Asus ROG Ally Impresses at Gamescom, But Can’t Beat Nintendo Switch 2

Hands-on time with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally at Gamescom 2025 revealed a device with clear ambitions in the portable gaming market, though it struggles to unseat established favorites like the Nintendo Switch 2. Spending thirty minutes with both the standard and X models offered a glimpse into its capabilities, but left lingering questions about its overall appeal.

As someone relatively new to PC gaming handhelds, I approached the demo with an open mind. While I’ve never used a Steam Deck or the original ROG Ally, relying instead on a home gaming PC and a Switch 2, I recognize the growing interest in portable Windows-based systems. Many colleagues passionately endorse devices like the Steam Deck, so expectations were cautiously optimistic.

The concept behind the Xbox Ally is undeniably attractive. Access to your full Xbox library on the go, including Game Pass, cloud gaming, and the Microsoft Store, makes a compelling case for Xbox loyalists. It genuinely delivers on Microsoft’s promise of extending the Xbox experience beyond the console. In theory, having your entire game collection in your hands is a major selling point.

However, the physical experience tells a different story. Today’s PC handhelds are noticeably bulkier and heavier than streamlined devices like the Switch 2. While the Ally’s ergonomic design—with comfortable grips and well-placed buttons—does help, the overall heft makes extended play sessions less inviting. The 7-inch FHD display performs admirably, matching the Switch 2’s 1080p output and supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates, though a lack of HDR and somewhat dim default settings were minor letdowns.

Performance proved inconsistent, even on the more powerful Ally X model equipped with 24GB RAM and a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. Titles like Lies of P and Gears of War: Reloaded stuttered noticeably on medium settings, suggesting that demanding games require graphical compromises for smooth gameplay. Forza Horizon 5, by contrast, ran beautifully at 60fps with only minor visual trade-offs, demonstrating that optimization matters greatly.

The system also exhibited technical hiccups. Xbox’s Quick Resume feature caused noticeable heating and even one crash during testing. Load times felt sluggish despite SSD storage, with initial game boots eating into valuable playtime. These issues highlight the challenges of translating a console-like experience to portable hardware.

When compared to the Nintendo Switch 2, the Ally’s raw power is evident, but so is its lack of tailored optimization. Nintendo’s first-party and partnered titles are fine-tuned for its hardware, resulting in generally stable performance even with less graphical muscle. The Ally, like other Windows handhelds, often relies on user-adjusted settings to achieve playable framerates.

For those deeply embedded in the Xbox ecosystem, the ROG Ally offers a legitimate way to take that investment on the road. But for most players, the more affordable and refined Steam Deck remains a smarter entry into PC handheld gaming. Valve’s “Deck Verified” program and growing software support provide a smoother out-of-the-box experience.

While the Ally didn’t win me over during this brief demo, its potential is undeniable. A more competitive price point and stronger optimization from future Xbox Game Studios titles could make it a far more appealing option. For now, it remains a promising but unpolished contender in a rapidly evolving market.

(Source: techradar)