Welcome to the ROG Xbox Ally Experience
Congratulations on joining the growing community of ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X players. These handheld devices blend the flexibility of Windows with the instant accessibility of Xbox, letting you game on the go or dock up for a larger screen experience. Whether you’re a seasoned handheld gamer or new to this ecosystem, a few well-chosen steps will help you get the most out of your device from day one.
Quick Setup and First Impressions
If you’re just unboxing, start with the official setup guide from Xbox Support for a smooth start. Don’t skip enabling the fingerprint reader—it unlocks your Ally with a simple touch, which feels almost magical. After setup, you’ll boot into the immersive Xbox full-screen experience, designed for smooth gameplay and easy access to your library.
Navigating with Confidence
The Xbox Ally offers multiple navigation options. Use the d-pad, joysticks, shoulder and face buttons, or tap the touchscreen to move quickly through menus. For essential settings, press the Xbox button and the right bumper to reach Game Bar, or swipe from the left edge toward the center. Need to switch apps? Long-press the Xbox button or swipe up from the bottom to open the Task Switcher for seamless transitions between games and apps.
Command Center and Personalization
ASUS Command Center is now integrated into Game Bar, giving you quick access to powerful customization options inside and outside games. For a deeper configuration, launch Armoury Crate SE directly from the overlay—perfect for tailoring controls and lighting to your play style.
Meet Gaming Copilot (Beta)
Gaming Copilot is your on-device sidekick. Access it by long-pressing the Command Center button to open the Copilot widget in Game Bar. Complete the onboarding to receive tips and recommendations on difficulty, boss battles, or next achievements. If you want help without leaving your game, long-press the Library button to start a Copilot conversation right in your session.
Play What You Want: Library, Store, and Cloud
Head to the Library (the dedicated Library button above the right thumbstick) to view owned titles, Game Pass games, and Xbox Cloud Gaming options. You can select multiple categories to shop within your own collection and see what plays natively on the Ally. The Store on the left rail helps you discover new games.
Linking your PCs’ storefronts is straightforward. In My Apps, add PC storefronts to see all your games in one place. If a launcher isn’t listed, open Edge from My Apps and download it from the store website. You can even play offline—download updates before travel and sign in to ensure a smooth single-player experience when the internet isn’t available. For offline play tips, check Xbox Support’s guide on offline modes and consider enabling airplane mode during flights to conserve battery.
Personalizing Your Setup for Comfort and Style
Accessibility features are built into both the Xbox Ally and Ally X. Customize visual, cognitive, and sensory settings via Profile & Settings > Settings > Accessibility. Re-map buttons and tailor on-screen keyboard options in Armoury Crate SE to suit your preferences.
Pair external controllers just like you would with a PC. Turn on your controller, press the Pair button, and confirm the connection in Game Bar > Settings > Bluetooth > Manage devices > Add device. A practical hidden feature: the underside of the box lid includes a lightweight stand that’s perfect for charging at a desk or when using an external controller without blocking the display.
Docking, Display, and Lighting
When you’re at home, connect to a monitor or TV for a larger, more immersive experience. Use the USB-C port to dock or connect directly to a display, preferably using Second Screen Only to match your TV’s resolution and refresh rate. The colorful joystick ring lights can be dimmed or turned off in Armoury Crate SE under Lighting, ensuring comfortable play sessions in dim environments or during red-eye travel.
Stay Up to Date
To keep your Xbox Ally fresh with the latest features, check two update streams regularly. For Windows OS updates, access Game Bar > Settings Widget > More Settings > Open Windows Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates. For Armoury Crate SE, open the Command Center, go to Update Center, and choose Update All. Regular updates ensure compatibility with new games, features, and cloud capabilities.
Ready to Explore
Your new Xbox Ally or Ally X is more than a handheld console—it’s a portable PC-gaming companion with the best of both Windows and Xbox ecosystems. With these tips, you’re ready to enjoy handheld gaming on the couch, on the go, or at your desk, and you’ll quickly discover new ways to personalize and optimize your experience as you play.
