I use my ROG Ally X for more than just gaming, and it's surprisingly powerful

I’ve been a handheld gamer for decades, since the Game Boy, Game Gear, and Atari Lynx blazed the trail. Since then, I’ve had about half a dozen Nintendo handhelds, a couple of PlayStation Portables, and most of the recent PC gaming handhelds in my hands for long periods. Out of all of them, the PSP was the one that got my attention, as it showed me what a multifunction handheld could be.

The large, bright screen, neat UMD discs that could be either games or movies, expandable storage sticks, and easily hackable nature were all hallmarks that made something special. It’s a shame the battery life was terrible, especially on the replacement PS Vita with its OLED screen, because it was fantastic.

The new PC gaming handhelds remind me of those consoles because they’re not only for playing games. I use mine for all kinds of other things, and they remind me of a time when all I had to worry about was recharging the battery, so I could use it more later on.

It’s still a PC, so why not use it as one?

I can get work done, and still have a console for when I’m finished

Ever since I turned my Steam Deck on for the first time, I knew I would spend a lot of time with it. What I didn’t expect was that so many other companies would rush to market with their takes on the category. While my time with the most powerful PC gaming handheld is sadly over, that doesn’t mean I’m not using another model daily.

Enter the ROG Ally X. See, while I could use my Steam Deck for other things, the ROG Ally X has a few features that make it better at the job(s) I put it to. Plus, I like having the Steam Deck as a constant, as I’m often tweaking things on the Ally X or other devices. First, it runs Windows 11, which means I can download Microsoft 365 to it, and use it for work purposes, while keeping all my documents safe in the cloud.

It’s got a huge 80,000mAh battery, which makes it last a long time when you’re not playing AAA games on it. I’ve got mine loaded with all the things my PSP used to store on it—MP3s, mainly because it’s easier to install Netflix and stream my videos instead of transferring large files to the handheld. I would have loved streamed video services then, but they weren’t a thing. It’s not perfect, but no device is, even ones that only do one thing well, and I can live with the tradeoffs.

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It does need a few accessories, though

Nobody should have to do work on the virtual keyboard

The PSP only needed a battery pack to recharge it, and a few extra memory sticks because those first-party Sony flash cards were expensive for the large sizes, but less so for the smallest option. But then again, I couldn’t create documents on it, so I didn’t need as many accessories. Plus, I really had to make do with what I had back then, as I was in a very different place in terms of career. Maybe that’s why using the same device for multiple things stuck, but I’m glad it did.

For starters, the SSD was too small, but that’s easily rectified since it uses a standard 2280 form factor M.2. Then, a few more peripherals to make it suitable for working, because nobody wants to type up documents on a virtual keyboard. But before getting a physical keyboard, a docking station to add more ports, and crucially, the ability to connect to a TV with a standard HDMI cable was on the list. A wireless mouse and a carrying case finish up the necessary ingredients, because Asus doesn’t provide a case.

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My PC gaming handheld supplies most of my entertainment needs

I’ve always used my devices for other purposes, whether it was loading the PSP with MP3s and video files to keep me entertained or using my phone as a music player and radio when the iPod reigned supreme. My PC gaming handhelds carry on that tradition, and they’re substantially more powerful and useful. I can get work done if I need to, watch streaming movies or kick back with some gaming time, without carrying several devices with me. And with a few accessories, they’re easily enough to replace a laptop, at least for the few times I find I need one.