Asus ROG Ally X Review: Is It the Ultimate Xbox Handheld?

The Asus ROG Ally X represents a significant evolution in handheld gaming PCs, blending powerful hardware with a unique software experience developed in partnership with Microsoft. This device is the first to feature the new Xbox Full Screen Experience, allowing it to boot directly into the Xbox app within Windows, bypassing the traditional desktop environment. While it builds upon the foundation of last year’s impressive ROG Ally, the integration of Xbox-specific features positions it as a compelling alternative to systems running SteamOS. For the foreseeable future, the Asus ROG Ally X sets a new standard for what a high-performance handheld can achieve.

Available from October 16, 2025, the Asus ROG Ally X is priced at $999. This single configuration includes a Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. A more affordable model, the ROG Ally powered by a Z2 processor, launches on the same day for $599.

Design

Handheld gaming PCs have largely followed a similar blueprint since the Steam Deck’s arrival, typically featuring a rectangular form factor with a central screen and flanking controls. The Ally X adheres to this general shape but introduces a distinct design inspired by the Xbox controller, complete with two prominent plastic grips.

The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of an Xbox controller that has been elongated to accommodate a display. Initial impressions might suggest the design is unconventional, but extended use reveals its ergonomic benefits. Although the Ally X is heavier than its predecessor, it proves more comfortable to hold during long sessions. The contoured grips fit naturally in the hands and prevent the fatigue that can occur with other devices, even after marathon gaming stints.

The device measures 11.42 inches in length, 4.76 inches in height, and 2 inches at its thickest point. It weighs 1.58 pounds, a noticeable increase from the previous model’s 1.49 pounds. Button layout remains largely consistent with a few key changes. The Armoury Crate button has been relocated to the left of the display and now opens the Asus Control Center within the Xbox Game Bar. On the right, a new library button provides quick access to your game collection in the Xbox app.

This button arrangement feels slightly redundant, as a dedicated Xbox button also brings up the Game Bar, from which the Control Center is easily accessible. The redesign means there is no direct button to launch the full Armoury Crate app, now requiring an extra step through the Control Center. While this prevents accidentally opening settings during gameplay, it adds a minor inconvenience for system management.

The standard controller buttons are all high-quality. The triggers are a particular highlight, utilizing Hall Effect sensors for precision and incorporating Impulse Trigger technology. This feature, found in first-party Xbox controllers, provides haptic feedback in supported games, such as simulating road friction in Forza Horizon 5. It is worth noting that PC support for this feature is currently limited. One review unit exhibited a manufacturing flaw with a loose left trigger, but a replacement functioned perfectly, suggesting this was an isolated issue.

Connectivity options are located on the top edge, featuring two USB-C ports (one USB 4.0), a MicroSD card reader, a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello, and a headphone jack. The cooling system employs intake fans on the back and exhaust vents on the top, effectively managing heat. During intensive gaming in “Turbo” mode, the processor can reach temperatures of 80°C, making the display warm to the touch but not uncomfortably so.

Display

The device is equipped with a 7-inch 1080p display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium. This is the same excellent panel found in the previous model. While it may not match the visual splendor of an OLED screen, its resolution is an ideal match for the Z2 Extreme processor, ensuring strong performance without overburdening the hardware.

Colors appear vibrant, especially at higher brightness levels, with the screen capable of reaching 500 nits. The 120Hz refresh rate, though lower than some competitors, is more than adequate for most games, particularly demanding titles that cannot consistently achieve high frame rates. The inclusion of variable refresh rate technology is essential, maintaining smooth visuals even when frame rates fluctuate.

The Xbox Full Screen Experience

The defining feature of the Ally X is its software. The partnership with Microsoft grants it exclusive early access to the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), a streamlined interface that won’t be available for other Windows devices until 2026. The setup process is a vast improvement over traditional Windows handhelds, allowing users to configure the device entirely with the controller, including signing into accounts and connecting to Wi-Fi.

A particularly welcome change is the default controller support for the Windows touchscreen keyboard, eliminating the need for tedious screen tapping. Once setup is complete, the system boots directly into the Xbox app. Game Pass is prominently featured, but users can easily access their library to install third-party stores like Steam, Battle.net, and the Epic Games Store. These applications can be set up and launched without ever leaving the FSE environment.

Accessing the full Windows desktop is straightforward, a simple swipe up from the bottom of the screen reveals a “Windows Desktop” option. This is necessary for tasks like installing Windows Updates or non-gaming software such as Discord. Returning to the FSE is done via the Xbox button menu.

The software is not without its minor bugs. Occasionally, controller inputs require multiple presses to register in the app, and closing applications via the Task View can be unresponsive at times. These are likely issues that will be resolved with future updates. The core experience, however, is transformative, offering a console-like simplicity by eliminating desktop distractions and background processes. Microsoft is close to achieving a user experience that rivals SteamOS.

Performance

The Ally X demonstrates how to effectively leverage the power of the Z2 Extreme processor. In demanding games, it delivers impressive frame rates: 44 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 and 77 fps in Forza Horizon 5 at high settings. Interestingly, performance sees a slight boost when running games within the FSE compared to the standard desktop mode.

In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark, performance differences between FSE and desktop mode were negligible. However, the Ally X consistently outperforms a key competitor, the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which uses the same chip. In benchmarks, the Ally X was 3-6% faster, and this advantage extended to real-world gaming. In Forza Horizon 5, the Ally X achieved 77 fps compared to the Legion Go 2’s 65 fps, an 18% improvement.

Even on battery power, which limits the device to a 17W performance mode, the Ally X maintained a stable 30 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings. For a portable device, its ability to handle demanding games without significant visual compromise is remarkable.

Battery Life

Battery life remains a challenge for all handheld gaming devices. In a standard office productivity simulation (PCMark10), the Ally X lasted nearly 10 hours. A more realistic gaming test, running Cyberpunk 2077, told a different story. Here, the battery lasted for 2 hours and 34 minutes, a result that competes favorably with other high-end handhelds, including the more power-efficient Steam Deck OLED. For intensive gaming sessions, a two-and-a-half-hour runtime is respectable.

Price

With a price tag of $999, the Asus ROG Ally X sits at the premium end of the handheld market. However, when compared to other devices featuring the Z2 Extreme processor, its cost is quite competitive. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 with a Z2 Extreme starts at a significantly higher price, and other competitors often carry similar or greater price tags without the benefit of the Xbox Full Screen Experience. For its feature set and performance, the Ally X offers compelling value in the high-end handheld segment.

(Source: IGN)