The Asus ROG Ally X is not trying to be just another portable console. Nor does it aim to compete with the big players from afar. Its proposition is straightforward: to offer a gameplay experience as fluid and powerful as a PC, but in a form that fits in your hands. And the most curious thing isn't just its improved hardware or its rugged design. It is its increasingly close partnership with the Xbox ecosystem and the decision to bet everything on Windows as the operating system.

Here's where things get interesting. Because this console not only runs games, but opens the door to a hybrid universe where Game Pass, mods, emulators, and PC games coexist on a single device. Portable revolution? It just might be. A trap dressed as freedom? That's also possible.

The Ally X arrives with notable improvements over its predecessor: longer battery life, better cooling, more storage. But the real question isn't whether it performs more, but whether it manages to resolve the contradictions involved in being a console with a computer's soul. In this review we analyze everything: from its construction to its philosophy. And what we discover isn't what you expect.

Design that deceives the eye: big, heavy… but surprisingly comfortable

At first glance, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X commands attention. Its rugged design, prominent grips, and 715 grams of weight move it away from the classic idea of a light and discreet portable console. And yet, as soon as you hold it for the first time, the perception completely changes. This machine shouldn't be comfortable, but it is. In fact, it is much more so than it appears.

The ROG Xbox Ally X has been redesigned intelligently, not just aesthetically. After two generations without notable changes, this collaboration with Xbox Series has served as the perfect excuse to introduce bold improvements. The most evident change are the enormous rear grips. Visually they may seem excessive, even clunky, but they fulfill a key ergonomic function: stabilizing the device between the hands and distributing the weight better. Thanks to them, playing during long sessions is not only possible but enjoyable, even with its 2.75 cm thickness.

Another subtle but effective improvement has been the repositioning of the main buttons (A, B, X, and Y), which are now more centered and accessible. In the previous version of the ROG Ally, they were too close to the edge, which forced your hand during every press. In this new version, access is more natural. The triggers have a slight resistance that provides an excellent response in driving titles, while the sticks offer a solid and precise feel. Everything seems to be where it should be, except for one exception: the rear buttons.

These two additional buttons, located more toward the center than on other similar devices, prove somewhat uncomfortable to press. One may understand that Asus wanted to avoid accidental presses, but the result is limited accessibility. And since they aren’t set by default, the argument of "avoiding mistakes" loses weight.

The upper side is no slouch either. It includes a generous button array, headed by the power button with a fingerprint sensor. Quick and functional, though somewhat small and a bit recessed, which complicates use in certain situations. They are accompanied by a 3.5 mm jack, a UHS-II card reader, and two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support. They are extremely versatile, though their location could be more optimal to avoid thermal interference with the fans.

Despite all these positives, there are questionable decisions. The ROG Xbox Ally X doesn't stand well vertically without help, and the included stand leaves much to be desired in terms of stability and durability. Added to that is the absence of a protective case in the box, something hard to justify in a product priced near 900 euros and that includes specs like 1TB SSD and 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, in addition to its powerful AMD Ryzen processor with integrated AMD Radeon GPU.

And while it includes haptic vibration, the result is not entirely convincing. It doesn't feel like a traditional gamepad, nor like the refined DualSense system. It is present, yes, but it conveys somewhat unnatural sensations.

Familiar screen, curated experience: a panel that delivers, but doesn't wow

The screen of the Asus ROG Ally X is a familiar old friend. Literally. Asus has chosen to keep the same panel that appeared in the previous version, which means there are no meaningful advances in this area, despite significant internal improvements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, or the new 80 Wh battery. It is a decision that surprises, especially for a portable console aiming at the top of the market.

The panel remains seven inches, with a 16:9 aspect ratio, adequate but somewhat conservative. A 16:10 aspect ratio, like the competition offers, would have improved front-end utilization and reduced the bezels, which here feel a bit more pronounced.

Technically, it maintains the Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), more than enough for a portable console focused on performance and energy efficiency. This decision is well considered: moving to a higher resolution would have compromised autonomy, even with a larger battery like in this version. The panel supports FreeSync Premium, offering VRR (variable refresh rate), and reaches 120 Hz, resulting in a smooth experience in fast-moving games.

Visually, the screen delivers. It covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum, with sharp colors and good overall representation. However, in terms of perception, the lack of changes compared to the previous model leaves a somewhat flat feeling, especially when the rest of the hardware has made a significant leap. Some details like the lack of an automatic brightness sensor and the maximum brightness limited to 500 nits affect visibility outdoors or in very bright spaces.

The Gorilla Glass DXC coating, along with the Gorilla Glass Victus protection, helps reduce reflections and improve durability, but they don't fully resolve the glossy finish issues. Here, a panel with better anti-reflective treatment —or even OLED, though that would raise costs— would have been a good idea.

