ROG Xbox Ally X (Hardware) Review

The next generation of ROG’s handhelds are here. The ROG Xbox Ally X combines impressive PC gaming performance with Xbox functionality.

X is next

There’s been quite a bit of talk about what the future may hold for Xbox as of late. An underdog from day one, Xbox consoles launched back in 2001, and hit their peak with the Xbox 360, a massively popular console that debuted a much deeper online experience, achievements, and host of classic titles.

In the years since, Xbox has still enjoyed a good deal of success, but has undeniably waned to a degree. That drop-off in sales has caused a shift (or maybe was caused by a shift) in tactics. Xbox exclusives are now appearing on the PS5 (and, to be fair, vice-versa), and once presumed pieces of followup hardware are continuously in doubt by a hand-wringing base.

Take the next generation for example. Xbox chief Phil Spencer has said repeatedly that there would be one, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that the brand would shift to software only. While we’re talking about new consoles too, another hot-button has been portables. Fans have looked for an Xbox handheld for almost as long as the line has been active, but parent company Microsoft has traditionally been mum.

That changed however, when word slipped about one that was not only in the works, but was coming up fast. Sure enough, official releases were issued soon after, that revealed a new reality. Thing was though, this wasn’t a Microsoft-made piece of hardware that was coming, but something forged in conjunction with a partner.

That, as you already likely know, was ASUS. The hardware manufacturer was more than used to making gaming PC’s in its Republic of Gamers line. And as it would turn out, the Xbox handheld would be included under that same umbrella, continuing the line into a new generation.

We have had the opportunity to take a look at the ROG Xbox Ally X, the higher-end of the two new SKU’s for the hardware. While its Xbox-iness is a somewhat dubious, there’s little denying that it’s a terrific option for those who are looking to get their games on the go.

Let’s jump in.

A PC, but also kind of an Xbox

I know that’s not the sub-heading that many Xbox fans probably were looking for. It does fit though, as the ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t really an Xbox. Not completely anyway. The system can readily stream from an Xbox console, and also run Xbox games that have the “Play Anywhere” moniker. By that, I mean those that can be played on a PC. That’s really what the handheld is by the way, a PC.

If you have been paying attention to the burgeoning market of PC portables, then you probably figured that out. The systems have been plentiful over the last few years, with some solid options emerging. As mentioned above, ASUS’ ROG offerings have been among those. But, all of that said, if you’re looking for something that’s going to provide a ‘turn on and play’ experience, that’s not entirely this.

Really none of the handheld PC’s out there are anything like (say) a Switch. I’d actually include even the Steam Deck in that statement. Handheld PC’s are all-digital, and can be occasionally finicky, requiring lots of updates to keep current and in their best form. While it’s not at all difficult to handle any of that, the ROG Xbox Ally X is included in the sentiment since, yes, it’s a Windows 11 machine.

Powering on

Once you open the box and switch on the unit, you’ll be prompted to enter setup. And once you’re done with that, you’ll be greeted by the staple Windows log-in screen. This is a gaming-targeted machine through and through, but as mentioned, it still runs off of Windows. For me, that’s a big plus, but your mileage may vary.

That though, can be the end of the shared-experience with the operating system. That’s to say, unless you don’t want it to be, but more on that in a second. Once unlocked and ready for action, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes Xbox users to a very familiar setting. That being a Home Screen that looks a lot like the brand’s console-style user interface.

It’s a pretty cool feeling to engage with that on a handheld that’s not streaming, and from it players can install and play a host of Xbox (for PC) and straight-up PC titles. Yes, your installed PC games will show up in the Xbox interface. And yes, it’s pretty neat. Speaking of, and as you might’ve guessed, the ROG Xbox Ally X also stocks Steam right out of the box. And you can add one more piece of software to that as it comes with ASUS’ own Armoury Crate.

