ROG Xbox Ally X: Design
When it comes to unboxing the handheld, three things greet you: the console itself, a charging plug, and a small stand. Since this is a portable console designed for use on the go, I was surprised to see that a travel case wasn't included, especially considering the price.
In terms of design, it looks almost exactly like the original ROG Ally For example, key differences include the exclusive Xbox button and contoured grips, which make it feel more ergonomic. It looks like you're using a controller with a screen in the middle.
The layout is familiar: two sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, bumpers, triggers, and the usual view and menu keys. There's also a command center button at the top left that opens Asus' Armory Crate software (more on this later), plus a library button that brings together all your installed games and showcases in one place.
ROG Xbox Ally X: Settings
The ROG Xbox Ally X runs Windows 11 and has optimized settings, but downloading the exact stores and games I wanted took longer. That's not a surprise, given that this is an Xbox handheld first and foremost, although Steam apps are already on the console. Additional stores, such as Epic Games, GOG, and the EA app, must be downloaded separately. I liked that all my libraries could be opened with the press of a button.
Downloads can also be managed in the same way as on a Windows PC. But instead of a mouse and keyboard, you use the touchscreen and controller. This allowed me to organize the console how I wanted, such as moving games to folders and customizing the taskbar and start menu. That said, the 7-inch screen is small, so moving things can be tricky, and I often find myself doing something I hadn't anticipated, like opening apps and moving things to places I didn't want to.
Armory Crate acts as the main control center for the console. It's where you can tweak performance modes, adjust resolution and refresh rate, and adjust system settings, all in one place.
Since I hadn't used a laptop PC before, it took me a little while to get everything set up. But once I found my footing and switched to the Xbox's full-screen mode, downloading and jumping between apps was seamless.
ROG Xbox Ally X Gaming: Games, Performance, and Battery Life
As mentioned above, the Xbox app comes pre-installed on the machine, along with the Microsoft Store and Steam, but you can also download Battle.net, the EA app, the Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, and Ubisoft Connect.
The console has three power modes to choose from. Silent mode prioritizes battery life; Performance mode has the best combination of power and efficiency; and turbo mode pushes the hardware to the limit. During my time playing, I ran the ROG Xbox Ally X in turbo mode with Full HD resolution and no limit on the refresh rate. I played several games from the Xbox app, Microsoft Store, Steam, EA app, and Epic Games Store.
I started with Final Fantasy XIII from the Microsoft Store – A rather divisive entry in the series and not exactly known for being a great PC port. I was curious to see how it would run here, so I first played the opening chapter on my rugged Acer Predator Helios 16 gaming laptop before continuing on Xbox Ally
I then transmitted Forza Horizon 5 via the Xbox app with a 350Mbps Wi-Fi connection. Aside from a bit of stuttering at first, it ran beautifully at 1080p and 60fps with no major issues.
I also streamed the fast-paced first-person shooter. Doom: The Middle Ages. The game itself ran smoothly, but the resolution seemed poor. It didn't seem to go beyond 720p, even with all settings maxed out. Visually, it looked noticeably worse than playing on the Xbox Series S.
Meanwhile, Dark Glade: Expedition 33 (the indie RPG currently competing for several game of the year lists) looked much better in 1080p. That said, even with the unlimited refresh rate on both console and game settings, performance remained around 30fps. However, it still looked sharper and more detailed than on my Xbox Series S.
Then I tried Borderlands 4 via Steam. Using the same settings, the frame rate fluctuated quite a bit in open world areas compared to my gaming laptop. Besides, Borderlands 4 It is not known for its optimization. Lowering the resolution a bit helped smooth things out and the mods can improve stability further.
The highlight, however, was when I played Destiny 2 via Epic Games. This game pushed the ROG Xbox Ally X to its absolute limits, but the console really stood up to the test. Played the game at 1080p and 120fps. He looked fantastic and played. Neither the resolution nor the frame rate decreased. I was just amazed at how well it worked.
Next up was the recently released one. Skate, which I played through the EA app. Unfortunately, I noticed some pop-up textures every time I entered new areas, something I've never experienced while playing on my PS5 or gaming laptop.
Finally, I turned on the first-person parkour classic. mirror edge, also through the EA app. I've always loved this game and it's surprising how well the 17-year-old title still plays today. Running around the City of Glass at 1080p and 60fps on the ROG Xbox Ally It's the best the game has seen without mods.
One thing to keep in mind. When playing really demanding games like these, I averaged just over two hours of battery life on a single charge. Less intensive titles can go longer, but pushing the Ally X to its limits really drained the battery.
