🔗 Share this article

The joint venture between industry leaders has produced the ROG Xbox Ally X, an extraordinary yet costly portable console. Releasing on October 16th, the jet-black model carries a considerable price of €899, while its less powerful white counterpart costs €599. Happily, the premium model offers outstanding functionality that validates its premium price tag.

Early Testing

During comprehensive testing over an extended period, the ROG Xbox Ally X has shown its abilities across different gaming categories. Although its elevated price point compared to rival devices like the Steam Deck OLED (A$899), the raw performance housed inside its compact frame (291 x 122 x 51mm) represents a new benchmark in the portable gaming market.

The remarkable technical prowess, combined with its flexible entertainment possibilities through cloud streaming and multi-device compatibility, makes it especially attractive for either Xbox enthusiasts and handheld gaming enthusiasts. While some early system glitches and interface challenges appeared during testing, the majority were straightforward to address and rapidly overlooked once captivating gameplay started.

Setup Process

Preparing the ROG Xbox Ally X isn't entirely straightforward. Although the device launches with a specialized Xbox interface that replicates both console and PC variants, it essentially runs on the Windows platform, requiring system updates before full functionality can be achieved. This initial setup needs several minutes and feels somewhat unusual for a purpose-built gaming handheld.

During the initial 24 hours, despite prompt user configuration, the system mistakenly reported unavailable premium subscription access, with multiple profile connection attempts being ineffective. Interestingly, this issue resolved itself unexpectedly the next day. Likewise, wifi connectivity issues after sleep mode too fixed themselves within the initial period.

Once various accounts were properly connected - including computer entertainment platforms like Epic Games Store - the device functioned remarkably smoothly. A intuitive feature permits immediate startup into the familiar Xbox interface while simultaneously aggregating games from other platforms, ensuring smooth access to recent gameplay regardless of the initial platform.

Performance Analysis

Earlier described system problems might possibly be addressed through software updates, because when operating correctly, the ROG Xbox Ally X offers exceptional performance. Minor lag may occur when booting up at low battery levels (below 15%), but popular titles like the roguelike masterpiece start rapidly and operate smoothly with negligible loading times between multiple zones. Demanding games such as the fantasy adventure and established desktop games operate seamlessly with impressive frame rates and rapid loading sequences.

Although not having an OLED display, the image quality remains stunning on its 7-inch 1080p screen. The visual effects in games like Hades II create a genuine imaging spectacle, with character details that really captivate. The sound setup significantly enhances player engagement, with spatial sound that faithfully reproduce virtual occurrences and character positions.

Design and Ergonomics

The unique design appears similar to a modified Xbox controller with an incorporated screen, but the matte black exterior feels luxurious and refined. The adjustable LED lighting around the joysticks provides discreet gaming aesthetics without being overwhelming.

In practical use, the device proved ergonomic during marathon gaming, despite its slightly higher weight (approximately 1.6 pounds) compared to competitors. The gamepad-based grips provide outstanding ergonomic support, with discomfort only occurring during unconventional playing positions without adequate bracing for elbows.

Runtime Capability

The considerable large capacity battery provides respectable performance given the hardware capabilities. Continuous gameplay sessions of approximately two hours are possible with demanding games, with effective power management that reduces wasteful energy consumption. Though the device becomes warm during prolonged use, it never reaches uncomfortably hot.

Gaming Library

The device effectively utilizes Microsoft's cross-platform initiatives, allowing smooth access to an substantial library of Xbox games and premium content across different systems. This clever implementation enables continuous gameplay advancement regardless of the gaming device used.

For regular users with sufficient budget seeking a high-end handheld that unites PC gaming with Xbox-level performance, the ROG Xbox Ally X represents an outstanding investment for committed technology adopters.

• Release Details: Now released since October 16th
• Pricing Range: £479-£799
• Main Attributes: Multiple store access