Battery life, performance, comfort: what the ROG Xbox Ally X is really like in everyday use
Asus and Microsoft join forces to create a powerhouse portable console — but the ROG Xbox Ally X’s brilliance comes at a steep price.
A Premium Handheld Console with Serious Power
Launching on 16 October, the ROG Xbox Ally X is the high-end sibling to the original ROG Ally. Priced at $999 (899€ / £799 / A$1599), this sleek black model costs significantly more than its white counterpart, but the power upgrade is undeniable. Thanks to the powerful specs under the hood, featuring:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor (up to 5.0GHz, 8 cores, 16 Threads)
- Graphics: Integrated GPU based on Halo Strix Point (RDNA 3.5 with 16 Computing Units)
- System Memory: 24GB LPDDR5X at 8000 MT/s
- Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (2280) + UHS-II microSD Reader
- Screen: 7” 1080p 120Hz 500 Nits IPS with FreeSync Premium
- Battery: 80WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion
Despite its steep price tag, this hybrid handheld feels like a true next-generation handheld Console— compact, sturdy, and incredibly fast. The 7-inch 1080p display delivers crisp visuals, while the frame rates and responsiveness outclass most competitors. It’s the kind of machine that makes you forget you’re gaming on a handheld.
Setup and First Impressions
Setting up the ROG Xbox Ally X can be a mixed experience. While it boots into a polished Xbox-style interface, users will still need to navigate Windows 11 updates before diving in — a reminder that this device runs full Windows under the hood. The integration with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Play Anywhere titles means you can switch seamlessly between Xbox and PC versions of your games.
However, some users may encounter minor connection hiccups and sync delays during the first setup day — issues that tend to resolve quickly. Once connected, the system’s ability to merge Xbox titles, Steam games, and even Blizzard’s Battle.net library into a single hub is genuinely impressive.
Performance That Rivals Desktop PCs
When running smoothly, the ROG Xbox Ally X is nothing short of spectacular. Games like Hades II, Avowed, and Backyard Baseball launch quickly and maintain excellent frame rates. Even without an OLED screen, the vibrant colors and sharp contrasts are stunning.
The sound design adds another layer of immersion — positional audio gives you a real sense of direction in games like Hades II, where even background characters’ songs echo naturally from one speaker. At 291 x 122 x 51mm, the handheld feels balanced, and the matte black finish with subtle LED rings adds a premium touch without going overboard.
Comfort, Battery Life, and Everyday Use
Despite its 715g weight, the ROG Xbox Ally X is surprisingly comfortable. The ergonomic grips mimic an Xbox controller, making long sessions easy on the hands. Only when gaming overhead for extended periods does its heft become noticeable.
Battery life is another pleasant surprise. The 80Wh battery easily delivers multiple hours of playtime, outperforming many other handhelds. Even after extended gaming sessions, the device never overheats — a testament to Asus’ smart cooling design.
A True Xbox Experience on the Go
This handheld isn’t just about raw performance — it’s about ecosystem integration. Thanks to Xbox Game Pass and the Play Anywhere initiative, your progress carries across devices effortlessly.
Whether you’re gaming on your Xbox, PC, or ROG Ally X, everything syncs perfectly. For Xbox loyalists, this is a dream come true. For PC gamers, it’s a powerful second device that lets you take your library anywhere.
Stay connected with the games you love and the ones you love to game with.
The @ASUS_ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are here: https://t.co/LZanuyeU8n pic.twitter.com/Jv6Awq6vS6 — Xbox (@Xbox) October 16, 2025
In Conclusion: A Luxury Handheld for Serious Gamers
The ROG Xbox Ally X is a triumph of engineering — blending the accessibility of Xbox gaming with the versatility of a Windows PC. It’s not flawless, and it’s certainly not cheap, but its mix of power, design, and portability makes it one of the best handheld gaming consoles of 2025. If budget isn’t an issue, this is the ultimate portable Xbox experience. But even if it is, it’s hard not to be impressed by what Asus and Microsoft have pulled off here.
Have you tried the ROG Xbox Ally X yet? Share your experience in the comments — how does it compare to your current handheld setup?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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