The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: A New Player in Handheld Gaming
The ROG Xbox Ally X is the latest handheld gaming device from Asus, marking the third such device from the company in as many years. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s Xbox division, the Xbox Ally X sports a design inspired by Xbox controllers and comes pre-installed with a lightly modified version of Windows 11.
The Xbox Ally X houses AMD’s latest Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, supplemented by 24GB of memory and a terabyte of storage. Its 7-inch 120Hz IPS display is complemented by an 80Wh battery. The more affordable Xbox Ally model features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB storage capacity, but this article will focus on the flagship model, the Xbox Ally X.
Retailing at $1,000, the Ally X is priced similarly to a combination of the base model Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, or perhaps even a Steam Deck and Switch 2. So, what exactly do you get for your money, and how does the device hold up against competitors like the Steam Deck? What does this Microsoft partnership contribute, and how effective is this version of Windows for gaming? Let’s examine these aspects more closely.
Unboxing Impressions
The Xbox Ally X arrives in a sizable cardboard box containing the device, a charger, and a stand.
The supplied charger, a 65W USB-PD unit, resembles one you’d find with an Asus laptop. While the charger itself isn’t overly bulky, the accompanying cables are unexpectedly heavy, raising questions about their necessity for a portable device. It feels out of place for a device designed for mobility.
Included is a cardboard stand, which, while more sturdy than the one offered with previous models, feels a bit lacking for a $1,000 device. A carrying case would have been welcome—especially considering that even the cheapest Steam Deck comes with one—which leaves prospective buyers with no choice but to spend an additional $70 on Asus’s own options.
Design and Ergonomics
The Xbox Ally X shines in its distinctive design, which diverges from the typical flat, slab-like profiles of handheld gaming devices. Recent models, like the Steam Deck, have started adopting an ergonomic grip for enhanced control, and the Ally X takes this a step further.
Its grips effectively emulate a stretched-out Xbox controller, providing deeper contours that safeguard user comfort during extended gaming sessions. This leads to an experience that inspires confidence, allowing players to engage fervently without worrying about balance or discomfort, effectively nullifying any strain from the device’s weight.
However, while these grips are superior in terms of ergonomics, they contribute to the Ally X’s heft—at 715g, it’s notably heavier than the Steam Deck and previous Ally models. The design integrates familiar Xbox elements, such as the asymmetrical analog sticks and a large D-pad, but some elements appear less cohesive in design and do not fully mimic the Xbox aesthetic.
The analog sticks, while serviceable, inherit shortcomings from traditional Xbox controllers. They rely on standard analog potentiometers rather than Hall-effect sensors, making them susceptible to drift. Additionally, the smooth surface of the sticks quickly loses grip, raising concerns considering the price point of the device.
Design-wise, two additional buttons for Asus’s Command Center and Armoury Crate SE app clutter the front layout and may confuse users. Their placements can disrupt gameplay flow, especially when mispressing them results in unintended consequences.
Display Quality
The Xbox Ally X’s 7-inch, 1080p touchscreen display is a continuation of previous models. While it boasts a 120Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium support, it lacks HDR capabilities, which is becoming a standard in competing devices.
While the display offers decent color accuracy and sharpness, it doesn’t excel in brightness, making it challenging to use in bright environments. Furthermore, the absence of a 16:10 aspect ratio can lead to a cramped visual experience compared to competing devices.
Performance and Connectivity
The Ally X leverages AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, a state-of-the-art mobile chip that boasts an 8-core hybrid design. Coupled with 24GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, performance promises to excel.
On the connectivity front, the Xbox Ally X includes two USB-C ports, triple-band Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility. These robust options ensure a varied range of connectivity assistant for seamless online gaming sessions.
Gaming Experience
The Xbox Ally X supports three power modes—Silent, Performance, and Turbo—to maximize battery life while still balancing playable frame rates. Testing across several modern titles reveals that even at lower wattages, gameplay remains smooth and engaging.
Sound quality is another area where the Xbox Ally X does well, with improved speakers that enhance the gaming experience. The Dolby Access app elevates the audio further, offering spatial audio options that enrich gameplay immersion.
However, the cooling system, although effective, does little to enhance the tactile experience, notably in situational vibration feedback—this remains a weak point for the device.
Battery Life
Equipped with an 80Wh battery, the Xbox Ally X achieves almost two hours of life while gaming hard on AAA titles, extending to around three hours in more power-efficient gaming scenarios.
Software and User Experience
The device runs Windows 11 Home and incorporates Microsoft’s Full Screen Experience (FSE), which aims to streamline usability for gaming. However, many users may find Windows more of a hurdle than a benefit due to its propensity for bloatware and complex navigation—even in a handheld context.
These hurdles might deter casual gamers seeking a more traditional console experience. The device’s software experience currently lags behind more tailored solutions from competitors like the Steam Deck, which offers greater user-friendliness.
Conclusion
Asus’s ROG Xbox Ally X offers an engaging gaming experience backed by strong hardware and comfort, but falls short regarding software usability and overall value. The steep $1,000 price tag, in conjunction with its software limitations, does raise questions about its overall worth in a competitive handheld market.
The Xbox Ally X is undeniably powerful, but users should evaluate whether they are comfortable navigating through Windows’s complexities or if they seek a more streamlined experience typical of dedicated gaming devices.
Pros
- Extended grip design offers outstanding comfort and confidence.
- Best in class performance, especially at lower wattages.
- All the basic controls function effectively.
- Great sounding speakers enhance gaming experiences.
- Impressive battery life adds to portable playability.
- Good set of connectivity options enhances versatility.
- Excellent cooling performance to maintain device integrity.
Cons
- The LCD panel falls short compared to OLED alternatives, lacking in contrast and brightness.
- Analog sticks are prone to drift and lack grip.
- Additional buttons create confusion and detract from usability.
- Weak rumble effects diminish the tactile feedback during gameplay.
- Fingerprint sensor is unreliable at best.
- No carrying case included in the package.
- Charger features cumbersome cables that complicate portability.
- Frustrating and cluttered software experience hampers enjoyment.
- The device fails to appropriately reflect the Xbox branding in principle.
For more detailed information, you can find the complete review here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
