Asus ROG Xbox Ally
Pros
+ significantly improved ergonomics
+ easy access to fans and M.2-2280 SSD
+ excellent IPS display for gaming
+ outstanding software integration
+ extensive configuration options
+ good battery life
+ fast Wi-Fi and microSD reader
+ good input devices and speakers
+ two USB-C ports
Cons
- very slow AMD SoC (Zen 2)
- chassis (grips) noticeably bulkier
- no webcam, no Wi-Fi 7
- display brightness falls short of specification
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is a 7‑inch Windows-based handheld gaming PC built around an AMD Ryzen Z2 A APU and Radeon 8CU graphics. Reviews praise its redesigned, controller-like grips, improved cooling, and a larger 60 Wh battery, all of which make longer gaming sessions more comfortable than on the original ROG Ally. The new Xbox full‑screen interface delivers a console‑like, largely hassle‑free user experience while still allowing access to desktop Windows, mods and third‑party launchers. However, performance sits closer to Valve’s Steam Deck than to newer premium handhelds, and the 1080p IPS panel lacks the OLED quality and efficiency of the Steam Deck OLED. Critics frequently question its value proposition, arguing that the €599 / $600‑plus pricing is high for what is effectively a modest update on older Zen 2 hardware. Overall, it earns average-to-good scores, recommended mainly for casual or cloud-focused gamers who prioritize Xbox integration and ergonomics over raw performance and price-to-performance leadership.
Specifications
Asus ROG Xbox Ally (ROG Ally Series)
Processor
AMD Ryzen Z2 A 4 x 2.8 - 3.8 GHz, 24 W PL2 / Short Burst, 20 W PL1 / Sustained, Renoir
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon Steam Deck 8CU, Core: 1800 MHz, RAM: 800 MHz, 25.10.25.17
Memory
16 GB
, LPDDR5x-6400, Dual-Channel, onboard
Display
7.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 315 PPI, capacitive, TL070FVXS01-0, IPS, glossy: yes, 120 Hz, Adaptive Sync
Mainboard
AMD Promontory/Bixby FCH
Storage
Foresee 512GB, 512 GB
, 420 GB free
Soundcard
AMD Zen - Audio Processor - HD Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.1 Gen2, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 2 DisplayPort, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm Stereo, Card Reader: microSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E MT7922 160MHz Wireless LAN Card (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.3
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 5.1 x 290 x 121 ( = 0.2 x 11.42 x 4.76 in)
Battery
60 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, 65W PSU, Xbox PC Game Pass (3-month), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
670 g ( = 23.63 oz / 1.48 pounds), Power Supply: 221 g ( = 7.8 oz / 0.49 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
Amazon
Price comparison
Average Score:
Average of 9 scores (from 20 reviews)
Average of 9 scores (from 20 reviews)
price: 77%, performance: 63%, features: 60%, display: 80% mobility: 71%, workmanship: 87%, ergonomy: 95%, emissions: 91%
Reviews for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally
Slower than the Steam Deck OLED – Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld review | Notebookcheck
The ROG Xbox Ally is Asus's more affordable take on its new handheld line. At €599, it goes head-to-head with Valve's Steam Deck OLED, but under the hood it still runs on AMD's older Zen 2 architecture, limiting performance gains.
The ROG Xbox Ally is Asus's more affordable take on its new handheld line. At €599, it goes head-to-head with Valve's Steam Deck OLED, but under the hood it still runs on AMD's older Zen 2 architecture, limiting performance gains.
