Steam Deck-style handhelds get a new rival as Asus ROG Ally X targets PC gamers on the go

Windows-based handheld PCs have grown from a curiosity into a serious platform for PC gaming, and 2024 is turning into the year of hardware refreshes. The latest entrant is the Asus ROG Ally X, a revised version of last year’s ROG Ally that aims to fix pain points rather than chase raw power upgrades.

With a bigger battery, expanded storage options and a reworked design, the ROG Ally X is positioned as a more practical portable for players who want their Steam and Game Pass libraries everywhere they go. It also signals how quickly this new handheld category is maturing.

What the ROG Ally X changes from the original

Asus is not replacing the first ROG Ally outright. Instead, the Ally X keeps the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and 7‑inch 1080p 120 Hz display, but focuses on comfort and endurance. The most headline grabbing change is the significantly larger battery, which should make demanding games more viable away from a charger.

The new model also upgrades internal storage and memory. Asus moves to an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which makes future drive upgrades easier and gives buyers more options. RAM capacity is increased as well, which can help both integrated graphics performance and multitasking in Windows.

Design tweaks aimed at long sessions

One of the biggest criticisms of early Windows handhelds was ergonomics. The ROG Ally X introduces reshaped grips, adjusted button placements and sturdier analog sticks that are intended to hold up better over time. These are small changes on paper, but they matter once you are several hours into a role playing game or a visual novel.

Cooling has also been reworked. Asus has shifted internal components and airflow to deal with heat more efficiently, which is particularly important in a compact chassis that needs to balance fan noise against performance. The goal is to keep handheld mode comfortable without throttling too aggressively.

Competition in the handheld PC space is heating up

The ROG Ally X arrives in a market already crowded with options like Valve’s Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go and devices from smaller manufacturers such as Ayaneo. Each has its niche: Valve pushes a console‑style experience with SteamOS, while Asus and Lenovo lean on full Windows and broader store support.

This competition is good for players. Hardware makers are iterating faster, and areas like battery life, thumbstick longevity and docking solutions are improving as a result. Pricing pressure is also likely as more devices chase a similar audience of PC players who split time between desk setups and couch or travel play.

What Windows handhelds mean for PC libraries

For many buyers, the main appeal of the ROG Ally X is access to existing libraries. Steam, the Epic Games Store, GOG, the Microsoft Store and subscription services like PC Game Pass all work, though not always flawlessly on a small touchscreen. That flexibility sets Windows handhelds apart from more closed platforms.

At the same time, it makes software configuration more complex. Players still need to think about power profiles, graphics settings and controller layouts. Tools like Armoury Crate SE on the Ally line try to centralise those options, but there is a learning curve that console users might not be used to.

Who the ROG Ally X is for

The hardware focus of the Ally X suggests Asus is targeting two groups: existing PC enthusiasts looking for a second device, and early handheld adopters who were frustrated by the compromises in first‑generation models. Longer battery life and easier storage upgrades specifically address frequent complaints.

However, the device will not be for everyone. Those who value simplicity may still prefer Valve’s more curated user experience or a traditional console. Others might wait to see whether AMD and rivals push a completely new generation of low‑power chips in the next couple of years.

What to watch next in handheld gaming

The ROG Ally X highlights a broader shift: manufacturers are refining current designs instead of leaping to higher resolutions or radically faster chips. Over the next year, expect more attention on software ecosystems, cloud integration and accessories like docks and external GPUs.

For players, that means more choice and a better chance of finding a handheld that fits specific habits, whether that is indie games on the train or AAA blockbusters during travel. The category is still young, but devices like the ROG Ally X show that handheld PCs are settling into a stable, long‑term role in the gaming landscape.