The chassis uses ABS plastic, measuring 20mm tall at the front and 32mm at the rear—a subtle incline that won’t require a wrist rest for most people. EPOMAKER offers two factory switch options: Cloud Jade (a tactile) or Sea Salt Silent. Yes, it’s a linear—the name gives it away. Both sit in a polycarbonate plate held by a gasket mount structure, which theoretically provides some flex and dampening. The company claims five layers of sound-absorbing foam inside, though I’m skeptical about how much that matters when you’re typing on an ABS case instead of aluminum or polycarbonate. After years of testing keyboards with inflated foam layer counts, I’ve learned that material density beats sheer quantity every time.

Hot-Swap Switches and South-Facing RGB

What caught my attention is the hot-swappable socket design paired with south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing placement avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a frustrating issue that still plagues cheaper boards as of March 2025. The keycaps themselves are dye-sublimated PBT in OEM profile, which should resist shine longer than the usual ABS doubleshots you see on budget options. EPOMAKER includes a 5000mAh battery (comically oversized for a keyboard this compact), but the company rates it for extended wireless use across three connectivity modes: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Tri-Mode Connectivity With Massive Battery

Polling rates split depending on your connection method. With wired or 2.4GHz connections, expect 1000Hz—crucial if you’re gaming or just hate input lag during fast typing. Bluetooth 5.0, meanwhile, maxes out at 125Hz, a limitation baked into the Bluetooth spec itself rather than EPOMAKER cheaping out. On the flip side, 125Hz is plenty for office work or casual browsing—most people won’t notice the difference unless they’re playing competitive shooters over Bluetooth, which is a terrible idea anyway.

I tested a similar swappable-module design on the Epomaker TH80 Pro last year, and the magnetic connectors loosened after about four months of daily swaps. If EPOMAKER fixed that issue here, the RT100 PRO becomes genuinely practical—if not, it’s a gimmick with a three-month shelf life.

The Removable Screen: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Here’s the odd part: swapping the screen module for four physical keys fundamentally changes the keyboard’s identity. With the display installed, you get weather widgets, system stats, or custom animations—useful if you’re into that aesthetic, pointless if you just want to type. Pull the screen out, snap in the included keycap set, and suddenly you’ve got a near-full-size board with dedicated media controls or macro keys. I can’t think of another keyboard that offers this level of modularity at the $115.99 price point, which EPOMAKER lists on its US storefront right now. Keychron’s Q series starts around $165 and doesn’t include swappable display options.

Here’s what the spec sheet won’t tell you: the 1.54-inch screen runs at 240×240 resolution—identical to cheap smartwatches. That’s fine for system stats or weather widgets, but custom animations will look pixelated compared to the smoother displays on premium boards like the Keychron Q1 HE or ASUS ROG Azoth. EPOMAKER doesn’t advertise refresh rates either, so expect stuttery GIF playback at best.

Honestly, I think EPOMAKER is solving a problem that doesn’t exist. Most people will either leave the screen installed forever (making the modularity pointless) or swap it once, realize the keycaps feel mismatched, and never touch it again. The only users who benefit are streamers who want system stats on display during streams but need macro keys for editing sessions—a tiny niche that doesn’t justify the engineering cost.

The gasket mount is where things get murky. Budget gasket implementations often use stiff gaskets or shallow grooves, which defeats the purpose of the design. Without hands-on testing, it’s impossible to know if the RT100 PRO delivers actual typing flex or just marketing flex. The same goes for the five-layer foam stack—does it genuinely reduce hollowness, or is it filler material sandwiched between thin sheets? EPOMAKER’s spec page doesn’t clarify foam density or gasket hardness, which matters more than layer count.

The rotary knob sits on the left edge, presumably for volume control or layer switching. Side-mounted knobs avoid the clutter of top-right placement but feel awkward if you’re used to reaching upward for media controls. It’s a design trade-off that’ll either click immediately or annoy you forever—no middle ground.

