Introduction: The Xbox-branded Windows handheld that isn’t just an Xbox console
The ROG Xbox Ally X has spent a lot of its pre-release chatter being labeled as a “portable Xbox.” In truth, it’s a Windows-powered handheld with Xbox branding, designed to run PC games alongside Xbox titles. For players who want a single device to handle Steam, Epic Games Store, and Game Pass, the Ally X represents a meaningful shift from earlier Windows handhelds. It isn’t aimed at replacing a dedicated desktop, but at offering a flexible, portable PC experience with an Xbox personality baked in.
Why the Ally X stands out
Priced at $1,000 for the higher-end model, the Ally X is designed for gamers who want a compact system capable of running a broad library. In practice, that means everything your PC can run—plus the convenience of a single handheld that can also launch into the Xbox ecosystem. Reviewers have highlighted the device’s core strength: its breadth of compatibility. If you own games on Steam, Epic, GOG, or the Xbox Store, the Ally X makes accessing them on the go easier than a traditional laptop setup.
Compared to the Steam Deck, the Ally X offers a different value proposition: more native Windows compatibility, Xbox integration, and a broader catalog through your own PC libraries. That said, it isn’t a miracle machine. In the same breath that it excels at doing many things, it also reveals trade-offs that come with any Windows-based handheld—chief among them being power efficiency and the sometimes quirky Windows-on-a-handle experience.
Design and ergonomics: more grip, more buttons, but not perfect
ROG’s approach to the Xbox Ally X emphasizes better grips, Hall Effect joysticks, and a dedicated Xbox button. For long sessions, the design feels solid, with responsive triggers and a controller-like grip that’s easy to get used to. However, the new back buttons, while a nice touch, can be a stretch depending on how you hold the device, and trigger stops remain a desirable feature that isn’t present here. The upshot is a comfortable handheld with some minor ergonomic caveats that come down to personal preference.
In terms of display, audio, and IO, the Ally X delivers a respectable experience. The screen is a solid IPS panel with adequate brightness and contrast, and the built-in speakers are serviceable for quiet sessions. Connectivity, USB, Bluetooth, and microSD support all work as expected, enabling a practical, on-the-go gaming workflow.
Windows on the go: usability and frustrations
The real stumbling block for many is Windows itself. The Ally X makes strides toward a smoother experience, notably with a full-screen Xbox app that can launch directly from power-on. This app aggregates installed games, streamable titles, and storefronts, while offering a compact settings hub that also taps into Armoury Crate for power profiles and lighting. Yet the integration isn’t flawless. Some stores rely on windowed or limited interfaces, and controller navigation isn’t universal. You’ll sometimes need to tap the screen, switch between different environments, or deal with odd Windows prompts—experience-shaping quirks that can interrupt a seamless gaming session.
Microsoft’s Gaming Copilot, a beta AI assistant, is an experimental addition. In practice, it’s a mixed bag—helpful in a few situations but often missing the mark on more nuanced gameplay questions. If you’re seeking a polished, one-button Xbox experience, you’ll still be disappointed by occasional interface jank and non-cohesive app behavior.
Performance, battery life, and the price question
In terms of performance, the Ally X sits at a practical middle ground. For low-demand titles such as Hades 2 or Hollow Knight Silksong, frame rates soar into the hundreds, while more demanding games like Hogwarts Legacy run in a comfortable 60–70fps range with upscaling. However, more graphically intense games like Borderlands 4 can dip into the 40fps area on lower presets. Battery life remains acceptable for a handheld PC, but not stellar—roughly a few hours of mixed use, with streaming games extending endurance by reducing local GPU load.
Choosing between the Ally X and its base Ally variant hinges on how deeply you value portability versus raw performance. If your library spans multiple storefronts and you want Xbox Game Pass, the Ally X offers compelling convenience. If your game collection sits primarily in Steam and you’re budget-conscious, you may find the base model more appealing or you might opt for a different handheld altogether, such as a Lenovo Legion Go S for a lower price with similar form factor.
Bottom line: who should buy the ROG Xbox Ally X?
The Ally X isn’t a must-have for everyone. It’s a powerful, flexible tool for players who want Windows gaming on the go with the Xbox ecosystem front and center. If you’re juggling several stores and want a single portable device that can run PC games alongside Xbox titles, the Ally X can rekindle interest in PC games while maximizing the value of a long-term Game Pass investment. If your needs are more Steam-centric or if a $1,000 price tag feels steep for modest gains, a more traditional handheld or a Steam Deck alternative might be a better fit.