More than Xbox

The former piece of software mentioned above should be instantly recognizable to anyone who plays games on any platform. Valve’s PC gaming service is a one stop shop for millions of fans, serving up a great front-end for gaming. It’s well-known throughout the industry, and has been a juggernaut in the PC space almost since day one. Before you ask as well, you do have access to its shop via the ROG Xbox Ally X.

As for the latter piece of software though, Armoury Crate is your interface for all things ROG. The software will allow you to tweak the system, but that’s not all you can do with it. It’ll allow you to manage system updates as well, change controls for both gamepad and desktop modes, and flip between platforms like Xbox, Steam, GOG, Epic and more. Quick Note; the latter mentioned have to be installed first.

To bring us back around to the original point though, the “Xbox” end of things is just a part of what the ROG Xbox Ally X can do. And the complete picture is deep, with loads of functionality.

The best-looking (and feeling) handheld ever?

Okay, so that subheading might be a little subjective. I’ve seen some people talk about the look of the ROG Xbox Ally X in a negative light, but I honestly don’t get that way of thinking in the slightest. Because really, this thing is glorious.

The X version of the handheld is a jet-black in color, while the standard edition is white. Both consoles have a 7″ touch-display, and a full suite of console controller-inspired controls. Face buttons, shoulder and bumpers, and more are all present. Right along with those are a pair of analog sticks, a really great-feeling d-pad, and buttons to take you right to Armoury Crate, the Xbox hud, and even your game library.

You might be thinking that all of this is fairly standard, and you’d be right. There’s more that makes the ROG Xbox Ally X the king of the heap to me though, and that’s the form-factor.

A controller-like experience, in a portable

While almost everything else out there (including the Switch 2) cramps my hands after a while, ASUS’ latest has worked its way around that. This thing actually feels like a controller.

Yes, it’d be the heaviest controller in history, but the ROG Xbox Ally X has a pair of grips built into it that are quite similar to an actual Xbox pad. For me anyway, that translated to maximum comfort, allowing me to play for extended periods.

Moving onto the top of the unit, you’ll find a memory card port, volume and power buttons, battery and standby lights, and two USB-C ports. One of those is the power jack, the placement of which admittedly continues to boggle my mind.

The top-mounted jack is an oddity I can’t quite figure out, and it’s found across the handheld PC space. Especially since you can dock these units, it just doesn’t seem to make sense, and it’d be my one knock against the form-factor. Everything else though, as I said, is pretty freaking great.

Play all your games*

Yes, there’s that asterisk. While the ROG Xbox Ally X (as well as the base unit) touts being able to play Xbox titles, that’s again not entirely the case. While I wish it was possible to install and play native Xbox games, what the unit does offer is pretty darn great.

The portable allows for access to any compatible Xbox or PC game. Basically, as long it’s playable on a PC and can be played with a controller, you can fire it up. And it does a heck of a job, as I ran the ROG Xbox Ally X through a bunch of titles and had a blast with them.

I didn’t realize any great difference in playing on the handheld as opposed to my console either. The only mentionable variation was a little white bar at the top of the screen for some titles. Same basic sentiment goes for PC games, as everything I tried played, looked, and sounded terrific. The only thing that was odd, and this I’ll mention in specific, was that I could not get the Xbox version of DOOM 3 to play. I’m still not sure what the problem is with it. Oh, and yes, DOOM 3. I unashamedly love that game to death and back.

On a better note though, if you want a bit of a boost, you can do so by plugging your ROG Xbox Ally X in. Popping the AC adapter in will kick in Turbo mode, which ups the frame rate.

Overall

There’s a good deal to like about the ROG Xbox Ally X. And really, that’s true if you’re primarily an Xbox or PC player. I would actually place it above my Steam Deck, for the sheer ease of use that it serves up. And yes, I do get that comment is a tad sacrilegious for the Valve-faithful (which I’m one of, just for clarification), but it’s my honest take.

Windows 11 allows for a fuller PC experience, which might actually be a negative for some who are looking for more of a plug-and-play handheld. It fit the bill for me however, and from where I sit, the flexibility and power of the ROG Xbox Ally X has solved a problem I didn’t even know I had.