🔗 Share this article

The collaborative effort between industry leaders has produced the ROG Xbox Ally X, an impressive yet premium-priced gaming handheld. Debuting on October 16th, the all-black model carries a significant price of €899, while its more affordable white counterpart retails for €599. Happily, the higher-end version offers superb functionality that justifies its premium price tag.

Initial Impressions

After thorough testing over several weeks, the ROG Xbox Ally X has proven its potential across different game genres. Although its premium pricing compared to alternative options like the Steam Deck OLED (£479), the raw performance packed into its compact frame (291 x 122 x 51mm) represents unmatched innovation in the handheld entertainment market.

Such impressive processing power, coupled with its flexible gaming options through remote play and universal compatibility, makes it notably desirable for both console fans and handheld gaming enthusiasts. While some early performance hiccups and interface challenges occurred during testing, the majority were straightforward to address and soon dismissed once immersive gameplay began.

Initial Configuration

Setting up the ROG Xbox Ally X isn't entirely straightforward. While the device starts up in a custom gaming environment that replicates both Xbox and computer versions, it ultimately runs on Windows 11, requiring system updates before complete functionality is available. This preparation process needs several minutes and appears rather unusual for a specialized entertainment handheld.

In the first day, even after immediate user configuration, the system falsely claimed inactive premium subscription access, with several profile connection attempts failing to work. Remarkably, this problem fixed itself unexpectedly the next day. In similar fashion, wireless connection problems after hibernation too self-corrected within the first day.

When multiple profiles were correctly integrated - including computer entertainment platforms like Steam - the device operated outstandingly efficiently. A user-friendly feature allows instant launching into the familiar Xbox interface while concurrently compiling games from different services, ensuring smooth access to current gameplay regardless of the original source.

Technical Assessment

Earlier described technical challenges might possibly be addressed through software updates, because when working optimally, the ROG Xbox Ally X offers remarkable performance. Small sluggishness may occur when launching at low battery levels (below 15%), but popular titles like the roguelike masterpiece launch quickly and operate smoothly with negligible loading times between multiple zones. Performance-heavy applications such as the fantasy adventure and traditional computer games operate seamlessly with excellent frame rates and fast loading sequences.

Even without not having an OLED display, the graphical presentation remains stunning on its seven-inch 1080p screen. The graphical details in games like Hades II create a genuine graphical treat, with character details that truly amaze. The speaker arrangement notably boosts player engagement, with positional effects that precisely convey virtual occurrences and object locations.

Form and Comfort

The unique design resembles a altered Xbox controller with an built-in screen, but the non-glossy exterior feels luxurious and refined. The customizable LED lighting around the joysticks provides subtle gaming aesthetics without being excessive.

In practical use, the device proved easy to handle during extended sessions, despite its somewhat greater weight (over 700 grams) compared to alternative devices. The gamepad-based grips provide outstanding ergonomic support, with discomfort only occurring during unconventional playing positions without adequate bracing for wrists.

Power Endurance

The considerable large capacity battery delivers respectable performance given the hardware capabilities. Continuous gameplay sessions of approximately two hours are possible with demanding games, with efficient power management that minimizes excessive energy consumption. Although the device becomes warm during extended operation, it never reaches uncomfortably hot.

Software Ecosystem

The device effectively utilizes Microsoft's multi-device initiatives, allowing seamless access to an comprehensive library of console titles and subscription services across multiple devices. This smart integration enables uninterrupted gameplay progress regardless of the playing platform used.

For regular users with sufficient budget seeking a high-end handheld that combines desktop experiences with Xbox-level performance, the ROG Xbox Ally X represents an excellent investment for committed technology adopters.

• Availability: Now released since October 16th
• Pricing Range: $599-$999
• Primary Characteristics: Multiple store access