Introduction
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a fascinating device that blurs the lines between a gaming PC and an Xbox console. While Asus markets it as a sort of “handheld Xbox,” the truth is that it’s a powerful successor to last year’s critically acclaimed ROG Ally X. What makes this device truly special is that it’s the first to feature Microsoft’s new Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) — a feature designed to make PC gaming feel as seamless as console play.
In many ways, this collaboration between Asus and Microsoft feels like a direct response to the rise of SteamOS and Valve’s Steam Deck. The Xbox Ally X simplifies gaming on Windows, cutting out unnecessary background processes and offering a clean, console-like interface. The result? The most refined handheld gaming PC experience we’ve seen yet.
📊 Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Name | Asus ROG Xbox Ally X |
| Release Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Price | $999 (Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) |
| Processor | AMD Z2 Extreme |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz with FreeSync Premium |
| Battery Life | Up to 9h (office), 2.5h (gaming) |
| Weight | 1.58 lb |
| OS Feature | Xbox Full Screen Experience |
| Launch Partner | Microsoft |
| Competitors | Lenovo Legion Go 2, MSI Claw A8, Steam Deck OLED |
Design and Comfort
When you first pick up the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, it’s hard not to notice how much it resembles an Xbox controller fused with a screen. Asus clearly took design cues from Microsoft, adding two ergonomic plastic grips that mimic the feel of an Xbox gamepad.
Despite weighing slightly more than last year’s model (1.58 lb vs 1.49 lb), the Xbox Ally X feels more comfortable for long sessions. During our testing — which included marathon sessions of Cyberpunk 2077 — the device never felt fatiguing. The redesigned grips reduce hand strain significantly, a common issue in competing handhelds.
Button placement is largely identical to the 2024 ROG Ally X, except for a few smart changes. The Armoury Crate button now resides on the left, launching Asus’ Control Center within the Xbox Game Bar. Meanwhile, the right-side “library” button brings you directly to the Xbox App’s game collection — a neat touch that emphasizes its console-like functionality.
A notable improvement is the inclusion of Hall Effect triggers with Impulse Trigger technology, borrowed from official Xbox controllers. These triggers provide tactile feedback in compatible games like Forza Horizon 5, simulating the tension of real-world acceleration and braking.
However, our review unit had a minor defect — the left trigger scraped against the chassis. Asus quickly replaced it, so this seems to be an isolated case.
🔌 Ports and Build Quality
On the top edge, the ROG Ally X houses two USB-C ports (one USB 4.0), a MicroSD card reader, a power button with fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The ports are thoughtfully arranged, maintaining the clean layout of its predecessor.
Cooling is managed by dual intake fans pulling air from rear vents and expelling it through top exhausts. Even under heavy load — like Cyberpunk 2077 in Turbo mode — temperatures peaked at around 80°C, which is impressive for such a compact chassis. The outer shell remains cool enough for comfortable use.
📺 Display Quality
The 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display remains unchanged from last year, and that’s a good thing. It’s crisp, colorful, and bright, with 500 nits peak brightness and FreeSync Premium support ensuring smooth frame delivery even during frame drops.
While it doesn’t match the OLED brilliance of the Lenovo Legion Go 2’s display, the 1080p resolution pairs perfectly with the Z2 Extreme processor. Games look sharp without overburdening the GPU, offering a perfect balance between performance and fidelity.
The 120Hz refresh rate feels buttery smooth during gameplay, even if you won’t hit that frame rate often in demanding AAA titles. The variable refresh rate (VRR) ensures consistent smoothness, which is now a must-have feature in any modern gaming handheld.
💻 Xbox Full Screen Experience: A Game-Changer
The star feature of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is undoubtedly the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) — a custom Microsoft interface that boots directly into the Xbox App rather than the Windows desktop.
This creates an instant console-like feel, stripping away Windows’ clutter. No more navigating desktop folders or disabling startup apps — the Xbox Ally X launches right into gaming mode.
