Customer Ratings & Reviews

I picked up the ROG Ally X primarily to work through my Steam backlog, and after spending time with it alongside the Lenovo Legion Go S (2Z) and Steam Deck, I’ve found it occupies an interesting middle ground in the handheld PC space. **The Good: Raw Power** Where the Ally X truly shines is performance. This thing has the horsepower to handle demanding games that would struggle on other handhelds. The increased power translates to smoother gameplay and the ability to push settings higher than I could on the Steam Deck. More importantly, running Windows means I can play my entire Steam library without compatibility concerns—including multiplayer games that simply won’t work on the Deck due to anti-cheat issues. That alone opens up a significantly wider array of gaming options. **The Trade-off: Software Inconsistency** The Ally X’s biggest weakness is the Windows handheld experience. It’s frustratingly inconsistent—sometimes everything works beautifully, other times you’re wrestling with Windows UI elements clearly not designed for a handheld form factor. It lacks the polished, console-like experience that makes the Steam Deck feel so refined. You’re constantly reminded you’re using a Windows PC shrunk down, for better and worse. **How It Compares** Compared to the Lenovo Legion Go S (2Z), the Ally X is notably better overall—more reliable, better build quality, and a more cohesive experience. Against the Steam Deck, it’s a different calculation: the Deck offers superior software polish and that “it just works” feeling, but the Ally X counters with broader game compatibility and more raw performance. **Bottom Line** If you want maximum game compatibility and don’t mind occasionally tinkering with Windows, the ROG Ally X is an excellent choice for catching up on your Steam library. Just know you’re trading some of the Steam Deck’s elegance for the freedom to play anything in your library—multiplayer and thats why ill be keeping it and returning the other .

New pros: Bless. those. handles!! Sooooo dang comfy to hold. The Z2E is just incredible, the performance I'm getting at 13w (1080p) in some games (Digimon Story Time Stranger, High on Life to name a couple) is just wild when to get similar performance I was doing 900p 17w on the Z1E Ally X. This also means better battery life obviously which is what I'm after most being away from home often. My hat couldn't be off more to the whole team! Also to note this is the highest SKU chip with the AI NPU stuff to come, not even the $1400 (usd) LEGO2 has this version of the Z2E chip.. The updated thumb sticks and triggers are top notch, NOT HALL EFFECT, but good. I really went into the news of this device expecting the Ally X with handles and the new amd chip, not much else. Super happy with those. The updated fans (fan curve possibly?) are stupid quiet, more so than the Steam Deck OLED (finally) and more so than the Claw 8 AI + that everyone *claims* are so quiet. Same note, I think the speakers are just as good as the Claw 8 AI + now, which is huge imo, gotta really have good ones to truly enjoy the Dolby Atmost experience. Old Pros: Screen is still awesome, perfect size. I've never had an issue and until more 8in displays started popping up this year, never really heard much negatives about it. I think it is the best travel size, would love OLED, but not gonna get hung up on that. Crank that saturation up in AMD Adrenaline display settings!! D-pad still rules and I'm glad it's matte and not shiny plastic as my thumb do be sweaty.. Although I prefer G Helper, Armory Crate is STILL the defacto (Windows) PC handheld software, ASUS has done great overall. MSI really needs to have a chat with them... It's *easy* to understand how to use overall. 2 usb c ports still, thanks so much. Cons: I do not like using the Full Screen Experience, but feel like I should because I can't find a way to remap the big Xbox button (or the library button). I feel like I'm beta testing something I shouldn't have to regardless of the price tag. I legit hate the library button, more so them placing the two mainly used consoles buttons (star/select) underneath that and the AC button (which does the same thing as the Xbox button??) The amount of times I've clicked the library button playing a game is insane and I can already see it wearing thin on me. The new AC experience is sleek, but seems waaay more buggy than it has since the original z1 Ally and again, feels like I'm beta testing at a premium. Nothing excuses this, no matter what "Early adopter" stuff people wanna use to deflect the software issues. I also feels this is a major point to bring up because despite the awesome hardware, the software helps make or break the handheld device. If it's a pain to use (MSI Claw software...) it really does sour the experience. The lack of obvious changes in this THIRD iteration, which is somewhat *understandable*, as ASUS likely aims to balance cost savings with a positive user experience.. Those being for me not having the faster UFS micro slot like on the Switch 2, not having 32gb of ram (utilizing XFE ram *saving* even further) and not including a 100w charger, but telling us how much faster the device charges with one now lol

First it doesn't come with GamePass PC, it comes with GamePass premium, which is a downgrade from PC GamePass. Some games run great others not so great. I do love the handheld but i spend most of the time in the steam app. The xbox app's games are expensive and with the price increase to GamePass the best deal in gaming has become the worst deal in gaming. It is impressive though running games like ARC Raiders at 60 FPS, or Outer Worlds 2 getting over 30 FPS on quality FSR with medium and low settings. The controller is not an Xbox controller, it's a generic X-input controller. The only thing that makes this an Xbox is the guide button. This system is a windows 11 PC with some Xbox features. The SSD they included is a little slow, I'm planning to replace it in the future but right now it will do. Don't let the 3 stats fool you im just picky. The system is definitely worth the price, just with a few cevats.