ROG Xbox Ally review – Big improvement over the Ally
Source: NLT
Finally, should you buy the ROG Xbox Ally? Well, it depends on you. I’d say the ROG Xbox Ally is a great entry point to the world of handheld PC gaming. It’s a mostly hassle-free experience thanks to the Xbox Full Screen Experience, though we can still change back to the traditional desktop mode to tinker around some more if we want to. If you already own the ROG Ally with the Z1 like I have, then the upgrades are mostly in the grip comfort and quality of life features like having another USB-C port, a larger battery, and also a microSD card reader that wouldn’t burn. At the price of RM2,699, I think it’s a good device – especially if you play some not-so-demanding games like… let’s say metroidvanias like Ender Lilies or Ender Magnolia, or platformers like Yooka-Replayee. It’s definitely a much better and more affordable option to play PC games compared to emulating them on a phone – that’s for sure.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/07/2025
Source: NLT
Finally, should you buy the ROG Xbox Ally? Well, it depends on you. I’d say the ROG Xbox Ally is a great entry point to the world of handheld PC gaming. It’s a mostly hassle-free experience thanks to the Xbox Full Screen Experience, though we can still change back to the traditional desktop mode to tinker around some more if we want to. If you already own the ROG Ally with the Z1 like I have, then the upgrades are mostly in the grip comfort and quality of life features like having another USB-C port, a larger battery, and also a microSD card reader that wouldn’t burn. At the price of RM2,699, I think it’s a good device – especially if you play some not-so-demanding games like… let’s say metroidvanias like Ender Lilies or Ender Magnolia, or platformers like Yooka-Replayee. It’s definitely a much better and more affordable option to play PC games compared to emulating them on a phone – that’s for sure.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/07/2025
XBox Ally X vs ROG Ally - Is This Really an Upgrade?
Source: Mash IT
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/07/2025
Source: Mash IT
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/07/2025
ROG Xbox Ally review: Asus' handheld is Xbox first, but with Windows quirks
Source: Business Standard
At Rs 69,990, the ROG Xbox Ally brings noticeable upgrades over the original Ally — most importantly in comfort, cooling, and battery life. The redesigned grip handles make longer sessions far more pleasant, heat stays away from your palms, and the bigger 60Wh battery finally delivers respectable endurance for a handheld gaming console. There’s a mild bump in performance too, though you’ll mostly notice it in select titles rather than across the board. The real highlight, though, is the new Xbox interface. It gives the Ally a console-like experience while still retaining the flexibility of Windows — meaning you can still mod games, install third-party launchers, or switch to desktop mode whenever needed. That said, the software isn’t fully polished yet. Integration with platforms like Steam and EA Play feels inconsistent, and occasional bugs remind you that this hybrid UI is still evolving.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/31/2025
Source: Business Standard
At Rs 69,990, the ROG Xbox Ally brings noticeable upgrades over the original Ally — most importantly in comfort, cooling, and battery life. The redesigned grip handles make longer sessions far more pleasant, heat stays away from your palms, and the bigger 60Wh battery finally delivers respectable endurance for a handheld gaming console. There’s a mild bump in performance too, though you’ll mostly notice it in select titles rather than across the board. The real highlight, though, is the new Xbox interface. It gives the Ally a console-like experience while still retaining the flexibility of Windows — meaning you can still mod games, install third-party launchers, or switch to desktop mode whenever needed. That said, the software isn’t fully polished yet. Integration with platforms like Steam and EA Play feels inconsistent, and occasional bugs remind you that this hybrid UI is still evolving.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/31/2025
ASUS ROG Ally vs. XBOX Ally X in 10 Games at 17W & 35W
Source: Hubwood
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/20/2025
Source: Hubwood
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/20/2025
Asus ROG Xbox Ally review
Source: T3
I'm not sure the ROG Xbox Ally is going to convince anyone of much – which isn't to say that it's worthless, by any stretch. Indeed, it's a great little handheld gaming PC, albeit there are other better-value options out there (and the market won't be able to escape the looming shadow of the Switch 2, either). Performance is solid, ergonomics are surprisingly good, and the Xbox software wrapper is also an actual success. However, the experience still has rough edges that make the Xbox Ally feel like the first thrust in a slightly haphazard experiment from Xbox. If you're interested and can afford the outlay, however, then it does largely what it says on the tin.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/17/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: T3