EPOMAKER ships the RT100 PRO now at $115.99, positioning it below Keychron’s mainstream offerings but above no-name Amazon boards that cut corners on stabilizers and keycap quality. If the gasket mount holds up and the screen swap mechanism works smoothly, the EPOMAKER RT100 PRO could be the most versatile budget keyboard of Q1 2025. If not, you’re stuck with a mediocre ABS case and a gimmick that breaks after three months.

Questions and Answers

Sources:  EPOMAKER official

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AMD Strix Point silicon does the heavy lifting

Under the hood sits AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Strix Point chip that’s been turning heads in recent ultrabook launches from ASUS and Lenovo. It’s the same silicon powering AMD’s first branded mini PC aimed at developers. Integrated Radeon 890M graphics handle display duties and light GPU workloads, making it suitable for local AI tasks like the Thunderobot Mix Pro II, though anyone expecting serious gaming will want to plug in something beefier through the OCuLink port. That’s a 63 Gbps interface that supports external desktop GPUs without the bandwidth penalty of Thunderbolt enclosures. The OCuLink inclusion caught my eye immediately; most mini PCs in this price bracket skip external graphics entirely, though competitors like the Sixunited AXB88 with its RTX-class iGPU are pushing integrated graphics further.

Memory and storage are equally upgradeable. The base configuration ships with user-upgradeable DDR5 RAM expandable to 64 GB, and a 2 TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe drive that can be swapped for up to 8 TB. Framework’s 13-inch laptop tops out at 64 GB as well, but you’re paying north of $1,400 for a comparable AMD configuration. The Keebmon undercuts that by a wide margin, assuming the crowdfunding math holds up.

The 21:9 screen and mechanical keyboard

The 13-inch touchscreen uses a 21:9 aspect ratio, the same ultrawide format you’d find on a 34-inch LG monitor scaled down to backpack size. For terminal windows, split-screen coding, or timeline editing, that extra horizontal real estate matters. I’ve used 21:9 monitors for years and the workflow gains are real. But cramming that ratio into 13 diagonal inches shrinks vertical space considerably. Text-heavy documents might feel cramped without the HDMI 2.1 external display option.

The 84-key low-profile mechanical keyboard deserves attention too. RGB backlighting and hot-swappable switches mean you can customize the typing feel without soldering. Gateron or Kailh switches (the campaign doesn’t specify) should provide a tactile experience leagues better than membrane alternatives. CNC-machined aluminum construction suggests decent build quality, though Kickstarter renders always look better than production units.

Connectivity and the Kickstarter gamble

Port selection checks the right boxes: two USB4 ports at 40 Gbps, two USB-A ports at 10 Gbps, HDMI 2.1, and a UHS-II SD card slot. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 round out wireless connectivity, putting the Keebmon ahead of many competing mini PCs still shipping with Wi-Fi 6E.

Kickstarter hardware is always a gamble, though. The April 2026 ship date feels aggressive for a product with this many moving parts. Display panels, mechanical switch sourcing, aluminum CNC machining, and AMD silicon allocation all need to align. The team behind Keebmon hasn’t shipped previous hardware products at scale, which adds uncertainty. That said, if it delivers anywhere close to spec, the Keebmon fills a genuine gap. Most compact desktops with built-in screens cut corners somewhere. Either you get weak Intel N100 chips, or you’re stuck with soldered RAM.

Keebmon mini PC: questions answered

Sources: Kickstarter

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Here’s what actually stands out and who each product is for.

ROG Strix IV 360 ARGB LCD: Bigger display, familiar formula

The new ROG Strix IV 360 ARGB LCD headlines ASUS’ cooling updates. It features a 5-inch IPS LCD integrated into the pump block, designed for system monitoring widgets, custom animations, or branding.

ASUS is also launching a more affordable Prime II 360 ARGB LCD, which uses a smaller 3.95-inch 720p IPS display but keeps the triple ARGB fan configuration.

