🔗 Share this article

The joint venture between tech giants has produced the ROG Xbox Ally X, a remarkable yet premium-priced gaming handheld. Releasing on October 16th, the jet-black model demands a considerable price of A$1599, while its less powerful white counterpart is priced at $599. Happily, the higher-end version delivers outstanding capabilities that validates its premium price tag.

Initial Impressions

Through extensive testing over multiple weeks, the ROG Xbox Ally X has proven its capabilities across multiple entertainment types. Despite its higher cost compared to alternative options like the Steam Deck OLED (A$899), the technical capability contained within its portable form (291 x 122 x 51mm) represents something unprecedented in the handheld entertainment market.

This exceptional performance capability, paired with its flexible gaming options through online gaming and universal compatibility, makes it especially attractive for both Microsoft loyalists and mobile entertainment enthusiasts. While some early technical issues and interface challenges manifested during testing, nearly all were quickly fixed and quickly forgotten once engaging gameplay commenced.

Initial Configuration

Setting up the ROG Xbox Ally X isn't entirely seamless. While the device starts up in a custom console experience that replicates both traditional and desktop iterations, it ultimately runs on the Windows platform, requiring system updates before optimal functionality can be achieved. This initial setup needs a certain period and feels somewhat unconventional for a dedicated gaming handheld.

In the initial 24 hours, notwithstanding prompt profile setup, the system incorrectly indicated missing Xbox service access, with multiple user association attempts failing to work. Curiously, this situation corrected itself spontaneously the following day. Likewise, wireless connection difficulties after standby too fixed themselves within the first day.

When various accounts were correctly integrated - including computer entertainment platforms like Steam - the device performed outstandingly efficiently. A user-friendly feature enables immediate startup into the recognizable Xbox interface while simultaneously compiling games from other platforms, ensuring seamless access to current gameplay no matter the primary storefront.

Performance Analysis

Earlier described system problems might possibly be fixed through firmware improvements, because when working optimally, the ROG Xbox Ally X delivers remarkable performance. Slight slowdown might appear when starting at reduced power levels (below 15%), but beloved games like Hades II load promptly and perform flawlessly with almost no loading times between multiple zones. Demanding games such as the fantasy adventure and classic PC games run smoothly with impressive frame rates and rapid loading sequences.

Despite lacking an OLED display, the image quality remains breathtaking on its seven-inch 1080p screen. The visual effects in games like Hades II create a authentic imaging spectacle, with graphical components that genuinely impress. The speaker arrangement significantly enhances game immersion, with directional audio that faithfully reproduce in-game events and character positions.

Form and Comfort

The unique design resembles a transformed Xbox controller with an incorporated screen, but the satin finish exterior feels high-quality and elegant. The configurable LED lighting around the thumbsticks provides understated gaming aesthetics without being distracting.

During testing, the device proved easy to handle during extended sessions, despite its slightly higher weight (over 700 grams) compared to competitors. The gamepad-based grips provide excellent hand comfort, with strain only occurring during unconventional playing positions without proper support for arms.

Battery Performance

The considerable 80 watt-hour battery provides respectable performance given the system components. Uninterrupted gameplay sessions of approximately two hours are attainable with demanding games, with efficient power management that limits wasteful energy consumption. Though the device heats up during prolonged use, it never reaches problematic temperatures.

Software Ecosystem

The device efficiently employs Microsoft's cross-platform initiatives, allowing uninterrupted access to an comprehensive library of Xbox games and premium content across various platforms. This clever implementation enables continuous gameplay progress regardless of the entertainment system used.

For regular users with adequate funds seeking a high-end handheld that combines computer entertainment with traditional gaming performance, the ROG Xbox Ally X represents an outstanding investment for dedicated technology adopters.

• Release Details: Currently shipping since October 16th
• Price Points: £479-£799
• Main Attributes: Multiple store access