces between the Xbox app and Armory Crate”
Retro Game Corps
“The full screen experience makes the device feel more like a dedicated console, though the interface still needs work and consistent updates”
ETA PRIME
“While familiar and inviting, the “Windowsess” of the product eventually bubbles up through ugly lock screens and pre-installed bloatware”
Dave2D
“The Xbox full-screen experience is “shockingly polished,” but users must still deal with Windows issues like Steam pop-ups”
Linus Tech Tips
“This is the “nicest experience” on a Windows handheld to date, successfully making Windows feel less cumbersome”
The Tech Chap
“The Xbox FSE is intuitive and frees up to 2GB of RAM by bypassing unnecessary Windows background processes”
128KB
“The software experience can be a “Frankenstein of different interfaces” that feels finicky and occasionally “annoying” due to Windows bloat”
gameranx
“The integration is currently “messy,” as Steam and Windows conflict over control of the Xbox guide button”
The Phawx
Value
At a retail price of $999, the device is described as a “tough pill to swallow” and an “enthusiast” product, especially when compared to the subsidized pricing of the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, it is considered competitively priced for its high-end specs, often being the most affordable way to access the Z2 Extreme chipset compared to more expensive boutique rivals. Reviewers conclude that while it is the current “benchmark” for Windows handhelds, it is primarily intended for a niche market with “deep pockets”.
Reviewer Insights
“At $999, it is priced competitively against other high-end Z2 Extreme devices, even if it is twice the price of a Steam Deck”
IGN
“The $1,000 price tag is a “tough pill to swallow,” representing a $200 increase over the launch price of the original Ally X”
Retro Game Corps
“It is one of the cheapest ways to access the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset compared to rival handhelds that cost significantly more”
ETA PRIME
“This is a $1,000 enthusiast device; it is not subsidized like a console, making the price-to-performance ratio feel “strange” for an Xbox-branded item”
Dave2D
“At $1,000, the pricing is a tough pill to swallow compared to the Steam Deck, which offers more competitive value for budget-conscious gamers”
Linus Tech Tips
“It is the best Windows handheld currently available, but its $999 price is “a lot of money” for most consumers”
The Tech Chap
“While expensive at $1,000, the inclusion of an NPU and AI features suggests the device will “age like fine wine””
128KB
“At $1,000, it is a device for a niche group with “deep pockets” who want the highest possible specs in a handheld”
gameranx
“The device is only recommended for those who do not already own an Ally X and want a 10-15% performance jump”
The Phawx
Overall
Pros
- Superior Ergonomics: The new controller-style grips and weight distribution make it significantly more comfortable for long sessions than previous models
- Massive Battery Life: The 80Wh battery is a “game-changer,” offering up to 10 hours for indie titles and roughly 2.5–3 hours for intensive AAA games
- Performance Efficiency: The Ryzen Z2 Extreme provides a 15–30% performance boost, shining particularly bright at efficient low-wattage settings (15W–17W)
- Smooth VRR Display: The 120Hz screen with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is praised for keeping gameplay smooth even when frame rates fluctuate
- Exceptional Audio: The front-firing speakers are widely considered among the best in the handheld market
- Console-like UI: The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) offers a more intuitive interface that boots directly into a library and frees up to 2GB of RAM
Cons
- High Price Point: At $999, it is a premium enthusiast device that is difficult to justify compared to subsidized options like the Steam Deck
- Software Redundancy: Users often have to navigate a “messy” overlap of Windows 11, the Xbox app, and ASUS Armory Crate
- Lack of OLED: For a $1,000 device, the absence of an OLED panel is a disappointment to many reviewers
- Loud and Clacky Controls: The face buttons are notably loud, and the D-pad is described as sensitive and prone to missed inputs in precision games
- Branding Confusion: The “Xbox” name leads to unmet expectations for a simple, console-like experience because the device is still a PC at its core
- No Included Accessories: Despite the high cost, the device does not come with a carrying case, which must be purchased separately
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