DIY Xbox handheld vs. ROG Xbox Ally — Should you wait?

A recent YouTube teardown by James Channel shows you can turn a first-generation Xbox into a handheld right now. The build is rough — the original console’s plastic shell is removed and a bare motherboard, disc drive, a flash drive and a small display are precariously mounted between controller halves with a lot of super glue. It’s a working, “portable monstrosity,” but not pretty or ergonomic.

Key points

• What was kept: original Xbox motherboard and disc drive + new flash drive and small display.
• Assembly: quick, crude, and heavily glued — functional but fragile.
• Comparison: ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally (official handheld) aims to ship on Oct 16, 2025 with a polished experience and better ergonomics.

Why bother DIY?

• Cost: a DIY handheld can be cheaper if you already own an original Xbox and spare parts.
• Novelty: it’s a fun maker project and a proof-of-concept for a portable Xbox experience.

Why wait for the ROG Xbox Ally?

• Design and reliability: official handhelds are engineered for comfort and thermal performance.
• Support and updates: official devices get firmware and software support, plus easier access to streaming and compatibility features.

Official product info: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally product page

Shop/compare (Amazon search): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ASUS+ROG+Ally&tag=f1rede-20

Question for readers: Would you try a DIY Xbox handheld for the novelty and cost-savings, or wait for the ROG Xbox Ally’s official release? Leave your thoughts below.