With a commendable score of 8.1 out of 10, the ROG Xbox Ally X is making waves in the gaming community. This device, often dubbed as an “Xbox portable,” is more accurately described as a portable Windows gaming system adorned with Xbox branding. While Microsoft’s marketing campaign positions it as an Xbox, the experience diverges significantly from traditional Xbox consoles.
Pros and Cons
As with any product, the ROG Xbox Ally X comes with its share of advantages and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Supports a broader library of games compared to competitors like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
- Delivers excellent performance for lightweight games.
- Features responsive bumpers and buttons, with joysticks that offer good tension.
- Substantial grips provide a more comfortable experience than typical handheld designs.
Cons:
- Priced at ,000, which may deter potential buyers.
- The display lacks HDR support and exhibits subpar contrast.
- Absence of trigger stops may disappoint some gamers.
- The interface remains buggy and inconsistent, with Windows occasionally slowing down performance.
- No protective case is included with the device.
Oscar Gonzalez, a game reviewer who preordered the device, succinctly captured its appeal: “I liked how it felt and I’m looking for the portable console that’s easiest to set up for Xbox, Steam games, and Epic Games Store games.” This flexibility is a key selling point, allowing users to run virtually any PC game, setting it apart from the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is available in two models: the ,000 Ally X and the 0 base model, which features 16GB of memory and a lower-powered Ryzen Z2 A chip. The base model may struggle with Windows performance, given its shared memory with graphics.
Design and Usability
The design of the Xbox version of the ROG Ally introduces several thoughtful enhancements, including larger grips and Hall Effect joysticks. However, while the grips are intended to improve comfort, they may also complicate access to smaller back buttons, requiring an awkward stretch for some users.
Despite the responsive triggers and bumpers, the absence of trigger stops remains a notable shortcoming. Asus’ Armoury Crate control software does allow for some calibration, but the lack of dead zone adjustment on the sticks may frustrate more discerning gamers.
Connectivity options are robust, with seamless integration for USB and Bluetooth headsets, as well as video output to monitors. However, the display, while bright, does not stand out, with blacks appearing more gray than deep black, leading to average contrast levels.
Windows Performance
Windows on the ROG Xbox Ally X presents a mixed bag. While Microsoft has made strides in streamlining the user experience, inconsistencies remain. The Xbox app provides a full-screen experience, aggregating games from various storefronts, yet launching games from different platforms can lead to a disjointed experience.
Users may encounter unexpected Windows dialogs during installations, and the setup process lacks customization for the device. Additionally, the Gaming Copilot, an AI assistant, may not always provide relevant assistance, leading to further frustration.
Gaming Performance
Performance varies significantly depending on the game. Lightweight titles like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight Silksong run exceptionally well, achieving high frame rates without compromising quality. However, more demanding games, such as Hogwarts Legacy, may require adjustments to graphics settings to maintain playable frame rates.
Battery life is another consideration, with streaming games offering the longest usage times. A mix of gaming scenarios drained approximately 71% of the battery over two hours, suggesting an average battery life of around three hours.
Ultimately, whether the ROG Xbox Ally X is worth its ,000 price tag hinges on the user’s gaming preferences. For those seeking a versatile handheld that accommodates a diverse library of games across multiple platforms, it may prove to be a valuable investment. However, for gamers primarily focused on a single platform, alternatives may offer better value.