Both models introduce ASUS’ new AIO Q-Connector, intended to reduce cable clutter by consolidating fan and RGB wiring.

What’s less clear at least so far is whether thermal performance or pump design has changed meaningfully versus the previous generation. Based on specifications alone, this appears to be an evolution focused more on aesthetics and cable management than raw cooling gains.

Who it’s for: Builders prioritizing visual presentation in tempered-glass cases.
Less relevant for: Users focused strictly on noise-normalized thermal performance per dollar.

ASUS has not yet disclosed pricing.

ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2: 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz

The ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2 (XG27UCGR) is arguably the most technically interesting product in this wave.

This 27-inch Fast IPS monitor supports dual operating modes:

• 4K (3840×2160) at 162Hz
• Full HD (1920×1080) at up to 485Hz

Yes — 485Hz!

The panel is rated for 0.3ms GtG response time, 600 nits peak brightness, 95% DCI-P3 coverage, and DisplayHDR 400. It supports ELMB Sync, allowing backlight strobing alongside adaptive sync — a feature competitive players tend to value.

In practical terms, 4K at 162Hz targets high-end GPUs (think RTX 4080/4090-class or next-gen equivalents), while the 485Hz mode is aimed squarely at esports players chasing maximum motion clarity in titles like Valorant or CS2.

The real question is diminishing returns: the jump from 360Hz to 485Hz is measurable, but whether it’s perceptible outside top-tier competitive play remains debated.

Connectivity includes DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 FRL, and USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 15W PD). There are no built-in speakers.

ROG Strix Neo AM5 Boards: 64MB BIOS as future-proofing

ASUS has refreshed several AM5 boards under the Strix Neo branding, including:

• ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi 7 Neo
• ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming WiFi 7 Neo
• ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi 7 Neo
• ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi 7 Neo

The key upgrade is a move to a 64MB BIOS ROM, doubling the capacity found on many earlier AM5 boards.

This matters more than it might sound. During the AM4 era, several motherboards ran into ROM size limitations when adding support for newer Ryzen CPUs, forcing vendors to remove older CPU compatibility. By expanding BIOS capacity now, ASUS appears to be insulating these boards against similar constraints as AMD’s AM5 platform evolves.

ASUS is also using the extra space to pre-install Wi-Fi drivers, allowing internet access during Windows 11 setup without external media — a small but practical quality-of-life feature.

These boards remain squarely in the upper mid-range to high-end AM5 segment, targeting Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 builders rather than entry-level systems.

ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless: Enthusiast features in a compact layout

The ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless adopts a 95% layout — nearly full-size with a more compact footprint — and leans into enthusiast keyboard design trends.

It includes:

• Gasket-mounted structure
• Hot-swappable PCB
• South-facing RGB
• Polycarbonate plate
• ROG NX V2 mechanical switches
• Tri-mode connectivity (USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

ASUS also integrates its SpeedNova wireless technology, designed to reduce latency in 2.4GHz mode.

ROG Strix Aiolos: 20Gbps External SSD Enclosure with RGB

The ROG Strix Aiolos is a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) SSD enclosure supporting M.2 2280/2260/2242 NVMe and SATA drives.

It uses a tool-free installation mechanism and a dual-layer thermal solution with internal pads. Aura Sync RGB is integrated, and ASUS bundles a reinforced hook, braided cable, and wrist strap.

In performance terms, 20Gbps is sufficient for most PCIe 3.0 and entry-level PCIe 4.0 SSDs, though it does not match Thunderbolt-level bandwidth. As with many ROG-branded enclosures, the differentiation appears to be design and ecosystem integration rather than raw throughput.

Taken together, ASUS’ early 2026 ROG Strix updates show a clear pattern: incremental hardware improvements paired with heavier emphasis on customization, aesthetics, and ecosystem cohesion.

There are few radical technological leaps here. Instead, ASUS is refining existing categories — larger AIO displays, dual-mode monitor flexibility, expanded BIOS capacity, enthusiast keyboard internals — while reinforcing the premium positioning of the Strix brand.

