ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) Review | Has Xbox Consolized Windows?

Introduction

When ASUS first launched the ROG Ally, it was an exciting idea—a portable PC that could run your entire Steam and Xbox library. But the first model struggled with battery life, overheating, and clunky Windows controls.

The new ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) fixes most of those problems. It’s stronger, faster, smarter, and feels designed for Xbox players first.

Let’s dive into what makes this device special, what’s new, and if it’s worth your money.

Design and Build Quality

ASUS didn’t completely redesign the Ally X, but it did refine every corner. The new version feels more premium, with a matte black finish, better hand grips, and smoother triggers.

The biggest change is its larger battery and better heat management. Despite the bigger battery, it’s only slightly heavier than the original model. The cooling system is improved with quieter fans, so your gameplay stays smooth and the device stays cool even under load.

The buttons and joysticks have also been upgraded for better durability. They feel more like an Xbox controller, giving that familiar console feeling while maintaining precision for PC gaming.

Display and Visual Experience

The ROG Xbox Ally X retains its 7-inch Full HD display with 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support, which still looks stunning in 2025.

The colors are bright, motion is smooth, and playing fast-paced games like Halo Infinite or Forza Horizon 5 feels sharp and responsive. ASUS has also added better HDR calibration and improved touch response, making it easier to navigate through Windows or Xbox menus.

It might not be OLED like the Steam Deck OLED, but it’s still one of the best LCDs you’ll find on a handheld gaming PC.

Performance and Specs

This is where the ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) shines. It’s powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

You can easily play top-tier games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Starfield at medium to high settings with smooth frame rates.

Compared to the 2023 model, this new version shows a 15-20% boost in real performance, especially during longer play sessions thanks to improved cooling.

Specs Overview

Xbox Integration: True Portable Xbox

This is where the “Xbox Ally” name finally makes sense. The device now boots into a special Xbox Game Launcher that feels like an Xbox console dashboard.

You can access Game Pass instantly, browse your library, and jump into games without dealing with Windows menus. This mode simplifies the handheld experience, finally making Windows handheld gaming easy.

Cloud saves, Xbox achievements, and remote play all work seamlessly. Even Quick Resume-like features are supported for selected Xbox Game Pass titles, letting you switch between games faster than before.

Battery Life

The original ROG Ally had a major issue — it couldn’t last long. The ROG Xbox Ally X doubles the battery capacity from 40Wh to 80Wh, giving it up to 8 hours of light gaming or 3–4 hours of heavy gameplay.

This is a big improvement and puts it ahead of many rivals like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. You can now take the Ally X on a long trip without constantly reaching for the charger.

Windows 11 Experience (Improved)

ASUS has worked closely with Microsoft to make Windows 11 more handheld-friendly. The new Game Mode UI automatically switches the interface to a controller-friendly layout.

You can use the analog stick and buttons to navigate everything—no need for a mouse or keyboard.

The Armoury Crate SE software also got a major overhaul, letting you tweak performance profiles, fan curves, and game shortcuts easily.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio quality has improved too. The new front-facing stereo speakers deliver louder and clearer sound with Dolby Atmos support. It makes action scenes more immersive and dialogue crisp.

For connectivity, it includes:

• Wi-Fi 6E
• Bluetooth 5.3
• USB4 Type-C
• MicroSD expansion
• A redesigned XG Mobile port for external GPU support

You can even connect it to your TV or monitor and use it like a full Xbox console.

Gaming Experience

Whether you’re playing Halo Infinite, Sea of Thieves, Baldur’s Gate 3, or indie favorites like Hades 2, the ROG Xbox Ally X delivers a smooth and reliable experience.

The combination of high refresh rate, low input lag, and solid frame rates makes it fun to play on.

Multiplayer sessions are stable, and local co-op works perfectly with connected controllers. The improved thermal design ensures that the device stays quiet even after hours of gameplay.

Comparison: ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED

While the Steam Deck OLED wins on display quality, the ROG Xbox Ally X dominates in power, storage, and flexibility.

If you’re deep into Xbox Game Pass and PC gaming, the Ally X gives you both worlds in one.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful hardware for AAA games
• Excellent Xbox Game Pass integration
• Massive battery improvement
• Sharp 120Hz display
• Great performance and cooling

Cons

• Windows still has occasional quirks
• Slightly heavier than the first model
• Price may be higher than expected

Final Verdict

The ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) is what the original Ally should have been. It’s powerful, sleek, and optimized for real gaming convenience.

By blending the freedom of Windows with the simplicity of Xbox, ASUS has created something truly special — a handheld that feels like a console but plays like a PC.

If you’re a Game Pass subscriber or a PC gamer who loves portability, this is one of the best handhelds you can buy in 2025.

Rating: 9/10
“The ROG Xbox Ally X finally consoles Windows handheld gaming — and it’s glorious.”