ROG Xbox Ally X review

The ROG Xbox Ally X ranks third as the most complete Windows handheld for Xbox players. ASUS lists the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a built-in NPU and an 80Wh battery, tied with the MSI Claw 8 AI+ for the largest here. The 7-inch 1080p touchscreen runs at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium and is protected by Gorilla Glass. The device powers on directly into the Xbox full screen experience, and the Xbox button opens Game Bar, which hides much of the Windows desktop during play. ASUS says the handheld can access a full library of supported PC games from Xbox and other game stores, so Game Pass, Steam and other launchers all work. ASUS also compares it with the older ROG Ally X and claims 2x better battery life in a light gaming test. The trade-offs are the smaller 7-inch screen and the extra upkeep of Windows. We could not verify a USD price on the ASUS page. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

Xbox and Game Pass players who want PC power

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a built-in NPU
• 7-inch 1080p touchscreen at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium
• 80Wh battery
• Powers on directly into the Xbox full screen experience
• Xbox button opens Game Bar

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Largest battery on this list at 80Wh, tied with the MSI Claw 8 AI+
• Strength: Boots into the Xbox full screen experience instead of the Windows desktop
• Strength: Runs games from Xbox and other PC stores on Windows 11
• Weakness: 7-inch screen is the smallest among the PC handhelds here
• Weakness: Windows 11 needs more updates and settings than SteamOS
• Weakness: No USD price we could verify on the ASUS page

Key facts

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
• Screen: 7-inch 1080p, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium
• Battery: 80Wh
• OS: Windows 11

Where it ranks

ROG Xbox Ally X is No. 3 in our Best Handheld Gaming Consoles verdict.