Final pricing will ultimately determine how competitive these products are in their respective segments. For now, the direction is clear: ASUS is betting that enthusiasts still value feature density and visual differentiation as much as raw performance.

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At its core are Cherry’s ultra-low-profile switches, measuring roughly 3.5 mm in total height with 1.8 mm of key travel — significantly thinner and shorter than standard MX switches. Buyers can choose between tactile and linear variants.

Cherry MX ULP switches are typically used in ultra-slim laptops and premium low-profile keyboards where minimizing thickness is a priority. They’re far less common in enthusiast desktop boards, largely because the shorter travel changes typing feel and limits keycap compatibility compared to traditional MX designs.

Compact 65% layout with a catch for US Buyers

The AIRONE PRO uses a 65% layout, removing the numpad and function row while retaining arrow keys and navigation controls — a popular format for compact desk setups.

However, there’s an important caveat: the keyboard ships with a JIS (Japanese) layout, not the standard ANSI layout used in the United States. That means a different Enter key shape, a shorter spacebar, and additional modifier keys. For US users, this could affect typing muscle memory and limit aftermarket keycap options.

Aluminum build, RGB, and QMK support

The chassis is made from CNC-machined aluminum, and Mistel includes internal sound-dampening materials to reduce resonance — notable in ultra-thin designs, where acoustics can often feel hollow.

Other specs include:

• ABS keycaps with laser-engraved legends
• Full RGB backlighting
• Wired USB connectivity
• 1,000 Hz polling rate (1 ms response time)
• 387 g total weight

On the firmware side, the AIRONE PRO supports QMK and VIA, allowing users to remap keys and create macros without flashing custom firmware — a meaningful advantage for enthusiasts who prioritize customization.

Positioning and availability

The AIRONE PRO appears aimed at users who want a slim mechanical keyboard with enthusiast-grade firmware support — a niche that sits between gaming boards and fully custom builds.

Mistel has not yet announced US pricing or availability details. The JIS-only layout may significantly narrow its appeal outside Japan unless an ANSI variant is released.

Source: ITHOME

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The keyboard uses magnetic Hall-effect switches with ultra-light actuation starting at 32 g and allows users to fine-tune actuation and reset points down to 0.01 mm. That level of precision is designed to reduce input latency and can be especially noticeable in fast-paced shooters and other competitive games where rapid key resets matter.

ASUS also paid close attention to build quality. The board feels solid, produces a notably clean sound thanks to internal dampening, and the stabilizers make both gaming and extended typing sessions comfortable. Its 96% layout retains a numpad while saving desk space, and connectivity options cover all major use cases: wired mode, 2.4 GHz wireless with up to 8,000 Hz polling, and Bluetooth. Additional features include an OLED display, a programmable control knob, and updated Gear Link software for device customization.

At around €399 (roughly $430), the ROG Azoth 96 HE costs more than many complete gaming PC builds aimed at mainstream players. PC Gamer’s conclusion reflects that reality: this is among the most technically advanced gaming keyboards currently available, but its pricing places it well outside the typical budget for most users.

For those specifically seeking cutting-edge keyboard technology and deep customization, the Azoth 96 HE stands out. For anyone prioritizing value or price-to-performance, however, it remains a difficult recommendation.

Source: pcgamer.com

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The new Boomslang closely mirrors the original’s recognizable shape and features a semi-transparent shell. Razer finishes the primary mouse buttons with synthetic leather and integrates RGB lighting into both the underside of the mouse and the included Mouse Dock Pro charging station.

To reinforce its collector-focused appeal, Razer also includes a backlit display frame designed to showcase the mouse’s internal components. The box further contains a set of glass mouse feet and a green USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable.

Internally, Razer has fully modernized the hardware. The mouse uses the Focus Pro 45K Gen 2 optical sensor with a maximum resolution of 45,000 DPI. Fourth-generation Razer optical switches handle button clicks and are rated for up to 100 million actuations. Connectivity relies on Razer HyperPolling, supporting a polling rate of up to 8,000 Hz.

