The highly anticipated Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has officially launched worldwide, bringing the power of Windows and Xbox gaming to a portable, handheld device. Developed in partnership with ASUS and AMD, this new console aims to redefine on-the-go gaming, offering a seamless experience for both PC and Xbox enthusiasts. However, early reviews highlight both its impressive capabilities and some notable drawbacks.
Key Takeaways
- Global Availability: The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are now available in 45 countries, with more regions to follow.
- Ergonomics and Design: Praised for its comfortable, controller-like grips and balanced weight, making it suitable for long gaming sessions.
- Performance: Features the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, offering improved performance over previous models, especially at 720p.
- Xbox Integration: Introduces a dedicated Xbox Full Screen Experience for easier navigation, alongside access to PC game launchers like Steam and Epic Games.
- Price Point: The Ally X is positioned as a premium device, with its $999 price tag drawing comparisons to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED.
- Concerns: Reviews point to a confusing UI at times, a lack of OLED screen vibrancy compared to some rivals, and the absence of a carrying case.
Read More: rog xbox ally x release date
A New Era for Handheld Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally X represents a significant collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, aiming to deliver a comprehensive gaming experience in a handheld form factor. The device runs Windows 11, allowing access to a vast library of PC games from various storefronts, alongside Xbox titles through Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass. This flexibility is a key selling point, appealing to a broad range of gamers.
Performance and User Experience
Early reviews commend the Ally X’s powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor and 24GB of RAM, which deliver smooth gameplay, even in demanding titles. The redesigned grips are frequently highlighted as a major improvement, offering superior comfort compared to other handheld PCs. The dedicated Xbox Full Screen Experience is also lauded for simplifying navigation, making it more intuitive than a standard Windows desktop on a small screen.
However, the user interface isn’t without its flaws. Some users have reported occasional sluggishness, issues with launchers not closing properly, and a general sense that the Windows 11 environment isn’t perfectly optimized for a handheld. The 7-inch IPS display, while sharp, lacks the visual punch of OLED screens found in competing devices like the Steam Deck OLED.
Price and Value Proposition
The ROG Xbox Ally X comes with a premium price tag of $999, positioning it at the higher end of the handheld gaming market. While its performance and features justify the cost for some, others question its value, especially when compared to more affordable options like the Steam Deck OLED or even the less powerful ROG Xbox Ally model ($599).
The device’s success may hinge on its ability to deliver a truly seamless and integrated gaming experience that justifies its cost and differentiates it from other Windows-based handhelds. Future software updates are expected to further refine the user experience and introduce new AI-powered features.
### Sources
- ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide, Xbox Wire.
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review: Getting a grip on Windows gaming, Tom’s Hardware.
- ROG Xbox Ally X review – like nothing handheld gaming has seen before, for better or worse | Games, The Guardian.
- Here’s where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X — Microsoft and Asus’ new gaming handhelds hit store shelves
| Tom’s Hardware, Tom’s Hardware. - Is the ROG Xbox Ally X really worth its hefty price tag? Here’s my honest review of the new handheld gaming
device, Yahoo Lifestyle Canada.
