We’ve Tested the Xbox Rog Ally X: The Most Powerful Yet Most Laborious Portable Console

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Xbox ROG Ally X Review: A Powerful Windows-Based Portable with Xbox Integration

The Xbox brand’s popularity has declined recently following some controversial decisions. Now, a new portable machine, the ROG Ally X, is entering the market. Available in two versions based on price and performance, marketers often present it as an “Xbox portable” due to its association, but it functions more as a Windows-based PC with Xbox integration. After two weeks of extensive testing, including use at events like EVO France in Nice, this review will detail its strengths and weaknesses.

Titled Portable PC Gaming Landscape Shifts with ASUS’s ROG Ally X – A High-End Handheld Console Priced Near $1000

Nintendo is no longer alone in the premium portable gaming sector. PC manufacturers like ASUS and Lenovo have entered the arena, with Valve’s Steam Deck also providing a significant handheld experience. Microsoft, which has no prior history in portable consoles, collaborated with ASUS to develop the ROG Ally X. The device’s rapid development may account for some of its design choices. The PC portable market remains relatively niche, with approximately 6 million units sold worldwide, half of which are Steam Decks. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units. A key differentiator is price: the ROG Ally X costs 899 without a charger. The official ASUS charger, available separately, adds another 70, bringing the total cost close to 1,000. Weighing 715 grams, the ROG Ally X is designed for comfort due to ASUS’s balanced weight distribution. Its controller-like edges and etched rubberized grips ensure a secure and comfortable fit for various hand sizes during extended gameplay.

Powerful Gaming on a Budget? ASUS’s ROG Ally X Offers Compromise Between Cost and Performance

However, the overall design is standard for portable consoles, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. It functions more as a utilitarian gaming gadget than a stylish accessory. ASUS leveraged its existing design language and Xbox’s button layout. The Start and Options buttons are positioned closely together and near the edge, potentially making them difficult to access and vulnerable to drops. The materials do not feel premium; the shell has a slightly hollow feel, though it offers a pleasant finish. The triggers exhibit some flimsiness around the edges. Internally, the ROG Ally X features an AMD Ryzen Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Its sharp 7-inch screen displays up to 1080p at 120Hz. While the 899 version (without charger) is on the pricier side, ASUS offers a cheaper 599 model with reduced performance.

Top-Mounted Ports and Design Flaws of ASUS ROG Ally X

All connectivity ports are located on top of the ROG Ally X, including the power button, headphone jack, micro SD slot, volume buttons, two USB-C ports, indicator lights, and a small ventilation port. This top-mounted arrangement is convenient for visibility but can become cluttered with accessories. The controls are generally solid, and the speakers deliver good sound at maximum volume, though they lack bass. A notable flaw is the D-pad, which appears inexpensive and feels imprecise—a common criticism of Xbox controllers. Another design limitation is the screen’s thick black borders, reminiscent of earlier Nintendo Switch models, at a time when thinner bezels are more common.

Redefining Complexity: ASUS ROG Ally X’s Challenging Handheld Gaming Interface

The interface of the ROG Ally X proves disappointing, feeling cumbersome from the outset due to its PC heritage. Rather than offering a dedicated mobile gaming ecosystem, it functions as a streamlined version of Windows 11, complete with frequent pop-up menus, notifications, and system windows that interrupt gameplay. ASUS attempts to mask this complexity with a full-screen Xbox overlay designed for a console-like experience, but its shortcomings quickly become apparent. Users encounter tiny text, small touch zones, persistent notifications, and demands for authorization or updates, creating an ununified interface better suited for mouse and keyboard input than for handheld console gaming.

Navigating Complexities: ROG Ally X’s Challenging Interface Amidst Powerful Specs

ASUS’s objective was to create a unified hub for games, stores, services, and launchers through the Xbox overlay, facilitating easy navigation. However, this ambition is not fully realized in practice. Games may fail to launch from the main menu, requiring multiple attempts. The Xbox app can freeze, leaving the “Play” button grayed out while the game runs silently in the background. This indicates the system struggles to manage concurrent processes. Each use highlights a disconnect between the promised streamlined experience and the underlying PC reality, which can be particularly frustrating for users accustomed to consoles and less inclined to tinker with settings. This complex interface makes the ROG Ally X less suitable for casual or younger users expecting a smooth, plug-and-play experience. Despite its powerful specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Extreme 8-core processor, 24GB of memory, and 1TB of storage, the device is criticized for its complexity, resembling a Windows 11 PC more than a dedicated Xbox console. Its price point of 899 (without a charger) further contributes to public skepticism.

Optimizing ROG Ally X: Balancing Power with Portability Amidst Windows Interface Issues

At its price, the ROG Ally X is undeniably powerful, yet it represents a significant investment. Unlike dedicated handhelds, it effectively functions as a portable laptop with Xbox branding. Premium features such as OLED or HDR displays are absent. The design is acceptable but unexceptional, and the Windows 11 interface is not optimized for portable gaming. Furthermore, the device exhibits energy management issues. Even in standby mode, services and games continue to run in the background, causing unexpected battery drain. One instance involved the battery dropping from 80% to 50% while no games were active or in sleep mode. Power-hungry games typically yield only about two hours of battery life. For optimal performance, especially in Turbo 35W mode, keeping the device plugged in is often necessary, which is ironic for a portable device.

Performance Fluctuations on ROG Ally X: Awaiting Optimization for Smoother Gaming Experience

Game performance on the ROG Ally X is inconsistent. While indie titles generally run smoothly, other games offer a mixed experience. Titles such as Dying Light The Beast, Indiana Jones, Ratchet & Clank, and Fatal Fury City of the Wolves perform well. However, games like Spider-Man 2, Street Fighter 6, inZoi, and Stellar Blade often experience lag, and Street Fighter 6 may not even display full screen. Colleagues who tested the device reported varying experiences depending on the updates applied. Currently, the handheld’s performance can be erratic, indicating that the complex PC ecosystem requires further optimization. Considering its price point near 1,000, users might expect greater refinement from the ROG Ally X. Competitors like the Steam Deck and the anticipated Switch 2 will likely offer a smoother experience at a lower cost. While the ROG Ally X boasts undeniable power and significant potential, this review finds it difficult to recommend immediately. Waiting several months for patches to stabilize the system may be prudent before purchasing. The device’s potential is clear, but users may need patience.

In Case You Missed It

While we’re catching our breath from the week that was at Eurogamer Portugal, let’s take a moment to celebrate our gaming community and the joy we find in diverse experiences. Ahmed Hassan’s recent post, “What Will You Be Playing This Weekend?” published on October 11th, is a heartwarming exploration of this very topic. After you’ve found your own inspiration there (), why not dive into another gaming sensation that’s been buzzing in the community? Ahmed also recently penned a must-read about Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, published on October 15th. This innovative fighting game is shaping up to be a worthy heir to Marvel vs Capcom 3 with its stunning aesthetics and 4v4 combat system – dive into his in-depth look here (). And speaking of community and second chances, Marcus Thompson brings promising news in his latest post, ‘Banned from YouTube? Now You Can Return to Creating Videos Thanks to Second Chance’ (), published just yesterday. It’s a ray of hope for creators eager to reclaim their creative spaces on the platform after facing previous bans.