The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has controller-like grips, but it’s far more of a PC than an Xbox with a screen.
Everything is an Xbox now, right? If that’s the case, why can’t we mod our smart fridge or smart toaster with screens to transform them into the rough approximation of an Xbox gaming machine? The hard truth is there is no unified sense of “Xbox” anymore. That’s epitomized by the $1,000 Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. It’s the first piece of real gaming hardware with an Xbox name to roll out in five years. Despite the moniker, it’s far more of a PC than it is any flavor of Xbox console. And thanks to Microsoft’s efforts to fix Windows for a small screen, it’s one of the best handheld PCs yet.
The ROG Xbox Ally X can certainly compete with Valve’s Steam Deck, and it can do so without worrying about kernel anti-cheat compatibility. The one point it can’t compete on is price. At $1,000, the ROG Xbox Ally X will seem like an overindulgent splurge that won’t net you the ease or comforts of a true-blue console. And though it has better graphics potential than Valve’s handheld, maximizing its capabilities requires coaxing.
If this is what we can expect from “Xbox” going forward, then console gamers had better get used to their new PC playground—whether that means adjusting power and graphics settings or dealing with Windows’ penchant for bugs and missing settings. But it also means a cleaner, more gamer-focused experience than any other handheld Windows device released over the past several years can match.
The real innovation of the Xbox Ally is the new “full screen experience,” or FSE. The built-in software finally alleviates the excruciating experience of forcing Windows 11 desktop to run on a 7-inch screen. Now, a hit of that newfangled Xbox button pulls up most (but not all) of the features and apps you need. Even better, you can access games across the most popular game launchers with a few quick taps. Plus, the device promises better performance on this version of Windows. In our tests, that proved true compared to devices with similar specs.
The new UI is imperfect, and the software is far from complete. You’ll still find game launchers or incongrous settings that require you to muddy your screen with your grubby fingerprints. There are options missing—some are still stuck behind Windows settings—and I’ve experienced concerning issues with the device depleting standby power, as if leaking juice like sand through an hourglass. Since this handheld has the entire weight of Microsoft’s gaming arm behind it, I hope updates come swiftly and that the FSE makes its way to more handhelds than just the one bearing Microsoft’s Xbox logo.
Still, this isn’t the Nintendo Switch 2 of the Xbox brand. The Xbox Ally is the kind of device to make me imagine what a true merging of PC and Xbox could be. It could prove expensive disaster—or a glorious (but still expensive) shift to the entire gaming landscape.It’s kind of an Xbox, but it’s mostly an Ally
Xbox told me that Microsoft and Asus started working together shortly after the launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to craft the new handheld. What, can’t you tell? It’s the two prongs on both sides of the device that the two partners in crime claim was modeled directly on the Xbox wireless controller. When you hold the controller and Xbox Ally up together, you’ll see the similarity isn’t 1-to-1—not that it matters. Each prong holds a rumble motor that feels far more present than those of other unibody handhelds do.
Despite all that, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s more ergonomic than flat body designs. I can curl my digits around a Steam Deck and play comfortably just as well as I can with the ROG Xbox Ally X.
This is still a PC. With that in mind, you have access to two USB-C ports (one being USB-4 compatible, for hooking up external devices like an eGPU) on top alongside a microSD slot and a headphone jack. There’s no port on the bottom to enable a Switch-like dock. In fact, all your regular Steam Deck docks you bought for other handhelds may not work as well with the two grips sticking out from the body. My Steam Deck Dock from Gulikit does not fit the Xbox Ally even though it’s perfectly usable with past handhelds.
While I didn’t find the grips supremely comfortable, there’s another extra benefit to the controller-like design. My wrists never fell asleep as I lost circulation while playing while lying down like they often do when I’m using my personal Steam Deck of Switch 2. I like to play my handhelds in bed, so the extra grips proved to be a plus despite making the handheld even thicker.
It weighs in at 1.58 pounds, which is barely any more heft than the original $800 ROG Ally X and lighter than other handheld PCs like the Legion Go lineup.
The triggers and bumper buttons also have a feel akin to the Xbox controller and its “Impulse” triggers with individual vibration motors. The sides of the device are sloped more than they are on the ROG Ally X, meaning I don’t need to perform any crab claw gestures to access the LB and RB buttons. But if you were expecting the device to feel exactly like an Xbox controller, you’ll end up disappointed. The A,B,X,Y layout is the same, but the look and feel of both the buttons and joysticks are far more ROG Ally than Xbox.
In the end, all that matters is if it feels good to play. I can comfortably say: It does.FSE is a great idea but still a work in progress
Beyond the twin menu buttons, the only switch you need to care about for menu navigation is the new Xbox button found next to Asus’ own Armoury Crate toggle. Hitting the button once brings up the Game Bar menu, delivering quick access to your game library across all launchers. Hitting the library button will take you to the Xbox app where you can access Game Pass (you get a three-month Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription with the device; just don’t forget to cancel) and Xbox Cloud gaming. It’s here you’ll also find your library of both games and supported apps, which mostly include game launchers.
