CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 / AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Screen: 7-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Weight: 608 g)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 ~ 1.28 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~ 3.24cm; W x D x H)

The original and a solid PC gaming handheld in its own right, it's much more lightweight and distinctively designed than its successor.

Asus ROG Ally X

CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-7500
Screen: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz, 500 nits
Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
Ports: 2x USB Type-C ports, 1x combo jack, 1x SD card reader slot
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Weight: 1.49 pounds (678g)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.02 x 4.37 x 1.45 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 3.69 cm)

The most recent PC gaming handheld on the market has some serious chops, but is it better than its predecessor?

Asus has produced two of the best PC gaming handhelds currently on the market, the Asus ROG Ally and the Asus ROG Ally X.

Both handhelds will get you great gaming performance on the go (within reason), ad both are truly competitive against the current champ, Valve's Steam Deck. But the two ROG Ally models offer quite a bit more than the Steam Deck does, and so they're both very popular.

Which one is the best for you, though? Well, I'm here to compare both to see which is superior in performance and which is the overall best value.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: price

Asus ROG Ally X on desk — (Image credit: Future)

There are two models of the original Asus ROG Ally, with the entry-level version equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 GPU retailing for $399.99 (around £640 / AU$1,280). The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme equipped ROG Ally retails for a slightly higher $549.99 / £449 / AU$999.

The Asus ROG Ally X only has one model available, and it costs $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599.

In terms of pricing, the ROG Ally is the clear winner. Since its launch in 2023, it's dropped in price considerably, and it's performance is very good, making it a much better value than the much more expensive ROG Ally X.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: design & features

white handheld sitting on table — (Image credit: Future)

The original Asus ROG Ally is much smaller and lighter than other PC gaming handhelds, and its unique white honeycomb chassis stands out against the competition, making it a tempting option for gamers looking for something different.

Both the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X feature dual analog sticks, a 7-inch FHD screen, the same refresh rate and response time, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation holes along the top to allow for heat dissipation, though the ROG Ally X has the better one cooling setup.

The button layout and grips of the two handhelds are also nearly identical, though the ROG Ally X is more ergonomic with a customizable updated analog stick design. It also has better specs, including more RAM and storage space, a slightly bigger battery (though nothing to write home about), and two new USB Type-C ports that replace the original’s XG Mobile port. Meanwhile, the original version is smaller and lighter, with a far more interesting chassis and color than the updated version.

In terms of design, both tie in my opinion. The ROG Ally is straight-up better looking, more portable, and easier to game with over a longer period due to the weight. But the ROG Ally X is built to be more comfortable for longer sessions, with more USB Type-C ports and a better vent.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: specs

Asus ROG Ally X on desk — (Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: performance

There isn't too much different between the Asus ROG Ally and Asus ROG Ally X in terms of performance if you've got an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model. That said, the base model for the ROG Ally uses the less capable Ryzen Z1 SoC, so its performance will be slightly slower than the ROG Ally X.

Even though this means that the base ROG Ally isn't capable of the power gaming of its updated version, it's still quite impressive in its own right. It'll play most modern PC titles, including DirectX 12 games with ray tracing. I tested the ROG Ally out with Ghostrunner and it ran almost completely stutter-free.

I tested both the ROG Allys with Forza Horizon 5 and ray tracing enabled and even on High settings, the Z1 Extreme chip in the two handhelds can get more than 50 FPS on average. Using Turbo Mode, however, definitely impacts battery life, so it's best to use that setting with the unit plugged in for the most mileage.

Performance-wise, the ROG Ally X gets the win here. Gaming performance, UI, and the operating system are all simply better.

Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: verdict

In the end, the two systems actually tie, in my opinion, with the choice being pure personal preference as to what you value more in a portable system.

The Asus ROG Ally is a great value in its own right due to its much lower price of entry that rivals the Steam Deck, it's lightweight, gorgeous, and highly portable design, and it has excellent specs.

Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X is a pure-performance machine that has better specs than before and more ergonomic, those that comes at a much steeper price point.

Recently purchased a Asus ROG Ally or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.

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Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: which is the better PC gaming handheld?