Xbox Ally X Review: A Promising $1,000 Handheld That Needs Work
▼ Summary
– The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features an elongated, Xbox controller-inspired design that is exceptionally comfortable and well-balanced despite its hefty weight.
– It is the quietest handheld PC tested, with minimal fan noise even at high performance settings, and delivers the fastest gaming performance among current handhelds.
– The device runs an optimized Windows interface designed for handheld use, making navigation easier than standard Windows but still less unified than SteamOS.
– At $1,000, it is the most expensive Xbox-branded device, making it a poor upgrade for existing Xbox owners and difficult to justify compared to cheaper alternatives like the Legion Go S.
– While praised for its ergonomics, performance, and acoustics, the high price is a major drawback, and it is not expected to top the best handheld list due to cost concerns.
Spending time with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X reveals a premium handheld gaming PC that impresses in key areas but struggles to fully justify its premium cost. This device brings together high-end performance and thoughtful ergonomic design, yet its lofty price point and fragmented software experience leave room for improvement.
My initial reaction to the device’s unconventional shape and elongated grips was far from positive, it struck me as awkward at first glance. However, actually holding the Xbox Ally X completely reversed that impression. It stands out as one of the most comfortable handheld PCs available, with a substantial yet well-balanced feel that mirrors the familiar contours of an Xbox controller. The extended grips allow for a natural hand position, making the thumbsticks and buttons far more accessible and reducing the strain that often comes with other portables.
Comfort isn’t the only strong suit. The cooling system operates with remarkable quietness, whether the device is running at its full 35-watt mode or the more efficient 17-watt setting. You’ll barely notice the fans during gameplay, which is a notable achievement. Audio is another high point, the speakers deliver impressive volume and clarity. Sleep functionality, while not matching Xbox’s Quick Resume, proves dependable for pausing and resuming your games.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and Radeon 890M integrated GPU deliver outstanding results. In early testing, this handheld produced the highest frame rates I’ve recorded on any device in its category. A new full-screen interface, officially dubbed the “Xbox full-screen experience powered by Windows 11”, streamlines navigation, letting you switch smoothly between your game libraries, Xbox Game Pass, and cloud gaming services.
Still, the software doesn’t feel entirely cohesive. Despite Microsoft’s optimizations, you’re still dealing with multiple overlays from Armoury Crate, Steam, and other launchers. It’s more organized than a standard Windows desktop on a small screen, but it lacks the unified, console-like feel of SteamOS.
The most significant hurdle is the $1,000 price tag. This makes it the most expensive Xbox-branded device ever released, and it’s difficult to see it as a meaningful upgrade for current Xbox Series X|S owners. While you can stream Xbox games at high frame rates, the core value proposition feels unclear, especially when alternatives like the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go S offer a more integrated experience at nearly half the cost.
It appears Microsoft may have misjudged what motivates buyers in the handheld PC space. Competing devices from smaller manufacturers sit in a similar price range, but without the economies of scale enjoyed by larger brands, the Ally X feels overpriced. A more affordable version with a standard Ryzen Z2 chip is available for around $600, though its performance aligns more closely with entry-level handhelds.
Setting aside the cost, the Xbox Ally X excels in performance, acoustics, and ergonomics. It’s a device I’ve come to appreciate more with each use, even as its pricing gives me pause. Further evaluation of battery life and sustained CPU performance is still needed, but based on early impressions, this is a compelling, if financially demanding, piece of hardware. For now, however, it doesn’t unseat our current top pick for the best handheld gaming PC.
(Source: PC Gamer)
