The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X just redefined what portable gaming can be. This Microsoft-ASUS partnership combines Xbox convenience with Windows flexibility and hardcore gaming performance. Launching October 16, 2025 for $999, it’s the most powerful handheld gaming PC you can buy right now.
The powerhouse specifications
The ROG Xbox Ally X packs an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores and 16 threads running up to 5GHz. This Zen 5 architecture represents a massive leap over previous generation chips. The 16-core integrated GPU uses AMD’s RDNA 3.5 graphics technology for stunning visuals.
Memory gets a serious upgrade with 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM. This is 50% more RAM than the Steam Deck OLED’s 16GB. The faster memory speeds mean quicker load times and smoother multitasking. Storage comes in at 1TB out of the box, double what many competitors offer.
The display features a 7-inch 1920×1080 touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. AMD FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing for butter-smooth gameplay. The IPS panel reaches decent brightness levels, though it can’t match OLED’s deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Battery life revolution
The ROG Xbox Ally X solves handheld gaming’s biggest problem with its massive 80Whr battery. That’s a 60% increase over the original ROG Ally’s 50Whr cell. It also dwarfs the Steam Deck OLED’s battery capacity by a significant margin.
Real-world testing shows impressive results. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 at demanding settings, the Xbox Ally X lasted 3 hours and 35 minutes compared to the Steam Deck’s 2 hours and 10 minutes. Less demanding games like Hades 2 pushed battery life to nearly 10 hours.
The device supports multiple power modes – Silent, Performance, Turbo, and Turbo+. Silent mode runs at 13W, Performance at 17W, Turbo at 25W unplugged or 30W plugged in. You can switch between these modes instantly without diving into settings menus.
Gaming performance that impresses
The Xbox Ally X crushes modern AAA games when configured properly. Shadow of the Tomb Raider hit 74fps at 1080p compared to 43fps on the original Ally. Returnal, notorious for poor optimization, maintained a respectable 34fps.
Red Dead Redemption 2 ran at 66fps at 720p on battery power. With AMD’s HYPR-RX technology enabled, Cyberpunk 2077 jumped from 45fps to 83fps. This game-enhancing feature dramatically improves performance in graphically demanding titles.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns achieved 75-111 FPS during missions at 720p medium settings. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 consistently hit high 50fps on maximum graphics settings in Turbo mode. Final Fantasy 16 surprisingly ran incredibly well despite its reputation for being hardware-intensive.
The Xbox Full Screen Experience changes everything
The ROG Xbox Ally X debuts Microsoft’s Xbox Full Screen Experience, a game-changer for Windows handhelds. This interface boots straight into Xbox’s ecosystem without loading Windows Explorer or unnecessary background processes. It’s Microsoft’s answer to Valve’s SteamOS.
The FSE provides console-like simplicity with PC flexibility. You can access games from Xbox, Steam, Epic, Battle.net, GOG, and other launchers through a unified controller-friendly interface. No more fumbling with touchscreens or virtual keyboards.
Performance benchmarks show the FSE provides real benefits. Tomb Raider averaged higher frame rates compared to competing devices running standard Windows or SteamOS. Reducing background processes frees up resources for gaming where it matters most.
Design improvements that matter
ASUS redesigned the ergonomics with proper console-style controller grips. The handles provide substantially better comfort during extended gaming sessions compared to the original Ally’s flatter design. Weight distribution feels more balanced despite the device weighing 678 grams.
Button placement sees thoughtful refinements. The back buttons are easier to reach without accidental presses. Analog sticks offer good resistance and precision. The D-pad works well for fighting games and retro titles.
Connectivity includes dual USB-C ports with USB4 support on the top model. This means you can charge while using accessories like AR glasses without dongles. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 provide fast wireless connectivity for online gaming and controller pairing.
How it stacks against Steam Deck OLED
The comparison with Steam Deck OLED reveals clear trade-offs between the devices. Steam Deck wins on display quality with its vibrant OLED panel reaching 1,000 nits peak brightness. The anti-glare screen also performs better in direct sunlight.
But the Xbox Ally X dominates on raw performance. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme delivers 10-15% better frame rates than Steam Deck’s custom Zen 2 processor. The extra RAM and faster memory speeds make a noticeable difference in demanding games.