With technologies like AMD Fluid Motion Frames and Xbox Game Pass support, a visual leap was expected, but this panel's conservative choice doesn't fully align with the rest of the cutting-edge specifications of the device.

Immersive sound that impresses: power, clarity and zero concessions

If there's one area where the Asus ROG Ally X makes a real and tangible difference compared to its competitors, it's the sound. There's no room for doubt or nuance: it is, without question, the best audio you can find on a pocket PC or portable console. It not only surpasses its predecessor, which already offered a surprisingly good experience, but raises the bar even higher in this generation.

Thanks to the physical redesign and the new grips, the speakers have a clear advantage: they no longer get blocked by the palms, something common in this type of device. This simple yet effective improvement translates into clean audio, consistent and well projected, even when playing with the console in a relaxed or moving position. And the best part is that the volume can reach truly high levels without distortion, which is uncommon in such compact systems.

The audio experience is very well balanced. The bass has presence, dialogues are clear, and effects are distributed with clarity, even in games that saturate the scene with multiple layers of sound at once. In racing titles, the mix of engines, music, and ambient effects maintains its definition; in narrative adventures, the voices have a special warmth; and in shooters, every gunshot or explosion feels impactful.

Another detail that enhances immersion is that when the volume is above 80%, the console vibrates slightly, generating a tactile sensation that accompanies the sound and adds realism. It's not a feature advertised as such, but the result is there and noticeable. It also maintains the 3.5 mm headphone jack output, ideal for those seeking privacy or wanting to use more specialized audio equipment.

The most revealing perhaps is that during testing there was no need to resort to headphones. Unlike what happens with other devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 or even the Steam Deck, here the speakers invite you to use them as the sole sound source. Asus has tuned this aspect with precision and confidence, and the result is noticeable from the first moment.

Unmatched power: AMD dominates the heart of the ROG Ally X

The Asus ROG Ally X hasn't just redesigned its exterior; inside, a true beast beats that demonstrates why AMD still has no real competition in the field of high-performance portable hardware. And it's no accident: both Asus and Xbox have placed a lot of trust in this machine, but it's AMD that holds its backbone with a SoC that aims high, very high.

The integrated processor is the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, a new-generation APU that combines the best of the Zen architecture with innovative elements designed for the future of portable gaming. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it reaches frequencies up to 5 GHz, while its GPU, based on the Radeon 890M, runs at 2,900 MHz. Add to this 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory and generous 1 TB NVMe 4.0 storage, with support for 2280 modules if you want to replace.

The big novelty? The inclusion of an AMD XDNA NPU with calculation power of up to 50 TOPS, a component dedicated to artificial intelligence tasks. This allows offloading both the CPU and GPU in certain specific operations, such as AI frame generation or smart image upscaling, enabling technologies like FSR 4. However, to get the most out of it, the software still needs to evolve. The groundwork is ready, but the real implementation now depends on game developers.

As for connectivity, we have Bluetooth 5.2 (which is starting to feel a bit dated) and Wi‑Fi 6E, more than enough for fast downloads and stable connections. Additionally, thanks to the USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support, you can easily connect to a dock or even an eGPU.

Synthetic tests and performance modes

The console offers four power profiles that modify the system's behavior:

• Silent (13 W)
• Performance (17 W)
• Turbo (25 W)
• Turbo with AC power (35 W)

In Geekbench tests, the mode plugged in is the one that offers the best results, as expected. But the most interesting thing is that, in Turbo mode at 25 W, the differences with the maximum mode are not so dramatic, especially for the GPU. Meanwhile, the "Performance" mode maintains an excellent graphical output, though it reduces the processor power a bit. In short, the GPU remains the protagonist, something key for modern games that rely more on the graphical side than pure computation.

A revealing data point: in Silent mode at 13 W, the ROG Ally X offers performance comparable to the Steam Deck's maximum performance mode, which consumes 15 W. This speaks to the generational leap AMD has achieved in just two years, making it clear that it remains the undisputed reference in this kind of device.

Tests with real games

Setting aside synthetic benchmarks, real-game performance is what really matters. With automatic configuration enabled, the results are very positive. Titles like 'Cyberpunk 2077' and 'Horizon Zero Dawn' are set directly to 'High' quality, something unthinkable in the previous generation. No ray tracing, yes, but with FSR 3 active to maintain smoothness.

In 'Red Dead Redemption 2', the settings range between 'Medium' and 'High', while in 'Gears of War Reloaded' some elements are even set to 'Ultra'. All games were run at 1080p, in full screen, and the results are more than solid, even in intermediate power modes.

The most notable thing is that the experience is not only smooth but consistent. Even in lower-power modes, performance remains more than decent, allowing longer gaming sessions without sacrificing too much.

Xbox Mode or Windows Mode? A promise in progress that hasn't taken off yet

One of the elements that generates the most curiosity in the Asus ROG Ally X is its so-called “Xbox Mode,” a feature that, at least in theory, should mark a clear difference from the traditional Windows 11 environment. And it's not just marketing: the presence of the Xbox name on the device itself suggests that this integration would go beyond a simple logo. But for now, reality doesn't live up to the promise.

