ASUS, one of the first major PC makers, managed to get a lot right with the original Ally gaming handheld. Offering better performance in a smaller chassis compared to Valve’s Steam Deck, at a similar price point, due to being Windows-based instead of Linux for almost universal game compatibility. Despite weak battery life and faulty SD card slots, ASUS tweaked almost every aspect for the new Ally X model, maintaining the chip and display. Design changes include improved ergonomics with more pronounced grips, enhanced buttons, and a new D-Pad, delivering a more polished flagship Windows gaming handheld. Performance upgrades include stiffer joystick springs, more RAM, larger storage, and improved cooling, resulting in significant gaming gains. The Ally X’s 1080p display also remains top-notch. ASUS’s Armoury Crate software has improved but Windows-based gaming handhelds can still feel clunky. Battery life has doubled on the Ally X, addressing a major issue, while a second USB-C port and Thunderbolt 4 support offer greater flexibility. The Ally X is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, but its higher price may be a deterrent for some consumers, even though it stands as one of the best PC gaming handhelds on the market.
