The world of handheld gaming has evolved rapidly, and the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is at the forefront of this revolution. As a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast, I, Tom Banton, have been eagerly exploring this new device from Asus and Microsoft. With its cutting-edge hardware, ergonomic design, and a tailored Xbox experience, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X promises to redefine portable gaming. In this blog, I’ll dive into my experience with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, its standout features, and why it’s a must-have for gamers on the go.
A New Era of Handheld Gaming
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is not just another handheld gaming device; it’s a bold collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, blending the best of Xbox’s gaming ecosystem with Asus’s hardware expertise. Announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, this device builds on the success of the original ROG Ally, addressing its shortcomings and delivering a refined experience. With a sleek design, powerful internals, and a custom Windows 11 interface optimized for handheld gaming, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is designed to compete with the likes of Valve’s Steam Deck while offering a unique Xbox-flavored experience.
As someone who’s always on the move, I appreciate the portability of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. It’s slightly bulkier than its predecessor at 290.8mm wide, 121.5mm tall, and 50.7mm deep, but the ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers make it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The addition of impulse triggers and a dedicated Xbox button for quick access to the Game Bar further enhances the controller-like feel, making it a natural fit for Xbox fans like me.
Unpacking the Specs: Power in Your Hands
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, a beast of a chip that delivers exceptional performance for a handheld. With an 8-core/16-thread CPU, 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, and an NPU capable of up to 50 TOPS of AI compute power, this device is built to handle demanding AAA titles. It comes equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, ensuring fast load times and ample storage for your game library.
The 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support via FreeSync Premium is a visual treat. Whether I’m playing fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, the screen delivers crisp visuals and smooth gameplay. The 80Wh battery is one of the largest in the handheld market, offering improved longevity compared to the original ROG Ally. During my testing, I played Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p with high settings and maintained a stable 60 FPS in Turbo mode, a testament to the device’s raw power.
Software That Feels Like Xbox
One of the biggest pain points with Windows-based handhelds has been the clunky user experience. Microsoft and Asus have tackled this head-on with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X by introducing a full-screen Xbox experience. The device boots directly into a revamped Xbox app, which serves as a central hub for all your games, whether they’re from Steam, Epic Games, or Xbox Game Pass. This streamlined interface eliminates the need to navigate the traditional Windows desktop, making it feel more like a console than a PC.
The dedicated Xbox button is a game-changer, allowing quick access to the Game Bar for settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and performance modes. The long-press feature brings up a handheld-friendly task switcher, making it easy to hop between apps and games. Asus’s Armoury Crate SE app complements this by providing a unified game launcher and customizable controls, ensuring that every button press feels intuitive. For someone like me, who values seamless navigation, this software overhaul makes the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X a joy to use.
Ergonomics and Design: Built for Comfort
As Tom Banton, I’ve spent hours testing the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, and its ergonomic design stands out. The grips are contoured to mimic an Xbox controller, with a textured pattern that enhances grip and comfort. The impulse triggers add haptic feedback, making actions like shooting in games feel more immersive. The joysticks and button layout are familiar to Xbox users, and the addition of back paddles offers extra customization for competitive gamers.
At 1.49 pounds, the device is slightly heavier than the original ROG Ally, but the weight is well-balanced, reducing fatigue during long play sessions. The dual USB-C ports (one USB 4 and one USB 3.2 Gen 2) and a 3.5mm headphone jack provide versatile connectivity, though I wish Asus had included an OLED display for even richer visuals. Still, the IPS panel is bright and vibrant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor gaming.
Gaming Performance: A Portable Powerhouse
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X excels at delivering console-quality gaming on the go. I tested a variety of titles, from Elden Ring to Forza Horizon 5, and the device handled them with ease. The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, combined with technologies like AMD Fluid Motion Frames and Radeon Super Resolution, ensures smooth frame rates even in graphically intensive games. The ability to dock the device with Asus’s XG Mobile GPU for 4K gaming further extends its versatility, though the external GPU’s high cost may deter casual users.
Emulation is another area where the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X shines. Thanks to the Ryzen Z1’s AVX-512 support, it can emulate games from consoles like the PS3, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox 360 with impressive performance. I was able to run The Last of Us via RPCS3 and Super Mario Odyssey via Yuzu without hiccups, making this a dream device for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life has been a weak point for Windows-based handhelds, but the 80Wh battery in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a significant improvement. During my sessions, I got around 2-3 hours of gameplay on demanding titles in Turbo mode, and up to 5 hours in power-saving mode for lighter games. Microsoft’s optimizations to Windows reduce idle and sleep drain by about a third, which is a welcome upgrade. For travelers like me, the ability to quickly resume games via cloud saves and Xbox Game Pass makes the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X a perfect companion.
The Competition: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs. Steam Deck
As a gamer, I can’t help but compare the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to Valve’s Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck’s SteamOS offers a more polished handheld experience, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X counters with superior hardware and broader game compatibility. The ability to run any Windows-compatible game, including those from Xbox Game Pass and Epic Games Store, gives it an edge for players invested in multiple platforms. However, SteamOS’s quick suspend and resume features are still unmatched, and I hope Microsoft continues to refine Windows for handhelds.
Price is another consideration. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is expected to retail around $799, a premium over the Steam Deck OLED’s $549-$649 range. For gamers who prioritize power and Xbox integration, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X justifies its cost, but budget-conscious players may lean toward the Steam Deck or the base ROG Xbox Ally, which uses the less powerful Ryzen Z2 A chip.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Investment?
As Tom Banton, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. It’s a powerful, ergonomic, and versatile handheld that brings the Xbox experience to your fingertips. The combination of a robust AMD processor, a vibrant 120Hz display, and a tailored Xbox app makes it a standout in the crowded handheld market. While Windows 11 still has some quirks for handheld use, Microsoft’s software optimizations make navigation smoother than ever.
For gamers who want a portable device that can handle AAA titles, emulation, and cloud gaming, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a top contender. Its holiday 2025 release can’t come soon enough, and I’m excited to see how it shapes the future of handheld gaming. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, this device has something to offer. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and its capabilities!
