The ROG Ally X is essentially a $1,000 apology for the original model’s shortcomings, trading the "beta test" feel of the first generation for a refined, matte-black powerhouse that finally lives up to its specs. By doubling the battery to 80Wh and bumping the RAM to 24GB, ASUS has eliminated the frame-time stuttering and "tethered-to-the-wall" anxiety that crippled its predecessor, though the raw processing power of the Z1 Extreme remains identical. It is a calculated, enthusiast-grade revision that swaps proprietary SSD headaches for a standard 2280 slot and fixes ergonomics with deeper grips, yet it remains anchored by the clunky, touch-unfriendly reality of Windows 11. Ultimately, it’s the most capable handheld PC on the market, but you’re paying a massive "correction tax" for quality-of-life improvements that should have been there from the start.
