ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X — Microsoft’s push into handheld Windows gaming

Xbox finds itself at a crossroads, and Microsoft has taken a bold step into portable PC gaming with ASUS: the ROG Xbox Ally X. Built as a Windows 11-based handheld with Xbox-integrated software, the device aims to bridge the gap between console fans and the growing market for high-performance portable gaming PCs.

The Ally X pairs distinctive Xbox controls (ABXY layout, Xbox home button, Impulse triggers) with a 7-inch FHD IPS 120Hz display rated around 500 nits. ASUS redesigned the chassis for bigger grips and added two rear paddles, Thunderbolt 4 support on one USB-C port, microSD expansion and a 3.5mm audio jack to round out a console-like handheld experience.

• Key specs: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (in the Ally X), 24GB shared memory, 1TB internal storage (expandable via microSD), 80WHr battery (Ally X), 7-inch FHD 120Hz IPS display, Thunderbolt 4 on one port.
• Software: A new full-screen Xbox experience on Windows 11 lets the Xbox app launch at startup, highlights Game Pass downloads, cloud gaming and remote play, and includes gestures and quick-access tools for performance and social features.
• Performance: Benchmarks show strong handheld-class performance — for example, Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p/medium with FSR in Turbo mode reached ~62 fps when plugged in, edging out similar rivals like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 in some tests.
• Battery: Real-world testing put continuous gameplay at just under ~3.5 hours on medium settings and max brightness, longer than some rivals thanks to the larger 80WHr battery and efficiency tweaks.

Microsoft’s software changes are a highlight: the full-screen Xbox interface streamlines the experience on a Windows handheld by surfacing Game Pass, cloud play and store shortcuts without the usual Windows desktop detours. There are still edge cases (exiting third-party stores can drop you into the desktop or require touchscreen navigation), but the overall polish is a meaningful improvement over many Windows-based portables.

Drawbacks include relatively weak haptics compared with dedicated controllers and a premium price tag: the Ally X (high-end) sits near the $1,000 range, while a lower-spec base Ally is closer to $600. The device will appeal most to Xbox ecosystem users who rely on Game Pass, Xbox friends/social features and Microsoft services.

For readers weighing options: the ROG Xbox Ally X is an impressive, well-integrated step into handheld Windows gaming that could broaden Microsoft’s reach — though whether it will move the needle for Xbox’s console business remains to be seen.

Read the original hands-on and review for more details: Engadget: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X review.

Discussion: Would you consider a Windows-based Xbox handheld as your next gaming device? What matters most to you — price, Game Pass integration, battery life or raw performance?