This is by far one of best buys i had in a while where I didn’t regret buying it after a few uses im actually having trouble putting it down it so fun to play natively or steaming this thing keeps up with all the games I throw at it and i can game and run a web browser to listen to music, have discord chats, or even use it like a tablet for social media apps. The interface is so easy to get used to i learn in a few days how to download apps and set up my device for gaming and using the controls for graphics are really easy I usually get 45-60 fps on any games i play without FRS we are still in the beginning stages of handheld devices but I can’t wait to see what asus has in store for the future of handheld devices but this fills the void. The storage is almost at capacity i wished they would’ve went with 2tb but still good enough to have almost 10 games of 80gb and i mainly play singer player games and this decives helps so much when playing a grinding task game when im away from home and got nothing to do but I really i have on me most of time so i cant so gaming time but overall i love this device i will recommend to anyone but it literally just the price that might be intimidating, but in my honest opinion I feel like I got everything I paid for.

Great device overall. Comfortable to hold. Screen is too small. But I am almost 50. Software is great. Fingerprint scanner is a good addition. But the fingerprint scanner hardware failed and became unusable after one week. I wish it was bigger like 8 inches and had and OLED screen. Battery is good also.

First off let's get this out of the way for those that are wondering: THIS IS NOT AN XBOX! This is a Windows Handled PC like the previous Ally models, with Xbox branding. If you are going out to buy a brand new Handheld and you only have the current generations available to you, I would say this is the best one on the market for Price/Performance. Which is both great and a Problem. At $999+tax, it should at the very LEAST come with an OLED screen, and have it be bigger. The 7" non OLED screen 3 gens in a row The build quality also feels a little cheapish even compared to the original Z1 Extreme Model. Due to the hollow nature of the grips, the face buttons sound exceptionally louder than on the previous gen and as of writing this, I have yet to find a mod that dampens the sound as well. It is however incredibly comfortable to hold. - If you want the best current gen Bang For your Buck form a mainstream brand: Get this 100% - If you want the best of the best in handhelds and don't mind the $400-$500 difference, get the Leonovo Legion Go 2. - If you can afford a little bit more, give the MSI Claw 8 AI+ a short. Intel seems to be doing something good with it's drivers, i've heard good things - If money is tight, find an Open Box ROG Ally X instead.

I waited a month before reviewing because I like to take my time with a product when giving my opinion. The battery life is superb, but what sold me at first glance were the ergonomics. It’s truly the most comfortable handheld I’ve ever used. I am enjoying it very much and looking forward to future updates on this device. It’s a solid 10/10 for me.

Not worth to upgrade if you have Asus ROG Ally X. My wife took over my Ally X and this came out just in time. Runs great. Extremely comfortable. Wish included a case like steam deck. But I highly recommend it to anyone.

I love this little system. I own a Steam Deck and an original ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and this handheld is amazing in comparison. Pros: 1. The ergonomics are great. It may look funny but it feels like you're holding an Xbox controller in your hands and my hands never got tired or felt like they needed to take a break. 2. Battery is solid, gives you great playtime (mileage will vary though based on what you play and settings chosen). 3. Triggers, buttons and sticks feel great 4. Integrates incredibly well with Xbox. I play games natively but also sometimes stream from the cloud or remote play from my Series X console. 5. Multiple storefronts. I love that I can play Steam games AND Xbox games on this device. I can even be in the UI and launch a Steam game directly from there. 6. 1080p gaming without sacrificing FPS (frames per second). It runs AAA games incredibly well. 7. Variable Refresh Rates (VRR) screen helps games look even better Cons: 1. UI is still working out some kinks, but there are updates at least once a week so it's constantly improving.

So far a great buy I love this thing!! The packaging was amazing I love the cool box it came in. I preorder it after it got sold out and it still arrived ok time for my birthday and it arrived a couple days earlier, I really appreciate that!

I charged and played with it as soon as it arrived! I love the fact that it's portable and can connect to my computer! I am excited for more games to be released, and overall, it is the best purchase I have made this year! Highly recommend!

This handheld is amazing it's my first Windows handheld so it was a little difficult to get used to it first just figuring out all the ins and outs of it but after that it's absolutely the best gaming system I've ever had

I’m playing Arc Raiders at 60 FPS on the Xbox Ally X. Not only does it run smoothly, it also looks about the same graphic quality wise as it does on the Xbox Series X. This thing is a monster!

Gameplay and battery is so good with the device but I preferred a larger screen with Lenovo Legion go 2. Having issue with xbox full experience though when changed to 4tb samsung 4tb pro

Definitely more than powerful to play any gave I’ve tried on it although have had some issues with the buttons sticking quite a bit but other than that very happy with it

Love this device. Perfect upgrade from the original RoG Ally. Full Screen Experience has so much potential. It really makes the device feel like a console.

Totally loved this. Its like a mini cpu but made specifically for xbox gaming, plus you can listen to music while you play. A must have if your a gamer.

Honestly i was hesitant at first because everyone says its best for trips but honestly i been enjoying it just at home and it lasts a while

Really fast and good display. Can play so many games on steam. Just some AAA games the graphic quality is too blur and bad but still get fps 60+. Still love it!

I was borderline debating on upgrading from a steam deck to this but decided to pull the trigger and never looked back! Best purchase!