I'm not sure the ROG Xbox Ally is going to convince anyone of much – which isn't to say that it's worthless, by any stretch. Indeed, it's a great little handheld gaming PC, albeit there are other better-value options out there (and the market won't be able to escape the looming shadow of the Switch 2, either). Performance is solid, ergonomics are surprisingly good, and the Xbox software wrapper is also an actual success. However, the experience still has rough edges that make the Xbox Ally feel like the first thrust in a slightly haphazard experiment from Xbox. If you're interested and can afford the outlay, however, then it does largely what it says on the tin.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/17/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Review
Source: CG Mag Online
The ROG Xbox Ally succeeds by focusing on what gamers want most in a handheld gaming device—and by adding just enough Xbox integration to sweeten the deal. Comfortable ergonomics, a bright and responsive display, flexible performance options and software that stays out of the way all come together to create an experience that feels polished and purposeful. It doesn’t try to do everything—but what it does, it does exceptionally well. For anyone looking to play PC games on the go without giving up the console-like ease of the Xbox interface, this device delivers exactly what it promises.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: CG Mag Online
The ROG Xbox Ally succeeds by focusing on what gamers want most in a handheld gaming device—and by adding just enough Xbox integration to sweeten the deal. Comfortable ergonomics, a bright and responsive display, flexible performance options and software that stays out of the way all come together to create an experience that feels polished and purposeful. It doesn’t try to do everything—but what it does, it does exceptionally well. For anyone looking to play PC games on the go without giving up the console-like ease of the Xbox interface, this device delivers exactly what it promises.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
The ROG Xbox Ally is a Steam Deck disguised as an Xbox — so why is it $600?
Source: Tom's Guide
I’ll be honest with you, after seeing the $1,000 price tag on the ROG Xbox Ally X, I was really rooting for the Ally to be the real value buster here — the Series S of handhelds that just ticked all the right boxes at a lower price. But then, the cold, hard reality hit, and what we’re left with is a $600 system that should cost $400 based on its performance. That’s a crying shame because the Ally itself is an OK handheld, which I would’ve had a better impression of if it were more affordable. Alas, this just feels like the base model companies make so they can say “from *INSERT LOWER PRICE HERE*” and not have to say the big number. But even at that level, this is still a big number, and you can get similar or better price-to-performance for cheaper.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Tom's Guide
I’ll be honest with you, after seeing the $1,000 price tag on the ROG Xbox Ally X, I was really rooting for the Ally to be the real value buster here — the Series S of handhelds that just ticked all the right boxes at a lower price. But then, the cold, hard reality hit, and what we’re left with is a $600 system that should cost $400 based on its performance. That’s a crying shame because the Ally itself is an OK handheld, which I would’ve had a better impression of if it were more affordable. Alas, this just feels like the base model companies make so they can say “from *INSERT LOWER PRICE HERE*” and not have to say the big number. But even at that level, this is still a big number, and you can get similar or better price-to-performance for cheaper.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
The more affordable Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that works as expected — but the Steam Deck casts a long shadow over it
Source: Windows Central
The ROG Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that offers performance that's more on the level of the Steam Deck, making it one of the most direct competitors to Valve's device. Ergonomic grips, a relatively low cost, silent fans, and a good 7-inch IPS display are all attractive features. However, its modest performance and low storage capacity will not suit everyone's needs. If you're looking for a Windows handheld that's ideal for cloud gaming or running simpler graphics games locally, then this could be a good fit for you.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Windows Central
The ROG Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that offers performance that's more on the level of the Steam Deck, making it one of the most direct competitors to Valve's device. Ergonomic grips, a relatively low cost, silent fans, and a good 7-inch IPS display are all attractive features. However, its modest performance and low storage capacity will not suit everyone's needs. If you're looking for a Windows handheld that's ideal for cloud gaming or running simpler graphics games locally, then this could be a good fit for you.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally review: Xbox's handheld console is here, but is it any good?