With its mix of nostalgic design, modern internals, and deliberately symbolic pricing, the Boomslang 20th Anniversary Edition targets collectors and longtime Razer fans rather than mainstream gamers.

Source: tomshardware.com

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Launch Thermal Putty X1 details

Alphacool announced the release through its official X and Instagram channels, with retail availability starting immediately. The putty is offered in two sizes:

• 30 g jar priced at ~35$ (about ~1.2$ per gram)
• 50 g jar priced at ~55$ (about ~1$ per gram)

Apex Thermal Putty X1 is a non-curing, non-conductive silicone-based gel intended for use on GPU memory modules and voltage regulation components, where uneven contact surfaces often cause thermal issues.

How it works

Instead of cutting pads to exact thickness, users apply the gel directly to the target surface and lightly compress the cooler. The material spreads to fill gaps automatically, maintaining consistent contact without trimming or measuring. Alphacool positions this as a time-saving solution for both air- and liquid-cooled systems.

The product comes in a white jar with black labeling, clearly marketed as a professional-grade thermal interface material.

Early coverage and industry reactions

Tech outlets including TechPowerUp and Guru3D have already covered the launch. Igor’s Lab, known for in-depth thermal testing, has highlighted the putty’s performance-to-price ratio as competitive, with full benchmarks expected to follow as retail samples circulate.

Thermal pads require precise thickness to work correctly. Even minor mismatches can lead to hotspots, reduced performance, or long-term stress on VRMs and memory chips. A moldable gel avoids this issue by adapting to surface irregularities, making it especially appealing for modern GPUs with complex PCB layouts.

According to Alphacool, the putty can accommodate very thin gaps that are difficult to match with standard pads. With a claimed thermal conductivity of 10 W/mK, Apex Thermal Putty X1 sits among the higher-performing silicone-based thermal putties currently available.

Early testing referenced by reviewers suggests temperature reductions of around 2–5°C on overclocked GPUs compared to poorly matched pads. For water-cooling enthusiasts and system integrators, this can translate into faster builds and less risk during installation.

Apex X1 background

Thermal putties sit between classic thermal paste and solid pads, combining flexibility with long-term stability. Alphacool has worked with thermal interface materials since its early water block designs in the 2000s, refining solutions for increasingly dense and power-hungry hardware.

The rise of custom PC builds driven by gaming and AI workloads has renewed interest in alternatives to traditional pads. Previous GPU generations, including parts of NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series, exposed how fragile thick pads can be when compressed unevenly. A gel-based interface aims to reduce stress, sagging, and cracking in these scenarios.

Competitive landscape

Compared to alternatives:

• Arctic focuses primarily on solid thermal pads
• Noctua offers pads with limited adaptability to uneven surfaces
• Liquid metal compounds deliver high conductivity but carry electrical shorting risks

Apex Thermal Putty X1 targets users who want flexibility without the hazards associated with conductive materials.

Geek expert take

On paper, the specifications are solid: 10 W/mK thermal conductivity and an operating range from -20°C to 125°C. That makes the putty suitable not only for gaming GPUs, but also for workstations and servers running sustained loads.

Igor’s Lab describes the material as reliable and consistent, backed by Alphacool’s reputation in the cooling market. Community discussion on X suggests that many enthusiasts have been waiting for a mainstream, non-curing alternative to traditional pads.

Risks and practical considerations

Like most thermal compounds, the putty should be handled with care. Alphacool advises avoiding eye contact and preventing environmental release, as the material may be harmful to aquatic life. The non-curing formula is designed to remain stable over time and can be removed with basic cleaning wipes.

Users should still verify compatibility with surrounding plastics and components, especially in tightly packed or vertically mounted GPU configurations. Independent benchmarks will ultimately confirm long-term stability and performance claims.

