TLDR Review: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X offers powerful hardware and excellent ergonomics for dedicated gamers, but software flaws, size, and high price reduce its appeal for casual or portable use. For a more polished experience with better display quality, consider alternatives like the Steam Deck that provide improved OS and value.
- Top pro:
- Among the most powerful handheld gaming devices within its price range, thanks to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and ample 24GB RAM.
- Top con:
- Controls, especially face buttons, are somewhat rattly and loud, with rear buttons and some triggers feeling loose and imprecise.
Pros
- •Among the most powerful handheld gaming devices within its price range, thanks to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and ample 24GB RAM.
- •Ergonomic, Xbox-inspired design with deep grips that provide exceptional comfort for extended gaming sessions.
- •Vibrant 7-inch FHD 120Hz display that offers smooth visuals and decent color accuracy, enhancing gameplay fluidity.
- •Reliable performance in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3, with flexible tuning options.
- •Large 1TB SSD ensures quick load times and ample storage for a hefty game library.
- •Excellent ergonomics and comfortable triggers, bumpers, and thumbsticks contribute to a premium feel.
- •Impressive battery life with an 80Wh battery that lasts over 17 hours in lightweight use, suitable for long gaming marathons.
- •Supports fast charging (65W), which replenishes power reasonably well despite being slightly slower than non-X versions.
- •Windows 11 operating system with optimized Xbox UI replicates a console experience for easier access and navigation.
- •High-quality speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver immersive sound for handheld gaming.
Cons
- •Controls, especially face buttons, are somewhat rattly and loud, with rear buttons and some triggers feeling loose and imprecise.
- •The device's large size and weight make portability less convenient and the bumpers are a bit hard to reach.
- •Display lacks OLED vibrancy and HDR capabilities; brightness and contrast feel outdated compared to current OLED competitors.
- •Software experience can be clunky, with an unpolished UI, frequent updates, and pre-installed bloatware, making setup cumbersome.
- •Analog sticks are prone to wear and drifting issues, which could diminish long-term reliability.
- •Price point ($999) feels high given hardware limitations, some software flaws, and lack of exclusive features.
- •Size and weight reduce portability, especially with the included charger.
- •Extra rear buttons and configurable controls can be tricky to reach or trigger accidentally due to placement.
- •Display's brightness and contrast could be improved for HDR or more vivid visuals.
- •Slight performance drops in lower power modes suggest some optimization limits.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
📚More About ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
