Overview: The most anticipated collaboration of 2025
The year’s most talked-about gaming device has arrived. The ROG Xbox Ally X (RC73XA) marks a bold collaboration between ASUS’s Republic of Gamers and Microsoft’s XBOX, aiming to redefine what handheld gaming can deliver. With a price of Dh3,499 in the UAE, it positions itself as a premium yet accessible option for players seeking desktop-like power in a pocketable form.
Design and performance: A balance perfected
Blending console simplicity with PC-grade performance, the Ally X is more than a portable launcher—it’s a full mini-PC experience. Under the hood, it sports the latest AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with RDNA 3 graphics, delivering console-grade visuals and PC-level frame rates on a 7-inch Full HD display. The redesigned chassis emphasizes cooling efficiency, a larger 80Wh battery for longer sessions, and ergonomic grips with finely tuned triggers for comfort during extended play.
With a 1TB SSD and a streamlined cooling system, the device maintains sustained performance without throttling, ensuring demanding titles run smoothly on the go. The 7-inch display pairs with a 120 Hz refresh rate to keep motion fluid, making action-heavy games feel responsive and immersive.
Open platform, flexible library
One of the Ally X’s strongest selling points is its open-platform design. Players can switch between Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, and Xbox Game Pass without being boxed into a single storefront. This flexibility makes the Ally X a genuine handheld PC—capable of accessing a vast catalog across ecosystems, while maintaining the ease of use expected from a modern console.
Xbox experience, handheld optimization
The ROG-Xbox collaboration brings a familiar yet evolved Xbox interface, optimized for portable play. Boot into a Windows 11-based environment with an Xbox-inspired, full-screen home experience. The system prioritizes gameplay, minimizing background processes to maximize resources for the game in focus. A dedicated Xbox button launches an enhanced Game Bar overlay, offering quick access to libraries, settings, and chat, alongside ROG’s Armoury Crate SE for device personalization.
Navigation is tailored for handheld use, including an on-screen PIN pad and a controller-friendly Task Switcher, making it easy to jump between apps and games without sacrificing comfort or speed.
Battery life and charging considerations
An 80Wh battery aims to deliver longer playtime between charges, a critical factor for a handheld device that blends desktop-grade performance with portability. While actual endurance varies by game and graphics settings, the Ally X is designed to keep sessions going longer than many of its predecessors, reducing the need for frequent recharging on the move.
Price, availability, and what it means for gaming
Priced at around Dh3,499, the Ally X is positioned as a premium handheld that doesn’t force players to choose between performance and portability. It’s now available on the ASUS UAE eShop and at leading UAE retailers. To sweeten the deal, purchasers can enjoy a 20% discount on ASUS Premium Care – All Ally Warranty Packages through November 30, adding long-term peace of mind for a device built to travel and endure heavy use.
Verdict: A genuine game-changer for handheld gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t seeking to replace consoles or PCs; it’s redefining what a handheld device can be. It blends powerful hardware, a premium design, and a flexible software ecosystem into a single, portable package that can anchor a living room setup, a carry-on, or a workspace. For players who want desktop-class performance in their pocket and a seamless multi-storefront experience, the Ally X checks all the boxes.
Availability snapshot
Where to buy: ASUS UAE eShop and major UAE retailers. Availability may vary by location, with ongoing promotions and warranty extensions as noted above.
