The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally marks an exciting new chapter for handheld PC gaming. This new collaboration between ASUS’s Republic of Gamers and Microsoft’s Xbox division has delivered console-like simplicity with PC flexibility—all within one device. The ROG Xbox Ally combines great design, robust performance, and seamless Xbox integration. The exciting new device creates one of the most accessible entry points into handheld PC gaming yet. Let’s see everything it has to offer in my full review.
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally will be available at Best Buy Canada on October 16. Pre-order now!
Unboxing and setup of the ROG Xbox Ally
As part of the pre-release program, my review unit required several updates before I could get fully up and running. ASUS shared that the day-one retail experience with the Xbox Ally will be far more streamlined. That said, most of these updates are considerably more seamless and streamlined for new users. What I can share is that once everything was applied, the final polished experience was fantastic. It offered a clear picture of what ASUS and Xbox have been working on, and it’s an exciting step forward.
Looking for your perfect match? Read our ASUS ROG Xbox Ally vs. Ally X comparison guide.
Console-like user interface on the ROG Xbox Ally
Thanks to ASUS’s partnership with Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally interface has been reimagined for handheld play. The Windows setup wizard supports full joystick and button navigation. Even security features like PIN creation can be completed without ever touching the keyboard. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor for instant, secure login.
I found that the fingerprint scanner is more accurate for logging in than the ROG Ally X this time around. Once setup is complete, the new Xbox full-screen experience immediately transforms the Ally into a handheld gaming console. It gives you direct access to your gaming library, the Microsoft Store, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Xbox full-screen experience on the ROG Xbox Ally
The moment you reach the main dashboard, the ROG Xbox Ally feels unmistakably “Xbox.” You can browse your installed games, check your achievements, or launch Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream titles. Behind the scenes, the new UI minimizes unnecessary background processes, ensuring more system resources go directly toward your games. It’s a thoughtful optimization that helps titles run smoother and reduces the need to tinker with Windows menus. I rarely needed to exit the Xbox full-screen mode and switch to Windows 11 for updates or other system changes. This is a fantastic touch, keeping the gaming experience front and centre on the hardware.
ROG Command Center and Armoury Crate SE
Pressing the Xbox button brings up a refined Game Bar overlay. It provides instant access to your library, friends, and the ROG Command Center. Here, you can tweak system settings without missing a beat.
ASUS’s Armoury Crate SE has been reworked to fit neatly within this new ecosystem. The Command Center overlay still includes quick controls for brightness, volume, frame limiter, and more.
You can even toggle performance levels to save on battery or maximize graphical power. Switch between different operating modes like Windows and Silent (for maximum battery life), Performance (for balanced play), or Turbo (for full power when plugged in). Within the full Armoury Crate SE app, you can create manual performance profiles, adjust joystick calibration, fine-tune fan speeds, or customize lighting effects. If you are a gamer who enjoys personalization, this is the perfect companion to the streamlined Xbox interface, offering flexibility without the fuss.
Design and build quality of the ROG Xbox Ally
The ROG Xbox Ally’s design strikes a balance between comfort and style. It weighs just 670 grams, making it lighter than many handheld PCs while maintaining a sturdy feel. ASUS has sculpted the handgrips into a shape reminiscent of an Xbox controller, resulting in a natural, ergonomic hold that’s easy to maintain through long gaming sessions. Its layout is intuitive, with responsive ABXY buttons, Hall Effect triggers, a D-pad, assignable rear buttons, and an Xbox button placed prominently for fast access. Everything about its design feels purposeful and tuned for comfort.
Small details stand out, like the microprinted “R O G” text on the palm rests; the texture feels great and a little less slippery when you are on the go. There are other neat design queues like the ROG Fearless Eye logo that doubles as a rear air intake. Overall, the chassis feels premium, with just the right mix of texture and grip.
ROG Xbox Ally’s display
At the heart of the ROG Xbox Ally is a 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium. It’s a sharp, fluid display that does justice to everything from fast-paced shooters to cinematic RPGs. Like previous models, the screen brightness peaks at 500 nits, which helps with play in outdoor environments. With full sRGB colour coverage and excellent contrast, games look vivid and sharp without draining battery life. Whether you’re exploring lush open worlds or playing a fast-paced shooter, the display delivers responsive performance.
Performance and specifications of the ROG Xbox Ally
Under the hood, the ROG Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, capable of reaching speeds up to 3.8GHz. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 dual-channel memory and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, it offers the kind of speed and responsiveness to keep up with a majority of mid-range and high-end graphical titles.
Greater power efficiency and larger battery
The ROG Xbox Ally is also able to keep a low operating wattage of 5W–15W, emphasizing efficiency while keeping fan noise low and extending battery life. The battery itself is much larger with up to a 60Wh battery, from the original’s 40Wh.
In real-world testing, the device handled a wide range of games smoothly. Indie titles, like Hollow Knight: Silksong, run flawlessly at high refresh rates, while larger PC titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and DOOM Eternal perform well at medium settings with balanced power consumption.
For those who prefer cloud gaming, Xbox Cloud Streaming works beautifully with the snappy Wi-Fi 6E connection. It’s a smart way to enjoy high-end titles without taxing local performance.
ROG Xbox Ally’s audio and connectivity
ASUS equipped the ROG Xbox Ally with dual front-firing Smart Amp speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive, spatial audio. I was shocked at just how clear and punchy the sound is in handheld mode. A 3.5mm headset jack and AI noise-cancelling microphones round out the setup for multiplayer chat and streaming.
On the connectivity front, the ROG Xbox Ally features Wi-Fi 6E for fast and stable wireless performance, Bluetooth 5.2 for peripherals, and two USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort and Power Delivery). There’s also a UHS-II microSD slot for easy storage expansion.
Xbox ecosystem integration
The Xbox integration makes switching between downloaded titles and cloud-streamed games nearly seamless, keeping the focus on play rather than configuration. You can also install Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and more, making the Ally one of the most flexible gaming handhelds on the market.
Final verdict on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally
The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is a compelling entry in the handheld gaming space. It captures the accessibility of an Xbox console while maintaining the open-ended flexibility of a Windows gaming PC. With its vivid 120Hz screen, robust hardware, ergonomic design, and deep Xbox integration, it’s a true hybrid device that delivers powerful, portable entertainment.
While more demanding players might wish for a little more performance headroom, offered from the ROG Xbox Ally X, the ROG Xbox Ally’s efficiency, balance, and comfort make it an excellent choice for gamers who want more versatility with a casual gaming experience.