Battery life favors the Xbox Ally X in most scenarios. The larger capacity provides about an extra hour in demanding games and 2-3 hours in lighter titles. However, if you max out performance settings, the Steam Deck can sometimes last longer due to lower power consumption.
The budget option ROG Xbox Ally
ASUS also offers a more affordable ROG Xbox Ally at $599. This white model features the less powerful Ryzen Z2 processor with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. The battery shrinks to 60Whr compared to the X model’s 80Whr.
The cheaper version targets 720p gaming while the X aims for 900p-1080p performance. It lacks USB4 support and ships without some premium features. For casual gamers or those on tighter budgets, it still delivers solid performance.
However, the $400 price gap seems justified given the significant hardware differences. The extra RAM, storage, battery capacity, and processing power make the X model a better long-term investment for serious gamers.
Benchmark comparisons reveal dominance
In Metro Exodus stress testing at medium settings across 15 runs, the Xbox Ally X averaged 63.44 FPS. The consistency across multiple runs demonstrates excellent thermal management. The Zen 5 cores averaged 3.24 GHz while the efficiency cores hit 2.15 GHz.
Borderlands 3 showed mixed results at 59 FPS unplugged and 68 FPS plugged in at 720p. Performance at 1080p improved compared to the original Ally X, though gains at lower resolutions were minimal.
Guardians of the Galaxy showcased the device’s strengths with frame rates significantly above competing handhelds. Forza Horizon 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded delivered exceptional performance hitting full 1080p at high refresh rates.
Game compatibility and library access
Windows 11 gives the Xbox Ally X access to virtually every PC game launcher. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, EA App, and Xbox Game Pass all install normally. This represents thousands more games than Steam Deck’s verified library.
Over 15,000 games work on Steam Deck, but many require desktop mode tinkering. The Xbox Ally X just installs and runs everything natively. No compatibility layers or workarounds needed.
Xbox Game Pass integration provides particular value. Day-one access to Microsoft’s first-party games and a rotating catalog of hundreds of titles justifies the subscription cost for many players.
Real-world gaming experiences
Playing Avowed at high graphics settings with FSR upscaling yielded around 20 FPS on battery in 17W mode. Plugging in and switching to 35W Turbo mode bumped that to a more playable 30 FPS. Performance mode adjustments make huge differences.
Persona 5, Final Fantasy titles, and Baldur’s Gate all run beautifully. These less demanding games can hit 60 FPS or higher while still providing 6-8 hours of battery life. The device excels at JRPGs and strategy games.
Older titles like World of Warcraft and indie games with retro graphics run flawlessly. The Xbox Ally X has more than enough power to handle 2D games and older 3D titles at maximum settings.
Cooling and thermal performance
The Xbox Ally X maintains stable performance during extended gaming sessions. The cooling system handles the Ryzen Z2 Extreme’s heat output effectively at all power levels. Thermal throttling rarely occurs even in demanding scenarios.
Fan noise remains reasonable in Performance and Turbo modes. Silent mode lives up to its name with barely audible fan noise. The device can get warm during intensive gaming but never uncomfortably hot.
The improved cooling allows sustained high performance without compromises. Long gaming sessions don’t result in gradual performance degradation like some competitors experience.
Pre-orders and availability
Pre-orders opened September 25, 2025 in 38 countries worldwide. The devices launched October 16 with expanded availability in additional markets. Players can order directly from ASUS’s e-store or major electronics retailers.
The $999 price puts the Xbox Ally X firmly in premium territory. It costs significantly more than Steam Deck OLED’s $549 starting price. However, the substantial hardware advantages justify the premium for performance-focused gamers.
Limited edition bundles and accessories push total costs higher. ASUS offers carrying cases, screen protectors, and other handheld-specific accessories for those building complete portable gaming setups.
The handheld gaming landscape shifts
The Xbox Ally X represents a clear evolution in handheld gaming PCs. It proves that Windows devices can match SteamOS’s user-friendliness while maintaining superior hardware flexibility. The Xbox Full Screen Experience eliminates Windows’ traditional handheld weaknesses.
Competition from Lenovo Legion Go 2 and other upcoming devices will intensify. However, the Xbox Ally X sets a high bar for performance, battery life, and usability. It’s currently the most balanced high-end handheld available.
For portable gaming enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices, the Xbox Ally X delivers exceptional value. It’s not just a handheld Xbox – it’s the new benchmark for what portable gaming can achieve.
