The base Asus ROG Xbox Ally is too slow and too expensive
Last week, Asus in cooperation with Microsoft launched two new gaming handhelds, which support the Xbox full-screen mode for the first time. The main focus was on the high-end model ROG Xbox Ally X with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, but it is quite pricey at $999. We also had the chance to review the new base model ROG Xbox Ally for a price of $599, which does look pretty good with its white chassis.
Let's start with the positive aspects: The new chassis design is a bit bulkier than before, but the new handles are extremely comfortable and you can play for hours without any issues. The familiar 7-inch display is also used for the base model and it is a very good screen for gaming with 120 Hz and VRR. You also get two USB-C ports (although just USB 3.2) as well as a fast microSD-card reader and good speakers. The fan noise is also pretty quiet and the 512 GB SSD can be replaced.
The biggest issue is the processor, because the Ryzen Z2 might sound new, but it is just an old AMD Zen 2 chip, which is also powering the Steam Deck for years now. This means modern titles can hardly be played at all and considering the high price of $599, this is simple not enough performance. For comparison: The Lenovo Legion GO S with the Ryzen 2 Go (at least Zen 3+) is noticeably faster and already available for €449 in Germany.
While we can easily recommend the new ROG Xbox Ally X, we have a much harder time to define a target customer group of the base Xbox Ally. It might be an option for handheld gamers that want the highest comfort possible and only want to play retro games or emulated games. If the base Xbox Ally wants to be successful, it needs a price cut, because we think $599. Please see our review of the ROG Xbox Ally for more information on the new base handheld.
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