Access Your Gaming Accounts on Asus ROG Ally X

The Asus ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC stands out by integrating multiple game launchers directly into the Xbox Full Screen Experience, offering a more streamlined interface than typical Windows-based handhelds. While this approach simplifies access, many third-party launchers still lack full controller optimization, requiring occasional touchscreen interaction. The convenience of installing these apps without launching a separate browser, however, makes the process significantly smoother.

Since the device operates on Windows 11, setting up begins with signing into a Microsoft account. Upon launching the Xbox app for the first time, it will prompt you to confirm whether your Microsoft account doubles as your Xbox account. If they differ, select “Use a different account,” choose “Microsoft account” using the D-Pad or touchscreen, and follow the on-screen steps. Once signed in, your Xbox profile will appear, simply click “Let’s Go” to enter the app.

To access other platforms, navigate to the Library tab, which resembles a bookshelf, and switch to “My Apps.” Here you’ll find available applications ready for installation.

For Steam, locate its logo in “My Apps” and select it. The app should already be installed and will open in a new window, checking for updates before launching Big Picture Mode. Choose your language and time zone, then log in using your credentials or by scanning a QR code if you have Steam Guard enabled. New users can create an account directly. After signing in, Steam downloads your data and provides a tour of Big Picture Mode, after which you can start downloading games.

The Epic Games Store is also available in “My Apps.” Unlike Steam, it requires downloading, handled automatically by the Xbox app. Wait for the installation to complete, then use the touchscreen to proceed through setup. At the login screen, sign in via email, password, or a linked console account. Note that Epic’s app lacks gamepad support, so navigation relies entirely on the touchscreen.

Battle.net follows a similar process: find it in “My Apps,” download and install it, then select your language. If the login screen doesn’t appear initially, reopen the app. Sign in or create an account, but be aware that controller support is absent here as well, making touch input necessary.

For GOG Galaxy, return to “My Apps,” select its logo, and install the app. Use the touchscreen to complete setup, ensure “launch GOG Galaxy” is checked, and hit finish. At the narrow login screen, enter your details or use an alternative sign-in method. Like others, GOG doesn’t support gamepad navigation within the app, though Desktop mode can emulate a mouse.

Ubisoft Connect is installed the same way, find it in “My Apps,” download, and follow the installation prompts using the touchscreen. After a few splash screens, log in with your email and password. Ubisoft’s app is one of the few third-party launchers that fully supports controller navigation, making it particularly user-friendly on the Ally X.

For any other games, apps, or launchers not listed in “My Apps,” you’ll need to use Desktop mode. Access it by holding the Xbox button and selecting the Windows Desktop option, or by swiping up from the screen’s bottom and tapping the Desktop button. From there, use Microsoft Edge to download whatever you need. Keep in mind that apps installed this way won’t appear in the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which may be inconvenient for regular use. Future updates from Microsoft may expand this functionality, but for now, this is the workaround.

(Source: IGN)