ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Review: The “Full Screen Experience” is a Real Game Changer!

The newest Xbox comes from ASUS ? The ROG Ally X is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor , an 8-core/16-thread chip based on the "Zen 4" architecture and clocked at up to 5.0 GHz. Graphics performance is provided by the AMD Radeon 890M graphics card based on RDNA 3.

The processor is supported by 24 GB of 8000 MHz LPDDR5X RAM . Internal storage is provided by a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD in M.2 2280 format . The built-in 80 Wh battery ensures long gaming times .

120 Hz IPS screen with touch

The display is a 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen with a fast 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness . Thanks to AMD FreeSync Premium, the refresh rate is synchronized with the GPU to prevent tearing. The display is protected by robust Gorilla Glass Victus.

The performance of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X in practice

One of the most important things about a gaming handheld is, of course, its game portfolio. Since this is a Windows handheld, you're practically better positioned than anywhere else. Not only can you use all game stores like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and many others, but you can also use the Xbox app, including a Game Pass subscription. Those who prefer retro games can also use common emulators for old classics. Compatibility with kernel-based anti-cheat systems like Fortnite, Valorant, or League of Legends, which aren't available on Linux-based systems like the popular Steam Deck, is perhaps crucial for many.

In addition to general availability, performance also comes into play. You could say that almost any game is playable on the Ally X, depending on the settings. Cyberpunk 2077, with the highest settings, will just about run on a modern gaming PC, depending on the resolution, but that doesn't work here, of course. When the Steam Deck profile is set to Full HD and uses AMD AI-based FSR upscaling technology, this is no longer a problem. In addition to raw performance, you also have to pay attention to power consumption in handheld mode. ASUS provides various power profiles for this , which can be easily selected in an Armoury Crate widget in the Game Bar. This makes fine-tuning quick and easy. The Xbox app should also generally show you whether a game is handheld compatible.

To determine the overall maximum performance, we ran a CPU and GPU benchmark in Turbo mode . We get the expected performance from the Z2 Extreme, and the cooling works well at full power. At the same time, you don't experience a hurricane of fan noise, and the areas you touch on the handheld don't get hot either.

Practical experience with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X

Xbox Full Screen Experience is a game-changer.

If you just look at the hardware and ignore the Xbox branding, it could easily be the ASUS ROG Ally X 2025. I guess it would have been even if the collaboration with Microsoft hadn't happened. So, what does Microsoft contribute here besides the big name? The good news is, they've actually made some very substantial changes to Windows' software.

The Xbox Full Screen Experience is making its debut on the Xbox One X. Microsoft uses this name to describe a gaming mode for handhelds in which Windows is adapted to controller control, and background processes unrelated to gaming are switched off. This gives you the feeling that you are no longer in an operating system that focuses on the mouse and keyboard. 

The Xbox app and the Game Bar are essential parts of this. Both are also available as regular apps in Windows, but are now easier to use. The familiar ALT+TAB gesture can also be found here as a long press on the Xbox button. You can then simply switch between programs using the RB + LB keys. 

Xbox-style ergonomics and controls

The ROG Ally X comes in a black case that weighs 715 g, including hardware . According to Asus, the grips are ergonomically designed based on Xbox controllers to ensure a secure hold even during long sessions.

In addition to the standard buttons, there are Hall-effect analog triggers , two full-size analog sticks, and two assignable buttons on the back. A dedicated Xbox button allows quick access to the Game Bar. There's also a button for ASUS's proprietary Armoury Crate and an additional button for the game library. Vibration motors are installed for immersive feedback. The handheld's layout is naturally reminiscent of the Xbox controller, and the controls, with the exception of the D-pad, feel very similar.

Ports and connectivity

On the connectivity side, the ROG Ally X offers two USB-C ports: one USB 3.2 Gen 2 and one USB 4 port with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. Both support DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0. The USB 4 port can also be used to connect an external graphics card, which then provides significantly increased graphics performance for the handheld.

There's also a UHS-II microSD card reader and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are onboard for wireless connectivity.

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