During the recent Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to experience Gears of War: Reloaded on the ROG Xbox Ally X, a handheld console that has generated considerable buzz. The 7-inch display is visually striking, and the remastered game shines regardless of the screen size, even when played on larger televisions. However, after just 20 minutes of gameplay, I found my forearms feeling fatigued, which raised some concerns about the device’s ergonomics.
Creating a handheld console is a delicate balancing act. When gaming at home, I expect a device that can rival the performance of my TV or gaming PC. Conversely, if I’m relaxing on the couch with a Switch 2 or Steam Deck, there must be a compelling reason to choose handheld over the larger screen experience. A handheld console must be lightweight enough for true portability—easy to slip into a bag without weighing it down—while still being powerful enough to run contemporary AAA titles and deliver impressive visuals.
Comfort is paramount for prolonged gaming sessions. The original Nintendo Switch is remarkably light, allowing for hours of play without discomfort. In contrast, the Steam Deck, while powerful, can become cumbersome after extended use. My brief encounter with the ROG Xbox Ally X left me wondering about its long-term comfort, as even a short play session highlighted some potential issues.
Let’s talk ROG Xbox Ally X specs
Image: Microsoft
The Xbox Ally comes in two variants, mirroring the Xbox Series X and S lineup. As a proud owner of the Xbox Series S, affectionately dubbed “the baby Xbox,” I find myself gravitating towards the smaller version of the Ally. My preference stems from a concern about weight, which brings us to the specifications.
Console |
Weight |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch + Joy-Cons (2017) | 398 g (14.03 oz) |
| Switch Lite | 275 g (9.7 oz) |
| Switch OLED + Joy-Cons | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| LCD Steam Deck | 669 g (23.6 oz / 1.47 lbs) |
| Steam Deck OLED | 640 g (22.58 oz / 1.41 lbs) |
| Switch 2 + Joy-Cons | 534 g (18.84 oz / 1.18 lbs) |
| Lenovo Legion Go (base module) | 640 g (1.41lbs) |
| ROG Ally X (2024) | 678 g (23.84 oz / 1.49 lbs) |
| ROG Xbox Ally | 670 g (1.48 lbs) |
| ROG Xbox Ally X | 715 g (1.58 lbs) |
After reviewing these specifications, it became clear that the ROG Xbox Ally X is indeed the heaviest handheld on the market, set to launch this holiday season. While I expressed my concerns about its weight to an Asus representative, I understand that design decisions are often set in stone by this stage of development. However, this weight issue may not be a concern for everyone. The feedback from other attendees, predominantly male reporters, suggested they found the device comfortable, likening it to an Xbox controller. This raises an interesting question: Do different body types perceive weight differently? As someone who plays a significant amount of handheld games, I wonder how this will affect my experience compared to others.
Inside the ROG Xbox Ally X’s Windows OS
Image: Nintendo
Despite my reservations, the Xbox Ally boasts impressive features. Unlike the Steam Deck, it operates on Windows, a familiar platform for many gamers. This familiarity could streamline the gaming experience, as the Xbox Ally comes pre-loaded with Steam and Battle.net icons, along with Discord integration. This ease of access suggests that users will spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying their favorite games.
Designed with power in mind, the Xbox handheld is equipped to deliver stunning graphics and smooth gameplay, positioning it as a strong competitor against the aging Steam Deck. As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation for this device continues to build, especially alongside the release of the Switch 2. However, I can’t shake the thought of my arms aching after extended play sessions, a concern that may only become apparent once the device is in the hands of consumers. If the experience mirrors my own, Microsoft may face challenges in retaining customers who find the weight cumbersome.