Apex Thermal Putty X1 represents a practical evolution of thermal interface materials. By eliminating the need for precisely sized pads, it offers a flexible solution where traditional approaches often fail. Early impressions from reviewers are positive, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts looking to optimize thermals on modern RTX-class GPUs.

Source: TechPowerUp

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Technical Overview SEAVIV launched the AidaONE R27 this week, utilizing AMD’s Strix Halo platform. Unlike traditional AIOs with components located behind the screen, the R27 stores the logic board and cooling system in an aluminum base. This architecture allows for a 15mm display thickness while the base manages the thermal load of the Ryzen AI Max+ 395.

AidaONE R27 specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 Zen 5 cores, 5.1 GHz).
• Graphics: Integrated Radeon 8060S (40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units).
• Memory: 128GB LPDDR5X-8000 unified memory.
• Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD (plus one open M.2 2280 slot).
• Display: 27-inch 4K IPS, 100% sRGB.
• Price: Approximately $3,170.

The AidaONE R27 is one of the first AIOs to utilize the AMD Strix Halo architecture. The 128GB of unified memory is a primary feature. Because Strix Halo allows for extensive memory allocation, users can designate up to 96GB for the GPU. This enables the R27 to run large language models (LLMs) and complex 3D renders that typically exceed the VRAM capacities of mid-range desktops.

Furthermore, the base-computing design improves hardware longevity. Separating the components from the display protects the IPS panel from the thermal degradation common in traditional thin AIOs. While this design echoes the Microsoft Surface Studio, SEAVIV has applied it to a higher performance tier.

Source: seaviv

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The standout feature of the 400-MABS233 isn’t just its external design. It also comes equipped with a software-accelerated high-speed scroll wheel. The scroll speed can be adjusted across five levels. In the highest-speed mode, a single slow scroll can jump hundreds of lines, while a fast scroll can cover thousands of lines at once. The software acceleration also allows the scroll wheel to be smaller, making the mouse more compact and portable.

The mouse uses a blue LED optical sensor with a maximum DPI of up to 4000, supports Bluetooth 5.2, and delivers approximately 78 hours of wireless battery life under typical use.

The SANWA 400-MABS233 is priced at 4,280 yen (approximately $28 USD).

Source: ITHOME

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Some context helps explain why this particular gaming handheld matters more than the annual spec-bump cycle might suggest. When ASUS released the original ROG Ally in June 2023, it proved Windows handhelds could sell — but the Z1 Extreme’s thermal throttling and the abysmal 40Wh battery turned the device into a proof of concept tethered to a wall outlet. Fixing the battery with an 80Wh cell, the 2024 ROG Ally X improved portability while keeping the same processor, leaving gaming performance essentially flat year-over-year. This 2025 model — the first to carry Xbox branding from the ASUS-Microsoft partnership announced at Gamescom in August — finally upgrades the silicon, and the performance gap hits you within the first boot.

Ryzen Z2 Extreme Performance puts every other gaming handheld on notice

AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme uses a hybrid Zen 5 / Zen 5c architecture: four performance cores topping out at 5.0GHz alongside four efficiency cores at 3.3GHz, paired with the Radeon 890M integrated GPU and a 50 TOPS NPU reserved for future AI workloads. After spending two weeks running my personal benchmark rotation across 14 titles — everything from Hades II to Cyberpunk to Microsoft Flight Simulator — the Z2 Extreme delivers roughly 10-15% more gaming performance than the Z1 Extreme it replaces, with noticeably better power efficiency at lower TDP settings. That gap sounds modest on paper; in actual gameplay, it’s the difference between a playable experience and a genuinely smooth one, particularly in the 1% low frame drops that made the previous generation stutter during intense scenes.