Setup is now controller-friendly, too. You can sign into your Microsoft account, connect Wi-Fi, and navigate the touch keyboard entirely with the joystick. This is a massive improvement over the awkward Windows setup on previous handhelds.
Inside the Xbox App, you’ll find:
- Game Pass integration (front and center)
- A Library tab with pre-installed access to Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and GOG Galaxy
You can install games from these launchers without ever leaving the Xbox interface. However, for apps outside this list (like Discord), you’ll still need to switch to desktop mode — which can be done easily with a swipe gesture.
This seamless transition between desktop and FSE makes the Xbox Ally X feel as simple as a console, yet as versatile as a PC. While minor bugs remain — occasional input lag and app closing issues — these can easily be patched before the full public rollout in 2026.
⚙️ Performance and Benchmarks
Under the hood, the AMD Z2 Extreme processor makes the Xbox Ally X one of the most powerful handhelds available today. Paired with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, this system easily handles modern AAA titles.
Here are some performance results from our testing:
| Game / Test | Settings | Average FPS (FSE Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High (No Ray Tracing) | 44 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5 | High | 77 FPS |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad | Benchmark | 606 Points |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | High | 50 FPS |
| Apex Legends | Medium | 82 FPS |
Even outside FSE mode, performance remains excellent, though the Xbox FSE adds a 3–5% performance boost by eliminating background processes.
When compared to competitors:
- Lenovo Legion Go 2 trails behind by 15–20% in real-world games
- MSI Claw A8 is slightly less efficient despite similar specs
Simply put, Asus’ software optimization gives it a tangible performance edge.
🔋 Battery Life
Battery life has long been the Achilles heel of handheld gaming PCs, but the ROG Xbox Ally X manages respectable endurance.
- In PCMark10’s office test, it lasted 9 hours and 48 minutes — just an hour shy of the Legion Go 2.
- In Cyberpunk 2077 stress tests, it lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes, outperforming both the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go 2.
While two and a half hours may not sound like much, that’s impressive for a 25–30W performance profile in such a compact system. Asus has clearly optimized battery management without compromising on power.
💰 Price and Value
At $999, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X may seem pricey — especially compared to the $599 ROG Ally (Z2 A) or the $799 Steam Deck OLED. However, when you factor in the new Xbox integration, hardware improvements, and excellent performance, the price feels justified.
Competitors like:
- Lenovo Legion Go 2 ($1,099 to $1,479)
- MSI Claw A8 (~$1,135)
make the Ally X look like a better value proposition, particularly since it’s the first device to launch with Xbox FSE.
✅ Verdict: The Handheld to Beat
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is more than just a handheld gaming PC — it’s a glimpse into the future of portable PC gaming. Its seamless Xbox integration, strong performance, excellent ergonomics, and smart design make it the best Windows handheld currently available.
While there’s room for refinement in the Xbox Full Screen Experience, the foundation is strong. Once Microsoft rolls out updates and brings this interface to all Windows gaming devices in 2026, the ecosystem could rival SteamOS in usability.
If you’re a gamer who values power, portability, and console-like simplicity, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is the ultimate choice in 2025.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Asus ROG Ally X a real Xbox device?
No. It’s a Windows-based gaming PC, but it’s the first device to feature Microsoft’s new Xbox Full Screen Experience, which makes it feel like a console.
Q2: Can I play Steam games on the ROG Xbox Ally X?
Yes. The device supports Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and GOG Galaxy — all accessible through the Xbox interface.
Q3: How does the Xbox Ally X compare to the Steam Deck?
While the Steam Deck runs Linux-based SteamOS, the Ally X runs Windows 11 with Xbox FSE, offering better compatibility and performance, though slightly shorter battery life.
Q4: Does it support Game Pass?
Absolutely. Game Pass is integrated directly into the Xbox App, and you can download and stream games with ease.
Q5: How long does the battery last?
Around 9.5 hours for light tasks and 2.5 hours for heavy gaming sessions.
Q6: Is the display touchscreen?
Yes. It’s a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support.
Q7: Can you upgrade the SSD or RAM?
The SSD is upgradeable, but the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard.
