Overview: A Windows handheld that wears Xbox branding
The ROG Xbox Ally X positions itself as more than a novelty for Xbox fans. It’s a portable Windows gaming system wrapped in Xbox branding, capable of running PC games from Steam, Epic, and GOG as well as Xbox Game Pass titles. At a steep price of $1,000 for the top model, this device targets players who want a handheld that can function across multiple storefronts while still leaning into the convenience of console-like access.
In practice, the Ally X may feel closer to a compact PC than a dedicated handheld console. That distinction matters for performance, software quirks, and battery life. If your imagined use is “just take it on the go and play Xbox,” you’ll likely want to temper expectations. If, however, you crave a portable machine that can run Windows games alongside Xbox and Steam titles, the Ally X is worth a closer look.
Design and comfort: improved grips, similar ergonomics
ROG refreshes the controls with bigger, more pronounced grips and Hall Effect joysticks as an optional upgrade. There’s a dedicated Xbox button, and the overall grip feels sturdy in the hand. Yet comfort is subjective: for some, the new back buttons sit just out of reach when your fingers are on the triggers, making long sessions less ideal. Trigger stops would be a welcome refinement for players who crave deeper trigger pulls during fast-paced action.
Display, audio, and everyday usability
The Ally X uses a standard IPS display that’s bright enough for most indoor lighting conditions, but the blacks read as dark gray, yielding decent but not exceptional contrast. The audio is serviceable for on-the-go play, and the built-in speakers pair well with ambient gaming sessions. On the software side, the experience blends Windows with a streamlined Xbox app, media storefronts, and Armoury Crate controls. Still, the interface can feel inconsistent: some launches dump you into different UI layers, and navigating between controller-based and touch-based interfaces isn’t always seamless.
Windows on the go: deep integration, mixed results
Microsoft’s Xbox app provides a full-screen launch experience, pulling together installed games and streaming options across Game Pass, Steam, Epic, and more. In theory, this makes the Ally X convenient for a mixed library. In practice, you’ll encounter inconsistencies: Steam might favor Big Picture mode, Epic Games Store lacks a full-screen option, and certain store interfaces don’t translate cleanly to controller navigation. It’s a reminder that Windows handhelds still wrestle with OS-level quirks while trying to feel native to a gaming lounge on the move.
Performance: what the hardware can (and can’t) do
Performance varies by title. Lighter, GPU-friendly games like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight Silksong push very high frame rates, while more demanding titles like Hogwarts Legacy run in the 60–70fps range with upscaling. Some triple-A or “piggy” games struggle to stay steady, especially on battery power. The base model’s 16GB RAM and older GPU/CPU configuration means you’ll likely want to prioritize portable, less demanding games or cloud streaming when away from a power source. A comparison to a similarly priced gaming laptop (e.g., MSI Katana 15 HX with RTX 5050) highlights the trade-offs: more power for a laptop, less portability for high-end titles.
Battery life and portability
Battery life sits in the “meh” territory: streaming reduces drain, but local gaming draws power quickly. With mixed gameplay and a two-hour test, you can expect around three hours of use before needing a recharge—enough for a couple of sessions but not a long off-grid gaming trip. If you rely heavily on Game Pass streaming, you may enjoy longer battery life, but expect trade-offs with latency and image quality when reliant on a wireless connection.
Who should buy the ROG Xbox Ally X?
Ultimately, the Ally X shines for players who want a single handheld that can access multiple game libraries with relative ease. If you’re mostly a Steam gamer who values native PC performance, the base Ally might be sufficient, but the Ally X offers a compelling Xbox-leaning option for multi-store game rosters. For gamers seeking a pure handheld Xbox experience, you’ll want to weigh the price against the device’s power and the comfort of an always-on, Windows-based system.
Bottom line
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a powerful, well-built Windows handheld with Xbox branding that makes PC gaming surprisingly portable. It’s best suited for gamers who want flexibility across stores and a console-like setup on the go, rather than a flawless, best-in-class handheld experience for every title. If that balance matches your playstyle and budget, the Ally X offers a unique, if imperfect, path to portable PC gaming.
