The ROG Xbox Ally X and its sibling, the standard Ally, have been widely marketed as “Xbox portables,” but the reality is more nuanced: these are Windows gaming systems with Xbox branding. Despite Microsoft’s messaging, they don’t fundamentally change what they are—powerful handheld PCs capable of running nearly any game, but with the quirks and compromises of Windows. At a price of $1,000 for the Ally X, the question isn’t just whether it’s good, but whether its versatility justifies the cost.
Who Is This Device For?
The primary advantage of the Ally X is its ability to run games from any PC storefront: Xbox, Steam, Epic, GOG, and more. This makes it uniquely suited for gamers who don’t want to be locked into a single ecosystem. As one reviewer put it, the Ally X is for those who want the “easiest setup for Xbox, Steam, and Epic Games Store games,” a clear alternative to the Steam Deck, which some users now consider outdated.
However, this flexibility comes at a price. The $600 base model has a less powerful processor and lower graphics, potentially struggling with demanding titles. The Ally X, with its more capable hardware, still falls short of a dedicated gaming laptop for the same price, but it offers a level of portability that laptops can’t match.
Design and Comfort
The Xbox version of the Ally features improved grips and Hall Effect joysticks (optional on the original Asus ROG Ally). While the controller-style grips are more pronounced, their comfort is subjective; some may find them more ergonomic, while others may prefer the original’s fully connected design. One drawback is that the new grips make the back buttons harder to reach, requiring an awkward stretch. Trigger stops, a common request from gamers, are still absent.
The device supports USB and Bluetooth peripherals, and the built-in audio and screen are adequate but not outstanding. The IPS panel can get bright, but blacks appear gray, resulting in mediocre contrast.
Windows: A Mixed Experience
Microsoft has made strides in streamlining the Windows experience on the Ally X, introducing an Xbox app that launches directly into a full-screen interface. This app aggregates games from various storefronts, including Game Pass (with a three-month Ultimate subscription included). However, the experience remains inconsistent. Steam may launch in Big Picture mode, but sometimes doesn’t return to it; Epic Games Store lacks a full-screen option and controller support.
The biggest problem is unpredictability: you never know when Windows will interrupt with dialogs, rendering issues, or random app switching. Microsoft hasn’t bothered to tailor the setup process to the device, resulting in unnecessary prompts like “Unlock your photographic memory with Recall” despite the lack of a webcam.
Performance and Battery Life
Gaming performance varies significantly. Lightweight games like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight Silksong run flawlessly at high frame rates, while mid-range titles like Hogwarts Legacy are playable with upscaling. Demanding games like Doom: The Dark Ages require reduced graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate.
Battery life is mediocre, lasting around three hours with mixed usage. Streaming games extends battery life, but local gaming drains it quickly. For comparison, a $1,000 gaming laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 offers significantly more power for the same price, though at the expense of portability.
The Verdict
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a powerful but flawed device. Its versatility is its greatest strength, but its Windows-based nature introduces frustrating inconsistencies. Whether it’s worth $1,000 depends on how much you value launcher flexibility: if you’re primarily a Steam gamer, it may not be the best choice. But if you have games scattered across multiple stores, the Ally X could be a compelling option.
Ultimately, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a capable but imperfect portable gaming system that requires careful consideration before purchase.
