Doom: The Dark Ages has finally arrived, and if you're passionate about handheld gaming PCs like me, you're likely curious whether the Asus ROG Ally X can run it smoothly. While 30 frames per second serves as my baseline for playable performance, higher frame rates—especially 60fps—would naturally be ideal, though perhaps unrealistic for such a graphically intensive title.
The previous installment, Doom Eternal, gained acclaim for its flawless performance on the Ally. However, if you're anticipating similar results with The Dark Ages, prepare for disappointment.
A Note on the Hardware
The PC gaming handheld market currently offers tremendous diversity, yet the Asus ROG Ally X stands at the pinnacle. While utilizing the same AMD Z1 Extreme chipset found in other premium handhelds, it distinguishes itself with superior memory capacity. This model boasts 24GB of system RAM, allocating 16GB to the GPU by default—with notably faster speeds of 7,500MHz for enhanced memory bandwidth. This proves critical for optimizing the Z1 Extreme's integrated graphics.
The Ally X presents the ideal test case for Doom: The Dark Ages' demanding requirements, serving as a benchmark for current-generation handheld capabilities. Until next-gen models emerge later this year, this device represents the upper limit of portable gaming performance.
The Best Handheld Gaming PC
Asus Asus ROG Ally X
With double the battery capacity and significantly faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has established itself as the premier handheld gaming PC available today.
Performance Testing Methodology
Before testing, ensure your system software is current. On the ROG Ally X, simply access Armoury Crate's Update Center and install the latest AMD Radeon Graphics Driver (RC72LA update).
For optimal testing conditions, I maintained the Ally X on Turbo Mode (30W) while plugged in. Texture Pool Size was maximized to 4,096MB (from the default 2,048MB), leveraging the device's 24GB RAM capacity without approaching system limits.
All tests were conducted with resolution scaling disabled. Dynamic resolution yielded identical results to fixed 720p benchmarks since frame rate targets proved unattainable.
Performance Breakdown
| Preset/Resolution | 1080p | 720p |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Nightmare | 15fps | 24fps |
| Nightmare | 16fps | 24fps |
| Ultra | 16fps | 24fps |
| High | 16fps | 26fps |
| Medium | 17fps | 30fps |
| Low | 20fps | 35fps |
Testing focused on Hebeth's opening sequence—an intensive combat scenario stressing the hardware with multiple effects and particle systems.
1080p performance proved inadequate across all presets, ranging from 15fps (Ultra Nightmare) to 20fps (Low). At 720p, Medium settings finally delivered playable 30fps performance, with Low reaching 35fps.
Current-Generation Limitations
While I remain enthusiastic about handheld gaming PCs, Doom: The Dark Ages exposes their technical limitations. The Ally X struggles severely—only Medium/Low presets at 720p achieve minimum playable framerates.
Steam Deck users face greater challenges given its inferior specifications. Current-generation handhelds universally require compromises—expect 800p resolution at Low settings for 30fps.
Future remains promising, however. Next-gen mobile chipsets like the rumored AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme—potentially powering the Asus ROG Ally 2—may better accommodate demanding titles like Doom: The Dark Ages.