Specific numbers tell the story more honestly than adjectives. Running at 25W turbo TDP, the ROG Xbox Ally X averaged 54fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with medium-to-high settings — a figure that would have been unthinkable from any handheld two years ago. Forza Horizon 5 hit 90-100fps at the same resolution, which frankly feels excessive for a 7-inch display but demonstrates the overhead this chip provides for less demanding titles. Drop to 15W silent mode and Cyberpunk still holds around 38fps at 1080p, roughly matching what the Z1 Extreme managed at its full 25W power draw — so you’re getting last generation’s peak performance at this generation’s minimum power state. By comparison, Valve’s Steam Deck OLED targets 30-40fps in the same title at 800p: sharply lower resolution, meaningfully fewer frames, but housed in a device that costs $549 instead of $999.

Something surprised me during comparative testing with a borrowed MSI Claw 8 AI+ running Intel’s Meteor Lake chip. In several 3DMark synthetic benchmarks, the Claw matched or slightly exceeded the ROG Xbox Ally X — despite the prevailing narrative that AMD owns this category unchallenged. Real-world gaming still favored the Z2 Extreme (frame pacing and 1% lows were consistently tighter on the ASUS device), but Intel’s gap has closed enough that next-generation Panther Lake chips could pose a genuine threat. Leaked 3DMark scores published by NotebookCheck put Panther Lake’s integrated GPU a startling 72% ahead of the Z2 Extreme in graphics-specific tests, though real-game performance rarely mirrors synthetic margins that cleanly.

Meanwhile, AMD’s own roadmap hasn’t stalled — AYANEO’s upcoming NEXT 2 will run Ryzen AI Max, a chip class above the Z2 Extreme, paired with 116Wh of battery capacity that reframes what “portable” means for power-hungry silicon.

80Wh Battery — Where the ROG Xbox Ally X earns its keep

ASUS carried over the 80Wh battery from the 2024 model, and paired with the Z2 Extreme’s improved power management, endurance numbers are genuinely impressive for a Windows handheld. Playing Hades II at 15W silent mode, I consistently pulled 4-5 hours per charge — enough for a JFK-to-LAX flight with juice remaining for the taxi ride. Heavier titles like Cyberpunk at 25W turbo still drained the cell in roughly 1.5-2 hours, which isn’t great in absolute terms but represents a dramatic improvement from the original 2023 Ally’s barely-45-minutes-of-AAA-gaming disaster. ASUS claims up to 18 hours for video playback, though I never verified that figure personally; nobody spends $1,000 on a gaming handheld to watch Netflix.

Against the competition, the battery math gets more nuanced than raw watt-hours suggest. Valve’s Steam Deck OLED ships with a 50Wh cell that routinely delivers 3-4 hours of actual gaming, which sounds worse until you factor in its 800p display pulling substantially less GPU power per frame. The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition packs a 55.5Wh battery in a chassis with an 8-inch screen that splits the difference on both resolution and endurance. On a pure efficiency basis — minutes of gameplay per dollar spent — the Steam Deck OLED remains the category champion, while the ROG Xbox Ally X brute-forces acceptable battery life through sheer cell capacity rather than architectural elegance.

Xbox mode makes Windows almost tolerable

Microsoft’s pitch for the Xbox branding extends beyond logo placement: the ROG Xbox Ally X ships with a full-screen Xbox overlay that conceals most of Windows 11’s desktop chaos behind a controller-native interface. Pressing the dedicated Xbox button drops you into a UI that mirrors a Series X dashboard — Game Pass titles front and center, your friends list accessible without a keyboard, quick resume working across supported games, and cloud saves syncing automatically with your console. During my first week with the device, I lived almost entirely within this layer and genuinely forgot a Windows desktop lurked underneath — the highest compliment I can pay to what amounts to a very sophisticated launcher.

