Is the ROG Xbox Ally X Handheld Gaming PC Worth It? In-Depth Review

Understanding the ROG Xbox Ally X

• 💡 The ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld Windows gaming PC, not an Xbox console, capable of playing PC ports of games.
• 🎯 It offers the Xbox "full screen experience", presented as Microsoft's answer to Steam OS for handhelds.
• 🚀 Unlike Linux-based handhelds, its modified Windows 11 allows for more game options beyond the Steam store and avoids anti-cheat issues.
• 💰 A key differentiator is its double price point compared to some alternatives.

Design and Ergonomics

• 🎮 The device features a controller-inspired grip shape and integrated impulse triggers, aiming for comfort.
• ⚖️ Despite its power, it's surprisingly lightweight for its class.
• 🔊 The speakers are notably loud for their size, and a 3.5mm audio jack is included.
• 🔒 The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor for quick access.

Xbox Full Screen Experience

• 🖼️ This feature functions similarly to Steam OS, keeping storefronts at the forefront, but is built on Windows.
• ⚡ It allows for instant switching between full-screen mode and desktop mode without a full system reset, unlike the Steam Deck.
• 🛒 The experience integrates various storefronts like EA, Epic, and Steam, syncing with the Xbox game library.
• ⚠️ Users are warned of potential compatibility issues when switching from desktop to full-screen mode without a reset.

Performance and Benchmarks

• ⚙️ Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with Radeon 890M GPU performance, 24GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
• 🎮 Benchmarks show variable performance across games; Fortnite runs well at 1080p low, while others like Skate experience fluctuations.
• 📈 Games like Far Cry 6 and Blacksmith Wukong offer playable frame rates at higher settings, but demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 require significant compromises.
• 🔋 The 80Wh battery provides approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes of main menu usage in Fortnite.

Value and Conclusion

• 💲 At $1,000 USD, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a premium-priced handheld PC.
• 🏆 It offers more power than previous Ally models and Steam Decks, but faces competition with comparable or superior features at different price points (e.g., Legion Go's OLED screen).
• ✨ The Xbox full screen experience, comfortable grips, and impulse triggers make it feel close to something special, offering a refreshing alternative in the Windows handheld market.
• 🤔 Despite its strengths, the reviewer is not entirely convinced it justifies the price increase over other options, suggesting an OLED screen could change that.