Welcome to the World of ROG Xbox Ally
Congratulations on your new ROG Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X. These handheld powerhouses blend Windows flexibility with the console-like ease of Xbox, letting you play your favorite titles anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned handheld gamer or taking your first steps into this space, you’ll want a smooth start that unlocks all the potential of your device.
Getting Set Up Quickly
If you’re just unboxing, a quick check-in with the official setup guide can save you trouble down the line. Don’t skip the fingerprint reader during setup—unlocking with a touch is fast, convenient, and feels almost magical. Once setup is complete, you’ll boot into the immersive Xbox full-screen experience, designed for handheld gaming right out of the box.
Navigating the Xbox Ally Interface
The Xbox Ally offers multiple ways to navigate. You can use the d-pad, joysticks, shoulder and face buttons, or simply tap the responsive touchscreen. For example, to reach Game Bar settings, press the Xbox button and the right bumper, or swipe from the left edge toward the center. To switch between apps, long-press the Xbox button or swipe up from the bottom to open the Task Switcher for seamless transitions.
Familiarize yourself with the Command Center, now integrated into Game Bar, which gives instant access to many advanced personalization features. For deeper customization, you can launch Armoury Crate SE directly from the overlay.
Meet Gaming Copilot (Beta)—your personal sidekick. Open Gaming Copilot via the Command Center button and complete onboarding. If you want quick help mid-game, long-press the Library button and start a conversation with Copilot to check achievements or get strategy tips without leaving your game.
Exploring Your Games Library
Head to the Library (the dedicated Library button sits above the right thumbstick) to view your owned titles, Game Pass options, and Xbox Cloud Gaming titles. You can multi-select categories, making it easy to filter for games that play natively on the Ally while still exploring new options in the Store. The Store is accessible from the left rail for quick shopping.
Using the aggregated library, you can add titles from leading PC storefronts to your My Apps tab. If a launcher isn’t visible, open Edge from My Apps and download it from the store’s website.
Play Anywhere, Even Offline
One of the joys of the ROG Xbox Ally is offline play. While many games shine online, most single-player experiences run beautifully without a connection. Before you travel, pre-download updates or DLC, sign in, and test offline mode. If you’re flying, switch to airplane mode to save battery and avoid interruptions. For more detailed offline setup, consult the guide on playing games offline on Windows and Xbox Support.
Personalizing Your Setup
Accessibility features are built into the experience, ensuring comfortable play for a wide range of players. Access these through Profile & Settings > Settings > Accessibility. Armoury Crate SE handles button remapping and input customizations for on-device control adjustments.
You can connect external controllers by pairing Xbox Wireless Controllers just as you would with a PC: enable pairing on the controller, then add the device via Game Bar Settings > Bluetooth > Manage devices.
A handy tip: the underside of the Xbox Ally box lid includes a lightweight stand—great for charging or using an external controller without blocking the screen.
Docks, Lighting, and Updates
When you’re at home, you can pair the Ally with an external monitor or TV for a bigger display by connecting via USB-C or a dock. For best results, use Second Screen Only to match your TV’s resolution and refresh rate. You can customize the joystick ring lights in Armoury Crate SE under Lighting, including dimming or turning them off for late-night sessions or flights.
Keep your system fresh with regular updates. Update Windows via Game Bar > Settings > More Settings > Open Windows Settings > Windows Update, and keep Armoury Crate SE up to date through the Command Center > Open Armoury Crate SE > Update Center.
Ready to Play and Explore
With these tips, you’re ready to dive into handheld gaming on the ROG Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X. Whether you’re chasing high scores in couch sessions or exploring new titles on the go, the combination of Windows flexibility and Xbox simplicity makes every session exciting. As Xbox and ASUS continue to roll out updates, you’ll have new features to discover—so check in regularly and keep your setup optimized.
