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The ROG Xbox Ally X represents a major shift in handheld gaming philosophy. For a start, this version of the Ally is an Xbox-inspired evolution of the original ROG Ally; yet this time it is more comfortable, efficient, and console-like in all the ways that matter most. It represents a repositioning in thinking, making it feel like the handheld computer ASUS always wanted to build. Yet, in trying to perfect its formula, it stops just short of a full revolution thanks in no small part to what ASUS have already managed before.

There is no denying the Xbox green in the device’s blood, and the ROG Xbox Ally X wears this influence proudly. The redesigned frame has deeper grips and a more balanced weight that feels secure and natural in the hands. It is thicker and heavier than its direct brethren, but that extra size makes it feel solid and stable. The triggers and haptics are noticeably better too, and the buttons feel more deliberate and less hollow. The effect is a tangible and marked reduction in perceived fatigue over lengthy gaming sessions. The improved texture, quieter buttons, and smoother stick layout all contribute to a more relaxed experience. This no longer feels like a small computer trying to act like a console. The shell feels durable and expensive, with strong ports and a new venting system keeping fan noise quieter and more consistent. It feels premium and stable, the kind of device that can handle being taken on trips or used daily without worry.

Weight distribution is the biggest improvement. The original Ally often felt top-heavy and slightly awkward, especially when playing for more than an hour. The new model fixes that completely. Its balance makes it easier to hold without strain, and the new matte texture prevents slipping. Every button press feels firmer and more deliberate. Even the thumb sticks have a smoother, more resistant motion that gives better control. The overall build quality beautifully compensates some other odd hardware choices.

If there is one area where the ROG Xbox Ally X falls short, it is the display. ASUS has reused the same seven-inch, 1080p, 120-hertz LCD panel from the original Ally. It is bright and responsive, but when compared to the OLED screens in newer handhelds, it does feel lacking. There is no HDR support and no improvement to contrast or color depth. The screen is fine overall, but it does not stand out and feels like a bit of a missed opportunity – so close to being perfect!

The screen aside, the rest of the build is impressive. The matte finish is resistant to fingerprints, and the vents now handle heat more quietly. Ports feel stronger, and the overall construction feels premium. This design is an Xbox infused evolution of the original Ally. It feels confident, functional, and well considered. In many ways, it finally feels like a true gaming handheld that was designed to be played for hours. These may sound like small refinements, but together they transform the experience. The ROG Xbox Ally X finally feels like a device built for gaming first, not like a PC squeezed into a handheld shell.

Inside the device is AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, supported by a dedicated neural processing unit that manages background and artificial intelligence tasks. This setup reduces wasted power and allows the main components to focus on gameplay. The result is steadier performance and better efficiency.

In testing, this translates to fewer drops in frame rate during long play sessions. Games such as Hogwarts Legacy and Forza Motorsport can reach around 60 frames per second on balanced settings. Battlefield 6, and even Warframe, hold steady with framerates around the mid-50s (Battlefield even comes with a nifty built-in frame monitor). When running on battery power, the device performs just as well, but when docked or in its “Turbo” mode, it feels closer to a home console than a portable computer. ASUS has introduced a new efficiency mode too, with the above in mind; and claims to match the older Ally’s 25-watt performance at around 15 to 17 watts. This could greatly extend playtime, although early long-term testing is still limited. What I can attest to, however, is how I never felt the need to give the device any external power out of ‘necessity’. Sessions lasted for hours, and I plugged in more so out of habit than to ensure it would be charged the next day. What is clear is how the Xbox Ally X runs cooler and quieter than the original, which makes handheld gaming more enjoyable.

As alluded to at the start, the ROG Xbox Ally X represents a major shift in philosophy for portable gaming computers. It truly behaves less like a small Windows computer and more like a dedicated Xbox handheld. ASUS and Microsoft have worked together to simplify the software, reducing unnecessary background processes and improving how the system moves between apps. The inclusion of an Xbox button acts as an intelligent platform switcher allowing users to go from Xbox to whatever platform of their choice with a simple touch of the button. A minor nitpick comes by way of the pre-release software and how it interacts with Steam Big Picture. Since Steam Big Picture is implemented to act as a complete operating system launcher, it tends to try and overwrite whatever other apps are running outside of its prerogative. This is easy to understand and get used to as a gamer who predominantly plays on PC to begin with. However, due to the new Xbox app’s similar implementation, the two apps tend to fight for dominance whenever they are running in tandem – a matter of fact that happens all too often on the ROG Xbox Ally X. Sometimes this can result in unneeded frustration, but in reality, this will only ever be an issue while not actively gaming.

With that said, the Xbox-focused interface now feels smoother and faster. It allows players the aforementioned ability to move between Xbox for PC, Steam, and other platforms without the sluggishness that Windows handhelds are traditionally known for. However, it is still Windows underneath. Occasional crashes and compatibility gaps remain. With that said, I only experienced a single boot error during the review period. Even so, this version of the software is the most user-friendly experience the Ally line has ever offered, making it feel more like a true “plug and play” or “boot up and forget” device than ever before.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is not a revolution, but it is an important evolution — one that pushes ASUS’ handheld line to a new level of maturity. It feels like a product made by a company that has listened carefully to feedback and taken the time to refine every meaningful detail. It is easy to underestimate what the company has accomplished here. The ROG Xbox Ally X turns what was once an experimental idea into a legitimate ecosystem. It is a device that understands what modern players want: power, comfort, and access to the full Xbox and PC libraries without compromise.

There are still shortcomings. The LCD display is the most obvious flaw and the one that limits the device’s potential the most. Windows, however, and for all its versatility, still introduces quirks that sometimes reminds players how this is not a purely console-driven experience. Yet, in the broader landscape of handheld gaming, the ROG Xbox Ally X feels special. It bridges the gap between platforms more elegantly than its rivals and carries a sense of purpose that most Windows handhelds lack. It is not trying to replace the Xbox or PC; it is trying to connect them. For players who want their Game Pass library, Steam collection, and indie favourites in one place, this is as close to seamless as portable gaming has ever been. The ROG Xbox Ally X is not perfect, but it is finally complete — a handheld delivering power in polish within a clear identity.

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Verdict:

GOOD [4/5]

PROS	CONS
Comfortable, well-balanced Xbox-style design	Same 1080p LCD display without HDR as older models
Smoother software and Xbox-style interface	Some Windows quirks still appear
Quieter and cooler under load	Slightly bulkier than the original Ally

Device temporarily provided for review by ASUS.

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