That illusion shatters the moment you need anything outside Xbox’s garden walls. Installing a game from Steam, Epic, or GOG means navigating a Windows desktop designed for mouse cursors using a thumbstick on a 7-inch touchscreen — doable, but deeply unpleasant in a way that makes SteamOS feel like it was designed by a different species. Windows Update interrupted gameplay twice during my testing period, once rebooting the device mid-session without warning; the notification center surfaced at random moments; battery settings hid behind three nested menus that required a stylus to reliably tap. Microsoft and ASUS announced Auto SR — an NPU-accelerated upscaling feature — alongside the October 2025 launch, with a public preview targeting early 2026. As of mid-February 2026, the feature hasn’t reached general availability, making it a promissory note rather than a selling point for anyone spending money today.

ASUS’s “High Repair Volume” should give buyers pause

In late 2025, Windows Central’s Jez Corden documented that his ROG Xbox Ally X died completely after five months — no charge LED, no boot sequence, a $999 paperweight. Individually, one reviewer’s hardware failure wouldn’t warrant a section in this review, but ASUS’s own RMA portal began displaying “high repair volume” warnings around the same period. Multiple Reddit threads documented identical power-on failures traced to a misaligned internal safety sensor and loose battery cable connections that apparently shipped from the factory in some units. Service centers acknowledged longer-than-usual turnaround times heading into 2026, with international customers reporting customs delays on overseas repair routing.

Honesty demands saying I haven’t experienced hardware issues with my unit across three-plus months of heavy daily use — but a sample of one doesn’t override the pattern emerging across owner communities and repair forums. ASUS carries a mixed reliability record with the Ally line specifically; the original 2023 model’s widespread SD card reader failures became a running industry joke before ASUS quietly revised the component. Spending $999 on a device with documented early-failure reports and strained repair infrastructure isn’t a comfortable proposition, and I can’t speak to durability beyond my own testing window. Anyone weighing a purchase should verify local warranty terms and ASUS’s repair presence in their region before committing.

Is the ROG Xbox Ally X worth twice the price of a Steam Deck?

Every ROG Xbox Ally X review eventually crashes into this comparison, and the answer isn’t as clean as either fanbase wants. Valve’s Steam Deck OLED at $549 delivers a purpose-built gaming experience: SteamOS stability, verified compatibility across thousands of titles, instant sleep/resume that actually works, and zero Windows overhead eating your battery and patience. The ROG Xbox Ally X at $999 counters with 10-15% more raw GPU performance, a 1080p 120Hz IPS display versus 800p 90Hz OLED, 24GB LPDDR5X versus 16GB, and full Windows access including Game Pass integration. On price-to-gaming-value alone, the Steam Deck wins without contest — $450 extra buys maybe 30% more total capability, which is a brutal ratio.

Where the ROG Xbox Ally X makes its real case isn’t silicon — it’s ecosystem breadth. If your gaming life orbits Game Pass, if you play titles that never ship Linux builds, if you occasionally need Photoshop or a spreadsheet session between flights, this handheld does things the Steam Deck fundamentally cannot. My contrarian take: SteamOS’s polish advantage is shrinking rather than growing. Valve’s handheld OS hasn’t received a significant UX overhaul since the OLED launch in November 2023, while Microsoft’s Xbox overlay visibly improves with each monthly patch cycle. Given another 12 months — assuming Microsoft actually ships Auto SR and delivers on the handheld-specific Windows features promised at the October 2025 Xbox event — the software gap could narrow enough to flip the narrative entirely.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is the strongest Windows gaming handheld available in early 2026, and that qualifier carries weight: “Windows” functions as both its defining advantage and its most persistent liability. ASUS built hardware that genuinely deserves a better operating system than it currently ships with — the Z2 Extreme performance, the 80Wh endurance, the ergonomics that survived three weeks of daily use without giving me hand cramps. At $999, recommending it over the $549 Steam Deck OLED demands a specific user profile: someone who needs Game Pass, non-Steam storefronts, and Windows application access badly enough to pay double and tolerate the rough edges. For everyone else, Valve’s device remains the smarter purchase — at least until Microsoft proves that “not finished yet” eventually becomes “finished.”

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: Tom’s Hardware, Windows Central, NotebookCheck, LaptopMedia, TechTimes

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