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ASUS announced the original ROG Ally X on June 2, 2024. It kept the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor but upgraded several other parts of the Windows handheld: storage, memory, battery, chassis, controls, cooling, and ports. This is the 2024 ROG Ally X—not the later ROG Xbox Ally X or ROG Xbox Ally X20.
What ASUS announced about the ROG Ally X
ASUS presented the ROG Ally X as a new model of its Windows 11 handheld gaming console. The most important distinction from the original ROG Ally is that ASUS retained its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and focused the redesign on other hardware and usability changes. ASUS also paired the device with Armoury Crate SE 1.5, which it said provided a customizable game library and unified system updates. ASUS’s June 2, 2024 announcement is the primary source for the device’s specifications and design claims.
ROG Ally X specs: the main upgrades
| Area | ROG Ally X (2024) | Difference from original ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Retained from the original Ally |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD | Original Ally had 512GB; ASUS said the redesigned motherboard makes the M.2 2280 drive easier to upgrade |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 | More memory available to the system and integrated graphics; the Z1 Extreme shares video memory with system RAM |
| Battery | 80Wh | ASUS described this as double the original model’s capacity |
| Weight | 678g | ASUS said it was 70g heavier than the original Ally |
| Ports | Two USB-C ports | Replaced the original’s XG Mobile port; ASUS said one USB-C port is Thunderbolt-compatible |
These specifications and comparisons come from ASUS’s 2024 product announcement, not independent measurements. The larger memory pool matters because the Ryzen Z1 Extreme uses system memory for graphics as well as other tasks; it gives the system more memory to allocate across those uses, but it does not change the processor generation.
How the chassis, controls, and cooling changed
More rounded grips and revised controls
ASUS redesigned the chassis with deeper handles and a rounder shape, and changed the angles of the buttons and thumbsticks. It also made the rear macro buttons smaller. ASUS rated the new joysticks for a five-million-cycle lifespan and said the revised D-pad was intended to deliver more precise eight-direction input. Those are manufacturer descriptions and durability claims.
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- 🖥️ High-Performance 7" Gaming & Productivity Display | 1920x1080 Glare TFT LCD with 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth visuals for gaming & streaming; 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel + precision pointing device ensures intuitive control. Powered by Windows 11 Home 64-bit, this black handheld balances portability (11.4"x4.8"x1.1", 1.6 lbs) and immersive play.
- ⚡ Top-Tier AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor | 8-core/16-thread chip paired with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 onboard memory & 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast load times, seamless multitasking & crisp gaming graphics. Max power consumption of 65W optimizes performance without excessive energy drain.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery & Flexible Power Options | 4-cell 80Wh lithium polymer battery offers up to 13.9hrs of video playback or 22.3hrs of idle use—ideal for all-day gaming marathons or remote work.
- 🎮 Professional Gaming Controls & Smart Features | Full layout with left/right sticks, D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, bumpers/triggers, 2 macro buttons & dedicated Xbox/display/library keys for customized gameplay. Built-in accelerometer/gyroscope for motion control; Windows Hello fingerprint recognition ensures secure, one-touch login.
- 🔌 Versatile Connectivity & Complete Accessories Kit | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4 for lag-free online gaming & device pairing; 2 Type-C ports (USB 4 + USB 3.2 Gen2) support data transfer, video output & PD charging.
Cooling changes, according to ASUS
ASUS said the Ally X’s fans were 23% smaller and had blades 50% thinner than the previous design, while moving 24% more air through the system. The company also claimed the touchscreen could measure up to 6°C cooler. These figures describe ASUS’s own claims; they should not be read as independently verified review results.
Ports, storage upgrades, and charging
The two USB-C ports replaced the original Ally’s XG Mobile port. ASUS said one of the ports is Thunderbolt-compatible, enabling use with third-party docks and external GPUs. For storage, ASUS moved to an M.2 2280 slot on a redesigned motherboard and said this made upgrades easier. Check the exact SSD’s dimensions and compatibility before buying; the slot description alone does not establish compatibility for every drive.
Rank #2
- 🚀 AMD RYZEN AI Z2 EXTREME PERFORMANCE: Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme 8-core, 16-thread processor (up to 5.0GHz max turbo) with AMD Radeon Graphics and 24MB smart cache, delivering ultra-smooth performance for AAA gaming, AI workloads, and multitasking.(Japan Version. It can be used in the United States with the included plug adapter, and the system language can be switched to English for normal use.)
- 💾 24GB LPDDR5X RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD: Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5X onboard memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless multitasking across demanding applications.
- 🖥️ 7” FHD 120HZ TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Experience crisp visuals on a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, responsive touch control, and vivid color reproduction for immersive gameplay.
- ❄️ ERGONOMIC DESIGN & INTELLIGENT COOLING: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, featuring ergonomic grips and ROG’s advanced intelligent cooling system to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.
- 🎮 WINDOWS 11 WITH XBOX & PC GAME ECOSYSTEM: Runs on Windows 11, providing full compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms—offering a true hybrid experience that blends console-style gaming with PC flexibility.
ASUS’s ROG Ally X comparison page says the 2024 Ally X supports charging up to 100W. Reaching that rate requires a compatible charger and cable; ASUS’s statement does not establish that every third-party USB-C charger or cable will deliver it.
Do not confuse the 2024 ROG Ally X with later models
The name now needs a year and full model name. ASUS announced the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 2025; the latter has an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 memory, a 1TB M.2 SSD, and an 80Wh battery, according to ASUS’s 2025 announcement. These are specifications for the 2025 ROG Xbox Ally X, not the 2024 ROG Ally X.
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Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
In June 2026, ASUS announced the ROG Xbox Ally X20, a separate model with a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and a 7.4-inch OLED display. See ASUS’s 2026 announcement. The X20’s display and processor details should not be attributed to the 2024 Ally X.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the 2024 upgrade means
The 2024 ROG Ally X was a substantial redesign around the original Ally’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme rather than a processor-generation change. Its clearest headline improvements were the 1TB SSD, 24GB of faster memory, and 80Wh battery, alongside revised ergonomics, cooling, and USB-C connectivity. Those changes make it important to identify the year when comparing listings or specifications: later products with “Xbox Ally X” in their name are different devices.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