Source: Digital Spy
The ASUS and Xbox partnership on this new range of handhelds can be considered a curious release, especially as most of what the ROG Xbox Ally offers can be found in previous ASUS ROG Ally models, as well as their Steam Deck competitors, only without the Xbox integration. With recent price rises for Game Pass, a focus on flagship games releasing on other platforms and reports of retailers moving away from stocking Xbox hardware, the timing of the ROG Xbox Ally release seems questionable.It doesn't take away from my overall good impressions of my hands-on experience with the system, but it's difficult to not see potential customers taking recent Microsoft business decisions into account when weighing up handheld options.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: Digital Spy
The ASUS and Xbox partnership on this new range of handhelds can be considered a curious release, especially as most of what the ROG Xbox Ally offers can be found in previous ASUS ROG Ally models, as well as their Steam Deck competitors, only without the Xbox integration. With recent price rises for Game Pass, a focus on flagship games releasing on other platforms and reports of retailers moving away from stocking Xbox hardware, the timing of the ROG Xbox Ally release seems questionable.It doesn't take away from my overall good impressions of my hands-on experience with the system, but it's difficult to not see potential customers taking recent Microsoft business decisions into account when weighing up handheld options.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
Asus ROG Xbox Ally review: Comfort of a handheld with full Xbox experience
Source: India Today
The ROG Xbox Ally is pricey. The handheld is priced at Rs 69,990, which is more than traditional consoles. However, the Ally is not trying to be a traditional console. It is a device targeted at a niche market, casual gamers who don’t have the time to sit and play on a traditional console or PC. The controls are good and accurate, the display is the right size for gaming, and even on 720p, you get detailed visuals. The speakers are impressive and further enhance the experience.The Asus ROG Xbox Ally does what it claims - it is a comfortable gaming device that provides the Xbox experience. Windows does not interfere with performance, which is a boon to say the least. The handset is a way of bridging the gap between the world of consoles and PCs with added portability.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: India Today
The ROG Xbox Ally is pricey. The handheld is priced at Rs 69,990, which is more than traditional consoles. However, the Ally is not trying to be a traditional console. It is a device targeted at a niche market, casual gamers who don’t have the time to sit and play on a traditional console or PC. The controls are good and accurate, the display is the right size for gaming, and even on 720p, you get detailed visuals. The speakers are impressive and further enhance the experience.The Asus ROG Xbox Ally does what it claims - it is a comfortable gaming device that provides the Xbox experience. Windows does not interfere with performance, which is a boon to say the least. The handset is a way of bridging the gap between the world of consoles and PCs with added portability.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
ROG Xbox Ally Review | The ROG Ally upgraded.
Source: Yugatech
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: Yugatech
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
The ROG Xbox Ally Isn't the Xbox Handheld of My Dreams | Prove It
Source: CNet
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: CNet
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
ROG Xbox Ally Canadian review: Great handheld that costs too much
Source: Mobile Syrup
Overall, I really like the Xbox Ally. The hardware is very good, it’s extremely comfortable even in longer playing sessions, and the battery life is decent (depending on what games you play). However, some of what makes the Xbox Ally special won’t be exclusive forever. Other handhelds will likely ship with AMD’s solid Ryzen Z2 A chip, and the Xbox software experience should eventually come to all handhelds and PCs. The ultimate question, of course, is whether you should buy the Xbox Ally. At $799, it’s a steep price, especially for a product that frankly doesn’t do anything unique. There are a ton of solutions for portable gaming, including other handhelds that cost less (the Steam Deck and, laughably, the also very expensive Switch 2).
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: Mobile Syrup
Overall, I really like the Xbox Ally. The hardware is very good, it’s extremely comfortable even in longer playing sessions, and the battery life is decent (depending on what games you play). However, some of what makes the Xbox Ally special won’t be exclusive forever. Other handhelds will likely ship with AMD’s solid Ryzen Z2 A chip, and the Xbox software experience should eventually come to all handhelds and PCs. The ultimate question, of course, is whether you should buy the Xbox Ally. At $799, it’s a steep price, especially for a product that frankly doesn’t do anything unique. There are a ton of solutions for portable gaming, including other handhelds that cost less (the Steam Deck and, laughably, the also very expensive Switch 2).
