ASUS and Xbox have joined forces to bring us the ROG Xbox Ally X, a new iteration of the ROG Ally series designed to blend console familiarity with PC flexibility. After spending some time with it, we can confidently say this handheld feels like the most refined version of Windows gaming on the go yet.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the ROG Xbox Ally X looks familiar to anyone who has used the previous ROG Ally, but several refinements make it feel more mature. The overall build is robust, with a solid magnesium alloy chassis and a speckled matte finish that hides fingerprints well. It weighs just over 700 grams — heavier than some competitors, but the ergonomic handles make a noticeable difference during extended gaming sessions.
The design borrows elements from Xbox controllers, including textured grips that prevent slippage and curved edges that provide better palm support. The placement of buttons, triggers, and joysticks feels natural, and the addition of vibration-enabled triggers enhances immersion, especially in racing and action titles. Around the back, ASUS includes programmable macro buttons that can be customized through the Armory Crate software.
Display and Visual Experience
The device still features the same 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, which continues to deliver crisp visuals and smooth gameplay. While it would have been nice to see an OLED upgrade this year, the current panel remains one of the better options in handheld gaming.
Brightness peaks at around 500 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor environments. However, visibility in direct sunlight remains challenging, especially in darker game scenes. ASUS has included Gorilla Glass Victus with an additional DXC coating to reduce reflections and improve durability. During our testing, the display withstood everyday use without visible scratches or scuffs.
Controls and Usability
The ROG Xbox Ally X’s controls feel refined and responsive. The analog sticks are accurate with smooth resistance, while the face buttons and D-pad deliver tactile feedback without being overly firm. ASUS’ inclusion of Hall effect triggers ensures precision without drift, and the updated handles distribute weight evenly, reducing fatigue over longer sessions.
ASUS also added a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which works reliably for quick logins. Booting the system from standby to the Xbox interface takes only a few seconds, making it easy to jump back into games.
Connectivity and Ports
All major ports are positioned along the top edge for easy access. You’ll find a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort 2.1 support, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a UHS-II microSD card slot, and a power button with fingerprint authentication. The system also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for strong wireless connectivity.
In daily use, Wi-Fi performance was fast and stable, making large game downloads and cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass smooth. The only minor omission is the absence of Wi-Fi 7, which would have future-proofed the device further.
Software and Xbox Integration
The real story with the ROG Xbox Ally X is not just the hardware—it’s Windows reimagined for handheld gaming. The new Xbox Full Screen Experience replaces the traditional desktop view, booting straight into a console-like interface that can be navigated entirely with the built-in controls.
Gone are the days of swiping through Windows menus or struggling with touch input. This feels far more natural—similar to SteamOS—but with the complete flexibility of Windows. You can install and launch games from Steam, GOG, Epic, EA, and Game Pass, all within the same interface. It’s simple, fast, and feels purpose-built for gaming.
This collaboration finally bridges the gap between console ease-of-use and PC versatility. While this early version still needs some refinement—occasional UI lag or layout quirks—the foundation is strong. With regular updates, this could easily become the standard for all Windows handhelds moving forward.
Audio Performance
Audio is another area where ASUS has improved the experience. The front-facing stereo speakers are loud and clear, producing balanced sound with surprising depth for a handheld system. For most casual sessions, we rarely needed headphones. The inclusion of haptic triggers and vibration feedback adds a layer of immersion, especially when combined with the speaker output.
Battery Life and Thermals
ASUS equips the ROG Xbox Ally X with an 80Wh battery, which is a major step up from the original model. In mixed gaming use, the device consistently lasted between three to four hours — a significant improvement over earlier handheld PCs. When using lighter workloads or streaming via Game Pass, runtime extended even further.
Thermal management is handled through ASUS’ redesigned Zero Gravity cooling system with dual fans and graphite layers. Even under load, the device remained cool to the touch, and fan noise stayed minimal, rarely becoming noticeable over gameplay audio.
Upcoming Software Enhancements
ASUS has promised several upcoming features, including Automatic Super Resolution (ASR) — a system-level upscaling technology designed to improve image quality in older or low-resolution titles. Other future updates include automatic highlight recording for gameplay clips and an enhanced docking experience for better integration with external displays and accessories.
Early Impressions
Our early time with the ROG Xbox Ally X left us genuinely impressed. The partnership between ASUS and Xbox has resulted in a Windows handheld that feels far more accessible and console-like than ever before. The ergonomics, improved battery life, and thoughtful software experience make it a clear step forward for portable PC gaming.
Yes, it’s expensive compared to a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, but you’re getting a full-fledged Windows 11 PC capable of running any game or launcher you choose—now without the friction that’s long defined handheld PCs.
The ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does refine nearly every aspect of what made the original Ally special. It’s the most polished handheld ASUS has built so far—and, more importantly, it finally makes Windows gaming on a handheld feel natural.
