The $1000 Handheld PC Is Here: Is ASUS ROG Ally X Worth the Leap?

Get ready to redefine portable PC gaming! ASUS is back, not with a sequel, but with a souped-up refresh of its popular handheld gaming PC: the ROG Ally X. While not a complete overhaul, this "X" model packs some serious upgrades under the hood, aiming to address the most common criticisms of its predecessor and push the boundaries of what a handheld gaming device can be.

But with an anticipated price tag nudging towards the $1000 mark, the big question remains: is the ultimate handheld experience worth the premium?

The star of the show for the ROG Ally X is undoubtedly its colossal battery. Doubling the original Ally's 40Wh capacity, the Ally X boasts a massive 80Wh power source.

This isn't just a minor bump; it promises significantly extended gaming sessions, a crucial upgrade for any portable device. Imagine fewer frantic searches for power outlets and more uninterrupted gameplay – a dream come true for many. Coupled with this, ASUS has generously bumped the RAM from 16GB to a whopping 24GB of LPDDR5X, offering more headroom for demanding games and multitasking, making the Windows experience feel snappier.

Beyond endurance and memory, the Ally X introduces several quality-of-life improvements.

The internal cooling system has received an overhaul, promising more efficient heat dissipation and potentially quieter operation, which is always a welcome change in compact devices. Gamers will also appreciate the redesigned joysticks and D-pad, addressing some of the ergonomic feedback from the first model.

While the core Z1 Extreme processor remains unchanged, meaning no raw performance uplift from the original, these refinements collectively aim to deliver a more polished and reliable gaming experience. Connectivity also sees an upgrade, with one of the USB-C ports now supporting Thunderbolt 4, expanding peripheral options considerably.

However, all these premium features come at a premium price.

While final pricing is yet to be confirmed, expectations are that the ROG Ally X could land in the $799-$899 range in the US, potentially pushing $1000 when factoring in accessories or international markets. This places it squarely in a higher echelon than its predecessor and direct competitors like the Steam Deck OLED, which offers exceptional value, and the larger Lenovo Legion Go.

ASUS is clearly positioning the Ally X as a top-tier offering, for enthusiasts who demand the absolute best in portable PC gaming and are willing to invest accordingly.

The ROG Ally X enters a vibrant, yet challenging, handheld market. It's competing for mindshare and wallet share against established players and its own original model.

Its success will hinge on whether the substantial battery life, increased RAM, and refined ergonomics truly justify the higher cost, especially for users who already own the original Ally. While Windows on a handheld still presents its own unique quirks and optimizations are an ongoing process, the Ally X represents a bold step forward for ASUS, signaling their commitment to refining the portable PC gaming experience, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.