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2025
The Asus Xbox ROG Ally makes Windows feel more at home on a handheld – but I still want the beefier version
Source: Stuff TV
Microsoft finally getting on board the PC gaming handheld train in an official capacity is great news, and the Xbox ROG Ally is a strong start. Behind-the-scenes work has finally stopped Windows from feeling like a lead weight, and the full-screen Xbox interface is a massive improvement over what we had before. On the hardware front, the controller-like grips also make a massive difference to comfort and playability. I don’t think any of that means all of the Xbox faithful should rush out to buy one, though. The base model Ally can’t match the cheaper Steam Deck OLED for performance muscle, and it doesn’t last as long per charge. Valve’s machine has a superior OLED screen, too.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Stuff TV
Microsoft finally getting on board the PC gaming handheld train in an official capacity is great news, and the Xbox ROG Ally is a strong start. Behind-the-scenes work has finally stopped Windows from feeling like a lead weight, and the full-screen Xbox interface is a massive improvement over what we had before. On the hardware front, the controller-like grips also make a massive difference to comfort and playability. I don’t think any of that means all of the Xbox faithful should rush out to buy one, though. The base model Ally can’t match the cheaper Steam Deck OLED for performance muscle, and it doesn’t last as long per charge. Valve’s machine has a superior OLED screen, too.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Review
Source: Yugatech
All-in-all, ASUS made some serious improvements to the ROG Xbox Ally as compared to the original ROG Ally. At the same time, it still retains all of the looks and gamer feel of the original handheld device. With a new processor, it can now run more graphic-intensive games. The battery lasts a lot longer too. If only ASUS fitted a larger screen or even an OLED one, it would be even better. Well, the only benefit of it retaining the display as before is that the price didn't go up by much. The ROG Xbox Ally starts at PHP 36,995, and it already comes with 3 months of free Xbox Game Pass subscription. If you find the performance of the standard Xbox Ally lacking, the X variant retails for PHP 56,995 featuring a more powerful chip and a larger 80Wh battery.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: Yugatech
All-in-all, ASUS made some serious improvements to the ROG Xbox Ally as compared to the original ROG Ally. At the same time, it still retains all of the looks and gamer feel of the original handheld device. With a new processor, it can now run more graphic-intensive games. The battery lasts a lot longer too. If only ASUS fitted a larger screen or even an OLED one, it would be even better. Well, the only benefit of it retaining the display as before is that the price didn't go up by much. The ROG Xbox Ally starts at PHP 36,995, and it already comes with 3 months of free Xbox Game Pass subscription. If you find the performance of the standard Xbox Ally lacking, the X variant retails for PHP 56,995 featuring a more powerful chip and a larger 80Wh battery.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Foreign Reviews
Asus ROG Xbox Ally: Ein erster Blick
Source: Stadt-bremerhaven
DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: Stadt-bremerhaven
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2025
ROG Xbox Ally ausprobiert: Solider Handheld mit einigen Schwächen
Source: MobiFlip DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Source: MobiFlip
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2025
Asus ROG Xbox Ally (2025) Review en Español (Análisis completo)
Source: Profesional Review
ES→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/18/2025
Rating: Total score: 88% price: 77% performance: 78% display: 87% mobility: 88% workmanship: 95% ergonomy: 98%
Source: Profesional Review
ES→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/18/2025
Rating: Total score: 88% price: 77% performance: 78% display: 87% mobility: 88% workmanship: 95% ergonomy: 98%
J’ai voyagé 3 semaines aux États-Unis avec la ROG Xbox Ally : que vaut-elle sur la route ?
Source: Clubic
FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/26/2025
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 60% display: 70% mobility: 40% workmanship: 80%
Source: Clubic
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/26/2025
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 60% display: 70% mobility: 40% workmanship: 80%
Prise en main des ROG Xbox Ally X & ROG Xbox Ally qui arrivent le 16 octobre 2025
Source: Journal du Geek FR→EN
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 08/20/2025
Source: Journal du Geek
FR→ENComparison, online available, Medium, Date: 08/20/2025
Comment
AMD Radeon Radeon Steam Deck 8CU: Integrated graphics adapter in the custom CPU of the Steam Deck OLED with 8 CUs and a clock rate of 1000 - 1600 MHz. Manufactured at TSMC in the N6 process (6nm).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Z2: » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
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