When you turn on the console, you directly access the Xbox environment, which is nothing more than the official Xbox app for PC running full screen. From there, you can manage your Game Pass library, access social features, take captures, and control some performance options. It all presents as a simplified, game-centered interface, emulating—in a sense—the Steam Deck approach with its Linux-based operating system.

Now, is there a real performance difference compared to running games directly from the Windows desktop? In tests, the scores obtained in both modes have been practically identical. Even in repeated tests under the same conditions, results do not vary beyond the margin expected from temperature or background processes. This suggests that Xbox Mode, for now, is more an aesthetic layer than a deep optimization.

Microsoft's idea was to lighten the system, reduce unnecessary processes, and focus resources on the game, but that optimization still isn't felt in practice. In fact, in some cases like Red Dead Redemption 2, it has been necessary to exit this mode to launch the game from the classic Windows environment.

On the other hand, it's welcome to switch between environments, use Steam or external platforms like Epic or GOG, although they don't always work intuitively. Asus's performance menu is also present in both modes, though somewhat redundant when you already have similar controls in the Xbox app.

What does offer a more consolidated experience is the ability to connect the console to a dock via Thunderbolt 4, which allows charging while projecting the image to a monitor or TV. In these scenarios, especially on 4K displays, the use of technologies like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and AI-assisted frame generation make a difference. Demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 can benefit from this support without introducing annoying input lag.

Battery up to the mark, but charging... depends on you

One of the most relevant—and noticeable—updates in the Asus ROG Ally X compared to its predecessor isn't in the processor or the screen, but in something much more basic yet essential: the battery. In this model, Asus has opted to double capacity relative to the original ROG Ally, going from about 40 Wh to 80 Wh, which translates to around 5,000 mAh. And yes, that difference is noticeable, and a lot, especially if you're into long portable gaming sessions without relying on the charger.

First thing to say is that this battery is largely responsible for the weight increase. Those who have opened the console, like some specialist creators, agree that the density of the new energy module is considerable. Is it uncomfortable? No. Does it weigh more? Clearly yes. But in return, the autonomy has improved considerably.

During real-world tests with Forza Horizon 5, a graphics-intensive but well-optimized game, the results were revealing:

• In Turbo mode, the console consumed 44% of the battery after an hour.
• In Performance mode, expenditure was 30%.
• In Silent mode, it dropped to 23%.

This translates, approximately, to a little over two hours of intense play in Turbo, and considerably more in the other modes. The most interesting thing is that, as shown in the benchmarks, Performance mode continues to offer an excellent balance between power and consumption, with a smooth experience without draining the battery too quickly. Therefore, unless you plan to play in ultra mode all the time, it is the best option for daily use.

As for charging, the included charger is 65 W, more than enough and already familiar to those who have used other Asus laptops or consoles. With it, it takes about 100 minutes to reach a full charge. However, if you use a more powerful compatible charger — for example, a 125 W with Power Delivery — you can cut up to 20 minutes off the total time, which is useful if you're in a hurry.

That said, the charging speed is constant only until the battery reaches 90%. From there, the system reduces power to avoid overheating and protect the component's lifespan. This means that if you need a quick top-up to get by, reaching 80% in less than an hour is feasible, but if you want 100%, you'll have to wait a bit longer.

In summary, the ROG Ally X finally offers the autonomy expected of a device of its caliber, without compromising performance. And although charging isn't revolutionary, at least it leaves room for improvement if you decide to use a more powerful charger. The console lasts longer, holds up better... and that, for many players, is the most important thing.

Conclusion: an ambitious portable gaming console that delivers in spades

The Asus ROG Ally X is not just a technical review, but a reaffirmation of where portable gaming can go when power, smart design, and technological ambition come together. Asus has listened, learned, and improved in almost all key aspects: ergonomics have made a clear leap, the battery is finally up to the performance, the sound is outstanding, and the hardware —in tandem with AMD— continues to set the path forward.

Despite some details to refine, such as the Xbox Mode that still doesn't offer real advantages over Windows or a screen that's starting to look a bit conservative compared to new trends, the overall experience is solid, versatile, and highly enjoyable. It's no longer just about raw power, but about delivering a real balance between performance, autonomy, and ease of use.

The ROG Ally X isn't a portable console for everyone, that's clear. Its price places it in a demanding segment, where you're asked for more than a conventional handheld. But what it delivers, it does with conviction. If you're looking for a machine capable of running AAA games at high quality, with good autonomy, great sound, and expansion possibilities, here is a hard-to-match option.

It's not perfect, but it's one of the most complete and mature proposals in the current portable ecosystem. And the best part is that, with the foundations already laid and the promise of AI development and the Xbox environment, this could be only the beginning.