Welcome to the ROG Xbox Ally Experience
Congratulations on choosing the ROG Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X. Whether you’re a seasoned handheld gamer or new to portable Windows gaming, you’ve joined a growing community that values flexibility, power, and ease of use. These devices blend the Windows ecosystem with the comfort of a dedicated Xbox experience, all in the palm of your hand. This guide rounds up must-know tips to help you hit the ground running.
Initial Setup: Quick Start
If you’re setting up for the first time, follow the step-by-step instructions in the official Xbox Support guide. A few quick wins to start: set up the fingerprint reader so you can unlock with a simple touch, and then enjoy the immersive full-screen Xbox experience as your default home environment.
Navigating Your Xbox Ally
The Xbox Ally offers multiple ways to navigate, so you can pick what feels most natural. Use the d-pad, joysticks, shoulder and face buttons, or tap the responsive touchscreen. For example, reach the Game Bar settings by pressing the Xbox button and 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.
The ASUS Command Center is integrated into Game Bar, giving you quick access to personalization options inside and outside games. For deeper customization, launch Armoury Crate SE from this overlay to fine-tune performance, lighting, and control mappings.
Meet Gaming Copilot (Beta)
Gaming Copilot acts as your on-device helper. Open it by long-pressing the Command Center button to launch the widget in Game Bar and complete onboarding. After setup, you can ask for tips, track achievements, or get boss-fight strategies without leaving your game. Access it again by long-pressing the Library button and starting a conversation.
Play What You Want: Managing Your Library
Your Library is the heart of your gaming universe. Press the dedicated Library button above the right thumbstick to view games you own, those available via Game Pass, and titles playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming. You can filter by multiple categories to shop from your own collection or discover new adventures. The Store is accessible on the left rail for direct browsing.
With the aggregated library, you can add titles from leading PC storefronts. Go to the My Apps tab in your Library, choose a PC storefront, and install what you want. If your preferred launcher isn’t listed, open Edge, visit the store’s site, and download it directly.
Play Anywhere: Offline Capability
One of the core strengths of the Xbox Ally is its portability. While many games shine online, most single-player titles work well offline. Before you travel, preload updates or DLC and sign in to your accounts. If you’re flying, switch to airplane mode to conserve battery and minimize interruptions. For comprehensive offline tips, consult the official guidance on playing games offline in Windows and Xbox Support.
Personalizing Your Setup
Leverage accessibility features built into the Xbox Ally and Ally X. Settings under Profile & Settings > Settings > Accessibility offer visual, cognitive, and input options. You can re-map buttons and adjust input methods in Armoury Crate SE to tailor the experience to your playstyle.
External controllers are easy to pair. Turn on the controller, press the Pair button, and wait for the connect notification. If you miss it, open Game Bar > Settings > Bluetooth > Manage devices > Add device > Bluetooth and follow the prompts.
Small but Handy Detail
In the underside of the Xbox Ally box lid, there’s a lightweight paperboard stand. It’s perfect for propping up the device while charging or using an external controller without blocking the screen.
Docking and Display: The Big-Screen Option
For a larger experience, connect to an external monitor or TV via USB-C, or use a dock. Set the display to Second Screen Only for optimal matching with your TV’s resolution and refresh rate. The result is a seamless desktop-like feel when you’re at home or in a hotel room.
Keeping It Up to Date
Two maintenance areas keep your Xbox Ally running smoothly: Windows OS updates and Armoury Crate SE updates. In Game Bar > Settings > More Settings > Open Windows Settings > Windows Update, install available updates. For Armoury Crate SE, open the Command Center, choose Open Armoury Crate SE, then Update Center and Update All. Regular updates introduce new features and performance improvements to your handheld setup.
Ready to Explore
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are designed to be versatile companions, whether you’re lounging on the couch or commuting with high scores in hand. Use these tips to tailor the experience to your style, and enjoy a portable, powerful window into your games. We’re excited to see where your new Xbox Ally takes you.
